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Narradrama as group therapeutic intervention in addressing inner strength of mildly intellectually impaired children who have been sexually abused

  • Authors: Bezuidenhout, Carla
  • Date: 2012-08-30
  • Subjects: Sexually abused children , Children with mental disabilities - Counseling of , Drama - Therapeutic use
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:3436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6831
  • Description: M.Ed. , Some children in South Africa are confronted with various adversities that affect their functioning. In order to deal effectively with adversity, children need inner strength. Inner strength is a force that people have within them that motivates them to face challenges, to stand up against adversities, and to perform an effective life after difficulty. Examples of adversities are mild intellectual impairment and traumatic events such as sexual abuse. Children who are mildly intellectually impaired and who have been sexually abused often present with language and communication difficulties and low levels of self-esteem. Inner strength is needed to rise above and to stand steady and firm during difficult experiences. This research study was conducted to establish how Narradrama as group therapeutic intervention can address the inner strength of mildly intellectually impaired children who have been sexually abused. Narradrama is an intergration between Narrative Therapy and Drama Therapy, which makes use of creative art therapy. This study reveals how expressive arts and creative activities are therapeutic and are effective in the healing process. The theoretical framework of Performative Psychology formed the basis of the study, which also incorporates Social Constructivism according to Vygotsky’s perspective of social experiences shaping the way individuals view the world. This framework suggests that people’s daily performances shape the stories they and others form about themselves and informs who they are. With regards to this research study, addressing inner strength is needed in order for children to create new performances that can form alternative stories of who they are. The utilization of Narradrama activities were investigated in the process of addressing inner strength. A qualitative research approach was chosen to understand the research topic from the participants’ perspective. It relates to the Interpretivist/Constructivist paradigm that focuses on how people create meaning out of their lives and experiences. A phenomenological design was chosen to explore Narradrama as group therapeutic intervention to address inner strength, and to explore the essence of the lived experiences of participants. Data collection methods included unstructured in-depth interviews, artefacts and documents, and participant observation. As a method for data analysis, the thematic analysis was used to identify themes that emerged from different data sets. The first main theme that emerged related to intra-personal knowledge, which included, self-knowledge, resilience, and self-expression through creative activities. Another main theme was interpersonal skills that related to connectedness with others. The study concludes with a discussion of possible contributions, limitations and recommendations for future research.
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Die seksuele mishandeling van kinders

Courtroom testimony experiences of sexually abused children

  • Authors: Don-Wauchope, Jane
  • Date: 2011-12-06
  • Subjects: Sexually abused children , Child witnesses , Child witnesses protection
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:1825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4186
  • Description: M.A. , The study aimed to investigate the subjective experiences of sexually abused children who testify in criminal courts in South Africa. As few research studies have addressed this problem, particularly from a qualitative perspective, the researcher identified a need to explore the issue further. In addition, it was believed that it would be useful to examine the topic from a both-and perspective. In other words, to investigate the positive and the negative aspects of the experience. The impact of other systems, such as courtroom preparation programmes, and individuals on the research participants was also addressed by the study. The researcher's intention was to honour the four participant's individual narratives. Thus, working from a social constructionist framework was appropriate, as such a framework highlights the existence of multiple realities. Although there are similarities across the four narratives, each one represents a unique reality as experienced by the respective participants. The following points reflect some of the most salient findings of the research: • There appears to be a strong link between receiving positive support and coping with the task of testifying. • Attending a courtroom preparation programme seems to impact very favourably on a child's ability to testify in criminal court. • Testifying in sexual abuse cases can be both traumatic or stressful, for example, having to see and identify the alleged perpetrator, and healing or empowering, for example, being able to put an end to the abuse by speaking out. • Courtroom reforms have gone a long way towards improving conditions for child witnesses. Nevertheless, the current situation is still far from ideal as many inconsistencies and obstacles characterize the legal domain as it relates to child witnesses. • The participants emphasized that they have a right to be respected and heard. In order to respect and satisfy the rights and needs of child witnesses, further research needs to be undertaken to ascertain their actual needs. Children need to become active participants in the reform process.
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Die seksueel-gemolesteerde kind : 'n toegeligte bekendstelling

A psychological perspective on competency testing of the child witness in South Africa, with special reference to the sexually abused child between four to nine years of age

  • Authors: Kruger, Sharon
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Child witnesses , Interviewing in child abuse , Sexually abused children , Child witnesses - Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/212635 , uj:21001
  • Description: Abstract: In South Africa, the admissibility of a child‟s evidence in criminal cases is hampered by inappropriate and inconsistent procedures used to determine the child‟s competency to testify in court. When a child is not deemed competent to testify as a result of the current prequalifying procedures, it presents a real problem for these victims of abuse, which requires professional intervention. Thomas Lyon, renowned legal professional and psychologist has spent years researching the child witness and the associated competence of taking the oath. He states that psychologists ought to provide clear guidelines to courts on appropriate ways to assess the competency of the child witness (Wescott, Davies & Bull, 2002). While the assessment of child-witness competency is widely practiced by psychologists in South Africa, there is no standard framework that guides this assessment so uniform procedures do not exist... , D.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
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Group art therapy with sexually abused girls: a controlled study

  • Authors: Pfeifer, Natascha
  • Date: 2008-11-12T07:03:42Z
  • Subjects: Art therapy for children , Group psychotherapy for children , Sexually abused children , Treatment of child sexual abuse
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1613
  • Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , The psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse has been widely researched. Despite the numerous negative effects cited in the literature, few studies have focused on the treatment of children within this population group. Furthermore, a minority of research has investigated the efficacy of group therapy and art therapy as a treatment approach with these children, and even fewer studies have focused on the combination of group art therapy. Evident is particularly the lack of control groups consisting of sexually abused children with which to compare results and utilise as an indicator of treatment effect. The most prevalent symptoms found among sexually abused children seem to include depression and anxiety. Although fewer studies have focused on variables such as sexual trauma and self-esteem, these symptoms also seem common. Children between the age of 7 and 13 years seem to experience the most negative consequences associated with sexual abuse, and seem to be particularly susceptible to the development of emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and social difficulties. The purpose of the present study was to design a group art therapy intervention aimed at reducing depression, anxiety, sexual trauma, and low self-esteem, and to evaluate the success rate of the programme using the Solomon four-group design. The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children and the Human Figure Drawing were used as measures for assessing symptom change both within and between the four groups. A sample of 25 sexually abused girls, aged 8 to 11 years was recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Criteria for selection further involved having the ability to speak English and living with a non-offending caretaker. For practical reasons groups were selected from children’s homes in the Gauteng area. The sample consisted of four groups, namely two experimental groups and two control groups, whereby the experimental groups received the treatment and the control groups did not. The first experimental group and the first control group were assessed prior to and after termination of the therapy. The purpose was to measure the degree of change as a result of the intervention. The control groups were provided with the therapy after the post-test had been administered. Results indicate that the experimental group improved significantly compared to the control groups with regard to anxiety, depression and sexual trauma. Furthermore, in the absence of the intervention the control group demonstrated deterioration between the pre- and post-test. The study indicates a high success rate using the group art therapy intervention. It is anticipated that the value of this study may further enhance the quality of future research on this topic.
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Exploring the healing process of female adult survivors of childhood abuse

  • Authors: Reichert, Lelani
  • Date: 2008-11-12T07:05:26Z
  • Subjects: Adult child sexual abuse victims , Sexually abused children , Child sexual abuse , Child abuse
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1622
  • Description: M.A. , The incidence of child abuse in southern Africa is problematic to such an extent that it is described by Machel (as cited in Richter, Dawes & Higson-Smith, 2004. p. ix) as "an assault, a war upon our children". The numbers and estimates surrounding, not only sexual abuse, but also physical abuse seem to be rising exponentially. This leads to the obvious deduction that adult survivors are also rising exponentially, and as such need focus and care, since the aftermath of abuse is far reaching, impacting every sphere of their lives. Destructive behaviour and thought patterns characterise all aspects of their interaction with the self and others, which paints a bleak and painful picture for their futures. To compound the aftermath, very few studies have focused on aspects beyond the aftermath, few have gone on to explain and focus attention on whether healing can take place, and if so, how it can be brought about. This important source of hope for the survivors has been neglected for far too long, leaving the survivors struggling with the question of whether positive change is at all possible? This study aims to address that question and to focus on the experience of the process of healing. The participants were members of a support group for survivors. A qualitative approach was followed with the focus on conceptual analysis. Two open-ended questionnaires were constructed. The first questionnaire was administered pre-intervention and the second questionnaire post-intervention. As a qualitative study, information is included regarding the researcher's experience, and is interpreted from the researcher's perspective. It was found that growth and change is indeed possible. Participants showed more insight into their behaviour and actions and were mostly able to cease destructive behaviours, achieve positive goals set for themselves, or were at least in the process of changing some aspects they felt needed attention. Due to analysis taking place on a group, as well as, individual level, individual differences became very visible. In this study, those aspects participants still found problematic were also highlighted. It is suggested that those aspects be scrutinised in future studies. A reflection on the healing process also occurred and is viewed as a platform for future studies to build on.
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Mans wat kinders molesteer: 'n hipno-ontleding

  • Authors: Wolfaardt, Lize
  • Date: 2008-11-14T14:17:13Z
  • Subjects: Child molesters , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/377383 , uj:14683 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1677
  • Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , The sexual molestation of children is one of the most pressing problems of our times. Considering that as many as one in every four girls, and one in every ten boys are sexually victimized as children, the sexual molestation of children seems to be a common occurrence. Child sexual abuse results in emotional symptoms such as depression, low self esteem, sexual disfunction, impaired health, eating disorders and other emotional disturbances. The vast number of children being subjected to sexual molestation, as well as the cost in terms of human suffering, necessitates studies that focus on determining why certain individuals violate sexual boundaries with children. Mainstream theories and research to date only focus on the conscious functioning of men who sexually molest children. The focus is therefore only on the description of the outward manifestation of symptoms. Research to date does not succeed in describing the mechanisms or processes that culminate in the sexual molestation of children. This study represents a first step in addressing this void in the body of knowledge pertaining to men who sexually molest children. By means of a method of analysis, namely Medical Hypnoanalysis, the subconscious thought patterns of two males, which culminated in the molestation of children, were revealed, described and explained. The problem statement and purpose of the study, namely to reveal, describe and explain the dynamic development and course of the subconscious thought patterns which eventually culminated in the molestation of children, inspired a qualitative multiple case study as a research design. After an in-depth analysis of each individual case, the dynamic development and course of the subconscious thought patterns of the two cases were integrated with each other by means of a cross case analysis. The cross case analysis enabled the researcher to develop detailed explanations, better insight and theories pertaining to the subconscious thought patterns underlying the sexual molestation of children. The cross case analysis was integrated with the theory of Medical Hypnoanalysis to form a general psychological structure consisting of the dynamic development and course of the subconscious thought patterns of men who molest children. The general psychological structure was subsequently integrated with previous literature, which allowed for the development of new theory. This study has found that the absence of love, which was experienced since the prenatal period, and intensified throughout, resulted in the perception of worthlessness. The absence of love led to an insecurity with regards to the self and a feeling of spiritual emptiness, a death-like feeling. Without love a person cannot survive; without love life is just not worthwhile. The subconscious mind is genetically programmed to survive, and is therefore compelled to engineer ways to establish survival. For various reasons, sexual interaction became the proof to the two molesters in this study that they were loved, that they were worthy, and thus alive. Sexual interaction was therefore the way in which survival was established. For both molesters, sexual interaction developed into a compulsion. Their emotional and spiritual survival were threatened whenever they were deprived of sexual interaction. This led to severe anxiety, which was provided by the subconscious mind in order to compel the men to have sexual interaction, and survive. It is this compulsion, together with the fact that both respondents’ emotional development was arrested at an earlier age, which led to the sexual molestation of children. The study was concluded with recommendations to psychologists on how to treat men who molest children.
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