The analysis of child cases referred for psychological services in private practice within the northern KwaZulu-Natal region.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
Psychological services are considered to be central to health promotion for young children as they promote psychological well-being through awareness programmes, skills development and therapeutic services. This study aimed at investigating child cases that were referred for psychological services in private practice within the Northern KwaZulu-Natal region. The study examined the barriers to accessing psychological services and the Ecological theory, which supported the study, was also discussed.
This study adopted a quantitative approach, using a survey questionnaire. Thirty-one records of both males and females were analysed, all of whom were of school-going age between the ages of six and 18 years. The quantitative data were captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in contingency and frequency tables.
The key findings and literature indicate that teachers made the most referrals, while mothers were found to make the least. The study revealed that the most common reasons for referral were academic and concentration difficulties and that the majority of the referrals were made in 2008. It was found that there were differences in boys’ and girls’ presenting problems with boys presenting with psychological/emotional difficulties and girls presenting with cognitive difficulties. Lastly, the study found that there was a lack of information regarding mental health service providers which speaks to an inadequate number of mental health providers in South Africa, especially in rural areas.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.