| Summary: | This study, presented in article format, contributed to the development of the
science and practice of positive psychology / psychofortology, specifically in the
South African multi-cultural context, through (i) a first phase exploration of the
validity of several scales, mainly developed in a 'western' context, for applicability of
measurement of facets of psychological well-being in the South African (multicultural)
context (manuscript I), (ii) an exploration of patterns of psychological wellbeing
and satisfaction with life in cultural context (manuscript 2), and (iii) a review of
the state of the art of the applicability of knowledge (theory and experimental
findings) from the domain of positive psychology, for use in practice to enhance the
quality of life for people (manuscript 3). For purposes of this study "cultural context"
referred to relatively individualist and relatively collectivist cultural orientations as
manifested in shared patterns of behavioural readiness, assumptions, attitudes, beliefs,
self-definitions, norms, values, historical background and language groupings.
The aim of the first study I article was to do a first phase screening of
psychometric properties of several scales measuring facets of psychological wellbeing
in a South African context. Most of these scales were developed in a western
context, and measure facets of cognitive, affective, conative, social, and spiritual
psychological well-being. Data were gathered in two projects including 731
participants from different cultural contexts in the North West Province. The FORTproject
(FORT = Clarifying the nature of psychological strengths; -=strength)
included a convenience sample of 384 mainly white students and adults from the
Potchefstroom area, and a convenience sample of 130 mainly black students from the
Mafikeng area. The POWIRS-project (POWIRS = Profiles of Obese Women with the
Insulin Resistance Syndrome) included 102 black and 1 15 white adult women.
Reliability and validity of scales for use in a South African context were reported.
Results indicated that the reliability and validity of scales varied from acceptable to
totally unacceptable for use in specific subgroups. It was concluded that the most
promising scales for use in all groups were the Affectometer 2 (AFM), the Fortitude
Questionnaire (FORQ) (except the FORQ-S), the Cognitive Appraisal Questionnaire
(CAQ), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) the General Health Questionnaire
(GHQ) (the latter measuring pathology), and to some extent the Sense of Coherence
Scale (SOC).
This second study I article explored the patterns of psychological well-being
and satisfaction with life in relatively more individualist and relatively more
collectivist cultural contexts in South Africa. Secondary factor analyses were
conducted on data obtained in four cross-sectional studies, comprising 1,909
participants. Questionnaires varied in studies, and measured facets of affective,
cognitive, physical, spiritual, interpersonal and social well-being. Similarities and
differences in patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life were
found. Satisfaction with life clusters with intra-psychological well-being in relatively
more individualist cultural groups, and with inter-personal factors in relatively more
collectivist African groups. Implications for models of psychological well-being and
interventions to enhance psychological well-being were indicated.
The aim of the third study I article was to review and evaluate the practical
applicability of scientific knowledge from the domain of positive psychology
/ psychofortology, with specific reference to assessment, interventions, lifespan
development and application in various contexts. It was shown that knowledge in the
scientific domain of positive psychology has great relevance for, and application
possibilities on individual, community and public policy levels. Applications were
found as far as evaluation (assessment) and interventions are concerned in various life
contexts (such as education, psychotherapy, health promotion, work), and in various
phases of life (from childhood through adolescence and adulthood to old age). Several
specific, empirically validated, strategies for enhancement of facets of psychological
well-being were highlighted. It was pointed out that an advantage of positive
psychology is that it has the theory, research evidence, and techniques to bring benefit
to many people on the total mental health continuum, and not only, but also, to the
minority who have a problem or are at risk of developing problems.
A main conclusion across the different studies reported in this thesis (articles
1-3), was that cultural contexts and variables certainly need to be taken into account in
research and practice of positive psychology. Despite the major developments in the
scientific domain of positive psychology / psychofortology, its theories and
applications have mainly been developed and explored in a western context, and
further research is necessary, specifically in the African context. Several
recommendations for future research were made. === Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
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