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Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011. The profession of psychology in South Africa has not always been regulated by a statutory body such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Currently, the profession of psychology is regulated by the HPCSA and psychologists and the HPCSA find themselves in a lawful and interminable relationship. The HPCSA’s motto is to protect the public and to guide the profession, but it was questioned whether psychologists actually experience guidance from the HPCSA. In response to this problem, this study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of a group of South African psychologists regarding the HPCSA as well as the ethical code which serves as a guideline for the conduct of psychologists. This study made use of a sequential mixed method design, which comprised of a qualitative phase followed by a quantitative phase. All participants in this study were qualified psychologists. Seven participants took part in the qualitative phase and 74 participants took part in the quantitative phase. The data from the qualitative phase was grouped into broad categories and served as the basis for compiling a questionnaire for the quantitative phase. After collecting the completed questionnaires, the data was read into SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), which was used for the statistical analysis of the data. The data was analysed by means of frequency distributions and mean scores. During the analysis of the data, six themes where identified: five regarding the HPCSA as the regulator of psychology and one regarding the ethical code that guides the conduct of psychologists. The themes include “guidance and mentorship”, “the HPCSA as a watchdog”, “the HPCSA’s motive”, “reverence that psychologists have for the HPCSA”, “the competence of the HPCSA” and “psychologists’ view on the ethical code”. The results indicated that an ambiguous relationship exists between this group of psychologists and the HPCSA, as these two entities seem to function separately. Generally, psychologists who took part in this research have a negative view towards the HPCSA, although they realise the necessity for the HPCSA as a regulating body for psychology. The recognition of this need is a platform for a workable relationship between psychologists and the HPCSA. The participants provided less detail and responded more neutral regarding their views on the ethical code, and it is concerning that quite a number of psychologists indicated that they did not know the code. This study concludes with recommendations for the HPCSA to be more approachable and to provide psychologists with more support. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005. From the literature it is apparent that children need additional support to adjust to parental divorce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Sandcastles Program, which is a support group for children from divorced families. This programme was developed in the USA and has received international acclaim. The programme, as applied in South Africa, has not been evaluated before in order to determine its value in the South African context. The present study made use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods to determine the effect of the Sandcastles Program on a group of children between the ages of 9 and 12 years. The following variables were used as an indication of improved adjustment on completion of the programme: an improvement in self-concept, and a decrease in levels of depression, anxiety and faulty beliefs concerning the divorce of their parents. The quantitative results indicate a practical meaningful improvement in self-concept, as well as a practical meaningful decrease in depression and anxiety. No meaningful results could be obtained with regard to the beliefs of the sample group. From the qualitative feedback from the parents and children, it appears that the program contributed towards improved psychological functioning among the members of the sample group. The main aim of the Sandcastles Program, namely to help children give expression to their emotions, has been achieved. The program also contributed towards a better understanding of the reality of divorce. The shortcomings of this study lie in the following: the small sample group, the absence of a control group and the use of convenience sampling in drawing the sample group. One of the main shortcomings of the Sandcastles Program is that there is currently only one licensed Sandcastles provider in South Africa, which serves English-speaking children in Cape Town and the surrounding areas only. It is recommended that this study be repeated in order to determine the reliability of the findings and to establish a greater generalization of results. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005 This study is a subdivision of an inter-university research project to investigate the psychological resilience of children in the late middle childhood years. The title of the umbrella project is Psychological resilience in children in the South African context. The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between social support and self-concept, as well as to establish whether gender differences occur with regard to the experience of social support and the evaluation of self-concept. Schools in different regions were identified in order to make the sample as large and the study as representative as possible of the different provinces, racial and language groups in South Africa. The children in the samples were randomly selected from class lists. The complete test battery was subsequently administered to these children. For the purpose of this study only the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, the Social Support Appraisal Scale and the Biographical Questionnaire were used. Due to practical problems, the final figures of the samples varied between 549 and 918 participants. The processing of the data was done by the Statistical Consultation Service of the North West University Potchefstroom Campus. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used as an effect size to determine the relationship between social support and self-concept. T-tests and Cohen's effect sizes were used to determine whether gender differences occur with regard to social support and self-concept. The statistical processing of the results revealed that a positive correlation exists between social support and self-concept. These results are corresponding with the literature (Collins, 2000; Kirkcaldy, Shephard & Stiefen, 2002; Malecki 8 Demaray, 2002; Marjoribanks & Mboya, 2001; Van Tassel-Baska & Olszewski-Kubilius, 1994). Further, the results showed that no gender differences that were both statistically significant and practically meaningful occurred with regards to social support and self-concept. These results were repeatedly inconsistent with the literature (Bee, 1992; Dubow & Ullman, 1989; Harris, Rosenthal & Snodgrass, 1986; Hirsch & Rapkin, 1987; Piers, 1984; Werner & Smith, 1982). Finally, the last section of this investigation provides recommendations for further studies in this area, as well as practical suggestions for the implementation of the findings. Masters

MA (Counselling Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is regarded as one of the most rapidly growing chronic diseases globally, with an estimation that 1 in every 400 children diagnosed with diabetes mellitus every day (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015). This diagnosis is accompanied by severe social, psychological, and behavioural consequences, especially during an already challenging developmental stage, as adolescents are expected to take more responsibility for their diabetes care plans. These young people develop a set of beliefs as part of making sense of their diagnosis, which directs them in the way they approach and manage their illness, and has been linked to their self-care management behaviours and treatment adherence outcomes. Only a few adolescents succeed in adequately controlling and managing their blood glucose levels as they confront multiple barriers in managing diabetes. Research studies to determine the psychological barriers and benefits that the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems holds, indicated that these systems form part of diabetes care plans. Yet there is a scarcity of research exploring the illness perceptions of adolescents living with diabetes within the South African context, let alone while they are using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This study aimed to breach this gap in research by exploring the illness perceptions of adolescents living with type 1 diabetes while they were using CGM. A qualitative approach was adopted and eligible participants were selected to participate in the study by using non-random purposive sampling as they had to meet clear predefined sample inclusion criteria. The selected population sample comprised of seven adolescents between the ages of 14 and 16 years living with type 1 diabetes mellitus and attending the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE) in Parktown, Johannesburg. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, which lasted between 30 to 40 minutes. Data analysis was carried out by using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. From the thematic analysis of each adolescent participant’s responses, three themes emerged: (1) CGM creates a sense of control over diabetes management; (2) CGM assists in creating a new normal; and (3) being different creates an opportunity for positive outcomes. From the findings it became evident that adolescents perceive diabetes management as challenging because it imposes barriers which inhibit them from living a so-called normal life. Nonetheless, it was apparent that, since using CGM, they regarded diabetes management as more convenient and manageable as they experienced an increased sense of control both over diagnosis and management. The continuous visibility of their blood glucose levels promoted predictability, allowing participants to experience their diabetes management as a positive experience that assisted them in feeling more normal in relation to their peers. Feeling in control of the diagnosis and the care plans that accompanied it empowered participants to ultimately accept the condition and its management with a newfound confidence for the future. In conclusion, fresh insight is obtained into the illness perceptions of adolescents living with type 1 diabetes who are using CGM in the South African context. The findings could be beneficial to diabetes health care providers, caregivers of adolescents living with diabetes, or patients themselves. New insights may assist in broadening the understanding of the use of CGM devices and their impact on illness perceptions. With greater knowledge, adolescents living with diabetes may experience these diabetes care plans as more manageable. Through perceiving a greater sense of control over the diabetes care plans, adolescents living with diabetes may be able to identify a silver lining in the manageability of their diagnosis which may have been previously overlooked. Masters

MA (Counselling Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Diabetes is described as an always-present disease and an ongoing process of adjustment. Diabetes has an impact on the emotional, psychological and social functioning of the young adult. According to the International Diabetes Federation (2008), diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in developed countries. Managing type 1 diabetes, especially during young adulthood, is considered to be a complex process. The majority of research on diabetes in young adults is based on the reports of healthcare professionals and parents speaking on behalf of the person with diabetes, while the young adult has no ‘voice’. Type 1 diabetes is primarily researched as a medical condition, and an examination of the subjective experience thereof is neglected. In spite of improvements in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, many young people do not achieve optimal outcomes. The experiences of diagnosed young women have scarcely been investigated. It is thus argued that there is a need for a more personal focus, exploring the meaning making of young women with type 1 diabetes. The study focused on the experiences of women to keep the sample homogeneous. The aim of this study was to explore young women’s meaning making of living with type 1 diabetes, with the hope of informing clinical practice and improving support to people with diabetes. A qualitative research approach with an interpretative phenomenological analysis method was adopted. The research question of this study was: How do young adult women between the ages of 18 and 25 make meaning of living with type 1 diabetes? A non-random, purposive sample was utilised, and the final sample consisted of six young women between the ages of 18 and 25, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and attending the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Parktown. The meaning-making process was explored by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, focusing on identifiable themes. The results of the analysis are considered in light of existing literature on meaning making, specifically Park and Folkman’s (1997) meaning-making model. From the findings, the following themes were identified: (1) the process of reappraising a life with diabetes; (2) the development of diabetes as a lifestyle; and (3) meanings made. The study demonstrates the importance of meaning making in living with type 1 diabetes. Recommendations in this study include the inclusion of a holistic approach in diabetes care. Masters

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus This study examined the experience, coping, and meaning making of a group of South African psychologists who received a professional misconduct complaint. Ten psychologists who experienced a malpractice complaint during their careers were recruited into the study. The study used a qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design to explore and understand the research problem. Data was collected through semistructured, in-depth interviews that were audio-recorded and manually transcribed. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results indicated that the psychologists experienced the effects of a complaint on an intensely personal level. They experienced emotional, physical, and practical consequences in the wake of a complaint; some of which endured long after the complaint was concluded. They furthermore experienced a challenge to their identity and their self-confidence. The experience of a complaint highlighted the problematic nature of working in the modern health care arena, in that the psychologists recognised that their clients could become complainants and that ethical deliberation is complex and ambiguous. The results of this study furthermore revealed that this group of psychologists experienced challenges in the procedures and complaint processes at the regulator as well as being uncertain about their relationship with the regulator when managing a malpractice complaint. The psychologists in this study coped with a complaint by implementing personal and professional coping strategies. On a personal level they sought out support structures; developed other interests and roles; drew on existing personal strengths and attributes; and reappraised the complaint through faith and humour. To cope professionally, the participants did research and undertook studies; purposefully shared their experiences; responded to the complaint and continued to work; and accepted the inherent risks of psychological practice. The results showed that the participants in this study derived meaning from the adverse professional event. They experienced personal growth; made meaningful changes to practical aspects of their work; and indicated that the meaning of the complaint contributed to their meaning in life. Recommendations are made concerning support for practitioners experiencing a malpractice complaint, pro-active coping with psychological practice in a modern health care arena, and on making meaning from adverse events during a professional career. A review of the relationship with the regulator during a malpractice complaint is proposed. Doctoral

MA (Counselling Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most prevalent common chronic conditions in adolescence. The management of T1D hampers successful navigation into adolescence as many diabetes-related tasks impede on it, which results in negative illness perception of T1D. These illness perceptions have been shown to be associated with long-term beliefs held by adolescents about T1D, by means of which their emotional responses that influence their management of T1D could be predicted. Limited research, mostly quantitative in nature, has been conducted on the illness perception of T1D. However, lacunae remain in research on the illness perception of uncontrolled T1D. This study had two objectives – firstly to explore the illness perception among adolescents with uncontrolled T1D and, secondly, to explore how these illness perceptions contribute to diabetes management. This study utilised a qualitative approach. Non-random purposeful sampling was utilised to select participants. The population sample consisted of adolescents with uncontrolled T1D between the ages of 12-18 years (HbA1c level of 7.5% or above), who attended the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (henceforth CDE) in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather raw data. Results were analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2013), while four criteria for establishing trustworthiness as held by Lincoln and Guba (1985) was used, including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Moreover, four dominant themes were generated based on the raw data gathered during these interviews namely that (1) management of T1D is challenging, (2) perception of T1D is negative, (3) management of T1D is motivated by fear, and (4) living with T1D leads to a sense of being different. The themes were illustrated by using appropriate verbatim extracts from interview responses of the eight participants. The findings indicated that T1D was perceived as challenging to manage resulting in internalisation of the failures around it. Ultimately, it led to the perception that T1D was negative. The adolescents were largely motivated to manage their T1D through fear elicited by threat messages. Additionally, they felt that due to dietary restrictions they were different from their peers, resulting in their engagement in a variety of activities and risky behaviours to prove that they were “normal”. The generalisability of this study is limited since non-random purposive sampling was employed. This demographic variability limits the scope of the study. This does not, however, limit the potential transferability of the study to other settings as qualitative research does not focus on statistics but rather revealing the depth of a phenomena within a specific context. Despite these limitations, the present study adds to the body of knowledge contained in literature on adolescents who have found adhering to diabetes care plans challenging. It lays the foundation for future research into what differentiates well-controlled and uncontrolled T1D, which may ultimately lead to effective intervention strategies to assist people living with T1D to be able to manage their T1D successfully. Masters

Parental divorce affects countless families every year around the globe. Literature reveals detrimental effects of parental divorce on families, particularly on children and adolescents. Few studies, however, explored possible recommendations on how to effectively cope with this event from individuals who have experienced it themselves. The present study subsequently inquired practical recommendations from young adults who had experienced parental divorce during their childhood and/or adolescent years. Data was collected through semi-structured retrospective interviews with 15 young South African adults who were selected by means of snowball sampling. The findings revealed 2 sets of practical recommendations for both parents and children to enhance coping with parental divorce with effective communication in relationships emerging as a vital coping skill. It is hoped that these recommendations will enable psychotherapists, social workers and/or any other individual/s involved in assisting families undergoing divorce to cope more optimally with this event.

This study explored types and nature of supports by relatives of mothers living with HIV and psychosis in comparison to mothers with HIV only. Interview data on their experiences of their roles, needs and challenges were collected from 33 relatives on mothers with HIV and psychosis (n=12, females=10, blacks =12, age ranges 21 to 62) and those with HIV only (n=21, females=16, blacks =21, age ranges 18 to 63). The data were thematically analysed utilizing Atlas.ti. The results showed that relatives in both groups provided a variety of supporting roles. Important challenges were experiencing the negative consequences of especially HIV in combination with psychosis in their lives and dealing with the caregiving responsibilities without having enough information. Important strengths included utilizing support networks and remaining hopeful. Support needs for carers of mothers living with HIV related psychosis or HIV only, can be enhanced with increasing social and material resources at the community level. Supporting needs can be addressed by empowering communities through psycho-education

MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Many studies have shown a link between parental distress and the effect thereof on the successful adherence of the diabetes care plan, as well as the impact thereof on the quality of life for all family members. In this study, the aim was to systematically review, synthesise and integrate evidence from literature pertaining to effective interventions that improve the quality of life for parents of young children living with type 1 diabetes. A comprehensive electronic search from 2000 to 2018 using electronic databases and citation tracking was used. The search identified 67 articles after ten duplicates and 7 review articles were removed. The reviews were cited in search of additional relevant articles of which 15 were identified. In total 82 articles were retrieved for further inclusion and exclusion procedures carried out by both reviewers, whereafter only eight (8) articles were included. After reading full-text articles, further inclusion and exclusion criteria pertaining to the quality of the articles and critical appraisals were considered with each study, and seven articles were identified for inclusion in this review. Data extraction was captured in a table format, including primary characteristics of each article. This systematic review yielded limited yet valuable findings in terms of interventions that improve parental and family wellbeing as well as overall quality of life, despite not reaching significant differences between experimental and control groups. The most effective methods of delivery are interventions that are based on group work or telephone-based programmes that strongly emphasise the component of support regardless of content, as parents often feel isolated when dealing with this life-threatening disease. Psycho-education, cognitive behavioural therapy and coping skills training programmes that were tailored to child developmental phases, were secondary findings pertaining to the effectiveness of interventions investigated in this review. Parents reported diabetes-specific and development-specific information as informative and relevant to their circumstances, as they feel incompetent and anxious at times. These findings hold promising ideas that can contribute to the future development of effective interventions. In order to promote healthy outcomes and improve the quality of life for the whole family living with children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in South Africa, the limitations regarding sample size, diverse heterogenous groups as well as steps to increase rigour and specify more specific quality of life outcomes in this review, should be taken seriously when planning future research. Masters

Persons with an intellectual disability (ID) are at risk of developing separation anxiety (SA) and, if left untreated, this can be a risk factor for the development of psychopathology. The effects of an intervention, namely technology assisted therapy for SA (TTSA), were examined on the SA, challenging behavior, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life (QOL) experienced by moderate to mild intellectually and visually disabled adults. This study aimed to determine whether TTSA reduces SA and challenging behavior in persons with ID and visual impairment, and if this results in increased psychosocial functioning and QOL. A pre-experimental within-group design with randomized multiple baselines and staggered intervention start-points was used (n = 6). The variables were monitored with standardized instruments. The frequencies of each participant’s use of the technology and the frequency and intensity of their behavior were recorded over time. Results indicate that the SA and challenging behavior experienced by the participants decreased significantly and their psychosocial functioning and QOL increased significantly. The conclusions are that TTSA has the potential to be a valid intervention to address SA in adults with visual and moderate to mild IDs.

Children from mothers with HIV-related psychosis are frequently raised in challenging contexts, yet the extent to which these children grow up in insecure or disordered attachment relationships is unknown. Using the Strange Situation Procedure the distribution of attachment relationships of children from mothers with HIV and psychosis (n = 45) was compared with children from mothers with HIV without psychosis (n = 41). No significant differences in the distributions were found between the two groups and attachment was not associated with specific psychotic symptomatology. Security of attachment was associated with more people providing the mother with emotional support, but only in the psychosis group. Disordered attachment (24%) was more often found in the total sample than in studies with other normal and high risk populations. Recommendations were made for future research about factors facilitating resilience in the children and on interventions increasing emotional support for affected mothers.

MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is regarded as one of the most common endocrinological disorders found in adolescents. Several studies have reported an annual increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus amongst children; however the prevalence rate for diabetes mellitus amongst adolescents in South Africa is unknown. T1DM can develop at any developmental stage of life. However, the peak onset for T1DM has been identified as being during puberty. In puberty, insulin resistance occurs, leaving adolescents particularly vulnerable. When adolescents are diagnosed with T1DM, they face the challenge of successfully integrating diabetes mellitus management into their lives, while concurrently struggling with the physiological and psychological changes that occur during this developmental phase. The strict treatment regime and the variety of distinct tasks that are required to manage diabetes effectively can increase emotional, social and physical stress. As less than one third of adolescents adhere to their treatment, it is important to identify psychosocial variables within adolescence. The aim of the current research was to conduct a rapid review, and to summarise the research findings on how illness perception of adolescents who successfully manage their T1DM differs from those who do not. The current research title refers to controlled and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, whereas other research refers to it as metabolic control. A rapid review with a pragmatic approach was conducted in which a comprehensive and stepwise keyword search was done, using Boolean operators to combine keywords and the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment was done on the identified publications; in which three publications, published between 2016 and 2017, were used for the final inclusion. Initially, the current research found 11 unique publications, of which 6 publications met the following inclusion criteria; (1) published and peer reviewed article, specific to the research question; (2) studies that focused on illness perception amongst adolescents with type 1 diabetes; (3) studies that focused on illness perception amongst adolescents with controlled and uncontrolled management of their condition; (4) reviewed studies; (5) only ethically approved published and reviewed articles were be used; (6) studies done in English or in Afrikaans. After all duplicates were removed, a total of 3 studies were included that met the inclusion criteria. Of the 3 publications used, 1 publication found that illness perception does have an impact on metabolic control and that poor metabolic control tends to lead to more negative illness perception when compared to adolescents with good metabolic control; 1 publication pointed out that there is in fact a correlation between illness perception and metabolic control, but that this correlation could only be found in female adolescents. 1 publication pointed out that there is no correlation at all, however this might be due to the fact that this correlation could only be seen in girls and not in boys. The current research concluded that there is limited information available on how illness perception of adolescents diagnosed with T1DM may vary according to metabolic control levels. More research should be done in order to determine if adolescents who successfully manage their T1DM differ from those who do not, in terms of illness perception and whether or not gender plays a role. Masters

Background: Separation anxiety among intellectually disabled (ID) persons with comorbid visual impairment could be rooted in a weak sense of person permanence. Technology-assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA) was used to address this problem. Aims: The primary aim was to determine whether technology alone or including caregivers was the best option, and whether TTSA decreased separation anxiety and challenging behaviour. Also, how the caregivers and the client experienced TTSA. Methods and procedures: A pre-experimental, quantitative approach (AB1C1B2C2D) was used for this single-subject study. The frequency of the client's text messages was recorded daily. The variables were monitored with standardised instruments and caregivers rated the intensity and frequency of the client's anxious and challenging behaviour. The social validity was evaluated by means of questionnaires. Outcomes and results: There was a significant decrease in the anxious and angry messages sent, and in anxious and challenging behaviour, in the phase in which the caregivers were included, compared with the phase in which technology alone was used. The client and the caregivers were positive about TTSA. Conclusion and implication: Technology and the caregivers reactions reduces the anxiety and challenging behaviour. It might also aid the acquisition of the concept of person permanence.

New motherhood is characterised as a profound change, and research suggests that the psychological effects of childbirth can be significant and far-reaching for some women. This study explored women's perceptions and experiences of childbirth by unplanned Caesarean section. In-depth interviews with 10 Caucasian women (mean age=28; SD=1.97) explored their lived experiences of childbirth. Data were analyzed thematically. Phenomenological theory served as a broad framework for the structuring, organizing and categorizing of data. An unplanned Caesarean section was identified as a potentially traumatic experience. This was in relation to women's contact with medical personnel, as well as the physical, environmental, and emotional aspects of their unplanned Caesarean sections. A sense of loss of control was the most significant contributor to women's negative childbirth experiences. Feelings of failure and disappointment were primarily related to unmet expectations and a lack of preparedness. Negative experiences were mediated by attentive caregiving, inclusion in decision-making, and support from loved ones.

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2017 Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental healthcare problem in the puerperal period. The aetiological factors have been researched extensively and research shows that PND develops due to the complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. The quality of the couples’ relationship has been identified as an important contributing and maintaining factor, but also a protective factor in the prevention and faster recovery from depressive symptoms. Relationship difficulties and a lack of support are modifiable and could effectively be addressed through therapeutic intervention. Regardless, few parenting programmes focus on the parents as a unit and often excludes the father. This results in the elimination of a valuable and available source of support. The first aim of this study was to explore couples’ experience of maternal postnatal depression in a group of parents in a South African setting. A qualitative approach was used in order to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and impact of PND from the perspective of couples who experience it first-hand. The design of the first research aim was exploratory and descriptive in nature. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of participants. The sample consisted of 13 multiparous couples with an infant younger than twelve months of age. The researcher engaged with couples who experience maternal PND in order to learn from their experience and gain an understanding of this population’s unique needs. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and was analysed through thematic data analysis. Themes that emerged highlighted a noteworthy physical, psychological and interpersonal impact on all members in the family system. The second aim was to identify themes by means of an analysis of the literature and from the data obtained through the semi-structured interviews, in order to determine what essential elements need to be included in an integrative parenting programme for parents where the mother suffers from postnatal depression. This was done with the purpose of compiling such a programme. The research design for aim two was interpretive. Through a thorough literature analysis and semi-structured interviews with couples who experience maternal PND, four categories of crucial elements for a programme of this nature was identified namely: support and debriefing; improved knowledge of the condition by means of psycho-education; cognitive restructuring and the acquisition of practical parenting and coping skills. The third aim entailed the presentation of the integrative parenting programme to a panel of experts with experience in the field of PND. Utilizing the Delphi method, experts were requested to critically evaluate the quality of the structure and content of the programme, with the aim of refining and finalising the proposed programme. The research design for this aim was exploratory, the researcher drew from the wealth of knowledge of experts who actively work with mothers or couples who experience maternal PND. Ten professionals from different mental health disciplines participated in the evaluation and commented on the arrangement, content, methods, strengths, limitations and probable challenges of the suggested programme. These recommendations served as a guide in the enhancement of the integrative parenting programme. In conclusion, this study offers a new parenting programme for couples who experience maternal PND, that serves to address the following needs: to strengthen the family’s support system and to combat isolation; to educate couples about PND; to strengthen individual coping resources; to improve the couples’ relationship; to increase the parents’ sense of self-efficacy regarding the parenting role and to encourage moments of joyful interaction within the family Doctoral

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2017 Die algemene doelstelling van hierdie studie was om die uitwerking van ʼn rouprogram by ʼn groep kinders in die middelkinderjare te bepaal. Die studiepopulasie het uit 63 kinders uit verskillende bevolkingsgroepe en tale bestaan. Hulle is ewekansig in ’n eksperimentele en kontrolegroep ingedeel. Twee meetinstrumente is gebruik, naamlik die Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) en die Inventory of Complicated Bereavement – Reduced Version (ICG-RC). Die deelnemers is almal getoets nadat hulle ouers/voogde toestemming om deel te neem aan die projek, gegee het. Die navorser het die toetsing onderneem en is bygestaan deur ʼn psigometris. Die deelnemers is daarna onderskeidelik in ʼn eksperimentele en kontrolegroep ingedeel en die lede van die eksperimentele groep het die program deurloop. Na konsultasie met die maatskaplike werker is lede van die kontrolegroep verwys vir individuele terapie. Die program is oor die loop van 10 weke na skoolure aangebied. Die suksesvolle afhandeling van rou en gepaardgaande afname van rousimptome, was die fokus van die program. Die betroubaarheid van die meetinstrumente kon in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks aangetoon word. Die geldigheid van die meetinstrumente kon egter nie bepaal word nie, omdat die studiepopulasie te klein was. Die deelnemers het bogemiddelde tellings van rousimptome soos angs, depressie en post-traumatiese stres getoon. Voorts is ook aangetoon dat al die deelnemers gekompliseerde rousimptome soos eensaamheid, ʼn soeke na die oorledene, die gevoel dat ʼn deel van hulle ook saam met die oorledene gesterf het en dat hulle in ʼn gebroke wêreld lewe ervaar. Al die deelnemers het die genoemde gekompliseerde rousimptome vir langer as twee maande ervaar en gepaardgaande inperking van hulle funksionering het gevolg. Die impak van die rouprogram is bevestig met statisties beduidende verskille en groot prakties betekenisvolle verskille tussen die eksperimentele en kontrole groep, nadat die program voltooi is. ʼn Beduidende afname is in die ervaring van angs, depressie, post traumatiese-stres, overte dissosiasie en dissosiasie fantasie, (skale van die TSCC) aangetoon. Daar is voorts aangetoon dat die deelnemers in die eksperimentele groep ten opsigte van die Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG-RC) statisties beduidend van die kontrole groep verskil het, nadat die program aangebied is. Die lede van die eksperimentele groep se rousimptome soos, soeke na oorledene en die gevoel dat die lewe leeg en gebroke is en irritasie, bitterheid en woede, het beduidend afgeneem. Leemtes in die huidige studie is dat die studiepopulasie ʼn klein steekproef ingesluit het en dat die gesinslede en /of oorlewende ouer nie by die program betrek is nie. The general aim of this study was to determine the effect of a grief program for a group of children in middle childhood. The study population consisted of 63 children from different ethnic groups and languages who were divided randomly into an experimental and control group. Two measuring instruments were used, namely the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) and the Inventory of Complicated Grief Reduced Version (IGC-RC). After permission for participation in the project was obtained from the parents/guardians, participants were tested. The researcher was assisted by a psychometrist in the process of testing. The participants were divided into an experimental and a control group. Only the experimental group attended the program. The participants in the control group was offered individual therapy upon recommendation of the social worker. The program was presented after school hours over the period of ten weeks. The attention was on facilitating completion of the mourning period as well as aiding a decrease of symptoms of complicated bereavement. The reliability of the measuring instruments proved satisfactory in the South African context, but validity could not be determined because of the small study population. Participants had above average scores of symptoms of complicated bereavement such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, as well as loneliness, seeking the presence of the deceased, feeling a part of themselves has died with the person, and living in a broken world. All participants had symptoms of complicated grief for more than a two-month period and all reported impairment of functioning. The effect of the grief program has been visible in statisitical significant differences and practical differences of great effectbetween the control and experimental groups after completion of the program. A significant decrease in levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, overt dissociation, and dissociation conflict (scales of the TSCC) were proved by the results. The results of the Inventory of Complicated Grief Reduced Version (ICG-RC) have indicated a significant statistical difference between the experimental and control group, and the symptoms of the experimental group decreased significantly upon completion of the program. Limitations of this study were the small study population and the exclusion of parents/guardians from the program Doctoral

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2016 The focus of the present study is on the nature of achievement pressure in middle-childhood. Literature shows that the middle-childhood phase is important in the establishment of a sense of competence and subsequent feeling of acceptance. A lack thereof can influence the emotional and social development in the middle-childhood and thereafter negatively. According to the literature research, there are intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors that could have an influence on the way and intensity in which children experience achievement pressure. The research questions were focused on the way in which children in the middle-childhood experience achievement pressure. Specific attention was given to gender differences, age differences, position in the family, language differences and socioeconomic differences. Two thousand one hundred and twenty-six participants between the ages of nine and thirteen in eleven different schools in the KOSH area completed a questionnaire compiled by the researcher. The schools ranged from low socio-economic government schools to high socio-economic private schools. The participants’ home language was divided into three categories, namely Afrikaans, English or any other language. Data analysis was done using the STATISTICA program. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the nature of achievement pressure in the middle-childhood. Furthermore, factor analysis with Oblimin rotations was done and three factors, namely acceptance, self-concept and pressure/anxiety were identified. Cronbach’s alpha values and the inter-item correlations were used to determine the reliability of the possible factors. Biographical information was used to obtain ANOVA values and t-tests were done in order to determine statistical and practical differences. The results of the study showed that Grade 4 participants would attempt to get parental acceptance through higher achievements, more so than Grade 6 participants. However, Grade 6 participants seem to be more aware of social rejection due to poor achievement. It has also been found that African participants experience more pressure from their parents to excel. They also seem to be more readily rewarded by their parents for their achievements, which could be a way of external motivation and may lead to an external locus of control. The results of the study could be used to educate parents regarding the nature and impact of achievement pressure on children in the middle-childhood. Doctoral

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2017 This study, presented in article format, contributed to the development of the science and practice of psychological treatment, specifically in the South African multicultural context, through (i), a first-phase exploration of the validity of scales, mainly developed in a Western context, for applicability of measurement of facets of clients’ expectation and satisfaction with psychological treatment in the South African context (manuscript 1); (ii) an exploration of patterns or the nature of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment in South Africa (manuscript 2), and (iii), the relationship between clients’ expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment in the South African context (manuscript 3). Section C, the critical reflection provides guidelines for use in practice to enhance psychological treatment through the patient experience construct. The aim of the first article was to do a first-phase screening of psychometric properties of two scales measuring facets of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment in a South African context. These scales were developed in a predominantly Western context, and measures facets of cognitive, affective, conative, and social client expectation and satisfaction with psychological treatment. Data gathered included 204 participants from different cultural contexts in the North-West and Gauteng provinces in South Africa. The data comprised a convenience sample of 120 participants from the Gauteng province and 84 participants from North-West. All were adult clients from independent practicing psychologists in the North-West and Gauteng provinces. Reliability and validity of scales for use in a South African context were reported. Results indicated that the reliability and validity of scales were acceptable for use in specific subgroups. It was concluded that the Milwaukee Psychotherapy Expectations Questionnaire (MPEQ 2011) and the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale (STTS-R 1999) are valid and reliable in a South African context. The second article explored the nature and patterns of clients’ expectations of and satisfaction with psychological treatment in the South African context. Secondary factor analyses were conducted on data obtained, comprising 204 participants. Questionnaires measured facets of affective, conative, emotional, and interpersonal client expectation and satisfaction with psychological treatment. Similarities and differences in patterns of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment were found. Implications for models of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment were indicated. Implications for models of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment and interventions to enhance clients’ expectation and satisfaction with psychological treatment were indicated. In the third article, the researchers aimed to determine whether correlations between clients’ expectations and their satisfaction were significant. In this article, the researchers found that the correlations of the satisfaction components were high, indicating high correlation between Process and Outcome expectations with the Satisfaction construct. It was surmised that client satisfaction or dissatisfaction is a complex phenomenon linked to patients’ expectations and personal traits. Patient or client satisfaction is by nature multidimensional and the study confirms that a relationship exists between clients’ expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment in South Africa. The critical reflection reviewed and evaluated the practical applicability of scientific knowledge from the domain of client satisfaction and expectations, with specific reference to application of the patient experience construct. It was shown that knowledge in the scientific domain of client satisfaction and expectations has great relevance for, and application possibilities on an individual, organisational, as well as a public policy level. Applications were found in various contexts (such as education, psychotherapy, organisations, and health promotion). Several strategies for enhancement of facets of client expectations and satisfaction with psychological treatment were highlighted. A central supposition across the different studies reported in this thesis (articles 1 through 3), was that cultural contexts and variables certainly need to be taken into account in research and practice of client expectations and satisfaction. Despite the major developments in the scientific domain of the patient experience construct, its theories and applications have mainly been developed and explored in a Western context, and further research is necessary, specifically in the African context. Several recommendations for future research were made. Doctoral

MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new intervention method, Technology Assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA), on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of persons with intellectual and visual disability who experience separation anxiety and exhibit challenging behaviour. A pre-experimental within group design was used with randomised multiple baselines and staggered intervention start points. The data was collected at an institution in the Netherlands that provides long-term care and residence for persons with intellectual disability and visual impairment. Six participants took part in this study. This research was informed by Bowlby‟s attachment theory, which conceptualises the tendency of human beings to forge strong emotional bonds with others and explains how the disturbance of this bond might lead to various forms of emotional distress and personality disturbances. The interplay of separation anxiety and challenging behaviour with respect to the formation of attachment relationships provides the specific theoretical context in which this study is grounded. The results indicate that both the separation anxiety experienced and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the participants decreased significantly after the implementation of TTSA. Their psychosocial functioning and quality of life also increased significantly. This study demonstrates the first successful application of TTSA to treat separation anxiety and challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual and visual disability. TTSA therefore has the potential to be a valid intervention to address these disorders. Masters

PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015 The goal of the study is to develop a structured play therapy intervention model to mitigate the effect of childhood sexual abuse. South Africa has one of the highest prevalence rates for child sexual abuse, and professionals working with children are consequently faced with the phenomenon on an increasing scale. Many professionals find themselves ill-equipped to address the effect of sexual abuse on the child, and the lack of an integrated understanding of the phenomenon seems to exacerbate this need. In order to effectively address the effect of sexual abuse on the child, professionals need a holistic understanding of this phenomenon and its effects, as well as a clear outline of the necessary interventions. The thesis consists of five sections, which can be outlined as follows: Section A consists of the problem statement, the research questions, the research objective, the general theoretical assumption and the theoretical approach. It includes the research methodology, the limitations of the research, definitions of the key terms and the selection and structure of the dissertation. The research focused on the following specific objectives stemming from the problem statement: * To conduct a thorough literature study on various aspects pertaining to childhood sexual abuse in order to form a holistic, well-researched perspective on the phenomenon of childhood sexual abuse and the available evidence-based interventions in the sexual abuse of children; * To develop a structured play therapy intervention model to mitigate the effect of childhood sexual abuse; * To subject the prototype of the proposed intervention model to peer review in order to determine its strengths and weaknesses and make the necessary adaptations to the model prior to its final dissemination. Section B consists of four articles, in which the goals of the research, the outcomes of the literature study and the empirical study are reported. Each article is dealt with as a self-contained unit focusing on a specific aspect of the research and contributing to the collection of data necessary for the design and evaluation of the proposed intervention model. Article 1 Knowledge of the legislation pertaining to sexual abuse is imperative for health care professionals working with a child who has been sexually abused. This article provides a critical analysis of those aspects of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 32 of 2007, relevant to the health care professional. The shortcomings of the Act and the practical implications of these for healthcare professionals is pointed out. Focus also falls on the relevant sections of the Childcare Act, 38 of 2005 and how these sections complement the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 32 of 2007). Article 2 In order to effectively help traumatised children to achieve positive outcomes, professionals must have a clearly-defined methodology, underpinned by theory and based on an integrated approach. The first step towards this is clearly to redefine the phenomenon of child sexual abuse. As sexual abuse is both a legal and a psychosocial phenomenon, the authors are of the opinion that a more integrative definition is necessary in the South African context. The information in this article therefore aims to provide health care professionals with an integrative definition that takes into account both the South African legal definition of sexual abuse and the underlying psychosocial factors associated with it.Article 3 Sexual abuse is a phenomenon with far-reaching effects. This article provides a holistic look at the effects of sexual abuse from an ecological systems perspective. The effect of sexual abuse on the child as the focus of the microsystems is emphasized, as well as the effects on the parents or the child’s caregiver as the mesosystem. The article further considers the interactive dynamics between the different systems and explains how each system can contribute to either mitigating or exacerbating the effects of abuse on the child. Article 4 The research goal of this article is to develop and evaluate a structured play therapy intervention model to mitigate the effects of child sexual abuse. The intervention model was developed from the results of the previous articles as well as an in-depth literature study on existing therapeutic interventions. To fulfil the aim of this article, the following objectives are set: * To give an outline of the research * Methodology underlying the study; * To discuss the problem analysis and project plan; * To outline the intervention model for mitigating the effects of child sexual abuse; * To discuss the research findings on the proposed model. Section C gives a summary of the most important findings and conclusions regarding the research in general. It also contains recommendations and points to the contribution made to the specific field of study. Section D consists of the addenda to the research report, for example, the different instruments of measurement and the questionnaires. Section E concludes the thesis with summarized references. Doctoral

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014 The teaching profession is widely regarded as being very stressful (Klassen, Usher & Bong, 2010; Otero, Castro, Santiago & Villardefrancosl, 2010). South African teachers, especially Black teachers working in previously disadvantaged areas, have to cope with serious stressors such as overcrowded classrooms and limited resources on a daily basis (Ngidi & Sibaya, 2002; Moloi, 2010). Occupational stress of this nature is known to have significant negative implications for well-being, and chronic stress has been linked to mood and anxiety disorders, and other forms of psychopathology (Bellingrath, Weigl & Kudielka, 2009; Brock & Buckley, 2012; Mundai, 2010). However, psychological buffers could enable individuals to sustain normal development and even experience well-being, despite the presence of long-term stress (Friborg, Hjemdal, Rosenvinge & Martinussen, 2003; Ryff & Singer, 2003). Noted among these so-called protective factors, the process of self-regulation has been found to be predictive of positive outcomes with regard to physiological and psychological well-being (Hofer, Busch & Kärtner, 2011; Peterson & Seligman, 2004). Self-regulation has, however, been found to represent a resource susceptible to depletion with repeated use, and there have been contradictory reports regarding the long-term sustainability of self-regulation capacity (Converse & DeShon, 2009; Ryan & Deci, 2008). No longitudinal studies could be found that explore the natural progression of self-regulation in a highly stressful context, and how changes in self-regulation are associated with changes in stress and well-being levels. This thesis consists of three sub-studies that are reported in three manuscripts. In the first of these sub-studies the levels of occupational stress and mental well-being in a cohort of Black South African teachers were investigated, including how these two variables are related to each other. The second sub-study aimed firstly to investigate the association between self-regulation and Black South African teachers’ self-reported levels of mental well-being. Secondly, it aimed to determine the role of the sub-constructs of the self-regulation process in the teachers’ selfreported levels of mental well-being. The aim of the third article was also two-fold. It first aimed to determine the natural progression of self-regulation within a highly stressful work context over a period of three years. It then aimed to determine how long-term changes in the selfregulation of individuals finding themselves in high-stress working conditions are associated with changes in their self-reported levels of stress and mental well-being. Black South African teachers (N=200, 101 men, 99 women) of ages ranging from 25 to 65 years from the North-West province of South Africa participated in the baseline phase of the SABPA project in 2008. Of the original 200 participants, a total of 173 teachers (88 men, 85 women) took part in data collection for the follow-up study in 2011. Data were collected by making use of quantitative measures (Teacher Stress Inventory (Boyle, Borg, Falzon & Baglion, 1995); General Health Questionnaire-28 (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979); Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (Keyes, 2006); Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Carey, Neal & Collins, 2004)) that have been validated for use in the South African context. The findings indicate that this group of teachers experienced high levels of stress, and symptoms indicative of mental illness to an extent that warrants psychiatric intervention. However, participants also reported higher than expected levels of mental health. The findings further indicated that self-regulation contributed positively to the participants’ mental health levels. The longitudinal findings also indicated improvements in this group of teachers’ selfregulation levels over time, and that these long-term changes in self-regulation were positively associated with changes in participants’ mental health. Recommendations for future investigations on the role of self-regulation in well-being that flowed from this research include extending research to other cultural groups and general populations; use of multiple or mixedmethod approaches to provide more insight into the participants’ short- and long-term experience of their working environment, their levels of stress and well-being and their self-regulation levels; investigating the psychological perspective on stress and exploring the concept of optimal self-regulation and the maintenance thereof. The study provided a holistic insight into the importance of self-regulation as protective factor in a highly stressed context, especially with regards to the promotion of mental well-being on a short term and long term basis. Doctoral

This study explored levels of occupational stress and mental well-being of a cohort of Black South African teachers. 200 secondary school teachers completed the Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI: Boyle, Borg, Falzon, & Baglion, 1995), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28: Goldberg & Hillier, 1979) and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF: Keyes, 2006). Correlations and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to determine the levels of occupational stress and well-being of participants, and to establish the relation between these variables. A significant majority of the teachers reported high levels of mental health (flourishing) despite high levels of teacher stress. These results show teachers’ ability to withstand and cope with stress whilst maintaining their mental health. This suggests the presence of protective factors that mediate the effect of work-related stressors and, in so doing, contribute to the teachers’ levels of resilience.

PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014 Divorce has long been described as one of the most stressful experiences that any human being can ever experience. The process of divorce implies numerous sudden and highly stressful changes to any individual affected by it, including children. The literature review of the present study revealed valuable insight regarding the effects of divorce, in particular on children. The studies among them which were found to have identified some of the more detrimental implications of divorce for children in particular, included the studies by Jonsson, Njardvik, Olafsdottir and Gretarsson (2000); Eldar-Avidan, Haj-Yahia and Greenbaum (2009); and Yu, Pettit, Lansford, Dodge and Bates (2010). Despite numerous research studies having been done on the phenomena of divorce both in South Africa and globally, it appears that the majority of these studies mostly focused on its detrimental implications for both children and adults. Few of these studies were found to have focused on possible optimal implications or on effective coping with divorce. Some studies that were found to have touched on the potential optimal effects of parental divorce included the studies by Mullis, Mullis, Schwartz, Pease and Shriner (2007); Graff-Reed (N.D.); and Spalding and Pretorius (2001). One particularly influential study that was, however, identified to have been done on the phenomena of coping with parental divorce, was conducted by Roux (2007) who focused specifically on children’s coping with parental divorce. This study focused exclusively on children and involved interviews with children themselves at the time of their parents’ divorce. No research could be identified on how young adults in South Africa had attempted to cope with their parents’ divorce during their childhood and/or adolescent years. This determination led to an attempt to fill this apparent void in the literature and expand on the study that had been conducted by Roux (2007) by completing the present study. The focus of the present study subsequently fell on how young adults had coped with the divorce of their parents during their childhood and/or adolescent years. The aims of the present study were: * To investigate and obtain a clearer understanding of young adults’ coping with divorce during their childhood and/or adolescent years. * To determine if there were factors that played a role in coping with parental divorce. * To determine what recommendations could be made to the parents of children undergoing divorce. * To determine what recommendations could be made to children while undergoing parental divorce. The research questions that were included in the present study for the aforementioned purpose included the following: * How did young adults cope with the divorce of their parents during their childhood and/or adolescent years? * Were there factors that played a role in their coping and if so what were the factors? * What would they recommend to the parents of children during and after divorce? * What would they recommend to children during and after parental divorce? Semi-structured retrospective interviews were conducted with 15 participants in the completion of the present study. Each of these interviews where transcribed and the relevant data were analysed from these transcriptions by firstly reading of the protocols, followed by dividing them into natural meaning units (NMUs), performing linguistic transformation, integrating the NMUs with related themes, synthesising the data and developing a general description before it was finally documented and published. Selection of the participants was made by means of snowball sampling, as young adults nominated acquaintances whom they believed may also be willing to participate in the research (Whitley, 2002). The value of the present study was that it expanded the knowledge base regarding young adults’ coping with parental divorce during their childhood and/or adolescent years. It also culminated in the creation of a set of recommendations for both children and adults that would promote effective coping among them with parental divorce. It is hoped that these insights and recommendations will enable psychologists, social workers, counsellors, health care practitioners and/or any other individual/s involved with assisting families during divorce, to cope more effectively with this event. It is also hoped that further future research and follow-up studies into this particularly relevant and far reaching phenomenon will continue to be conducted by other researchers both in South Africa and abroad. Doctoral

This study explored the impact of an unplanned Caesarean section on mother-infant bonding, by examining the development of maternal identities and mothers’ subsequent relationships with their babies. In-depth interviews with 10 women (mean age=28; SD=1.97) explored their lived experiences of mother-infant bonding after an unplanned Caesarean childbirth. Participants perceived an unplanned Caesarean birth to adversely impact the development of a maternal role identity, the formation of balanced maternal attachment representations, caregiving abilities, and initial mother-infant bonding. http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rpia20#.Veg7fJdGRfk http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2013.10820623

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of a Kinderkinetics programme on components of children’s perceptual-motor and cognitive development. A pre-/post-test design with an intervention group and a control group was used. A sample of 40, 4- to 6-year-old pre-school children was selected and allocated to the two groups. The intervention group participated in a perceptual-motor programme while the control group received no intervention. The programme involved an hour session once per week, over a period of seven months and consisted of different activities to improve body awareness, gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, bilateral integration, locomotor skills and spatial awareness. Both groups were evaluated with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) and the Junior South African Individual Scale (JSAIS). Co-variance of analysis adjusted for pre-test differences showed that the programme contributed significantly to improvement in the fine motor, gross motor and total motor quotients, while two of the subscales of the JSAIS also showed significant improvement. The Kinderkinetics programme was effective in the improvement of perceptual-motor abilities of these pre-school children, while also contributing to their school readiness on an attentive and cognitive level.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011. Objective The present study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of childbirth by unplanned Caesarean section. Background New motherhood is characterised as a profound change, and research suggests that the psychological effects of childbirth can be significant and far–reaching for some women. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience could affect a woman's emotional and psychological state, and she may experience considerable adjustment difficulties in adapting to unfulfilled expectations of delivering her baby naturally. Methods In–depth interviews explored 10 women's lived experiences of childbirth, after which thematic content analysis was used to synthesise data. The elements of phenomenological theory served as a broad framework for the structuring, organizing and categorizing of data, with interpretation aimed at gaining a greater understanding of women's internalised childbirth accounts. Findings Women described their contact with medical personnel, as well as the physical, environmental, and emotional aspects of their unplanned Caesarean sections, as distressing and traumatic. A sense of loss of control was the most significant contributor to women's negative childbirth experiences. Feelings of failure and disappointment were primarily related to unmet expectations and a lack of preparedness. Negative experiences were mediated by attentive care giving, inclusion in decision–making, and support from loved ones. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010. Night shift or non-standard work continues to grow throughout the economy (Beers, 2000). Women's roles in society are changing as they find themselves having to join the work force due to economic need. South African women most of whom are mothers are no exception in this regard. Many of these mothers are obliged to do night shift work. Sectors like manufacturing and public-oriented industries often use shift work to ensure efficient continuous operation and uninterrupted response to the needs of society. This article aims to explore the role that night shift work plays in the relationships between mothers and their adolescent children; whether the mutual perceptions of night shift working mothers and their adolescent children regarding their relationships differ from those of non-shift working mothers and their adolescent children; and whether there is a difference between the night shift working group and the non-shift working group with regard to the perceptions of their relationships. Lastly, the article aims to determine the reliability of the measuring instrument that was used in this study, namely the Parent-Adolescent-Relationship-Questionnaire (PARQ). Available literature shows that shift work has a negative impact on health, for example stress-related illnesses due to lack of sleep (Akerstedt, 1998, 2003; Fletcher & Dawson, 1997, 2001; Presser, 2005). Family life is also affected and relationship difficulties have been reported (Chang, Wang, & Liu, 1993; Holland, 2004; Grosswald, 2003, 2004; Presser, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2005), while shift work is seen as a threat to family cohesion. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage and mothers have an important role to enhance healthy adolescent development in terms of issues like self-identity and autonomy. The mother's unusual working hours can have a negative impact on the mother-adolescent relationship. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. There were two groups: 35 night shift working mothers and their adolescent children, and 35 non-shift working mothers and their adolescent children. Participants were requested to complete a PARQ questionnaire. Data was analysed by means of SAS and SPSS programmes. Descriptive statistic methods such as central tendency, mean and median, variability, range and standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were used to explore data. Independent and dependent t-tests were used to determine differences between the mean scores of the night shift working and non-shift working mothers and their adolescent children. The effect size was used to provide an objective measure of a practical effect. The findings indicate that PARQ is a reliable measure for this study as it showed good internal consistency. The skewness and kurtosis indicate acceptable normality. Adolescent children of non-shift working mothers perceive communication with their mothers as more efficient than adolescent children of night shift working mothers, and there is an indication of a significant practical effect. Adolescent children of non-shift working mothers have a more positive perception of the Mothers' Problem Solving than adolescent children of night shift working mothers, with indications of a significant practical effect between the two groups. There is no statistically significant difference between and no significant practical effect in any of the variables concerning the two groups of mothers, as reflected in Table 4. However, Table 5 shows a difference between the perceptions of the two groups of adolescents. There is a statistically significant difference between Cohesion for non-shift working mothers and for their adolescent children, with an indication of a significant practical effect. Tables 5 and 6 show a statistically significant difference between Conventionalisation of the two groups, with an indication of a significant practical effect. Both night shift working and non-shift working mothers have a more positive perception of Conventionalisation than their adolescent children. Findings also indicate a statistically significant difference in Global Distress between night shift working mothers and their adolescent children, with an indication of a significant practical effect. Night shift working mothers experience higher levels of Global Distress than their adolescent children. For both groups -night shift working mothers and their adolescent children; and non-shift working mothers and their adolescent children there is a statistically significant difference between the mothers' and the adolescents' perception of Ruination. This study has several limitations and it is recommended that future studies use a larger sample size and include longitudinal studies. Future research should also explore the construct of the night shift working mother's parenting style and their coping strategies. Father-adolescent relationships should also be a research focus. In some families in both groups, the study created a platform for dialogue between adolescents and their mothers. Masters

Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010. Although numerous and divergent stressors are inherent to the professional life of a psychologist, research regarding burnout and its antipode, work engagement in psychologists is sparse. The current research sought to investigate the nature of and the relationship between job demands, job resources, burnout and work engagement in a group of South African psychologists. The Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) model was employed as the foundation from which to understand and explain the process of burnout development, as well as the process of maintaining work engagement. Personal interviews were conducted and qualitatively analysed to determine occupation-specific themes which were used to develop the Job Demands-Job Resources Scale for Psychologists (JD-JRSP). A group of South African psychologists in private practice (N =105) completed the JD-JRSP, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The statistical analyses of these instruments reflected that the JD-R model provides a meaningful basis for research into burnout and work engagement. The participants in this study reported low to moderate job demands with moderate to high job resources. In accordance with the underpinnings of the JD-R model, burnout scores were shown to be low, whilst the participants retained high levels of work engagement. The results suggest that job resources mitigate the debilitating effects of job demands and therefore protect against burnout, whilst promoting work engagement. The present study makes a unique contribution to the field as no other South African or international research has, to date, investigated these four constructs in psychologists. Doctoral

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007 This dissertation serves as a report of a qualitative exploration of the experience of adolescents with physical disabilities during therapeutic horse-riding. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of therapeutic riding on the lived world of the participants in this unique form of animal assisted therapy. In order to achieve the set goals, phenomenological psychological research is utilised. The perspective of the participants was explored through unstructured, in-depth interviews, which afforded the current researcher the opportunity to obtain rich descriptions of therapeutic riding as experienced by adolescents with physical disabilities. Seven adolescents with a variety of physical disabilities, mostly affecting motor functioning, were selected to participate. Team analysis provided bias-control and inter-rater reliability ensured that no corruption of data occurred. The verbatim transcriptions of the audio-taped data were reviewed and the original narratives consulted to illustrate themes and provide proof for the interpretations. An investigation of animal assisted therapy provided a theoretical basis for the study. The development of this form of intervention, research in the field, the different applications and the animals utilised were explored. Specific focus was placed on equine facilitated therapy, including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy. Investigations of theoretical perspectives on adolescence as a life phase as well as physical disability as a phenomena, afforded an in-depth look at the expected development of adolescents and the developmental concerns of adolescents with physical disabilities. It also provided the current researcher with valuable insight into the concerns of people with physical disabilities, especially within the South African context. Thematic conclusions illustrated that adolescents who participated in the current study experienced therapeutic riding as an enjoyable opportunity to escape daily routine and experience positive emotions. Although some of them experienced difficulties pertaining to the horses and other factors, including the limitations placed on them by their physical disabilities, they had an overall positive therapeutic experience. Therapeutic riding offered them an opportunity to feel free, relaxed and energised and afforded them the prospect to escape from the confines set by their disabilities, while they were exercising and improving their physical deficits. It can be deduced from their reports that the social component incorporated in the horse riding elicited positive emotions, because they were spending quality time with friends and family and belonged to a group that shared their experience. In this environment, perceived as socially safe, they were exposed to different social situations that gave them the chance to learn and apply new interpersonal skills. The nature of therapeutic riding educed initial fear in all of the participants, but by overcoming those fears and other challenges they were able to improve their skills and achieve personal growth. The therapeutic riding offered a motivational component that encouraged them, not only to improve their performance, but also to attain therapeutic and personal goals. By achieving goals that had seemed unattainable in the past, they experienced a sense of accomplishment and mastery and sensed improvement in their confidence levels and ultimately, also their self-esteem. An important component of their experience included the bond that was formed with the animal in the therapy-team. The different experiences of the adolescents illuminated various aspects of the nature of their relationships with the horses that included perceptions of the horse as being reliable, capable of unconditional acceptance, deserving of friendship and love, and able to show trust and understanding. This bond awarded them a sense of attachment that was strengthened through touch. Theoretical deductions that could be made by correlating the thematic conclusions with well established theory indicated that therapeutic riding could improve psychological well-being and facilitate self actualisation. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006. This study aimed to determine what the effect of a sport development and nutrition intervention programme would be on the following components of psychological development of previously disadvantaged, primary school-aged rugby players: self-esteem; cognitive development, attention and concentration and social support. The participants were primary school boys between the ages of 9 and 14 years from disadvantaged communities. They were recruited on the basis of availability from six primary schools in the Potchefstroom area of the North West Province involved in a rugby development programme. The research design was a randomised, single-blinded, controlled intervention study. The children were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group of children received an exercise intervention and a nutritional supplement twice a week for a period of three months. The control group received no sport or nutritional interventions during this period. The research methodology included pre-testing, intra-testing and post-testing. With the pre-testing a comparison could be drawn between the experimental and control group regarding the above-mentioned psychological components. During the intra testing each of the 2 groups was evaluated separately regarding these components to identify any changes that could have taken place within the group from baseline to end. With the post-testing the 2 groups were compared with each other regarding these components to determine whether the nutrition and exercise interventions resulted in any markable changes to especially the experimental group. The results showed an statistically significant improvement in self-concept within the experimental group (p = 0.028) whereas no difference in self-concept within the control group was obtained. The effect of the intervention programme was not as clearly observable in any of the other psychological components. A longer duration of such an intervention programme could possibly contribute to better test results. The socioeconomic circumstances of the participants played an important role in the final outcome of the study in that it influenced the social support the participants received and it also had an effect on the test behaviour of the participants. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004. This study is part of an inter-university project, for which co-workers from Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and University of the Free State gathered the data during 2000. The population consisted of children in their late middle childhood (grade 4 to grade 7) from schools in the Vaalpark and Bloemfontein (Free State), Potchefstroom (North West), Badplaas (Mpumalanga), Krugersdorp and Kempton Park (Gauteng), Kimberley (Northern Cape) and Durban (Kwazulu Natal) regions. A random sample, which was representative of the different race and socio-economic strata, was drawn from these children. The literature study indicated that little is known about the nature of locus of control in younger children and its relationship to creativity in the South African context. The aims of this study are therefore to determine the nature of locus of control in middle childhood; to examine locus of control in different age groups and to establish the relationship between locus of control and creativity. By using a single cross-sectional design, creativity was measured with subscales of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking and locus of control with the Nowicki-Strickland questionnaire. In conclusion the current study suggests that locus of control in late middle childhood has become slightly more externally orientated than it was 30 years ago. Cultural factors and the South-African context are much different in this study population though, and care must be taken not to make direct comparisons. With regard to the differences in the locus of control between the two age groups there is a definite statistical difference, with a shift to a more internal orientation in the older group. However, no practical significance was found. The hypothesis that externally orientated students would be less creative could not be validated and no correlation between locus of control and creativity could be discerned. These results seem to confirm a more dual dimensional view of some authors, in that a "bilocal" person strikes a healthy balance between beliefs in internal and external control, resulting in a more effective coping style. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004. Many studies have been performed on creativity and the measurement of creativity. However, little is known about the relationship between gender differences and creativity, particularly in South Africa. The current study aimed to investigate the difference in creativity between boys and girls, as well as the development of creativity in late middle childhood, in the South African context. From the random sample of 1000 primary school children in late middle childhood (grade 4 to 7) of different races and socio-economic strata and from different provinces in South Africa, the questionnaires of 707 children could be used. By using a single cross-sectional design, creativity was measured with sub-scales of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. The results indicated low average scores of creativity in South African children. No statistically significant differences in creativity scores were found between boys and girls. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in creativity scores were found between the 9-year-old and the 10- to 12-year-old groups, except for verbal fluency, where the 10- tol2-year-old children scored higher than the 9-year-old children. Since the creativity scores were generally lower than the norms for the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, it is clear that the development of creativity in particular groups of South African children may be sub-optimal and this phenomenon needs further investigation. Masters

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004. This study forms a subsection of an inter-university research project regarding the resilience of children in late middle childhood, in the South African context. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether any differences exist between the coping of children from intact and divorced families. It appears that resilience and coping are important components of psychological wellbeing, which can promote or inhibit psychological well-being. During recent years the effect that divorce has on children has enjoyed considerable interest. Literature on the main components of this study, namely divorce and coping, maintains that divorce is a traumatic process, causing multiple stressors for parents as well as children. It is also clear that children are usually capable of handling the negative aspects related to divorce, provided that they enjoy a support network consisting of family members, peer groups and teachers. Most of the research continues to indicate a basically negative influence of the divorce experience and process. Secondly a review of stress and coping literature was offered, with reference to the manifestations of such phenomena amongst children from divorced families. The important role played by coping in the lives of children and the manner in which it directly relates to their development, adaptation and psychological well-being. Amongst children, coping serves as a protection factor against stressors, such as divorce, for instance, and it contributes to resilience. During the empirical study the study population consisted of children in their late middle childhood (grades 4-7). The children were selected by means of a random availability test out of various schools in the various South Atiican provinces, after which participants were randomly selected by means of class lists. Despite the scope of the research project, only the data pertaining to 653 children was of use in the current study, following the practical problems experienced during the project and the fact that several researches handled the processing of the data. For the purpose of the study under discussion, data pertaining to 73 children from divorced families and 580 children from intact families was used. The study used the "Stress Response Scale" (SRS) as a measuring instrument, as well as biographical questionnaire, in order to determine the number, gender and ages of the children from intact and divorced families respectively. None of the subscales provided any statistically significant results and no practically significant differences were indicated in respect of coping between children from intact and divorced families. Concluding the study, recommendations are made for further research in this field and practical suggestions are given for the implementation of the findings that were anived at. Masters