'n Gegronde studie oor seksuele molestering
- Authors: Botha, André Christiaan
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:06:32Z
- Subjects: Sexual abuse victims , Adult child sexual abuse victims , Abused women
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1418
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , This study aims to create a grounded model that can contribute to the knowledge about successfully coping with sexual molestation. Sexual molestation is a worldwide problem and is not unique to South Africa. In the past few decades, the problem of sexual molestation has emerged from the cloak of secrecy and has become an important theme in the social sciences and professions. Research on sexual molestation has mainly developed from a pathogenic perspective where the main function was to describe the nature and negative effects of sexual molestation, and to diagnose and treat sexual molestation as an illness. Recent research has however shown that not all sexually abused children develop psychopathology and therefore, a growing number of researchers have moved beyond psychopathology to a salutogenic perspective within the past two decades to explain why many people show signs of adaptation after traumatic experiences. The epistemological framework of this study is that of constructivism where the approaches of both modernism and post modernism are integrated. The dominating paradigm of the study is that of salutogenesis where the focus is on health and the successful adaptation of mankind. The grounded theory research methodology was used to develop a conceptual model about successfully coping with sexual molestation. This model can serve as a point of departure for future research and can contribute to the existing knowledge on resilience. Studying woman who have been sexually molested within a salutogenic paradigm, can have various implications for research and intervention strategies. Salutogenesis provides an optimistic alternative to the study of sexually molested woman and can help them to deal with the trauma in a more constructive way.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Botha, André Christiaan
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:06:32Z
- Subjects: Sexual abuse victims , Adult child sexual abuse victims , Abused women
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1418
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , This study aims to create a grounded model that can contribute to the knowledge about successfully coping with sexual molestation. Sexual molestation is a worldwide problem and is not unique to South Africa. In the past few decades, the problem of sexual molestation has emerged from the cloak of secrecy and has become an important theme in the social sciences and professions. Research on sexual molestation has mainly developed from a pathogenic perspective where the main function was to describe the nature and negative effects of sexual molestation, and to diagnose and treat sexual molestation as an illness. Recent research has however shown that not all sexually abused children develop psychopathology and therefore, a growing number of researchers have moved beyond psychopathology to a salutogenic perspective within the past two decades to explain why many people show signs of adaptation after traumatic experiences. The epistemological framework of this study is that of constructivism where the approaches of both modernism and post modernism are integrated. The dominating paradigm of the study is that of salutogenesis where the focus is on health and the successful adaptation of mankind. The grounded theory research methodology was used to develop a conceptual model about successfully coping with sexual molestation. This model can serve as a point of departure for future research and can contribute to the existing knowledge on resilience. Studying woman who have been sexually molested within a salutogenic paradigm, can have various implications for research and intervention strategies. Salutogenesis provides an optimistic alternative to the study of sexually molested woman and can help them to deal with the trauma in a more constructive way.
- Full Text:
A holistic group psychotherapeutic intervention for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and its comorobid depression and anxiety
- Authors: Bush, Carol Margaret
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:07:57Z
- Subjects: Irritable colon patients , Treatment of irritable colon patients , Psychotherapy , Mental depression , Anxiety , Irritable colon research
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1423
- Description: M.A. , Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be described as a bodily idiom - a nonverbal language which may have its roots in unspeakable dilemmas (Griffiths & Griffiths, 1994). The splitting of languages and silencing of the body may be the soil in which such symptoms grow. Unutterable conflicts lead to the symptoms being trapped within the body until the body itself begins to "speak" (Griffiths & Griffiths, 1994). In essence, this study seeks to evaluate the effects of attaching language, feelings and awareness to these symptoms and communicating this with other IBS subjects within the group context. Psychiatric illness is often found in IBS health care seekers (Drossman & Thompson, 1992). The specific aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of a holistic short-term group intervention in the treatment of IBS with comorbid depression and anxiety. The sample consisted of 24 South African women who had been positively diagnosed with severe IBS by either a gastroenterologist or a general practitioner. Furthermore, each subject had to have associated moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Four questionnaires were utilised, namely the Biographical Questionnaire, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Client Questionnaire, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI). The Biographical Questionnaire mainly requested personal details and sought a family history of psychological disorders. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Client Questionnaire, based on the standardised Rome Criteria (Drossman, 1994; Drossman, Zhiming, Toner, Creed, Thompson, Read et al., 1995; Talley, Phillips, Melton, Mulvihill, Wiltgen & Zinsmeister, 1989), verified a positive IBS diagnosis, while the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index rated the severity of the subject’s IBS. Lastly, the depression score was rated on the depression scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the anxiety score was rated on the anxiety scale of the PAI. The subjects were divided into two groups of twelve members each - Group 1 was the experimental group and Group 2 was the control group. The group design was a pre-test, post-test control group design where subjects in Group 1 (the experimental group) received group intervention and subjects in Group 2 (the control group) were placed on a waiting list and received no intervention. The subjects in the control group were offered individual therapy once the post-tests were completed. All the subjects completed the IBS Severity Index Questionnaire and the Depression and Anxiety subscales of the Personality Assessment Inventory before commencement of group therapy for Group 1 and again one month after completion of this intervention. The effect of the intervention was determined utilising comparative statistics with reference to the pre-test versus post-test scores. The t-test for the equality of means for between group variance was utilised for two analyses. Firstly, it was used to determine the variance regarding the pre-test scores between Group 1 (the experimental group – who received intervention) versus Group 2 (the control group – who received no intervention) (Hypothesis 1). Secondly, it was utilised to determine the between group variance in terms of the post-test scores for Group 1 (the experimental group) versus Group 2 (the control group) (Hypothesis 2). The paired samples t-test was also used for two analyses. Firstly, it was used to determine the within group variance regarding the pre-intervention test scores versus the post-intervention test scores for Group 1 (the experimental group)(Hypothesis 3). Secondly, the paired samples t-test was also utilised to determine if there were statistically significant differences in terms of the pre-test scores versus the post-test scores of Group 2 (the control group) who did not receive the intervention (Hypothesis 4). A short-term holistic group therapy model was applied based on the work of Broom (1997), Crafford (1985), Pretorius (1996) and Yalom (1970). The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the anxiety scores of Group 1 (the experimental group) after completion of the intervention when compared with Group 2 (the control group) who received no intervention. The within group depression and anxiety scores in the experimental group also revealed a statistically significant improvement after the intervention. However, the IBS symptom severity remained unchanged. Thus, it is concluded that holistic short-term group therapy is indicated in the treatment of severe IBS with comorbid depression and anxiety even if the IBS symptoms are unaltered. It is recommended that further research be conducted to ascertain whether holistic group therapy of a moderate duration (approximately eight to ten weeks) has a greater impact on the IBS symptom severity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bush, Carol Margaret
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:07:57Z
- Subjects: Irritable colon patients , Treatment of irritable colon patients , Psychotherapy , Mental depression , Anxiety , Irritable colon research
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1423
- Description: M.A. , Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be described as a bodily idiom - a nonverbal language which may have its roots in unspeakable dilemmas (Griffiths & Griffiths, 1994). The splitting of languages and silencing of the body may be the soil in which such symptoms grow. Unutterable conflicts lead to the symptoms being trapped within the body until the body itself begins to "speak" (Griffiths & Griffiths, 1994). In essence, this study seeks to evaluate the effects of attaching language, feelings and awareness to these symptoms and communicating this with other IBS subjects within the group context. Psychiatric illness is often found in IBS health care seekers (Drossman & Thompson, 1992). The specific aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of a holistic short-term group intervention in the treatment of IBS with comorbid depression and anxiety. The sample consisted of 24 South African women who had been positively diagnosed with severe IBS by either a gastroenterologist or a general practitioner. Furthermore, each subject had to have associated moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Four questionnaires were utilised, namely the Biographical Questionnaire, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Client Questionnaire, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI). The Biographical Questionnaire mainly requested personal details and sought a family history of psychological disorders. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Client Questionnaire, based on the standardised Rome Criteria (Drossman, 1994; Drossman, Zhiming, Toner, Creed, Thompson, Read et al., 1995; Talley, Phillips, Melton, Mulvihill, Wiltgen & Zinsmeister, 1989), verified a positive IBS diagnosis, while the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index rated the severity of the subject’s IBS. Lastly, the depression score was rated on the depression scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the anxiety score was rated on the anxiety scale of the PAI. The subjects were divided into two groups of twelve members each - Group 1 was the experimental group and Group 2 was the control group. The group design was a pre-test, post-test control group design where subjects in Group 1 (the experimental group) received group intervention and subjects in Group 2 (the control group) were placed on a waiting list and received no intervention. The subjects in the control group were offered individual therapy once the post-tests were completed. All the subjects completed the IBS Severity Index Questionnaire and the Depression and Anxiety subscales of the Personality Assessment Inventory before commencement of group therapy for Group 1 and again one month after completion of this intervention. The effect of the intervention was determined utilising comparative statistics with reference to the pre-test versus post-test scores. The t-test for the equality of means for between group variance was utilised for two analyses. Firstly, it was used to determine the variance regarding the pre-test scores between Group 1 (the experimental group – who received intervention) versus Group 2 (the control group – who received no intervention) (Hypothesis 1). Secondly, it was utilised to determine the between group variance in terms of the post-test scores for Group 1 (the experimental group) versus Group 2 (the control group) (Hypothesis 2). The paired samples t-test was also used for two analyses. Firstly, it was used to determine the within group variance regarding the pre-intervention test scores versus the post-intervention test scores for Group 1 (the experimental group)(Hypothesis 3). Secondly, the paired samples t-test was also utilised to determine if there were statistically significant differences in terms of the pre-test scores versus the post-test scores of Group 2 (the control group) who did not receive the intervention (Hypothesis 4). A short-term holistic group therapy model was applied based on the work of Broom (1997), Crafford (1985), Pretorius (1996) and Yalom (1970). The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the anxiety scores of Group 1 (the experimental group) after completion of the intervention when compared with Group 2 (the control group) who received no intervention. The within group depression and anxiety scores in the experimental group also revealed a statistically significant improvement after the intervention. However, the IBS symptom severity remained unchanged. Thus, it is concluded that holistic short-term group therapy is indicated in the treatment of severe IBS with comorbid depression and anxiety even if the IBS symptoms are unaltered. It is recommended that further research be conducted to ascertain whether holistic group therapy of a moderate duration (approximately eight to ten weeks) has a greater impact on the IBS symptom severity.
- Full Text:
A salutogenic perspective on adult female survivors of childhood incest
- Authors: Sher, Loren
- Date: 2008-11-12T08:49:18Z
- Subjects: Incest research , Adult child sexual abuse victims , Incest victims , Women abuse
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1642
- Description: M.A. , Incest can be defined as, “The involvement of dependant children or adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, or that violate the social taboos of family roles” (Kempe & Kempe, 1978, p.60). Incest may include a multitude of activities, such as fondling, masturbation, exposing genitalia, exposure to pornographic material, as well as intercourse (Gilmartin, 1994). In our sexist patriarchal society, sexual abuse of children and women has been, and still is, a dark secret (Bradshaw, 1995). A study done by Collings (1997) at the University of Natal revealed that over 50% of all second year st udents had reported some incidence of sexual abuse during their childhood and/or adolescent years. Statistics from the South African Police Force indicate an increase in the number of incest cases from 7559 in 1994 to 10037 in 1995 (Tucker, 2000). Lyell (1997) emphasised that the magnitude of the problem of sexual abuse is far greater than any professionals working in this field ever imagined. Over the past 24 years many studies have been published on the psychological impact of incest (Ensink, 1992). These effects include the disruption of normal development (Doyle, 1997), emotional problems (Newman & Peterson, 1996), social problems (Newman Lubell & Peterson, 1998) and physical problems (Tucker, 2000), to name a few. The abovementioned statistics show that incest is of concern in the South African context. It is also of international relevance because as Boyles, De Noon and Key (1999) have noted sexual abuse is a worldwide problem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the way adult female survivor s of childhood incest cope. The epistemological framework of this study is that of the Modernistic approach. Quantitative methods of research were therefore used to collect and analyse the data. The survivors’ ways of coping were assessed through response s t o the “Ways of Coping” Questionnaire given by a multi-e t h n i c sample containing mainly white women. Relevant biographical details were obtained with the use of a constructed biographical questionnaire. The differences regarding the different ways of coping, as related to specific factors, such as duration of therapy, duration of abuse and so forth, were discussed. Possible implications of the results have also been mentioned in this thesis. The information obtained provides a new perspective on incest, that of salutogenesis. Previous research has focused on the adverse effects that occur because of incest. There has not been a focus on the strengths of incest survivors, or the reason why some survivors cope better than others. It was found that incest sur vivors develop constructive coping skills, such as positive reappraisal, seeking social support and planful problem solving, after a minimal time period of one year in therapy. It was also found that the duration of abuse affects the way an adult survivor copes with the incest. Particular ways of coping are correlated with others, for example planful problem solving is correlated with positive reappraisal. The information which has emerged from this study may be useful for therapists working with incest sur vivors. Having a broader understanding of survivors’ ways of coping and some of the factors influencing these, may allow therapists to direct and teach ways of coping, and more specifically to facilitate and encourage more constructive ways of coping.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sher, Loren
- Date: 2008-11-12T08:49:18Z
- Subjects: Incest research , Adult child sexual abuse victims , Incest victims , Women abuse
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1642
- Description: M.A. , Incest can be defined as, “The involvement of dependant children or adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, or that violate the social taboos of family roles” (Kempe & Kempe, 1978, p.60). Incest may include a multitude of activities, such as fondling, masturbation, exposing genitalia, exposure to pornographic material, as well as intercourse (Gilmartin, 1994). In our sexist patriarchal society, sexual abuse of children and women has been, and still is, a dark secret (Bradshaw, 1995). A study done by Collings (1997) at the University of Natal revealed that over 50% of all second year st udents had reported some incidence of sexual abuse during their childhood and/or adolescent years. Statistics from the South African Police Force indicate an increase in the number of incest cases from 7559 in 1994 to 10037 in 1995 (Tucker, 2000). Lyell (1997) emphasised that the magnitude of the problem of sexual abuse is far greater than any professionals working in this field ever imagined. Over the past 24 years many studies have been published on the psychological impact of incest (Ensink, 1992). These effects include the disruption of normal development (Doyle, 1997), emotional problems (Newman & Peterson, 1996), social problems (Newman Lubell & Peterson, 1998) and physical problems (Tucker, 2000), to name a few. The abovementioned statistics show that incest is of concern in the South African context. It is also of international relevance because as Boyles, De Noon and Key (1999) have noted sexual abuse is a worldwide problem. The purpose of this study is to investigate the way adult female survivor s of childhood incest cope. The epistemological framework of this study is that of the Modernistic approach. Quantitative methods of research were therefore used to collect and analyse the data. The survivors’ ways of coping were assessed through response s t o the “Ways of Coping” Questionnaire given by a multi-e t h n i c sample containing mainly white women. Relevant biographical details were obtained with the use of a constructed biographical questionnaire. The differences regarding the different ways of coping, as related to specific factors, such as duration of therapy, duration of abuse and so forth, were discussed. Possible implications of the results have also been mentioned in this thesis. The information obtained provides a new perspective on incest, that of salutogenesis. Previous research has focused on the adverse effects that occur because of incest. There has not been a focus on the strengths of incest survivors, or the reason why some survivors cope better than others. It was found that incest sur vivors develop constructive coping skills, such as positive reappraisal, seeking social support and planful problem solving, after a minimal time period of one year in therapy. It was also found that the duration of abuse affects the way an adult survivor copes with the incest. Particular ways of coping are correlated with others, for example planful problem solving is correlated with positive reappraisal. The information which has emerged from this study may be useful for therapists working with incest sur vivors. Having a broader understanding of survivors’ ways of coping and some of the factors influencing these, may allow therapists to direct and teach ways of coping, and more specifically to facilitate and encourage more constructive ways of coping.
- Full Text:
Abused women who kill their partners: a psychological study
- Authors: Botha, Shirley-Ann
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:06:45Z
- Subjects: Abused women , Crimes against women , Violence against women
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1419
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Ewing (1997) states that battered women who kill intimate male partners have not been the subject of much systematic research. In fact, Wilbanks (in Adinkrah, 2000) laments the lack of a systematic description of the patterns and trends of homicide by women. Furthermore, as with most studies of crime, the majority of the emerging research on women and lethal crime has focused on the United States and Great Britain (Adinkrah, 2000). There has been relatively little research directed towards the study of female homicide in small, third world countries. Research on women and intimate partner homicide in developing countries is sorely needed if criminal justice professionals are to realise the quest to understand homicide more fully and to formulate a conceptually broad and cross culturally valid theory of female homicide (Adinkrah, 2000). Furthermore, violence against women is a devastating social problem which commonly occurs in developing societies where gender roles are strictly defined and enforced (Ogbuji, 2004). Domestic violence becomes even more of a social concern when it leads to intimate partner violence. Prior research conducted on homicide committed by women suggests that when a woman kills a male partner it is often in response to a pattern of physical abuse at the hands of their mates (Adinkrah, 2000). The purpose of this exploratory study was to add to the small but hopefully growing body of research on battered women incarcerated for killing a male intimate partner. The Department of Correctional Services indicates that there are currently 163 women imprisoned for killing a male intimate partner. Yet the psychological issues surrounding female murderers go largely unexplored (Dept. of Correctional Services, personal communication, September 6, 2002). The aims of the study were as follows: • To form a biographical profile of a typical woman who kills her male intimate partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To form a personality profile of a typical literate woman who kills her male intimate partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To form a literacy profile of the typical literate abused woman who kills an intimate male partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To compare women who employ a third party to commit the murder with women who commit the murder themselves in order to identify any significant differences between the two groups on either a contextual or personality level. • To formulate possible guidelines for a rehabilitation program suited to this group of women. • Finally, to describe two participants’ unique narratives to informally highlight possible themes as well as add context and depth to the quantitative findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Botha, Shirley-Ann
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:06:45Z
- Subjects: Abused women , Crimes against women , Violence against women
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1419
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Ewing (1997) states that battered women who kill intimate male partners have not been the subject of much systematic research. In fact, Wilbanks (in Adinkrah, 2000) laments the lack of a systematic description of the patterns and trends of homicide by women. Furthermore, as with most studies of crime, the majority of the emerging research on women and lethal crime has focused on the United States and Great Britain (Adinkrah, 2000). There has been relatively little research directed towards the study of female homicide in small, third world countries. Research on women and intimate partner homicide in developing countries is sorely needed if criminal justice professionals are to realise the quest to understand homicide more fully and to formulate a conceptually broad and cross culturally valid theory of female homicide (Adinkrah, 2000). Furthermore, violence against women is a devastating social problem which commonly occurs in developing societies where gender roles are strictly defined and enforced (Ogbuji, 2004). Domestic violence becomes even more of a social concern when it leads to intimate partner violence. Prior research conducted on homicide committed by women suggests that when a woman kills a male partner it is often in response to a pattern of physical abuse at the hands of their mates (Adinkrah, 2000). The purpose of this exploratory study was to add to the small but hopefully growing body of research on battered women incarcerated for killing a male intimate partner. The Department of Correctional Services indicates that there are currently 163 women imprisoned for killing a male intimate partner. Yet the psychological issues surrounding female murderers go largely unexplored (Dept. of Correctional Services, personal communication, September 6, 2002). The aims of the study were as follows: • To form a biographical profile of a typical woman who kills her male intimate partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To form a personality profile of a typical literate woman who kills her male intimate partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To form a literacy profile of the typical literate abused woman who kills an intimate male partner in the context of an abusive relationship. • To compare women who employ a third party to commit the murder with women who commit the murder themselves in order to identify any significant differences between the two groups on either a contextual or personality level. • To formulate possible guidelines for a rehabilitation program suited to this group of women. • Finally, to describe two participants’ unique narratives to informally highlight possible themes as well as add context and depth to the quantitative findings of the study.
- Full Text:
An exploration of the experience of living with and making meaning of HIV: a phenomenological study
- Authors: Goldstein, Natalie
- Date: 2008-11-03T06:48:38Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , HIV positive persons , AIDS (Disease) patients , Phenomenology , Existentialism
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1443
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , HIV/AIDS is an epidemic of grand proportions sweeping through South Africa and the world at large. The statistics reveal that HIV/AIDS particularly in South Africa is fast becoming a major health crisis and psychological emergency. It is one of the most challenging, perplexing and alarming realities of recent times. Because of its terminal nature and the distant possibility of cure, infection with the disease to date provides death as the only available option. This in turn has enormous ramifications on multiple levels inter alia personal, societal, economic and political levels. These ramifications are potentially devastating. Furthermore, because of its common sexual mode of transmission, it is a disease that confronts individuals and society at large with some of the most vicious forms of prejudice and injustice, often leaving those living with the disease shamed and alone. This is confounded by the fact that it is a disease that follows no precedent for coping both on a personal and societal level, leaving society and the individuals living with HIV/AIDS helpless and hopeless. It therefore is a disease and experience that necessitates urgent exploration and investigation. The literature review attempts to present the frame of reference from which to understand and contextualise the experience of living with HIV specifically focusing on the biological (Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Webb, 1997), psychosocial (Antonovky, 1979; Carson & Green, 1992; Cohen & Willis; 1985; Hedge, 1991; Nicholas & Webster, 1993; Ragsdale & Morrow, 1990; Zich & Temoshok; 1987) personal (Kubler-Ross, 1969; Tegius, 1992), cultural (Fee & Fox, 1988; Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Van Dyk, 2001), gendered (Glover-Walton, 2001; Lawson, 1999; Wilton, 1997) and political (Grundlingh, 2001; Webb, 1997) experience of HIV/AIDS. It explores the impact of diagnosis on identity and psychosocial development (Tegius & Ahmed, 1992) and attempts to explore ways of coping with the experience (Cohen & Willis, 1985; Folkman & Lazarus, 1980; Lazarus & DeLongis, 1983). Further it examines the social constructions that shape and guide the personal experience of the disease (Dansky, 1994; Sontag, 1991). It explores the intersection and influence of culture, gender and politics on the experience of living with HIV/AIDS (Brandt, 1988b). The literature review further explores the experience of meaning making from a religious (Baumeister, 1991; Yalom, 1980), existential (Frankl, 1965; Frankl , 1967; Frankl , 1969; Frankl, 1978; Frankl, 1984; Fromm, 1949; May, 1967; Yalom, 1980) and cultural perspective (Hammond-Tooke, 1989; Kiernan, 1981; Louw, 1994). It examines the philosophy of existentialism, as well as elucidates various developmental frameworks of meaning (Erikson, 1963; Fowler, 1981; Kohlberg, 1984; Mezirow, 1991; Reker, 1991). Western and African worldviews in relation to meaning making are examined exploring the intersection of culture with personal meaning systems (Marsella & White, 1982). Meaning in suffering, specifically focusing on meaning in illness, is examined (Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Toombs, 1992). The literature review reveals that most of the research on people living with HIV/AIDS is focused on medical factors describing transmission and biology. Only a small number of theoretical studies and empirical research have begun to explore how people living with HIV/AIDS cope. Research on the exploration of the idiosyncratic meanings and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS is very limited. Research on the lived experience and meaning making of HIV particularly within the South African context has to an extent been ignored and neglected. Furthermore, much past research has focused on the experience of HIV/AIDS in poverty-stricken communities and ignored the experience of HIV/AIDS for middle class individuals. The present investigation of the lived experience of HIV within a phenomenological framework, seeks to address these gaps. It seeks to provide an understanding of the lived experience of HIV as well as explore the meaning making process for middle class individuals living with HIV. The phenomenological system of inquiry is employed as a mode of research in an effort to study the experience of middle class people between the ages of 30 and 39 years, who are living with and potentially making meaning of their experience of being HIV positive. Because an in-depth understanding of such an experience is most suitably accessed through a qualitative approach, a phenomenological research method was chosen, in an attempt to gain access to the idiosyncratic, lived experience of the participants. Four people living with HIV were accessed through the media and through ‘word of mouth’ referrals. Individual interviews were held that lasted between one hour to an hour and a half. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, providing the information from which intra-individual analyses and discussions were carried out on each participant. The analyses rendered an understanding of the participants’ idiosyncratic experience of living with and making meaning of HIV. An inter-individual analysis and integration was then undertaken. Common themes arising from the inter-individual analysis of the participants’ responses related to feelings of being overwhelmed and bewildered by contradictions and perplexity of life with HIV. The participants described finding balance and voice to their experience through the world of work. Thus, in exploring the experience of HIV with others they noted that their sense of self, both physically and psychically, had been profoundly transformed. In turn this impacted their experience of others, which formed an integral part of living with HIV. From a biological perspective the participants noted that through the use of medication, vitamins, exercise and correct diet they had found a means of gaining control over their situation. Nonetheless they felt unable to hold onto the hope of a possible cure. When describing the experience of becoming HIV positive the participants relayed a process of overwhelming and intense feelings. They noted that they had felt ambivalent feelings towards their infectors but in time were able to forgive them. In disclosing their HIV positive status to those close to them the participants described feelings of shame and fear of rejection. They noted that while they did experience rejection from some, they also experienced deep care and support from others close to them. Invariably they noted that becoming HIV positive impacted their ways of being in relationships as it also impacted their way of knowing and being generally in the world. They described feeling fearful of the future and saddened by the experiences of loss and limitation on many levels. Furthermore, they became sensitised to a sense of limited time and in turn became more aware of their inevitable death. Thus in tackling their fears of death the participants noted that they had begun preparing for death and in some way gaining a sense of control. In making sense of their experience and death the participants noted that they had experienced a need to celebrate life and focus on the here and now. They further noticed that in celebrating life they had rediscovered spirituality and religion. They noted a greater sense of depth and compassion in their lives, and felt that they may find a sense of purpose and meaning through helping others. Finally, in elucidating their experience of living with HIV they noted that in many ways the influences of culture, economics and gender had mediated their individual experience of being HIV positive. It is important to note that these central themes of the phenomenon of meaning making and HIV are generated and influenced by broader contexts. The individual with HIV is a being-in-the-world with physical, psychological and social domains, all of which influence and shape his/her experience, the meanings he/she derives from it and the decisions he/she makes in regards thereof. The value of this research lies primarily in its ability to gain an in-depth understanding and insight into the lived experience of people with HIV, particularly within the South African context. The responses of the participants provided insight into and emphasis on the inextricable link between the personal and the political, as it displayed how economics determine access to resources and inevitably determine the experience of living with HIV. For the participants economics was the determining factor in terms of the possibility of using anti-retroviral medication, which invariably determined their prognosis. This has huge implications for public and political policy. Furthermore, the research suggested that living with HIV was very different to life with other terminal diseases, as it is bound up with very potent, social and private constructions of shame, stigma and prejudice. This has implications for public and social education around HIV/AIDS. The participants suggested that becoming HIV positive forced them to relook and re-examine their own stereotypes, transforming their experiences of self and others. The strength of the study lies in the use of a phenomenological framework, as it provided access to a rich, broad and deep description of the subjective experience. However while the qualitative research paradigm yielded fundamental insight into the subjective experiences of the meaning making and HIV, it was unable to quantify these experiences or establish the strength of correlation and causality between variables. These limitations may be circumscribed through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in future research. Furthermore, follow up studies should be done to explore continual patterns or newly emergent trends providing a fuller picture of the experience.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goldstein, Natalie
- Date: 2008-11-03T06:48:38Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , HIV positive persons , AIDS (Disease) patients , Phenomenology , Existentialism
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1443
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , HIV/AIDS is an epidemic of grand proportions sweeping through South Africa and the world at large. The statistics reveal that HIV/AIDS particularly in South Africa is fast becoming a major health crisis and psychological emergency. It is one of the most challenging, perplexing and alarming realities of recent times. Because of its terminal nature and the distant possibility of cure, infection with the disease to date provides death as the only available option. This in turn has enormous ramifications on multiple levels inter alia personal, societal, economic and political levels. These ramifications are potentially devastating. Furthermore, because of its common sexual mode of transmission, it is a disease that confronts individuals and society at large with some of the most vicious forms of prejudice and injustice, often leaving those living with the disease shamed and alone. This is confounded by the fact that it is a disease that follows no precedent for coping both on a personal and societal level, leaving society and the individuals living with HIV/AIDS helpless and hopeless. It therefore is a disease and experience that necessitates urgent exploration and investigation. The literature review attempts to present the frame of reference from which to understand and contextualise the experience of living with HIV specifically focusing on the biological (Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Webb, 1997), psychosocial (Antonovky, 1979; Carson & Green, 1992; Cohen & Willis; 1985; Hedge, 1991; Nicholas & Webster, 1993; Ragsdale & Morrow, 1990; Zich & Temoshok; 1987) personal (Kubler-Ross, 1969; Tegius, 1992), cultural (Fee & Fox, 1988; Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Van Dyk, 2001), gendered (Glover-Walton, 2001; Lawson, 1999; Wilton, 1997) and political (Grundlingh, 2001; Webb, 1997) experience of HIV/AIDS. It explores the impact of diagnosis on identity and psychosocial development (Tegius & Ahmed, 1992) and attempts to explore ways of coping with the experience (Cohen & Willis, 1985; Folkman & Lazarus, 1980; Lazarus & DeLongis, 1983). Further it examines the social constructions that shape and guide the personal experience of the disease (Dansky, 1994; Sontag, 1991). It explores the intersection and influence of culture, gender and politics on the experience of living with HIV/AIDS (Brandt, 1988b). The literature review further explores the experience of meaning making from a religious (Baumeister, 1991; Yalom, 1980), existential (Frankl, 1965; Frankl , 1967; Frankl , 1969; Frankl, 1978; Frankl, 1984; Fromm, 1949; May, 1967; Yalom, 1980) and cultural perspective (Hammond-Tooke, 1989; Kiernan, 1981; Louw, 1994). It examines the philosophy of existentialism, as well as elucidates various developmental frameworks of meaning (Erikson, 1963; Fowler, 1981; Kohlberg, 1984; Mezirow, 1991; Reker, 1991). Western and African worldviews in relation to meaning making are examined exploring the intersection of culture with personal meaning systems (Marsella & White, 1982). Meaning in suffering, specifically focusing on meaning in illness, is examined (Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Toombs, 1992). The literature review reveals that most of the research on people living with HIV/AIDS is focused on medical factors describing transmission and biology. Only a small number of theoretical studies and empirical research have begun to explore how people living with HIV/AIDS cope. Research on the exploration of the idiosyncratic meanings and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS is very limited. Research on the lived experience and meaning making of HIV particularly within the South African context has to an extent been ignored and neglected. Furthermore, much past research has focused on the experience of HIV/AIDS in poverty-stricken communities and ignored the experience of HIV/AIDS for middle class individuals. The present investigation of the lived experience of HIV within a phenomenological framework, seeks to address these gaps. It seeks to provide an understanding of the lived experience of HIV as well as explore the meaning making process for middle class individuals living with HIV. The phenomenological system of inquiry is employed as a mode of research in an effort to study the experience of middle class people between the ages of 30 and 39 years, who are living with and potentially making meaning of their experience of being HIV positive. Because an in-depth understanding of such an experience is most suitably accessed through a qualitative approach, a phenomenological research method was chosen, in an attempt to gain access to the idiosyncratic, lived experience of the participants. Four people living with HIV were accessed through the media and through ‘word of mouth’ referrals. Individual interviews were held that lasted between one hour to an hour and a half. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, providing the information from which intra-individual analyses and discussions were carried out on each participant. The analyses rendered an understanding of the participants’ idiosyncratic experience of living with and making meaning of HIV. An inter-individual analysis and integration was then undertaken. Common themes arising from the inter-individual analysis of the participants’ responses related to feelings of being overwhelmed and bewildered by contradictions and perplexity of life with HIV. The participants described finding balance and voice to their experience through the world of work. Thus, in exploring the experience of HIV with others they noted that their sense of self, both physically and psychically, had been profoundly transformed. In turn this impacted their experience of others, which formed an integral part of living with HIV. From a biological perspective the participants noted that through the use of medication, vitamins, exercise and correct diet they had found a means of gaining control over their situation. Nonetheless they felt unable to hold onto the hope of a possible cure. When describing the experience of becoming HIV positive the participants relayed a process of overwhelming and intense feelings. They noted that they had felt ambivalent feelings towards their infectors but in time were able to forgive them. In disclosing their HIV positive status to those close to them the participants described feelings of shame and fear of rejection. They noted that while they did experience rejection from some, they also experienced deep care and support from others close to them. Invariably they noted that becoming HIV positive impacted their ways of being in relationships as it also impacted their way of knowing and being generally in the world. They described feeling fearful of the future and saddened by the experiences of loss and limitation on many levels. Furthermore, they became sensitised to a sense of limited time and in turn became more aware of their inevitable death. Thus in tackling their fears of death the participants noted that they had begun preparing for death and in some way gaining a sense of control. In making sense of their experience and death the participants noted that they had experienced a need to celebrate life and focus on the here and now. They further noticed that in celebrating life they had rediscovered spirituality and religion. They noted a greater sense of depth and compassion in their lives, and felt that they may find a sense of purpose and meaning through helping others. Finally, in elucidating their experience of living with HIV they noted that in many ways the influences of culture, economics and gender had mediated their individual experience of being HIV positive. It is important to note that these central themes of the phenomenon of meaning making and HIV are generated and influenced by broader contexts. The individual with HIV is a being-in-the-world with physical, psychological and social domains, all of which influence and shape his/her experience, the meanings he/she derives from it and the decisions he/she makes in regards thereof. The value of this research lies primarily in its ability to gain an in-depth understanding and insight into the lived experience of people with HIV, particularly within the South African context. The responses of the participants provided insight into and emphasis on the inextricable link between the personal and the political, as it displayed how economics determine access to resources and inevitably determine the experience of living with HIV. For the participants economics was the determining factor in terms of the possibility of using anti-retroviral medication, which invariably determined their prognosis. This has huge implications for public and political policy. Furthermore, the research suggested that living with HIV was very different to life with other terminal diseases, as it is bound up with very potent, social and private constructions of shame, stigma and prejudice. This has implications for public and social education around HIV/AIDS. The participants suggested that becoming HIV positive forced them to relook and re-examine their own stereotypes, transforming their experiences of self and others. The strength of the study lies in the use of a phenomenological framework, as it provided access to a rich, broad and deep description of the subjective experience. However while the qualitative research paradigm yielded fundamental insight into the subjective experiences of the meaning making and HIV, it was unable to quantify these experiences or establish the strength of correlation and causality between variables. These limitations may be circumscribed through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in future research. Furthermore, follow up studies should be done to explore continual patterns or newly emergent trends providing a fuller picture of the experience.
- Full Text:
Architectural metaphor in psychotherapy : a phenomenological study
- Authors: Segal, Aharon M.
- Date: 2009-09-16T10:28:48Z
- Subjects: Architectural metaphor , Psychotherapy research , Phenomenological psychology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2969
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Segal, Aharon M.
- Date: 2009-09-16T10:28:48Z
- Subjects: Architectural metaphor , Psychotherapy research , Phenomenological psychology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2969
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil.
- Full Text: false
Describing non-institutionalised male rape
- Authors: Hull, Richard
- Date: 2008-11-06T07:24:52Z
- Subjects: Male rape , Rape victims , Male rape victims
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1516
- Description: M.A. , In today’s world, men are often under represented within the domain of the victim. Dominant narratives such as feminism and those that inform masculinity could be seen as maintaining this under representation. One area where this is particularly evident concerns the male victim of rape. This study utilised a phenomenological methodology in an attempt to describe the phenomenon of male rape from the victims’ perspectives. The methodology that was employed relied on transcendental phenomenology in order to create the descriptions of this phenomenon. Through the application of this method it was discovered that the phenomenon of male rape has a dominant structure that is related to the destruction and reconstruction of the masculine self. The research also revealed several textural themes that include the characteristics of the assault, the treatment and support that victims receive, the effect of the assault on the self, disclosure about the assault, the learning’s and life changes brought about by the assault, the victims’ feelings towards their assailants and the effect of the assault on the victims’ relationships. The research furthermore provides individual textural and structural descriptions for each of the individual participants who took part in the study. Composite textural and structural descriptions were also created for the group of participants as a whole. The final description that was created through the research process includes the intuitive integration of the fundamental composite textural and structural descriptions into a unified statement of the essences of the experience of male rape as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hull, Richard
- Date: 2008-11-06T07:24:52Z
- Subjects: Male rape , Rape victims , Male rape victims
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1516
- Description: M.A. , In today’s world, men are often under represented within the domain of the victim. Dominant narratives such as feminism and those that inform masculinity could be seen as maintaining this under representation. One area where this is particularly evident concerns the male victim of rape. This study utilised a phenomenological methodology in an attempt to describe the phenomenon of male rape from the victims’ perspectives. The methodology that was employed relied on transcendental phenomenology in order to create the descriptions of this phenomenon. Through the application of this method it was discovered that the phenomenon of male rape has a dominant structure that is related to the destruction and reconstruction of the masculine self. The research also revealed several textural themes that include the characteristics of the assault, the treatment and support that victims receive, the effect of the assault on the self, disclosure about the assault, the learning’s and life changes brought about by the assault, the victims’ feelings towards their assailants and the effect of the assault on the victims’ relationships. The research furthermore provides individual textural and structural descriptions for each of the individual participants who took part in the study. Composite textural and structural descriptions were also created for the group of participants as a whole. The final description that was created through the research process includes the intuitive integration of the fundamental composite textural and structural descriptions into a unified statement of the essences of the experience of male rape as a whole.
- Full Text:
Die gesin van oorsprong en eetversteurings: 'n fenomenologiese studie
- Authors: Van der Nest, Illana
- Date: 2008-11-14T14:20:56Z
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence , Teenagers' family relationships
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1693
- Description: M.A. , In this study an attempt is made to understand the phenomenological experience of girls in late adolescence who have had eating disorders, as well as the family dynamics that form part of this disorder. A developmental perspective regarding adolescence is discussed in this study. Eating disorders as a construct and the family of origin are broadly discussed in the literature chapter. Phenomenological research procedures are used to investigate three participants’ experience of eating disorders and their family of origin. Themes and sub themes that stood out in this study have been formulated and discussed. These main themes are the following: identity; emotionality; friendship relationships; compulsive behavior regarding food, body and weight; medical factors due to eating disorders; academic performance and competition; possible triggers for eating disorders; family factors; family patterns; family communication, and the road to recovery. The value of this study is illuminated. Some shortcomings of this study are recognized and suggestions for future research are made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Nest, Illana
- Date: 2008-11-14T14:20:56Z
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence , Teenagers' family relationships
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1693
- Description: M.A. , In this study an attempt is made to understand the phenomenological experience of girls in late adolescence who have had eating disorders, as well as the family dynamics that form part of this disorder. A developmental perspective regarding adolescence is discussed in this study. Eating disorders as a construct and the family of origin are broadly discussed in the literature chapter. Phenomenological research procedures are used to investigate three participants’ experience of eating disorders and their family of origin. Themes and sub themes that stood out in this study have been formulated and discussed. These main themes are the following: identity; emotionality; friendship relationships; compulsive behavior regarding food, body and weight; medical factors due to eating disorders; academic performance and competition; possible triggers for eating disorders; family factors; family patterns; family communication, and the road to recovery. The value of this study is illuminated. Some shortcomings of this study are recognized and suggestions for future research are made.
- Full Text:
Die toesig en beheer dispuut: ouers se geleefde ervaring
- Authors: Van der Nest, Illana
- Date: 2009-05-04T09:48:36Z
- Subjects: Custody of children
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8342 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2468
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , This study explores the experience of parents who were involved in child custody disputes. In order to shed light on the phenomenon under review, an investigation of existing research literature was undertaken. The review comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to child custody and the various factors which play a role in the experience. These include an examination of factors surrounding the custody, emotional factors and coping skills. A further focus of the review is on the process of meaning making. The review explores the legal issues of child custody in South Africa and the role of the psychologist working in a forensic setting. The focus of the study is on the world of the lived experience as it is interpreted by participants in order to produce an understanding of the participants’ experience. Hence the study is sited within a phenomenological framework. Six participants were interviewed with the intention to act as informants who are able to give rich and abundant descriptions of their experience. All participants have been involved in disputes regarding the custody of their children. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. An interwoven analysis was presented in order to identify the themes and experiences of such disputes which emerged from the transcripts. An attempt was made to understand how the various phenomena relating to experience of disputed child custody as well as the role of the psychologist were reflected by participants in the interviews. Finally the study presents a reflection on the experience of the researcher. An evaluation comprising the strengths and limitations of the study as well recommendations for future research is further presented. The unique contribution to the field of psychology is also addressed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Nest, Illana
- Date: 2009-05-04T09:48:36Z
- Subjects: Custody of children
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8342 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2468
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , This study explores the experience of parents who were involved in child custody disputes. In order to shed light on the phenomenon under review, an investigation of existing research literature was undertaken. The review comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to child custody and the various factors which play a role in the experience. These include an examination of factors surrounding the custody, emotional factors and coping skills. A further focus of the review is on the process of meaning making. The review explores the legal issues of child custody in South Africa and the role of the psychologist working in a forensic setting. The focus of the study is on the world of the lived experience as it is interpreted by participants in order to produce an understanding of the participants’ experience. Hence the study is sited within a phenomenological framework. Six participants were interviewed with the intention to act as informants who are able to give rich and abundant descriptions of their experience. All participants have been involved in disputes regarding the custody of their children. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. An interwoven analysis was presented in order to identify the themes and experiences of such disputes which emerged from the transcripts. An attempt was made to understand how the various phenomena relating to experience of disputed child custody as well as the role of the psychologist were reflected by participants in the interviews. Finally the study presents a reflection on the experience of the researcher. An evaluation comprising the strengths and limitations of the study as well recommendations for future research is further presented. The unique contribution to the field of psychology is also addressed.
- Full Text:
Egskeidingsterapie vir laerskoolkinders
- Authors: Meyer, Karin
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Divorce therapy -- Research -- South Africa , Children of divorced parents -- Treatment -- Research -- South Africa , School children -- Mental health -- Research -- South Africa , Divorce -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7473
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study is to develop a divorce therapy program to support children of divorce. The programme is discussed in an attempt at evaluating whether children of divorced families are being supported in terms of their view of the reality of the situation as well as coping with the divorce. Divorce is described as an idiosyncratic life event that causes confusion and fear for all those involved. The affected child is a victim of these circumstances in that he has no control over the decisions that are made and are forced into a position where he is obliged to accept whatever others decide. The child's fear and needs are being ignored. These children have poor self concepts and experience conflict regarding their family concept. This programme was designed as an attempt at supporting children during these difficult periods and involves a comprehensive therapy. In order to accommodate the withdrawn child, the therapy is presented in the context of a group. The child finds it easier to cope if he realizes that he is not the only one whose parents are going through divorce. The child normally experiences feelings of shyness and embarrassment pertaining to the divorce, and regards himself as an outsider at school, and in his peer group. The child who is able to share his feelings with other children who experiences similar feelings will be able to better cope with his situation. The child often feels guilt and blames himself for the divorce. Such feelings are intensified if the parents fail to inform him about the impending divorce. This program offers the child an opportunity to discuss his feelings with other children, and to realise that he is not the only child subjected to divorce. Family concept difficulties occur as a result of the changed family circumstances, which difficulties are of such a nature that the child cannot solve same without professional assistance. In certain instances children attempt to solve their unbearable circumstances by fantasizing about the reconciliation of their parents, and the restoration of a normal and happy family life. This despite the fact that their parents are involved in a second marriage. Loyalty conflicts with associated guilt feelings arise due to the fact that children feel torn between their parents, and are of the view that they are obliged to choose between the parents. The ideal is to teach the child coping mechanisms to cope with the divorce and to support the child at this critical stage of his life.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, Karin
- Date: 2012-09-11
- Subjects: Divorce therapy -- Research -- South Africa , Children of divorced parents -- Treatment -- Research -- South Africa , School children -- Mental health -- Research -- South Africa , Divorce -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7473
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study is to develop a divorce therapy program to support children of divorce. The programme is discussed in an attempt at evaluating whether children of divorced families are being supported in terms of their view of the reality of the situation as well as coping with the divorce. Divorce is described as an idiosyncratic life event that causes confusion and fear for all those involved. The affected child is a victim of these circumstances in that he has no control over the decisions that are made and are forced into a position where he is obliged to accept whatever others decide. The child's fear and needs are being ignored. These children have poor self concepts and experience conflict regarding their family concept. This programme was designed as an attempt at supporting children during these difficult periods and involves a comprehensive therapy. In order to accommodate the withdrawn child, the therapy is presented in the context of a group. The child finds it easier to cope if he realizes that he is not the only one whose parents are going through divorce. The child normally experiences feelings of shyness and embarrassment pertaining to the divorce, and regards himself as an outsider at school, and in his peer group. The child who is able to share his feelings with other children who experiences similar feelings will be able to better cope with his situation. The child often feels guilt and blames himself for the divorce. Such feelings are intensified if the parents fail to inform him about the impending divorce. This program offers the child an opportunity to discuss his feelings with other children, and to realise that he is not the only child subjected to divorce. Family concept difficulties occur as a result of the changed family circumstances, which difficulties are of such a nature that the child cannot solve same without professional assistance. In certain instances children attempt to solve their unbearable circumstances by fantasizing about the reconciliation of their parents, and the restoration of a normal and happy family life. This despite the fact that their parents are involved in a second marriage. Loyalty conflicts with associated guilt feelings arise due to the fact that children feel torn between their parents, and are of the view that they are obliged to choose between the parents. The ideal is to teach the child coping mechanisms to cope with the divorce and to support the child at this critical stage of his life.
- Full Text:
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.
- Full Text:
- 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.
- Full Text:
Irritable bowel syndrome and vocational stress: individual psychotherapy
- Authors: Nel, Patricia Kathleen
- Date: 2008-11-11T06:49:41Z
- Subjects: Irritable colon , Irritable colon treatment , Stress (Psychology) , Stress (Physiology) , Psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1596
- Description: M.A. , The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of an individualized holistic psychotherapy and synergistic stress management programme for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and stress, both of which are common disorders in this present day and age. IBS is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to change in bowel habits with the additional features of abdominal pain and distension (Drossman, 1994b). This functional disorder has been associated with stress since time immemorial and it is only recently that research has begun to examine how and by what mechanisms IBS and stress are related. A review of the literature suggests a resurgent interest in IBS and stress. Tantalizing questions like ‘IBS – irritable bowel, irritable body, irritable brain or irritable mind?’ gives one an idea of the genesis from which the disorder has come, the complications in which it has been mired and the directions in which it is aspiring to go (Farthing, 1995). Using both the historical context and the present level of understanding in the research literature, one becomes aware of the shifting paradigm from the dualistic Cartesian-Newtonian biomedical perspective, to the biopsychosocial and integrative mind-body approaches which reflect the move to a holistic and non-linear quantum scientific worldview. The ecosystemic paradigm on which the present study is based, represents this shift whereby systemic changes in cyclical rhythmic patterns within the psychophysiology of clients reflect new ways of conceptualizing psychosomatic (mind-body) ill-health (Weiner, 1992). Within the behavioural and medical health fields, both psychologists and physicians as well as a number of other disciplines are moving towards more integrative solutions which include the mind-body-spirit dimensions of the individual. Drossman, Whitehead and Camilleri (1997) have begun to consider the individualized expression of the illness in the patient and to situate him among his wider systems, as well as incorporating a referral team approach to the treatment of IBS. Salt (1997) extends the use of the biopsychosocial model to include the spiritual dimension in his treatment of IBS patients. Broom (1997) weaves the various internal systems of the person into the story of the client’s illness that integrates the mind and body. The psychologically based holistic intervention of this study was developed in response to the calls for more integrative approaches to treatment which incorporate whole-person care. The specific aim of this study is to compare a group of IBS participants who receive the holistic individualized psychotherapy and synergistic stress management intervention with a group of IBS participants who do not receive the treatment. The sample consisted of two groups, an experimental (N = 20) group and a control (N = 20) group. The IBS Client Questionnaire also known as the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI) (Drossman, Zhiming, Toner, Diamant, Creed, Thompson, Read, Babbs, Barreiro, Bank, Whitehead, Schuster & Guthrie 1995) was used to verify a diagnosis of IBS as well as a measure of the severity of symptoms. This index is based on the current international diagnostic criteria for IBS. The Occupational Stress Inventory was used as a measure of vocational stress and was developed to provide an integrated theoretical model linking sources of stress in the work environment, psychological strains experienced by individuals as a result of work stressors and the coping resources available to counterbalance the effect of stressors and alleviate strain. It consists of three scales, namely Occupational Roles, Personal Strain and Personal Resources scales respectively. Wilks’ Lambda was used for the between-groups comparisons between the intervention and non-intervention groups and Paired Samples t-test was used for the within-groups analysis. The comparisons were made in terms of improvement in symptoms, determined by the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI) and lowering of occupational stress, determined by two of the scales of the Occupational Stress Inventory, namely the Occupational Roles and Personal Strain scales and an increase in coping responses determined by the Personal Resources scale. Both of these were administered as pre- and post-test measures before and three months after the intervention was completed. The results of the study indicate that the experimental group of IBS participants who received the intervention improved in symptom severity, their occupational stress was lowered and they began utilizing more coping resources than the group of IBS participants who did not receive the intervention. Thus it is concluded that an individualized holistic approach for the treatment of IBS is indicated and that individuals with refractory IBS can be helped to manage their illness and their lives. In particular, this psychologically based study confirms a very definite and specific place for psychologists in the treatment of clients with IBS and stress. An invitation was extended to the control group to use the facilities for therapeutic intervention offered by the RAU Psychogastroenterology project once the post-tests had been completed, thus addressing any ethical questions that could have arisen. This was an initial investigation using an ecologically based meta-theoretical framework as well as specific stress techniques for the holistic treatment of clients. A number of recommendations arose from this particular intervention and are included for future studies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nel, Patricia Kathleen
- Date: 2008-11-11T06:49:41Z
- Subjects: Irritable colon , Irritable colon treatment , Stress (Psychology) , Stress (Physiology) , Psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1596
- Description: M.A. , The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of an individualized holistic psychotherapy and synergistic stress management programme for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and stress, both of which are common disorders in this present day and age. IBS is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to change in bowel habits with the additional features of abdominal pain and distension (Drossman, 1994b). This functional disorder has been associated with stress since time immemorial and it is only recently that research has begun to examine how and by what mechanisms IBS and stress are related. A review of the literature suggests a resurgent interest in IBS and stress. Tantalizing questions like ‘IBS – irritable bowel, irritable body, irritable brain or irritable mind?’ gives one an idea of the genesis from which the disorder has come, the complications in which it has been mired and the directions in which it is aspiring to go (Farthing, 1995). Using both the historical context and the present level of understanding in the research literature, one becomes aware of the shifting paradigm from the dualistic Cartesian-Newtonian biomedical perspective, to the biopsychosocial and integrative mind-body approaches which reflect the move to a holistic and non-linear quantum scientific worldview. The ecosystemic paradigm on which the present study is based, represents this shift whereby systemic changes in cyclical rhythmic patterns within the psychophysiology of clients reflect new ways of conceptualizing psychosomatic (mind-body) ill-health (Weiner, 1992). Within the behavioural and medical health fields, both psychologists and physicians as well as a number of other disciplines are moving towards more integrative solutions which include the mind-body-spirit dimensions of the individual. Drossman, Whitehead and Camilleri (1997) have begun to consider the individualized expression of the illness in the patient and to situate him among his wider systems, as well as incorporating a referral team approach to the treatment of IBS. Salt (1997) extends the use of the biopsychosocial model to include the spiritual dimension in his treatment of IBS patients. Broom (1997) weaves the various internal systems of the person into the story of the client’s illness that integrates the mind and body. The psychologically based holistic intervention of this study was developed in response to the calls for more integrative approaches to treatment which incorporate whole-person care. The specific aim of this study is to compare a group of IBS participants who receive the holistic individualized psychotherapy and synergistic stress management intervention with a group of IBS participants who do not receive the treatment. The sample consisted of two groups, an experimental (N = 20) group and a control (N = 20) group. The IBS Client Questionnaire also known as the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI) (Drossman, Zhiming, Toner, Diamant, Creed, Thompson, Read, Babbs, Barreiro, Bank, Whitehead, Schuster & Guthrie 1995) was used to verify a diagnosis of IBS as well as a measure of the severity of symptoms. This index is based on the current international diagnostic criteria for IBS. The Occupational Stress Inventory was used as a measure of vocational stress and was developed to provide an integrated theoretical model linking sources of stress in the work environment, psychological strains experienced by individuals as a result of work stressors and the coping resources available to counterbalance the effect of stressors and alleviate strain. It consists of three scales, namely Occupational Roles, Personal Strain and Personal Resources scales respectively. Wilks’ Lambda was used for the between-groups comparisons between the intervention and non-intervention groups and Paired Samples t-test was used for the within-groups analysis. The comparisons were made in terms of improvement in symptoms, determined by the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI) and lowering of occupational stress, determined by two of the scales of the Occupational Stress Inventory, namely the Occupational Roles and Personal Strain scales and an increase in coping responses determined by the Personal Resources scale. Both of these were administered as pre- and post-test measures before and three months after the intervention was completed. The results of the study indicate that the experimental group of IBS participants who received the intervention improved in symptom severity, their occupational stress was lowered and they began utilizing more coping resources than the group of IBS participants who did not receive the intervention. Thus it is concluded that an individualized holistic approach for the treatment of IBS is indicated and that individuals with refractory IBS can be helped to manage their illness and their lives. In particular, this psychologically based study confirms a very definite and specific place for psychologists in the treatment of clients with IBS and stress. An invitation was extended to the control group to use the facilities for therapeutic intervention offered by the RAU Psychogastroenterology project once the post-tests had been completed, thus addressing any ethical questions that could have arisen. This was an initial investigation using an ecologically based meta-theoretical framework as well as specific stress techniques for the holistic treatment of clients. A number of recommendations arose from this particular intervention and are included for future studies.
- Full Text:
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.
- Full Text:
- 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.
- Full Text:
Persoonlikheidsfunksionering van androgene individue binne huwelikskonteks
- Authors: Heyns, Anelise
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Androgyny (Psychology) , Gender identity , Sex differences (Psychology) , Personality and situation , Bisexuality in marriage
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5516
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning personality functioning of androgynous individuals, and more specifically within the context of marital relationships. Ideally, a holistic view of a person in his/her unique life situation should be taken into account in scientific research. In order to limit this study only two personality concepts were studied, self concept and locus of control. it must be kept in mind , however that there is an ecological interaction between many more and unknown factors and granting that it is artificial to isolate only two factors from encompassing whole.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Heyns, Anelise
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Androgyny (Psychology) , Gender identity , Sex differences (Psychology) , Personality and situation , Bisexuality in marriage
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5516
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning personality functioning of androgynous individuals, and more specifically within the context of marital relationships. Ideally, a holistic view of a person in his/her unique life situation should be taken into account in scientific research. In order to limit this study only two personality concepts were studied, self concept and locus of control. it must be kept in mind , however that there is an ecological interaction between many more and unknown factors and granting that it is artificial to isolate only two factors from encompassing whole.
- Full Text:
The body speaks: psychogenic infertility, femininity and life scripts
- Authors: Damant, Bev
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:12:55Z
- Subjects: Female infertility , Femininity , Motherhood , Mind and body , Mind and body therapies , Psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1430
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , Psychogenic infertility is both a medically and psychologically complex issue for women who have tried for several years to have a baby. Irrespective of etiology, infertility may be a very intense and stressful experience for both partners, affecting their relationship, sexuality, self-esteem, body image and identity. The ‘not knowing’ of psychogenic infertility creates uncertainty and anxiety, and may represent a crisis for many women. Conceiving and raising a child has social and cultural meaning that may precipitate a sense of loss about her female identity if she is not able to have a baby. The study’s exploration of psychogenic infertility entails four aspects: - an investigation of both the overt and covert attitudes of psychogenically infertile women towards dimensions of the feminine role, and an assessment of this quantitative analysis to determine which of the feminine role factors are significant - an analysis of the twenty-one case studies to investigate the life scripts of each woman and how these relate to: her femininity and her acceptance of her feminine role; her sense of motherhood and her motherliness; her own mother-daughter relationship; and to her psychogenic infertility. - a narrative exploration with one woman which incorporates these significant factors together with elements of her life scripts, using an integrated scripts, psychodynamic and narrative approach for the analysis - a storied account of the narrative exploration with one psychogenically infertile woman, in an effort to explore the relationship between femininity and life scripts in the psychogenesis of unexplained female infertility, and to investigate the possible therapeutic value of a therapeutic intervention for women experiencing unexplained infertility, specifically an intervention that would integrate: exploration of life scripts, psychodynamic understanding and narrative re-storying of her infertility. Therapeutic intervention for women experiencing infertility is often focused on the stress experienced and on cognitive-behavioural ways of living with the distress. Literature to date does not indicate a therapeutic framework based on an approach that integrates elements of life scripts, psychodynamic, and narrative therapies to explore how scripts about femininity and motherhood may be unknowingly preventing the women from identifying with her female role of conceiving a baby.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Damant, Bev
- Date: 2008-10-31T09:12:55Z
- Subjects: Female infertility , Femininity , Motherhood , Mind and body , Mind and body therapies , Psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1430
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , Psychogenic infertility is both a medically and psychologically complex issue for women who have tried for several years to have a baby. Irrespective of etiology, infertility may be a very intense and stressful experience for both partners, affecting their relationship, sexuality, self-esteem, body image and identity. The ‘not knowing’ of psychogenic infertility creates uncertainty and anxiety, and may represent a crisis for many women. Conceiving and raising a child has social and cultural meaning that may precipitate a sense of loss about her female identity if she is not able to have a baby. The study’s exploration of psychogenic infertility entails four aspects: - an investigation of both the overt and covert attitudes of psychogenically infertile women towards dimensions of the feminine role, and an assessment of this quantitative analysis to determine which of the feminine role factors are significant - an analysis of the twenty-one case studies to investigate the life scripts of each woman and how these relate to: her femininity and her acceptance of her feminine role; her sense of motherhood and her motherliness; her own mother-daughter relationship; and to her psychogenic infertility. - a narrative exploration with one woman which incorporates these significant factors together with elements of her life scripts, using an integrated scripts, psychodynamic and narrative approach for the analysis - a storied account of the narrative exploration with one psychogenically infertile woman, in an effort to explore the relationship between femininity and life scripts in the psychogenesis of unexplained female infertility, and to investigate the possible therapeutic value of a therapeutic intervention for women experiencing unexplained infertility, specifically an intervention that would integrate: exploration of life scripts, psychodynamic understanding and narrative re-storying of her infertility. Therapeutic intervention for women experiencing infertility is often focused on the stress experienced and on cognitive-behavioural ways of living with the distress. Literature to date does not indicate a therapeutic framework based on an approach that integrates elements of life scripts, psychodynamic, and narrative therapies to explore how scripts about femininity and motherhood may be unknowingly preventing the women from identifying with her female role of conceiving a baby.
- Full Text:
The development and evaluation of an holistic intervention programme for adolescents of divorce
- Authors: Basson, Wilna
- Date: 2010-11-22T09:48:03Z
- Subjects: Group psychotherapy for teenagers , Effect of divorce on teenagers , Adolescent psychotherapy , Children of divorced parents , Adolescent psychology , Parent and child
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3524
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , The general aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a group intervention programme for adolescents of divorce. The holistic perspective that formed the basis for the group intervention ensured attention to all relevant interacting modalities. The study included a separate, but parallel group programme for custodial parents, aimed at providing relevant information and teaching coping skills. The effect of the programme on emotional adjustment, depression, locus of control and children's beliefs about parental divorce was investigated empirically. Themes that dominated discussions during the adolescent group sessions were identified by qualitative measures. The overall value of the programme as experienced by participants was assessed. The results revealed that the group of adolescents who received intervention without parental involvement in the parent programme, improved significantly from pre to post intervention on the variables locus of control and emotional adjustment. A notable decrease in symptoms of depression was observed. The subjects whose parents participated in the parental intervention benefited less by.the program~e and did not improve significantly on any of the measures. Major themes that emerged from the qualitative study were all associated with post divorce life. Themes identified include: losing out on childhood and family life; continuous parental conflict; feelings of responsibility about the welfare of parents; ambivalent feelings towards the father; difficulties in accepting new partners of their parents and uncertainty regarding future relationships. It is the conclusion of the researcher that an holistic group intervention programme as conducted in this study can contribute towards positive change in adolescents after parental divorce. It is recommended that adolescents should attend group intervention without parental involvement.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Basson, Wilna
- Date: 2010-11-22T09:48:03Z
- Subjects: Group psychotherapy for teenagers , Effect of divorce on teenagers , Adolescent psychotherapy , Children of divorced parents , Adolescent psychology , Parent and child
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3524
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , The general aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a group intervention programme for adolescents of divorce. The holistic perspective that formed the basis for the group intervention ensured attention to all relevant interacting modalities. The study included a separate, but parallel group programme for custodial parents, aimed at providing relevant information and teaching coping skills. The effect of the programme on emotional adjustment, depression, locus of control and children's beliefs about parental divorce was investigated empirically. Themes that dominated discussions during the adolescent group sessions were identified by qualitative measures. The overall value of the programme as experienced by participants was assessed. The results revealed that the group of adolescents who received intervention without parental involvement in the parent programme, improved significantly from pre to post intervention on the variables locus of control and emotional adjustment. A notable decrease in symptoms of depression was observed. The subjects whose parents participated in the parental intervention benefited less by.the program~e and did not improve significantly on any of the measures. Major themes that emerged from the qualitative study were all associated with post divorce life. Themes identified include: losing out on childhood and family life; continuous parental conflict; feelings of responsibility about the welfare of parents; ambivalent feelings towards the father; difficulties in accepting new partners of their parents and uncertainty regarding future relationships. It is the conclusion of the researcher that an holistic group intervention programme as conducted in this study can contribute towards positive change in adolescents after parental divorce. It is recommended that adolescents should attend group intervention without parental involvement.
- Full Text:
The double bind between individual and social constructions in female survivors of sexual abuse : a qualitative study
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Rudolph Leon
- Date: 2012-08-22
- Subjects: Adult child sexual abuse victims - Research - South Africa , Adult child sexual abuse victims - Psychology - Research - South Africa , Crimes against women - Research - South Africa , Crimes against women - Psychological aspects , Women - Psychology - Research - South Africa , Child sexual abuse - Research - South Africa , Incest victims - Research - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6400
- Description: M.A. , This study is an attempt to investigate the way in which female survivors of childhood sexual abuse made sense of their experiences. Three participants were interviewed and the relevant themes that emerged from those interviews were coded and reported. The study was conducted from a qualitative perspective that was grounded in social construction methodology. The survivors' individual constructions of meaning at the time of their sexual abuse, their introduction to the social constructions of meaning about child sexual abuse and the double bind between these constructions are reported. The survivors' narratives are representations of the positive way they constructed meaning about their experiences as a way of coping. Their stories are also reflections of the confusion they experienced when introduced to the social constructions of child sexual abuse that differed from the meaning they attributed to their experiences. The study is a representation of the double bind that the difference between the individual and social constructions of their child sexual abuse created for them.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Rudolph Leon
- Date: 2012-08-22
- Subjects: Adult child sexual abuse victims - Research - South Africa , Adult child sexual abuse victims - Psychology - Research - South Africa , Crimes against women - Research - South Africa , Crimes against women - Psychological aspects , Women - Psychology - Research - South Africa , Child sexual abuse - Research - South Africa , Incest victims - Research - South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6400
- Description: M.A. , This study is an attempt to investigate the way in which female survivors of childhood sexual abuse made sense of their experiences. Three participants were interviewed and the relevant themes that emerged from those interviews were coded and reported. The study was conducted from a qualitative perspective that was grounded in social construction methodology. The survivors' individual constructions of meaning at the time of their sexual abuse, their introduction to the social constructions of meaning about child sexual abuse and the double bind between these constructions are reported. The survivors' narratives are representations of the positive way they constructed meaning about their experiences as a way of coping. Their stories are also reflections of the confusion they experienced when introduced to the social constructions of child sexual abuse that differed from the meaning they attributed to their experiences. The study is a representation of the double bind that the difference between the individual and social constructions of their child sexual abuse created for them.
- Full Text:
The links between Western psychotherapy and traditional healing
- Authors: Rudnick, Hilton
- Date: 2008-11-12T08:48:57Z
- Subjects: Psychotherapy , Traditional medicine , Healers , Transpersonal psychology , Transpersonal psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1641
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Philosophies of health care in South Africa tend to be based on either the medical approach or traditional healing. Psychology and psychotherapy, which occupy a niche within the greater health care system, are similarly predisposed. Focusing mainly on psychotherapy / healing, this research sets out to make some sense of the converging and diverging elements of these two broad systems. The research covers Western healing by exploring the roots of psychotherapy from the earliest written records until the late nineteenth century. A similar exercise is undertaken as regards traditional healing, whose origins are examined by speculating on shamanic healing practices which date back to the furthest reaches of human history. Next contemporary traditional healing in Africa is explored in regard to the cosmology and methodologies of healers. The African anthropological worldview in relation to health and mental health are reviewed, giving special emphasis to the elements of spirituality intrinsic to the approach. The spiritual component is then reviewed in regard to Western psychotherapy in the form of Transpersonal psychotherapy, which has become increasingly prevalent in the last decade. In tying them together, it is noted that most ancient forms of healing are directly linked to the most recent contemporary forms. In order to better understand the processes of modern practitioners, several healers and therapists across the ethnic spectrum were interviewed. Using semi-structured interview techniques followed by a phenomenological analysis, the data was divided into 50 meaning clusters and then rationalised into 10 themes most pertinent to the direction of this project. The ten extracted themes were: Western Models: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to Western therapeutic approaches. Therapist Ethnicity: The experiences of Black and White therapists in practice, in regard to ethnic issues. Knowledge of Traditional Healers: The knowledge that Black and White therapists had about the worldview and methodologies of traditional healers. Traditional Healing Scope: The types of problems addressed by traditional healing. Traditional Healing Methods: The techniques and methods employed by traditional healers. Ancestors : The relationship, powers and beliefs about ancestors held by traditional healers and Black therapists. Cosmology: The South African worldview as expressed by traditional healers and Black therapists. Traditional Healing: Miscellaneous Aspects of traditional healing which were relevant but did not fall into other themes. Client Relationship: The nature of the relationship required for effective traditional healing and therapy. Therapist training: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to therapy training. Each of the above themes are discussed in detail and the participants’ views on aspects such as training and the approaches to therapy and healing are extracted. The research ends by attempting to draw all the previous information together and give tentative answers to the research question. It is argued that the most fundamental link between psychotherapy and healing takes place in regard to the ‘common factors’ or contextual elements in therapy and healing. In order to make psychotherapy more relevant to Black South Africans, several recommendations are suggested, among them the Africanisation of therapeutic approaches that take into account the practical circumstances of most prospective clients. In addition it is argued that therapy can be more synergistic with healing by drawing on its intrinsic features of spirituality and reconnection. It is also suggested that additional research impetus be given to the development of African models of psychology and therapy. It is not envisaged that Western models will need to be rewritten from scratch, but rather that the particular circumstances of Africa are taken into account.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rudnick, Hilton
- Date: 2008-11-12T08:48:57Z
- Subjects: Psychotherapy , Traditional medicine , Healers , Transpersonal psychology , Transpersonal psychotherapy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1641
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Philosophies of health care in South Africa tend to be based on either the medical approach or traditional healing. Psychology and psychotherapy, which occupy a niche within the greater health care system, are similarly predisposed. Focusing mainly on psychotherapy / healing, this research sets out to make some sense of the converging and diverging elements of these two broad systems. The research covers Western healing by exploring the roots of psychotherapy from the earliest written records until the late nineteenth century. A similar exercise is undertaken as regards traditional healing, whose origins are examined by speculating on shamanic healing practices which date back to the furthest reaches of human history. Next contemporary traditional healing in Africa is explored in regard to the cosmology and methodologies of healers. The African anthropological worldview in relation to health and mental health are reviewed, giving special emphasis to the elements of spirituality intrinsic to the approach. The spiritual component is then reviewed in regard to Western psychotherapy in the form of Transpersonal psychotherapy, which has become increasingly prevalent in the last decade. In tying them together, it is noted that most ancient forms of healing are directly linked to the most recent contemporary forms. In order to better understand the processes of modern practitioners, several healers and therapists across the ethnic spectrum were interviewed. Using semi-structured interview techniques followed by a phenomenological analysis, the data was divided into 50 meaning clusters and then rationalised into 10 themes most pertinent to the direction of this project. The ten extracted themes were: Western Models: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to Western therapeutic approaches. Therapist Ethnicity: The experiences of Black and White therapists in practice, in regard to ethnic issues. Knowledge of Traditional Healers: The knowledge that Black and White therapists had about the worldview and methodologies of traditional healers. Traditional Healing Scope: The types of problems addressed by traditional healing. Traditional Healing Methods: The techniques and methods employed by traditional healers. Ancestors : The relationship, powers and beliefs about ancestors held by traditional healers and Black therapists. Cosmology: The South African worldview as expressed by traditional healers and Black therapists. Traditional Healing: Miscellaneous Aspects of traditional healing which were relevant but did not fall into other themes. Client Relationship: The nature of the relationship required for effective traditional healing and therapy. Therapist training: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to therapy training. Each of the above themes are discussed in detail and the participants’ views on aspects such as training and the approaches to therapy and healing are extracted. The research ends by attempting to draw all the previous information together and give tentative answers to the research question. It is argued that the most fundamental link between psychotherapy and healing takes place in regard to the ‘common factors’ or contextual elements in therapy and healing. In order to make psychotherapy more relevant to Black South Africans, several recommendations are suggested, among them the Africanisation of therapeutic approaches that take into account the practical circumstances of most prospective clients. In addition it is argued that therapy can be more synergistic with healing by drawing on its intrinsic features of spirituality and reconnection. It is also suggested that additional research impetus be given to the development of African models of psychology and therapy. It is not envisaged that Western models will need to be rewritten from scratch, but rather that the particular circumstances of Africa are taken into account.
- Full Text:
The lived experience of losing a sibling through murder in South Africa
- Authors: Halstead-Cleak, Julia
- Date: 2010-11-17T07:22:37Z
- Subjects: Murder victims' families , Brothers and sisters , Death , Bereavement
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3494
- Description: M.A. , This study explores the grief experiences of young adult siblings in the aftermath of murder. This research was motivated, firstly, by the perceived lack of focus on siblings, often referred to as the ‘disenfranchised grievers’ and, secondly, by the vulnerability of the young adult population who bear the scars of South Africa’s high levels of crime and violence. Three young adults were recruited to participate in interviews, in which they described their lived experience of loss. Data collection and the analysis were guided by a phenomenological research design resulting in the identification of five major themes: 1) Shock, disbelief and horror, 2) Intent and rage, 3) Recollecting and withdrawal, 4) Rupture and fragmentation, and 5) Resilience, healing and growth. These themes are discussed in relation to the research literature on sibling grief and homicide bereavement. In the concluding chapter, the key strengths and limitations of this study are reviewed and the implications of the findings of this research for further investigations are discussed
- Full Text:
- Authors: Halstead-Cleak, Julia
- Date: 2010-11-17T07:22:37Z
- Subjects: Murder victims' families , Brothers and sisters , Death , Bereavement
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3494
- Description: M.A. , This study explores the grief experiences of young adult siblings in the aftermath of murder. This research was motivated, firstly, by the perceived lack of focus on siblings, often referred to as the ‘disenfranchised grievers’ and, secondly, by the vulnerability of the young adult population who bear the scars of South Africa’s high levels of crime and violence. Three young adults were recruited to participate in interviews, in which they described their lived experience of loss. Data collection and the analysis were guided by a phenomenological research design resulting in the identification of five major themes: 1) Shock, disbelief and horror, 2) Intent and rage, 3) Recollecting and withdrawal, 4) Rupture and fragmentation, and 5) Resilience, healing and growth. These themes are discussed in relation to the research literature on sibling grief and homicide bereavement. In the concluding chapter, the key strengths and limitations of this study are reviewed and the implications of the findings of this research for further investigations are discussed
- Full Text:
The lived experience of sex workers : a phenomenological study
- Authors: Bricker, Dale
- Date: 2011-10-24
- Subjects: Prostitutes , Prostitution , Sex-oriented businesses
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3908
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , Sex work is a phenomenon that has been studied and debated with much fascination and controversy. It is influenced by many of the legal and social structures in society, often with little regard for the sex workers themselves. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of sex workers in the context of post-apartheid South Africa, using phenomenological methodology. The trans-historical and trans-cultural nature of sex work has led to the creation and application of several theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain and further understand the sex work phenomenon. These theoretical frameworks include Functionalist theory (Jarvinen, 1993; Wojcicki, 2003), Social Interactionist theory (Jarvinen, 1993) and Classification theory (Self & Burke, 2001), and the critical debate from the Feminist movement (O’Neill, 2001). Recently, more holistic theories have been used to study sex work including Systems theory and Family Systems theory (Dalla, 2006). Various other critical theories have also been applied to sex work (Carpenter, 2000; O’Neill, 2001; Weitzer, 2005). Along with theoretical frameworks, several significant themes have emerged in the literature that may contribute toward understanding and explaining women’s entry into, and decision to remain in, the sex work industry. These themes include victimisation in childhood (Dalla, 2006), physical and emotional abandonment by caregivers, poverty (Bucardo, Semple, Frage-Vellejo, Davila & Patterson 2004; Vanwesenbeek, 1994, 2001), substance abuse (Dalla, 2006; Vanwesenbeek, 1994) and attachment behaviour (Slater, 2007; Wilson, 2001). Other themes are significant in understanding women’s experiences of sex work including the practical, social and psychological motivation for male clients to seek out prostitutes. These themes also address issues of violence and victimisation (Anderson & Anderson, 2008; Grenz, 2005; O’Connell Davidson, 2003; Vanwesenbeek, 1994).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bricker, Dale
- Date: 2011-10-24
- Subjects: Prostitutes , Prostitution , Sex-oriented businesses
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3908
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , Sex work is a phenomenon that has been studied and debated with much fascination and controversy. It is influenced by many of the legal and social structures in society, often with little regard for the sex workers themselves. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of sex workers in the context of post-apartheid South Africa, using phenomenological methodology. The trans-historical and trans-cultural nature of sex work has led to the creation and application of several theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain and further understand the sex work phenomenon. These theoretical frameworks include Functionalist theory (Jarvinen, 1993; Wojcicki, 2003), Social Interactionist theory (Jarvinen, 1993) and Classification theory (Self & Burke, 2001), and the critical debate from the Feminist movement (O’Neill, 2001). Recently, more holistic theories have been used to study sex work including Systems theory and Family Systems theory (Dalla, 2006). Various other critical theories have also been applied to sex work (Carpenter, 2000; O’Neill, 2001; Weitzer, 2005). Along with theoretical frameworks, several significant themes have emerged in the literature that may contribute toward understanding and explaining women’s entry into, and decision to remain in, the sex work industry. These themes include victimisation in childhood (Dalla, 2006), physical and emotional abandonment by caregivers, poverty (Bucardo, Semple, Frage-Vellejo, Davila & Patterson 2004; Vanwesenbeek, 1994, 2001), substance abuse (Dalla, 2006; Vanwesenbeek, 1994) and attachment behaviour (Slater, 2007; Wilson, 2001). Other themes are significant in understanding women’s experiences of sex work including the practical, social and psychological motivation for male clients to seek out prostitutes. These themes also address issues of violence and victimisation (Anderson & Anderson, 2008; Grenz, 2005; O’Connell Davidson, 2003; Vanwesenbeek, 1994).
- Full Text: