The Psychosomatic Journey of Trauma and Its Healing: A Comparative Synthesis Between Scientific and Psycho-spiritual Perspectives

The purpose of this paper is to create a comparative synthesis between scientific perspectives and spiritual perspectives of understanding the psychosomatic (mind-body) nature of trauma. In order to do so we will consider the works of Dr.Bessel van der Kolk, a world-leading psychiatrist in the field of trauma therapy who advocates for the use of body-oriented approaches to healing, and the works of Carl Jung and Donald Kalsched. Jung is considered one of the founding fathers of the field of Transpersonal Psychology, while Kalsched is a Jungian psychoanalyst who specializes in working with trauma patients. We will see that while Van der Kolk enables us to understand trauma through scientific, diagnostic, and empirical frameworks, Jung and Kalsched illumine the “soulful, mytho-poetic, and imaginal” dimensions of trauma, its healing, and the psychosomatic nature of this process. Though these paradigms addresses trauma through very different “languages,” we will illumine the parallels between them and demonstrate how they can be considered together in order to create a more holistic, expansive, and wider reaching understanding of trauma and its healing. The harmony between these frameworks confirms that the human experience of trauma is indeed a neurobiological phenomena, as well as a psycho- spiritual one. In the course of our individual and collective evolution towards constructing a better trauma-informed society at large, both of these languages play an essential role

Public archives determination of social memory in appraising local government records in South Africa

A hybrid version of macro-appraisal is used by South African public archivists when separating records of enduring value from ephemeral records. This appraisal function should occur immediately after the filing systems have been approved by the national and provincial archivists. However, in most cases, this function only occurs two years after the filing system has been approved. In the 1990s, the South African National Archives changed its traditional appraisal methodology from a Schellenberg approach to formulate a sound appraisal policy based on the macro-appraisal model. One of the key elements identified was the need to identify gaps in the written records that could be filled during the appraisal process. These gaps could be complemented by the collection of oral history. This study used qualitative data obtained through content analysis and literature to review the appraisal policy guidelines and approaches of the National Archives and the Gauteng Provincial Archives in relation to the process of appraisal, issuing of disposal authorities and capturing of oral history projects in relation to Gauteng local governments. This study used a case study design and specifically focused on the appraisal of Gauteng local government records. Interviews were held with officials of the National Archives and Gauteng Provincial Archives involved in the function of appraisal of public records. This study indicated that there were gaps in archival collections, which should be supplemented by the collection of oral history testimonies. The oral history testimonies collected from individuals and communities affected by socio-economic and socio-political events are not captured by the country’s public archivists. These narratives of post-apartheid South Africa are being lost and may not be captured by the national and provincial archives services. The key recommendation of this study is that there should be clear policy guidelines relating to the process of appraisal and transparency on how these processes are undertaken in South African public archives

The role of storytelling in preserving Africa's spirit by conserving the continent's fauna and flora

The importance of oral tradition, indigenous stories and the knowledge and wisdom contained therein are fundamental to undertake as many initiatives as possible to protect the continent’s fauna and flora from extinction. This article is a phenomenological qualitative study. It is based on an extensive content analysis of literature, oral histories, photographs and audiovisual footage concerning narratives and folklore relating to Africa’s fauna and flora. For the purposes of this article, the content sample focuses specifically on narratives related to the African elephant, black rhinoceros and the lion. The article also relates to experiences of individuals in Kenya and South Africa involved in conservation efforts to protect Africa’s wildlife. The geographical proximity of the collected narratives stretches from the Timbavati, in South Africa, through to Northern Kenya. This article illustrates how indigenous knowledge and oral histories have influenced Western mythology and thinking. The article also explores the significance attached by scholars to the continent’s oral histories and indigenous knowledge and links knowledge to Jung, astrology and ancient symbolism. The discussion emphasises the importance of good conservation strategies for all areas of Africa to protect the fauna and flora as well as Africa’s oral histories and indigenous knowledge.Information Scienc

HPV vaccine: knowledge and acceptance to ensure effectiveness

The new Vaccine technologies against transmissible and non-transmissible diseases, such as cancer, have had an impact on international public health. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is used on a large scale in immunization programs in more than 58 countries, with resultant efficacy and safety for precursor lesions of cervical cancer, in addition to anogenital lesions. After the introduction of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (6,11,16 and 18) in Brazil in 2014, monitoring the vaccination coverage and the development of HPV prevalence incidence of cervical abnormalities and precancerous lesions must be observed, as well as morbidity and mortality trends from in situ and invasive cancer. Encouraging information, counseling and continuing education is recommended as a strategy to broaden vaccine acceptance in order to sediment its implementation and ensure effectiveness in reducing new cases of cervical cancer in the future

Digital resources in an academic hybrid library: assessment of usage pattern among history and international studies postgraduates in a Nigerian University

The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate the usage pattern of academic hybrid library digital resources by history and international studies postgraduates. Qualitative case study was adopted as the research design of the inquiry. Focus group discussion, observation and interview were employed as data tools. Among the inquiry’s outcome, it was disclosed that there were varieties of digital resources in the hybrid library under study. It was also disclosed that the history and international studies postgraduates were aware of the available digital resources. However, it was disclosed that only few participants were utilising the library’s e-books and databases due to specific barriers. It was further disclosed that mainstream participants were utilising the resources in their IR. Based on the outcomes obtained, it was recommended among others that the library should organise series of sensitisation for the postgraduates on the need to increase the usage of the digital resources. It was also recommended that the postgraduates should be trained on how to access the digital resources. Finally, it was recommended that complex login procedures to some of the digital resources should be simplified to optimise their usage by the postgraduates and other library users. From previous literature, no inquiry was found that examined the usage pattern of digital resources in an academic hybrid library by history and international studies postgraduates

Co-constructing sexual recovery after prostate cancer : a qualitative study with couples

Though only one person in a partnership experiences cancer, these data indicated the extent to which prostate cancer treatment also impacts on partners. The study indicates that adjustment to erectile dysfunction (ED) takes time, but is a highly significant event in couples' lives and its importance should not be under-estimated. Consequently, we suggest that relational models of care should be considered, whereby side-effects are recognised as impacting on both members of the partnership (for example ED, or lack or ejaculate). Supportive care in this context, therefore, may best be based on a relational approach using language and interventions that are appropriate to the patient and their situation

Chile, South Africa and the great powers, 1795-1948

This work covering the period 1795 to 1948 has four main features. It firstly examines the role of international and domestic factors in determining regional interaction and cooperation between South Africa and Chile. Secondly, it documents the whims of the international community, and more particularly the world powers which was a motivating factor in Chilean and South African politics, economy, society and their bilateral relations. Thirdly it covers the period when Britain rose to world power status. Eventually, this gave way to her displacement by Germany and then ultimately the United States. This study's fourth feature is that it marks the first documented account of direct contact between the inhabitants at the Cape of Good Hope and Latin America. The period ends with a cornerstone in the history of South African-Chilean bilateral relations when direct diplomatic and consular relations were established by both South Africa and Chile in May 1948.M.A. (History

Linking the past with the future ensuring the longevity of archival collections and accessions

Paper presented at the Annual LIS Research Symposium, 28-29 July 2016, at UNISA Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria32 slides- 21st century - easier access to information, promoting multilateralism; opportunities for tracing histories through various platforms. - Digital technology allows individuals in remote regions to uncover narratives from collections made available online. - Widespread access, regular marketing and public awareness campaigns - can ensure the sustainability of archival institutions and generate interest amongst new users. - More effective use of technology - showcase archival collections; relationship with the education curriculum -generates new interest in these archival holdings. - Demonstrated: cases - United Kingdom, Australia and Chile - South African cultural organisations, as trusted archival custodians - undertake digital preservation projects; - Need to collaborate with the educational sector to ensure collections are more broadly used. - Crucial - facilitate effective access and sharing of information to a wider audience - Encourage teachers to include material in their curriculum development and teaching activities. - Easier access to more users, encouraging teaching and learning of school children could promote multi-culturalism. - The effective utilising of available technology to highlight and draw attention to collections, providing easier access and facilitating the education process - ensuring the longevity of archival collections and public archival services

Information sharing on social media pages related to wildlife conservation in a South African national game reserve

Purpose – Social media sites contribute significantly to nature conservation in, that they enlighten and educate those members of the public who would ordinarily not be in a position, or would not be fortunate enough to visit the park and experience the various aspects first-hand. The purpose of this paper is to showcase social media pages related to a national game reserve in South Africa. This game reserve is the largest in the country and has a wide variety of conserved fauna and flora. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework used is the SCOPE framework that streamlines strategy development, content choice, refinement of online engagement, choice of social media platform and evaluations of social media campaigns. Findings – The findings relate to the content found on these social media pages, as well as how members of the public interact with each other and officials from the game reserve in sharing experiences related to this wilderness area. Research limitations/implications – The research is related to the Kruger National Park in South Africa and is limited to three social media sites. Originality/value – Through its social media presence, this South African game reserve is able to share experiences from what is effectively a living museum, as well as from its library and archives, with members of the public and allowing individual members to share their encounters with wildlife and their historical memories of this wilderness area.Information Scienc

The role of records management in governance-based evidence, service delivery and development in South African communities

The purpose of this study was to critically analyse the evidence-based revelations from the South African Office of the Auditor-General on the records management challenges being encountered in the local government sector. The aim of the study was the analysis of available evidence and the proposal of solutions for collaborative planning and implementation. The lack of strategic planning in ensuring the accessibility of authentic information sources required during auditing remains unchallenged by the South African public archivists and records managers. These audit reports are required to demonstrate governance, transparency and accountability. This information held in the records of local government is also required to satisfy service delivery and plan development ventures. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and United Nations formulated an ambitious agenda to eradicate world poverty by 2025. Eight millennium development goals were identified that would provide impoverished communities with better access to basic services and conditions spurring sustainable development. Governance-based criteria were identified as barometers to gauge transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law and citizens’ rights. Consolidated audited reports from 2000 to 2013 were scrutinised to unravel the conundrums relating to governance, transparency and the management of public sector information sources. According to the 2013 report, only 5% of the local government sector managed to attain clean audits. Related evidence revealed in the unclean audit reports and media narratives related to service delivery and community protests. The approach used for the study was the qualitative methodology, regarded as an appropriate method for the archival discipline. This research method allowed for the incorporation of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary fields of interest. The case study method design enabled the focus of the study to be on local governments and six selected community development ventures in different areas of South Africa. The latter method enabled information collection from records officials and persons involved with socio-economic development projects. Sound interventions are needed to ensure evidence-based governance. This, in turn, would create favourable conditions for development endeavours in post-apartheid South Africa.Information ScienceD. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science