Nonhuman Systems as a Source of Interactional Resilience Among University Students Raised by Alcohol-Abusing Caregivers in Lesotho

Bibliographic Data

ID22097685
AuthorsSimbai Mushonga (0000-0002-5396-5186, University of Johannesburg), Adrian D Van Breda (0000-0002-9984-9180, University of Johannesburg), Adrian van Breda
Year2021
Volume57
Issue4
Pages425-442
Publication date2021-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Work/Maatskaplike Werk (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2312-7198 • E-ISSN: 0037-8054
PublisherStellenbosch University (PUBLISHER • ZA)
DOI10.15270/57-4-967
OpenAlexW3208022281
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited16

Research on the resilience of young people who were raised by substance-abusing caregivers is limited. This study aims to explore the internal interactional processes between nonhuman systems and young adults raised by alcohol-abusing caregivers in Lesotho. Multiple in-depth interviews were conducted and a draw-and-write technique applied with 15 university students, six of whom described having interacted with diverse nonhuman systems in their environment. A grounded theory analysis generated two themes: (1) interacting with empowering messages from non-present writers (through songs and books) and inspirational speakers (through videos) and (2) interacting with imaginary friends and inanimate objects (dolls and tattoos) in order to enhance their resilience. Van Breda’s interactional resilience approach, developed from person-in-the-environment perspective, and Margaret Archer’s theory of agency were found to be useful in interpreting the findings. The implications of the study include the need for social workers’ greater focus on young people’s interactions with nonhuman systems for resilience building

Developmental psychology · Focus group · Grounded theory · Psychological resilience · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Community Health and Development · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology

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