The promotion of psychological well-being of caregivers at childrens' homes in the greater Durban area
This investigation was contextualised within the community psychological model of mental health promotion and Zimmerman's empowerment theory (1995) and psychological intervention being conceptualized as a positive component with a view to enhancing psychological well-being. This study investigated psychological intervention as a strategy for the promotion of well-being among caregivers in a children's home. The primary focus was the caregivers in children's homes in the greater Durban area and the secondary consideration was the positive cascade effect it had on the children under then-care. The research design comprised an experimental and control group. A psychological intervention was implemented and the Maslach burnout inventory (1986) was used to measure the well-being outcomes. This was complemented with qualitative techniques that included a needs assessment questionnaire, intervention, consultation, focus group, appreciative enquiry, children's behaviour profile and the principal's pre and post intervention evaluation. The improvement in caregivers' well-being was also evaluated in the positive behaviour changes of selected children assessed by the Conners rating scale (1979). The SPSS findings indicated negligible change in the pre and post test MBI scores for caregivers. There was no significant differences in the pre and post test scores on the Conners rating scale. However, the descriptive qualitative measures indicated significant levels of improved psychological well-being by caregivers which generated a positive cascading effect on selected children under their charge. These descriptive improvement trends are attributed to the comprehensive treatment or intervention.
Mental health promotion, Zimmerman's empowerment theory, Caregivers
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