Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the effect that Human
Modelling in a group therapeutic setting, has on the mental health
or personal integration of prisoners. The General Systems Theory,
principles of Cybernetics and Botes' (1987) integrated model of
mental health are used as a meta theoretic point of departure.
From the literature study it transpires that it is important to
explain and treat the prisoner in totality in order to make
treatment more effective. An attempt is thus made to formulate an
integrated model for the explanation of the crime phenomenon by
virtue of already existing models. Furthermore the personal
functioning (intra- and interpersonal) - as index of mental health
of the criminal is surveyed. A short comparison is done between
the traits of a mentally healthy person (Botes, 1987) and the
personal functioning of the criminal or prisoner. From this it
appears that the criminal has certain deficiencies in this regard
and hence cannot be described as an integrated person once the
traits are unbalanced. He thus requires guidance towards a higher
degree of personal integration, which should lead to a change in
traits and accordingly balance is restored.
From the literature study it is evident that treatment of prisoners
is to a large extent unsuccessful. The reasons for this are
pointed out. Human Modelling in a group therapeutic setting
however, has the potential to lead the prisoner towards a higher
degree of personal integration, due to it's metaphoric and
synthetic nature, and to make treatment more successful. The
potential that Human Modelling as a metaphor holds for the
therapist and mental health of the prisoner, is pointed out and
described...