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Well-Being Research in South Africa pp 375–388Cite as

Relational Coping Strategies of Older Adults with Drought in a Rural African Context

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Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 4))

Abstract

Older adults in rural contexts do not necessarily enjoy special attention from policy makers and planners, although they are often severely affected by disasters and the aftermath thereof. The aim of this chapter is to explore the relational coping strategies of older adults (people older than 60 years of age) with drought. A qualitative research design was used. The research took place in two local rural municipalities within the North West Province, South Africa. Purposive sampling, consisting of 75 Setswana-speaking older adults (30 males and 45 females above the age of 60 years), was used. Data were gathered by using a visual projective technique called the Mmogo-method® and focus group discussions. The data were analysed by making use of thematic analysis and visual image interpretation. The research found that older people—although vulnerable to drought—cope with drought because of their attention to environmental signs, which were used as feedback for planning to deal proactively with the consequences of drought. The sharing of resources complemented the limited resources of the individual older adult. This research recommends that policies address the needs and acknowledge the contributions of older people, specifically in how they can promote and support the active coping strategies of older people. The participation of older people in their own empowerment process is highlighted.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School for Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Vera Roos & Shingairai Chigeza

  2. African Centre for Disaster Studies, Research Focus Area: Social Transformation, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Dewald van Niekerk

Authors
  1. Vera Roos
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  2. Shingairai Chigeza
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  3. Dewald van Niekerk
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Correspondence to Vera Roos .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Africa Unit for Transdis. Health, Research, North-West University:, School of Psychosoc. Behav. Scs. and, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Marié P. Wissing

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Roos, V., Chigeza, S., van Niekerk, D. (2013). Relational Coping Strategies of Older Adults with Drought in a Rural African Context. In: Wissing, M. (eds) Well-Being Research in South Africa. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6368-5_18

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