Depression, Burnout, Coping Mechanisms and Resilience amongst Temmincks Pangolin Conservationists

dc.contributor.advisorCoetzee, Nicoleen
dc.contributor.emailkempen.sarah@gmail.comen_ZA
dc.contributor.postgraduateKempen, Sarah
dc.date.accessioned2021-02-12T09:53:08Z
dc.date.available2021-02-12T09:53:08Z
dc.date.created2021
dc.date.issued2020
dc.descriptionDissertation (MA (Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2020.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractTemmincks pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammal. This animal is unique to Southern Africa, and just as rare are the conservationists who are working against all odds to save this species from extinction. While the incidence of poaching within South Africa is increasing, as is the value of a pangolin, the conservation workspace is rapidly becoming increasingly dangerous. In light of the above, one cannot help but be concerned for the well-being of the pangolin conservationists. Despite engaging in meaningful work, the conservationists are exposing themselves to prolonged stress that is likely to impact their well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore the well-being of Temmincks pangolin conservationists in terms of state and trait depression as well as burnout. Furthermore, the study aims to understand whether coping mechanisms or resilience mitigate the effect of the potential depression and burnout. Therefore, a sequential explanatory mixed-method design was adopted for this study. The quantitative data was gathered using the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey (MBI-GS), the State Trait Personality Inventory Form Y (STPI-Y) depression subscale, the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) questionnaire and the Predictive 6 Factor Resilience Scale (PR6). The qualitative data was collected utilising a semi-structured interview. Results indicated that the participants were currently experiencing both state and trait depression. Additionally, a third of the sample is at risk of developing burnout. In spite of this, the participants displayed the presence of goal focus, tenacity and collaborative spirit. These elements of resilience were shown to assist the conservationists to persist through adversity. The participants also showed the use of effective coping mechanisms, namely; accepting, planning and critically engaging with perceived stressors. These coping mechanisms were shown to enhance the presence of the resilience indicators. Thus, despite depression and burnout impacting negatively on their well-being, the participants are utilising coping mechanisms and resilience which enhances their well-being. Recommendations included a developmental workshop focusing on fostering effective coping mechanisms to build stronger resilience and ward off potential burnout and possibly ameliorate current depression experiences.en_ZA
dc.description.availabilityUnrestricteden_ZA
dc.description.degreeMA (Psychology)en_ZA
dc.description.departmentPsychologyen_ZA
dc.identifier.citationKempen, S 2020, Depression, Burnout, Coping Mechanisms and Resilience amongst Temmincks Pangolin Conservationists, MA (Psychology) Dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/78515>en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/78515
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherUniversity of Pretoria
dc.rights© 2019 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
dc.subjectpangolinen_ZA
dc.subjectdepressionen_ZA
dc.subjectburnouten_ZA
dc.subjectresilienceen_ZA
dc.subjectcoping mechanismsen_ZA
dc.subjectUCTD
dc.titleDepression, Burnout, Coping Mechanisms and Resilience amongst Temmincks Pangolin Conservationistsen_ZA
dc.typeDissertationen_ZA

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Kempen_Depression_2020.pdf
Size:
10.46 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Dissertation

License bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.75 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description: