Neurofeedback as a treatment method: perceptions of the child and youth care workers at Durbanville children's home

The study explored the perceptions of child and youth care workers employed at the Durbanville Children’s Home on Neurofeedback as a treatment method. It primarily considered the child and youth care workers opinions, as this target group is considered the primary carers of the children in the setting. The participants opinions are based on the implementation of Neurofeedback as a new treatment method within this organisation, what they would consider the perceptions of the children to be; challenges and benefits, as well their recommendations regarding the implementation of the treatment method in other child and youth care centres. This research was conducted using a qualitative research design. Eighteen participants were selected using purposive sampling at the Durbanville Children’s Home. Due to unforeseen circumstances, three participants were unable to complete the research study and terminated their involvement. As a result, fifteen participants therefore were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Each interview was recorded using a Dictaphone and was then transcribed. The data was analysed using qualitative methods of data analysis and Tesch’s eight step guideline. The findings of this study indicated that child and youth care workers have a basic understanding of Neurofeedback but that further in-depth training is still required. The interview findings indicated that the majority of participants were positive about the prospect of introducing Neurofeedback as a treatment method at the Durbanville Children’s Home. The findings highlighted that participants wanted the current treatment interventions offered at Durbanville Children’s Home to be further developed and expanded on. Participants also raised concerns and uncertainties they had over the treatment method including concerns over the treatment being too advanced to be used in a child and youth care setting and that the target group was not yet prepared for such an advanced intervention. The benefits of the treatment were perceived to include improvements in children’s behavioural, emotional and cognitive functioning. Challenges highlighted by the participants included negative perceptions some of the staff may have to introducing a new treatment model as well as anxieties the children may experience in receiving this form of treatment. Other challenges included the high financial cost and logistical aspects of implementing a new treatment method. The participants however, felt that the benefits of introducing Neurofeedback as a treatment method out-weighed these challenges. Recommendations were made with specific considerations to the implementation of Neurofeedback, the provision of training and information to both staff and children about this treatment method, specific recommendations regarding the role and tasks of staff as well as recommendations for future research.

Grantor

Department of Social Development

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• van Vuuren, Alicia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Williams, Fatima

• Social Development

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/30842

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/30842