Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The lack of research relating to the influence of self assertive
behaviour on the general functioning of children can be
seen as one of the most important reasons for the initiation
of this study. Consequently, the goal of this investigation
was mainly to evaluate the influence of a Transactional Analysis
programme, 'TA for Tots' on the self assertive behaviour
of a group of children.
The development of social skills during childhood provides
the theoretical background to the current study. The social
development of the child during middle childhood with specific
reference to the influence of parents and the peer group,
is emphasised. In addition, relevant l.iterature is discussed
relating to the therapeutic management of deficient social
skills. The theoretical. orientation of Transactional. Analysis
and its relation to the development of the individual
personality is also discussed.
The sample consisted of 32 children, who live at a children's
home, and whose ages range from seven to eleven years. Subjects
were selected according to specific criteria on the
Children's Personali ty auestionaire. They were then randomly
assigned to four groups, consisting of three experimental
groups and one control. group. Two of the experimental groups
were exposed to the Transactional Analysis Programme. The
SUbjects in the third experimental group were only exposed to
group discussions and activities, while the control group
received no experimental attention. Self assertive behaviour
was observed by three independent observers.
The content of the programme focused on the identification of
any negative thoughts, emotions and behaviour within an interpersonal
context and the communicatIon thereof, which
resembles the definition of self assertive behaviour