An evaluation of the family resilience strengthening Programme on family members from a rural community on the West Coast, South Africa

Abstract

A community-based, Family Resilience Strengthening Programme was developed for implementation within a rural community along the West Coast of South Africa. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact and the experiences of the Family Resilience Strengthening Programme on its participants. This study utilized a convergent mixed method design with a convenience sampling technique. Fourteen participants were recruited via a community NPO and consisted of either a couple or one family representative. Data was collected using Walsh’s Family Resilience Questionnaire prior to, and after completion of the programme. Additionally, post-evaluation qualitative interviews were conducted with all participants to explore their experiences of, and recommendations for changes to the programme. Ethics clearance was sought and obtained from the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences Higher Degrees and the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC).