An investigation of the relationship between resilience, ‘race’ and trauma amongst university students
Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: South Africans are exposed to many traumatic events and exposure to such events is associated with negative emotional and behavioural outcomes.However, there are those who are still able to remain psychologically well amidst their difficulties.Resilience is the motivation to be strong in the face of unwarranted demands and this study proposes that it could serve as a buffer against the harmful effects of traumatic events.It is assumed that traumatic events present with demanding circumstances and further that resilience plays a role in the relationship between trauma, the challenges these events present and one's ability to function in these circumstances.Furthermore, 'race' may have a particular influence on this relationship as the level and severity of trauma among different 'racial' groups may vary.The link between resilience and trauma has been investigated, but little focus has been given to how 'race' may influence this relationship among students in the South African context.The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the interaction between these three variables and add to existing knowledge related to resilience.Constructs related to resilience include sense of coherence, potency, hardiness, learned resourcefulness and fortitude.The two 'racial' groups included in the sample include 'African' and 'Coloured' students (categories created by the past apartheid government).Resilience was measured by the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), trauma was measured by the Harvard Trauma Scale (HTS) and violence exposure was measured by the Childhood Exposure to Community Violence Scale (CECV).Participants included 249 students at the University of the Western Cape.Results indicate that 'Coloured' students report similar levels of violence exposure and trauma symptoms as 'African' students do.'Coloured' students report higher scores on overall resilience and resilience sub-scales DECLARATION I declare that An investigation of the relationship between resiliency, 'race' and trauma amongst University students is my own work, that it has not been submitted before for any degree or examination in any other university, and that all the sources I have used and quoted have been indicated and acknowledged as complete references.
Author: Veenendaal Amy
Language: English
Topic: Resilience and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Medical Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W164333096