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Self-regulation as Psychological Strength in South Africa: A Review

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Well-Being Research in South Africa

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

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to review research on self-regulation as psychological strength within South Africa over the past 15 years (1996–2010). Key words related to self-regulation were searched through Ebscohost, Science Direct, SA ePublications, and Google Scholar. In general, it was found that there is a lack of dedicated self-regulation research in South Africa, and that most research focuses on related concepts, such as coping and resilience. Further, most studies focus on coping with adverse situations; for example, living with HIV/AIDS, bereavement, poverty, racial conflict, crime, and violence. In contrast, self-regulation as promotion and preventive strength is extremely scarce. Social context—specifically, social support and culture—emerged as an important factor in self-regulation, especially within the domains of racial relations and sexual risk behavior. Finally, some recommendations are provided regarding future self-regulation research in South Africa.

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

    Karel F. H. Botha

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  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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Botha, K.F.H. (2013). Self-regulation as Psychological Strength in South Africa: A Review. 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_23

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