Doctoral Degrees (Psychology)

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Open Access
Die keuring van leerlingingenieurstegnici vir opleiding aan tegniese kolleges
(University of the Free State, 1969-07) Barnard, Cornelius Johannes; Kriel, R. G.
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Eksperimentele ondersoek na grootte- en afstandskatting met betrekking tot die verkeersituasie
(University of the Free State, 1976-12) Erasmus, Christoffel Petrus Johannes; Langenhoven, H. P.
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Kommunikasiestrategie vir sielkundiges deur middel van 'n behoefte-analise van die kliënt
(University of the Free State, 1979-12) Nel, Christiaan Matthys; Schoeman, W. J.
Afrikaans: Uit die ondersoeke van onder andere Eysenck (1952) en Rachman (1973) blyk dit dat sielkundige dienste nie so effektief is as wat dit behoort te wees nie. Hierdie en ander dergelike ondersoeke dien as inspirasie vir 'n groot aantal navorsers wat poog om die kwaliteit van sielkundige dienste te verbeter. Alhoewel hierdie pogings oor 'n groot area aangewend word, word in hierdie ondersoek aandag verleen aan die navorsing wat aan die persoon van die sielkundige gekoppel is. Hierdie ondersoek wil dan ook 'n bydrae op hierdie gebied maak. Dit blyk uit navorsingsresultate behaal, dat die benadering wat sekere persoonlikheidseienskappe van die sielkundige aan sukses probeer koppel, weinig sin het, aangesien die resultate verwarrend is en 'n gebrek aan wetmatigheid weerspieel. 'n Rigting wat egter met 'n mate van sukses aan 'n positiewe terapeutiese resultaat gekoppel kan word, is een wat die sielkundige as fasiliteerder van terapeutiese omstandighede beskryf. Carl Rogers staan vader vir hierdie rigting. Sy beginsels word deur talle ondersoeke geverifieer, wat vind dat fasiliterende omstandighede ten minste 'n matige verband net sukses toon. Hierdie verband dien as rugsteun vir 'n literatuurondersoek met die doel om vas te stel hoe hierdie veranderlikes geimplimenteer word. Hierdie ondersoek word aan die hand van Robert Carkhuff uitgevoer, aangesien hy op 'n ongekompliseerde wyse die fasiliterende beginsels operasioneel aanwend. Die fasiliterende kerndimensies word deur horn in terme van 5 vlakke van empatie, respek, opregtheid en konkreetheid gedefinieer. Carkhuff gee verder toepassing aan hierdie beginsels deur 'n fasiliterende persoonlikheid te beskryf. Wanneer 'n persoon hierdie fasiliterende dimensies deel van homself maak, word dit houding- en waardekomponente van sy persoonlikheid. Omdat houdings en waardes verander en aangeleer kan word, is dit moontlik dat hierdie houdings en waardes deur middel van opleiding in belang van terapie by studente tuisgebring kan word. Daarom is daar vervolgens aan opleidingsbeginsels wat teoreties en empiries geverifieer kan word, aandag verleen. Die Carkhuff-model stel 'n belewenismatige, 'n didaktiese en 'n modelleringsbasis vir opleiding voor. Aangesien dit uit die literatuur blyk dat hierdie beginsels oor meriete beskik, word die modelleringsbasis van opleiding aan die hand van Albert Bandura se beginsels verder uitgebou, terwyl die didaktiese basis deur A.E. Ivey se mikroberaadsisteem voorsien word. Volgens die Carkhuf fmodel sal die terapeutiese sukses toeneem indien die sielkundige se vlak van fasiliterende kommunikasie verhoog word. Een wyse om dus groter sukses aan terapie te koppel,is dus om die vlak van fasiliterende kommunikasie by die sielkundige te verhoog. 'n Nuwe strategie, 'n behoefteanalise van die klient, het die verhoging van fasiliterende kommunikasievlakke ten doel, aangesien dit aan die sielkundige meer toepaslike inligting omtrent sy klient voorsien en fasiliterende kommunikasie deels op inligting van die klient berus. Daar is vervolgens,deur van resente en vooraanstaande opleidingsmodelle gebruik te maak, aan 'n groep student-sielkundiges opleiding in fasiliterende kommunikasie en opleiding in behoefte-analise voorsien. Die afhanklike veranderlikes was 4 Carkhuffskale, die Balesskale en 'n semantiese differensiaal. Daar is van 'n 2 x 2 faktoriale ontwerp in die eksperiment gebruik gemaak en die data deur middel van 'n 2-rigting variansie-analise geinterpreteer. In die geval van die semantiese dif f erensiaal is daar beduidende verskille ten opsigte van die voormetings van 'n aantal van die skale verkry, met die gevolg dat daar op 'n alternatiewe dataverwerkingstegniek besluit is, naamlik t-toetse. Die opleidingsprogram wat onderrig in fasiliterende kommunikasie ten doel gehad het, kon die vlak van empatie, respek en opregtheid wat die student-sielkundige gekommunikeer het, beduidend verhoog, maar nie die vlak van konkreetheid nie. Die opleidingsprogram wat onderrig in behoefte-analise ten doel gehad het, kon die vlak van empatie, respek, opregtheid en konkreetheid wat die student-sielkundiges gekommunikeer het, beduidend verhoog. Die groep wat onderrig in fasiliterende kommunikasie ontvang het, asook die groep wat 'n kombinasie van fasiliterende onderrig en behoefte-analise ontvang het, het met minder gepoogde antwoorde gekommunikeer (Bales interaksie-analise) . Ten opsigte van die semantiese differensiaal is gevind dat kliente uit die kontrolegroep gevoel het dat die studentsielkundige tydens die nameting kalmer was. Kliente van die groep student-sielkundiges wat opleiding in behoefteanalise ondergaan het, het gevoel dat die student-sielkundige na opleiding minder suksesvol was. Die kliente van die groep student-sielkundiges wat beide opleiding in behoefteanalise en fasiliterende kommunikasie ondergaan het, het gevoel dat die student-sielkundige na opleiding minder suksesvol, eerlik en aanvaardend was. Sy was ook volgens die kliente verder weg as tydens die eerste meting.
Open Access
Hipoksie as etiologiese faktor van linkshandigheid
(University of the Free State, 1981-06) Le Roux, Anda; Grobler, J. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die invloed van opleiding in besluitnemingsprosedures op beroepskeuse
(University of the Free State, 1983-06) Marais, Herbert; Schoeman, W. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The self-esteem of black university students
(University of the Free State (Vista), 1986-09) Howcroft, John Gregory; Hoelson, C. N.; Burns, R. B.
The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the effectiveness (representativeness) of a variety of instruments that are intended to measure the level of global and specific dimensions of self-esteem, and the level of defensiveness amongst Black university students. The literature review emphasized: (a) the lnconclusiveness .of the operationalization of self-esteem; (b) the neglect of the dimensions of self-esteem; (c) the paucity of attempts at cross-method convergence; (d) the neglect to specify the measurement context; (e) the inattention being paid to the role of defensiveness on self-report measures; and (f) the paucity of research into Black self-esteem in this country. Following the literature review, of Black students. were tested. a number of hypotheses were tested among groups A total of 430 first year full-time students. A major purpose of the research was to determine the effect of specific measurement· contexts upon self-esteem and defensiveness. Using Levene's variance-ratio test, the results indicated that different measurement contexts produced no significant differences between groups with regard to measures of global and the dimensions of self-esteem. However, the results revealed significant differences between groups with regard to measures of defensiveness. A further purpose of ".he research was to descriptively illustrate the characteristics of self-esteem with regard to measures of central tendency. The data. revealed that Black university students possess a moderately positive level of global self-esteem, and a mar.kedly elevated level of academic self-esteem. The data also indicated that those groups who had been exposed to a measurement context with inherently greater demand characteristics revealed a higher level of defensiveness than those groups who had been exposed to a context with fewer demand characteristics. A third purpose of the research was to examine the intercorrelations of various measures of self-esteem and defensiveness in order to identify the most "representative" measurement procedures respectively. The results indicated that Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory (a measure of global self-esteem), Brookover's Self-Concept of Ability Scale (a measure of academic self-esteem), and Marlowe-Crowne's Social Desirability Scale (a measure of defensiveness) possessed the highest levels of cross-method convergence. A fourth purpose of the research was to examine the relationship between self-esteem and defensiveness. The results revealed a highly significant correlation between self-esteem and defensiveness. Finally, the data of a post-hoc analysis partly confirm that personality traits as measured by standardized South African tests appear to be significantly related to measures of global and academic self-esteem and defensiveness. In conclusion, it is suggested that further cross-method studies of self-esteem be conducted in South Africa within and across different ethnic groups, and serious attention be paid to the use of more than one modality of the measurement of self-esteem.
Open Access
Die opstel en standaardisering van lees- en speltoetse vir primêreskoolleerlinge
(University of the Free State, 1997-11) Esterhuyse, Karel George Frederik; Beukes, R. B. I.; Heyns, P. M.
Essentially, language maybe divided into two primary systems, namely spoken or auditory language and secondly visual or written language. Each of these systems comprises of a receptive and an expressive component. Listening and speech respectively represent the receptive and expressive components of the auditory language form, while reading and writing represent the corresponding components of the visual language form. The study focused upon the latter two language skills, namely reading and more specifically spelling. The ability to read is imperative for effective scholastic functioning. During the reading process, the written symbol is associated with the specific sound of the word and its associated meaning. Reading is therefore an integrated process of decoding (word recognition) and understanding/comprehending symbols. Reading comprehension is entirely dependent upon the recognition of the words and the ability to place them in context. However, it is important to note that reading comprehension is not necessarily the result of word recognition. Word recognition results from a direct (visual) as well as an indirect (phonological) process. This emphasizes the importance of both the visual and the auditory modalities in the acquisition of reading skills. The symbol to be read must clearly be distinguished from other visual symbols and be associated with the appropriate auditory symbol which was previously learnt and stored in the memory. A large proportion of learning problems may be prevented by effective reading. Written language results from the spoken word and is the ultimate language skill mastered by man. The focus of this study pertains to spelling skills as one of three areas of written language. The ability to spell correctly, heavily relies on a person’s ability to sequence the letters in a word, to ‘name’ the letters, to recognize the sounds represented by the letters as well as all the exceptions which may occur. This would inter alia require the optimal development of auditory and visual perceptual, haptic and motoric skills as well as the integration of these skills. Due to the close relationship between reading and spelling skills, the teaching methodology employed during the initial reading phase and the child’s level of language development play an important role. In accordance with the aim of this study, the ESSI reading and spelling tests were compiled. These tests may be used to determine the reading (word recognition) and spelling abilities of primary school pupils. During the construction of these tests, care was taken to ensure that certain criteria were met, the most important referring to the measurement of the attribute. This implies that the measurement must be objective and standardized. To ensure objectivity, item analyses were performed by utilizing the item response theory. This prevented the item statistics from being sample dependent. During the standardization process, separate term norms were calculated for the word lists (reading and spelling) of each grade. These norms are available as both stanine scales and percentile ranks. To heighten the utility value of these tests, sifting tests were compiled. These tests consist of 35 spelling and reading words in both English and Afrikaans which may be used to quickly and effectively determine the appropriate grade level at which a specific pupil must be tested with respect to the final tests. In addition to this, the tests also possess qualitative analysis value which may be successfully utilized in practice to determine specific reading and/or spelling errors to facilitate the remedial process. The ESSI reading and spelling tests are reliable and valid measuring instruments. The tests successfully predict the pupils’ achievements at the end of the year in the various academic subjects. The spelling and reading skills of pupils displaying inadequate academic progress may thus be tested to determine whether their inability to read or spell effectively does not underlie this poor progress.
Open Access
A hypnotherapeutic approach to the treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.)
(University of the Free State, 1999-11) Welch, Jennifer Mary Justine; Rossouw, P.
In the absence of a reliable biological marker, much professional and public non-acceptance surrounds the diagnosis of M.E. using the diagnostic criteria formulated by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) (Fukada et al, 1994) in Atlanta, Georgia, or the Oxford (Sharpe et al (1991)) or Australian (Lloyd et al, 1988) criteria. Research thus far has focused primarily on the etiology of the disease from a medical bias debating whether M.E. is a physical or psychological disease (Hyde, Bastien & Jain, 1992; Hickie, Lloyd & Wakefield, 1992). This Cartesian dichotomy between mind and body is presently challenged by the burgeoning evidence from psychoneuroimmunology and clinical hypnotherapy that mind and body should be conceptualised as interreactive, specifically that emotion drives the body (Rossi, 1994). In practical terms the M.E. patient typically is unable to manage home or employment duties for periods from one to three years, sometimes longer. Medical attention is focused on alleviating symptomatology with limited temporary effect; the sparse attention given to psychological programmes in the literature focuses on cognitive behavioural therapy (Sharpe, 1996), but in practice, purely cognitive interventions suitable for depressed patients are generally ineffectual with M.E. sufferers, especially in the initial stages, because of the organic nature of the disease. (Shepherd, 1996). This research aims to describe a different therapeutic approach to M.E. using the paradigms and power for change of clinical hypnotherapy: i) the chief need in the literature is for an effective therapeutic model for intervention and rehabilitation to the highest possible level of function in the shortest possible time based on ii) a study which furthers the understanding of interreactive physiological, cognitive and affective aspects of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis which would be useful to both medical personnel and psychologists.
Open Access
Posttraumatic stress disorder in mineworkers
(University of the Free State, 1999-11) Stevens, Jan Louis; Calitz, F. J. W.; Gagiano, C. A.
The following groups were identified, compared and described in this study: • The acute PTSD group (N=33), which comprised subjects with acute PTSD at the first assessment session . • The acute PTSD chronic group (N=12), which comprised subjects who had acute PTSD during the first assessment and who had chronic PTSD during the second assessment session. • The acute PTSD in-remission group (N=18), which comprised subjects with acute PTSD during the first assessment and whose symptoms remitted during the second assessment session. • The primary acute PTSD group (N=13), which comprised subjects who had a history of PTSD and who developed primary (reactivated) PTSD by the first assessment as a result of the earth-fall accidents. • The new acute PTSD group(N=20), who had acute PTSD for the first time at the first assessment session. • The chronic PTSD group (N=16), who had chronic PTSD at the first assessment session. • The delayed onset PTSD group (N=3), who had only developed PTSD by the second assessment session. • The non-PTSD group (N=121), who did not have PTSD at either assessment sessions. When the results are summarized, it appears that certain modulating, precipitating and predisposing factors in the pathogenesis of PTSD tended to increase the vulnerability of the development of acute and chronic PTSD. The results of chapter 8 also indicated that.the course and.severity of the PTSD symptoms, the comorbid disorders and the associated symptoms tended to differ according to the types of PTSD, namely, acute PTSD, primary acute PTSD (reactived PTSD), and chronic PTSD. The results of the above groups - which have previously been summarized (see paragraphs 3.5; 4.6; 5.7; 6.2; 7.4) - are therefore integrated, summarized and discussed in terms of i) the profile of mine employees with acute PTSD, ii) the profile of mine employees with primary PTSD (reactivated), iii) the profile of mine employees with chronic PTSD, and iv) the profile of mine employees with delayed onset PTSD. The profiles are subsequently presented in terms of their modulating factors, stress factors, predisposing factors, the severity of symptoms, cluster B symptoms, cluster C symptoms, cluster D symptoms, comorbid disorders, and associated symptoms.
Open Access
Die affektiewe funksionering van jong werkende egpare
(University of the Free State, 1999-11) Slabbert, Anna Maria Elizabeth; Fourie, M. C.; Niemann, S. M.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Psigofortologie by die leergestremde leerder
(University of the Free State, 2000) Bouma, Renate Gerrarda; Heyns, P. M.; Grobler, A. A.
English: The purpose of this study was an investigation of the dynamics of psychofortological factors in learning disabled learners in order to make a contribution to their vocational preparation and adjustment in the outside world. The advancement of the learning disabled learner's psycho-fortological functioning for successful functioning after school leaving is therefore the primary focus of the study. The investigation is directed towards the psycho-development of the learners who experience problems, as well as towards the prevention of problems in adulthood. The rationale of the study is to be found in the investigated functioning aspects: i.e., psycho-fortological factors such as coping, assertiveness, fortitude and sense of coherence which are important for functioning in the workplace. The field of study of psycho-fortology focusses upon the psychologically healthy individual, more specifically, the individual who remains psychologicallyand physically healthy in spite of stress and crisis situations. Aspects discussed are the learning disabled adolescent, learning disability, the demands made by school leaving and the task and terrain of the special school. An investigation was done into the connection between the learner's psychofortological functioning, namely, his/her coping skills, assertiveness, sense of coherence and fortitude and his/her functioning. The aspect of assertiveness was analysed to determine to what degree anxiety, associated with social situations, is problematic for the learning disabled learner. The empirical investigation consisted of a quantitative and a qualitative component. In the quantitative investigation the following scales were used to operationalise the psycho-fortological constructs: the fortitude questionnaire of Pretorius (1998), the assertivenessquestionnaire of Gambrill and Richey (1975), the sense of coherence questionnaire of Antonovsky (1987) and the COPEquestionnaire of Carver, Scheier and Weintraub (1989). A functioning index was drawn up by the investigator herself. Reliable indices were procured for all the scales. The findings of the quantitative investigation indicate that the learning disabled learner's grade and age correlate with his/her functioning and with the psycho-fortological aspects senseof coherence and assertiveness: the higher the grade (and age), the lower the level of functioning and the more negative the psycho-fortological indices, and vice versa. In the present investigation it was also found that the specific psychofortological indices "comprehensibility" (sense of coherence) "initiating personal contact" (assertiveness) as well as the learner's self-appraisal (fortitude) show a high correlation with the index of the learner's functioning. It appeared that a high level of functioning is connected to a positive self-appraisal (fortitude), the ability to conduct oneself assertively and a good grasp of the stress situation. The results of the qualitative investigation to a high degree support the findings of the quantitive investigation. The considerable deficiencies associated by the quantitative investigation with low functioning, namely, limitations regarding selfappraisal, sense of coherence, comprehensibility of the stress situation and assertivenessare confirmed by the qualitative investigation. From the results of the qualitative investigation it became evident that certain aspects, namely, constructing a positive and realistic future perspective through the experience of success, independent assertive conduct, a realistic, positive self-image and effective problem solving skills had to be included in a psycho-development programme. A psycho-development progamme was drawn up on the basis of the results of the empirical investigation as a contribution to the advancement of the psychological strengths of the learning disabled learner in particular, as well as of senior learners in general.
Open Access
Stres en die beroepsvrou: 'n fortigene ondersoek
(University of the Free State, 2001-05) Van den Berg, Henriëtta Susanna; Van Zyl, E. S.; Heyns, P. M.
English: The aim of this investigation was to examine the work arid life' circumstances of career women. Career women are subject to a large variety of stressors due to gender-based discrimination and an unequal distribution of resources, such as material resources and power. In contrast to the expectation that women's career involvement will exert a negative influence on their well-being due to excessive rolerelated commitments and discrimination experienced by many of them, it appears that their psychological and physical well-being is better than that of non-working women. In this investigation, the focus was on the interaction between stressors women are exposed to, the resistance resources that they have at their disposal, as well as the coping strategies that they use to overcome stressors in determining their experiences of level of job stress and satisfaction with life. The integrated stress and coping model posited by Moos (1994) seems to represent a comprehensive description of the stress and coping process, which is related to the transactional approach to the study of stress, and, moreover, ties in well with a fortigenic paradigm because it emphasises the role of resources for coping and coping strategies in the stress-coping process. In carrying out the empirical investigation, a cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 732 high-level career women who had at least Gr 11 school training. Their stress level and causes of stress within and outside the work situation were measured using the Experience of Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (Van Zyl, 1991), while the Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky, 1987), as well as the Fortitude Questionnaire (Pretorius, 1997) was used to measure the subjects' personal (i.e. sense of coherence and self-appraisal), as well as contextual resources (i.e. family support and general social support). The COPE-scale (Carver et al., 1989) was used to measure coping strategies. Satisfaction with Life was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire (Diener et al., 1985). It was found that the stress levels of women in the group under investigation were inclined to be high and that their level of satisfaction with life was lower than the levels reported for comparable groups. They also reported more work-related stressors, especially with regard to Career Matters, and Remuneration and fringe benefits. Their personal and contextual resistance resources coincided to a large extent with the findings for other groups and they also used a variety of problemfocused and emotionally-focused coping strategies. Significant racial differences were found with regard to stress level, level of satisfaction with life, work- and environment-related stressors, resistance resources and coping strategies. Some statistically significant differences were also found when women of different maritalstatus categories and career categories were compared with regard to non-workrelated and work-related stressors, personal resources such as self-appraisal and a sense of coherence, as well as certain coping strategies. The results indicated that the level of satisfaction with life and level of work-related stress yielded a significant negative correlation. Based on a main component factor analysis of satisfaction with life and level of work-related stress, the following five factors were selected for inclusion in performing a hierarchical regression analysis of satisfaction with life and work-related stress: Stressors outside the context of work, Stressors in the workrelated context, Resistance resources, Active coping strategies and Destructive coping strategies. Demographic factors that exhibit a high correlation with satisfaction with life and work-related stress were included as a sixth factor. However, it appears that the above-mentioned factors make a larger contribution in explaining the variance in level of work-related stress than in satisfaction with life. As far as the variance in level of satisfaction with life is concerned, demographic factors, such as race; the extent that the women received emotional and tangible support from their marriage partners; and resistance resources, such as sense of coherence and stressors outside the work, made a statistically significant contribution. The variance in the level of a work-related stress was explained to a statistically significant extent in particular by stressors in non-work-related context such as psychosocial problems, social problems and poor infrastructure as well as by stressors in the context of work such as organisational functioning, and resistance resources such as a sense of coherence.
Open Access
'n Psigo-opvoedkundige ondersoek na neuro-linguïstiese programmering as psigoterapeutiese model
(University of the Free State, 2001-11) Vorster, Catharina Margaretha; Du Plooy, Johann
English: In article 1 the historical overview of the development of the NLP model brought to the light that two psychologists, Richard Bandier and John Grinder, initiated the NLP model. They mainly modelled the most effective patterns of three experts in psychology. The NLP model was composed of these and was used initially in psycho-therapy with children and adults. The application possibilities of the NLP model, however, were expanded to a variety of fields, including education. From a psycho-educational point of view it seems as if NLP can be used to help children on their way to adulthood. Although it seems as if the NLP model does have relevance in psycho-education, the extent of the relevance still has to be determined. In Article 2 a perspective is given on the most important NLP concepts and presuppositions, and thus the focus is on its application value for children. In terms of the NLP model it was found that as every child (as well as every adult) has a unique model of the world, a profound understanding of the way in which children create images of the world will be to the advantage of each psychologist/teacher in order to understand the child better. Children have representational systems by means of which information is processed mainly visually, auditively and kinaesthetically. Although children normally have a primary representational system, they have to be guided to develop access to all their representational systems. Thus they will be able to communicate with more ease with others and to master the different learning areas in school. However, it has also been found that researchers question the validity of some of the NLP concepts. Article 3 offers a psycho-educational investigation of the most important NLP skills and techniques. NLP techniques can be divided into NLP communication techniques and NLP esoteric techniques. The researcher came to the conclusion that the NLP esoteric techniques seem to be totally unacceptable in application to children, especially from a Christian point of view, as they may result in children coming into contact with occult activities. A spiritual imbalance in the child's personality and a concomitant disturbed personality may result from being exposed to these techniques. Although NLP communication techniques in some cases may be regarded as manipulative, it does seem that these techniques, with re-interpretation, may render positive results in Christian therapy and schools. In Article 4 it is related that an empirical study has found that South African psychologists are still relatively uninformed of NLP as psycho-therapeutic model. It has also been found that a small percentage of respondents use NLP techniques specifically in therapy with children. Some of the psychologists were of the opinion that some of the NLP techniques may influence children negatively. As South African educational psychologists specifically, but also psychologists in general, still have a lack of knowledge ofNLP, the conclusion may be reached that South African training institutions do not really introduce psychologists to alternative psycho-therapeutic models. The question also arises as to whether NLP is not rather being used, in South Africa, in fields outside the therapeutic context, like education. In Article 5 the critical evaluation of the NLP model led to the finding that there are similarities between the philosophies ofNLP and the New Age movement. The fact that this model according to its origin is humanistic in nature, which entails that people are seen as central and able to redeem themselves, is totally unacceptable to the Christian psychoeducationist. Furthermore, the fact that many researchers question the validity of the NLP model, leads to the conclusion that the NLP model, as a whole, should be dealt with circumspectly. A need exists for justifiable scientific research on the NLP model. Before this need has not been satisfied satisfactorily from a Christian perspective, the NLP model cannot be used in the South African psycho-educational context with absolute safety.
Open Access
Ouervervreemdingsindroom by geskeides: 'n verkennende ondersoek
(University of the Free State, 2001-11) Wakeford, Erika; Fourie, M. C.; Heyns, P. M.
English: For the first time in South Africa, the existence of parental alienation syndrome (PAS) as a phenomenon is investigated in this study. Confirmation of PAS as an established syndrome in South Africa, following the practical application of existing knowledge in a structured empirical investigation, is the main focus of this study. Available research results, mostly documented in the USA, are analysed as a starting point. In these findings the following shortcomings are identified: • The existing diagnostic measure does not meet the requirements to identify PAS in all circumstances. • The influence of specific developmental phases on the occurrence and dynamics of PAS as well as the effect of the investigation procedures on a child in a PAS situation, have not yet been established. • The influence of the administration of justice on the occurrence and dynamics of PAS is unknown. • Related divorce syndromes resembling PAS such as sexual allegations in divorce syndrome (SAID), divorce-related malicious mother syndrome (DRMMS), Medea syndrome and Munchausen syndrome have been identified. However, further research into the specific role of each of these syndromes in PAS is required Limitations of the existing findings regarding specific needs within the South African context have been indicated. Six families, totaling 14 children, aged 6 - 15 years where PAS was diagnosed, were included in the availability sample for the empirical investigation into PAS in South Africa. An exploratory descriptive case study method was applied to investigate the dynamics and development of PAS within children. The results confirm the existence of PAS as an independent syndrome in South Africa. In addition: • comprehensive diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of PAS are proposed. • the effects of developmental phases of children in the diagnosis of PAS are identified and defined. • the importance of communication patterns in the diagnosis of PAS is indicated • the influence of PAS on a child's emotional and behavioural problems is described. • the judicial implications are highlighted. • practical issues regarding PAS are addressed and certain suggestions made. As a result of both theoretical and practical findings, a model has been developed where the related divorce syndromes are compared and placed on a continuum. This generated clearer guidelines regarding the nature and dynamics of PAS in South Africa.
Open Access
Die verband tussen 'n geslagshormoonwanverhouding en depressie by vroue
(University of the Free State, 2002-05) Scholtemeyer, Jacobus Schalk; Olivier, L.; Venter, J. A.; Vosloo, H.
English: This study was directed by the following three specific objectives: - Firstly, to present a theoretical synthesis from the literature, which would explain the possible relation between depression and a sex hormone imbalance from a medical hypnoanalytical perspective. - Secondly, to determine whether a statistically significant correlation exists between dysthymia and depression respectively (in terms of two scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III, namely scales D and CC) and the individual serum values of women's testosterone, progesterone and estradiol (in their oestrogen, progesterone or menopausal phases classified separately or considered jointly). - Thirdly, to determine whether the three relative imbalances of the sex hormones, namely between testosterone and progesterone, between oestrogen and progesterone, and between testosterone and oestrogen, in terms of the Maartens profile (Maartens, 1994), displays a statistically significant correlation with dysthymia and depression in terms of the counts obtained on the scales of the above-mentioned psychometric measuring instrument. Subsequently, it was determined which statistically significant correlation is most significant. In order to achieve these objectives, the following methodology was followed: - Objective 1: A relevant literature survey was conducted. - Objectives 2 and 3: The first 60 women who presented a mild or serious degree of depression in the clinical opinion of Dr. H. Vosloo (a medical practitioner) or the researcher, were selected randomly for the purpose of the research. If they were prepared to participate in the research, they were requested first to complete the information sheet by providing their personal details and then to give written permission that their hormone profile and psychometric data may be used in the research on an anonymous basis. Subsequently they were requested to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (Short Form) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III and to have blood samples taken at specific pathologists. The pathologists then sent their results to Dr. Vosloo, who interpreted it further. At the same time, all the mentioned psychometric measuring instruments were scored and interpreted by the researcher himself and the results of the Maartens profile were obtained from Dr. Vosloo. The results related to each objective, which were obtained in the abovementioned methodological manner, can be summarised as follows for each objective: - Objective 1: It was shown successfully from the literature that nonoverwhelming chronic stress stimulates B-endorphin secretion and testosterone secretion, but as soon as the stressor is conceptualised as overwhelming, it has a testosterone-inhibiting function as a result of the still-rising endorphin levels. It was also demonstrated successfully from the literature, in terms of the medical hypnoanalytical model, that the first time an individual is exposed to the stressor, it is called the Initial Sensitising Event. The second time the individual is exposed to a similar stressor is called the Symptom Producing Event, and the third time it is called the Symptom Intensifying Event. After the third event the stressor is conceptualised as overwhelming in terms of the triple allergenic theory, and the stressor can therefore exert a testosterone-inhibiting function, which explains the presentation of depression in terms of medical hypnoanalysis. - Objective 2: The research results of this objective indicated that there is no statistically significant relation between depression and the individual serum values of the three primary sex hormones. - Objective 3: In the case of this objective, the research results indicated that a relatively low testosterone level (in comparison to the other possible hormone-imbalance classification categories in terms of the Maartens profile) displays the strongest statistically significant relation (p < 0,05) with dysthymia and depression. On the basis of the research results of this investigation, the researcher can therefore conclude that the traditional view of a hormone imbalance (in terms of the deviation of a patient's individual serum values from the mean values) has it's limitations, because this before mentioned hormone imbalance cannot be conceptualised as a cause for depression. A sex hormone imbalance in terms of the Maartens profile can, however, perform such an etiological role.
Open Access
Die verband tussen humorsin en psigologiese welstand by adolessente
(University of the Free State, 2002-05) Boshoff, Louisa; Beukes, R. B. I.
English: The aim of this study was to examine the nature of humour and sense of humour, the dynamics of psychological wellbeing as well as adolescence as a critical phase of life, and to determine whether there is an empirical relationship between sense of humour and psychological wellbeing among adolescents. Various theories involving humour and sense of humour were described and a model of humour and sense of humour was developed. In the discussion of psychological wellbeing the relationship with sense of humour was indicated. During the empirical study a cross-sectional survey was held among 884 Grade 12 learners at ten schools in the Pretoria area (Gauteng) and the East London area (Eastern Cape) in respect of sense of coherence, satisfaction with life, fortology/ fortitude, and sense of humour. Sense of coherence was measured by means of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence questionnaire (SOC: 1987), while satisfaction with life was assessed using the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (SWLS) of Diener, Emmans, Larson and Griffen (1985), fortology by means of the Fortology Questionnaire (FORQ) developed by Pretorius (1997), and sense of humour was measured by means of the Multidimensional Sense of Humour Scale (MSHS) of Thorson and Powell (1993). Biographical information was obtained by means of a short biographical questionnaire. In this study relatively favourable reliability indicators were obtained for almost all scales and subscales of the measuring instruments used in the research. The current research found that four subscales of humour yielded a statistically significant contribution in the explanation of fortology among adolescents, whereas three of the four subscales, creation of humour, social use of humour and attitude towards humour, yielded a statistically significant contribution in explaining the variance in sense of coherence among adolescents. It would appear from the results that boys show higher levels of sense of humour in terms of the creation of humour and the social use of humour than girls. Considering the interaction between gender and school placement, it is evident that the boys in mixed-gender schools and girls in mixed-gender schools achieved a significantly higher score on the creation of humour as well as the social use of humour than boys in single-gender schools. As far as attitude to humour is concerned, the boys in the single-gender schools returned a significantly lower score than boys in mixed-gender schools and girls in single-gender schools. These findings are related to findings discussed in the literature study. In conclusion proposals are made regarding the use of humour and sense of humour in practice as well as the promotion of psychological wellbeing among adolescents .
Open Access
Die gebruik van fantasie om kreatiwiteit by kleuters te bevorder: 'n begeleidingsprogram vir moeders
(University of the Free State, 2002-08-31) Hattingh, Johannes Gerhardus; Beukes, R. B. I.
English: In order for individuals to be able to deal with life’s current demands, they must be able to focus on various creative solutions. Therefore it is important to enrich a child’s life by stimulating his/her imagination, developing his/her mind and freeing his/her emotions from reality in order to find his/her meaning of life. The 5- and 6-year-old phase is seen as the most creative phase of development, where a child’s imaginary world can be stimulated through fantasy. To give creative support to the child may have a positive impact on his/her development, but this effect could be neutralised if he/she doesn’t have the support, understanding and stimulation from the mother. Since she is also the primary caregiver, this programme focused on mothers of 5- and 6-year-old children. A guidance programme was developed in accordance with a wide literature search. Psychofortology was used as a theoretical frame of reference in order to emphasise fortogenesis as opposed to pathogenesis. In order to gain a more holistic view, the developmental tasks of both mother and child were discussed. Creativity is a proficiency that can be developed, stimulated and enhanced, and is something that every human being is capable of. From the definition of creativity the following areas are important : the person, the environment, the process and the product. Fantasy carries strong psychological themes, and includes myths, stories, fables, legends, imagination and fairy tales. It gives ideas on how to explore various alternatives. Fantasy is thus a critical element in creative imagination, and parents, as well as children, should explore it as a part of balanced development. Creative fantasy must be re-evaluated in order to help individuals cope in a swift changing society. The Creation meta-model was used here as a summarised version in order to explain creative fantasy. This model was developed through the use of the following meta- models : The Fantasy Tornado and the Creativity Cycle. The sample of this study consisted of 83 Afrikaans speaking mothers with their 5- and 6-year-old children. These children attended private pre-primary schools and playgroups in Witbank and the surrounding area (Mpumalanga). The Solomon four-group design was used for the experimental research. The implementation of the guidance programme on the experimental group served as the intervention. The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, (TTCT) figural form, was used as the measuring instrument and the Creativity Index as the parameter of creativity. The most important findings of this study are : • It is possible to stimulate and enhance creativity of mothers and their 5- and 6-year- old children in the short term, through the use of fantasy, by putting the mothers through a programme. • The Fantasy Tornado is a meta-model that was developed to explain fantasy. • As a meta-model the Creativity Cycle tried to emphasise the most important aspects of creativity. • The Creation meta-model was developed in order to provide an integrated theory of creative fantasy.
Open Access
Structural modelling of the interrelationships between Christian faith, religious orientation and love styles
(University of the Free State, 2002-11) Raubenheimer, Jacques Eugene; Huysamen, G. K.; Le Roux, A
English: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between Evangelical Christian faith and romantic love. The investigation was done through the analysis, by means of structural equation modelling, of a priori models proposing various ways in which these variables could possibly be related. The literature review of this study revealed the necessity of delimiting studies in the field of religion to specific and narrowly-defined religious groupings, and also provided a working and measurable definition of Evangelical Christian faith. Furthermore, psychological research into love, focusing on that emanating from the work of Lee (1977), was reviewed. A clarification of the terms used by Lee and their original meanings, and how these terms relate to a Christian definition of love was provided. Three scales were used in this study. Data were collected from a sample of 369 young, unmarried, White South African Evangelical Christians. Prior to the analysis of the latent variable models, the psychometric suitability of the scales to be used was examined by means of reliability analyses and Comprehensive Exploratory Factor Analyses (Tateneni, Mels, Cudeck & Browne, 2001). The Shepherd Scale (Bassett et al., 1981) proved to be psychometrically inadequate, even after trimming the 38 items down to 16. This study could not replicate factor structures found in the literature for this scale, and it is doubtful whether the scale is a useful research tool. The Religious Orientation Scale (All port & Ross, 1967) was trimmed so as to maximise its reliability and its convergent and discriminant validity, yielding a shortened scale of seven items each for Intrinsic and Extrinsic. The Love Attitudes Scale (Hendrick & Hendrick, 1986) was also trimmed (from 42 to 24 items), and the shortened version agreed almost completely with a shortened version developed by Hendrick et al. (1998). The trimmed versions of all three scales were cross-validated on a previous data set, with the Love Attitudes Scale performing best, and the Shepherd Scale not validating well at all. The a priori models tested did not deliver acceptable fit with the data. It was discovered that the Shepherd Scale played a mediational role on the influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic on the love styles of Agape and Storge, and Ludus, respectively. These influences were incorporated into two further models, with the best model being that in which Intrinsic was posited as a cause of Relationship, which in turn functioned as a cause of both Agape and Storge. Extrinsic (correlated with Intrinsic) was also posited as a cause of Doctrine, which functioned as a cause of Ludus. Numerous equivalent models were considered, although the two models posited a posteriori were favoured. In view of the poor structure of the Shepherd Scale, and because of the manner in which the mediational effect of the Shepherd Scale variables was uncovered, these two models must be seen as tentative, as their statistical selection may have been due to a capitalisation on chance. It ·is recommended that the study be repeated, testing the two a posteriori models on new (but similar) samples, and also on different cultural groupings, various very specifically defined and delimited religious groupings, age groupings, and love status groupings. It is also recommended that clinicians and counsellors take cognisance of the relationship between faith and love amongst their Christian clients.
Open Access
The court for sexual offences: perceptions of the parties involved
(University of the Free State, 2002-11) Walker, Stephen Peter; Louw, D. A.
English: This thesis evaluates the Court for Sexual Offences in Bloemfontein at the hand of the perceptions of the victims, their families, offenders and professionals involved with this court. The first article is a theoretical orientation to the relatively unique area of sex courts. The remaining four empirical articles discuss the perceptions of the parties involved with the Court. The findings indicate that the victims of sexual offences, their families and the professionals working in the Court and associated auxiliary services, are generally of the opinion that the establishment of specialist sex courts has gone a long way towards ensuring improved justice for victims and decreasing the incidents of secondary victimization during judicial proceedings. However, the Court still exhibits shortcomings in several areas. Furthermore, doubts are expressed with regard to the impartiality of such specialist courts, sentences for sexual offenders are perceived to be ineffectual and the after-care afforded to the victims and their families appears to be very poor. The perpetrators of sexual offences also perceive the Court for Sexual Offences to be slow and inefficient. They were of the opinion that this particular system of courts is inherently biased. The victim's rights are perceived to be overemphasized and the majority of the offenders questioned felt that it was not possible for an individual accused of a sex crime to receive a fair trial in a specialist sex court.
Open Access
Tydsperspektief as potensiële psigofortigene konstruk by die rouproses van versorgers van Alzeimer-pasiënte
(University of the Free State, 2002-12) Potgieter, Johannes Cornelis; Heyns, P. M.
English: The passing away of a spouse is regarded as one of the most traumatic experiences any individual can encounter. The successful management of this loss, and the process of regaining psychological well-being places a big demand on the surviving spouse. When this event befalls an elderly person, which is often the case, the situation presents the spouse with unique challenges. From a prior study (Potgieter, 2000) focusing on the psychological needs of Alzheimer caregivers, it became clear that the presence of Alzheimer's disease adds additional, and often complicating factors to dealing with this experience of loss. The first objective of this study was to describe, as clearly as possible, the experiences of Alzheimer-caregivers while facing the challenges presented by this unique grieving process. Secondly attention was given, from a psychofortigenic perspective, to the potential role that the caregiver's future time perspective might play in the caregiver's successful handling of this grieving process. This survey focused on female spouses who served as caregivers after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease was confirmed in their marital partners. Through the use of both quantitative and qualitative means of data analysis, the experiences of 20 caregivers were compared with a control group consisting of ladies from more or Jess the same age group. During the quantitative survey, it was expected of each of the 40 respondents to complete four questionnaires. Respondents' life satisfaction was determined by means of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmonds, Larsen & Griffin, 1985). The Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (Antonovsky, 1987) and the Fortitude Questionnaire (Pretorius, 1998) were administered as a means of determining the level of psychological health or strength of respondents. By means of the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (Snyder, 2000), also called the 'Goals Scale', the inter-group differences in respondents' levels op hope were identified. The main focus of this study was, however, of a qualitative nature. Individual interviews with 20 of the respondents, as well as material from personal diaries that were made available by some of the ladies and were analysed, shed some light on the exact nature of the caregivers' experiences of the accompanying grieving process. As part of the qualitative survey, the SELE-instrument (Westerhof & Bode, 1999) was used to determine the time perspectives of the individual respondents. As suggested by a prior study, the occurrence of a unique grieving process amongst caregivers of Alzheimer patients was confirmed and described in detail. It was also clear that both the time perspective and the psychological well-being of caregivers were adversely affected by this grieving process. Results showed that both a direct and indirect (through intervening variables) link exists between the time perspective and psychological well-being of these elderly caregivers. This result confirmed the potential role that future time perspective might play as a psychofortigenic factor during this and similar caregiving situations. If the identified factors were built into a support program, they could prove to be invaluable in protecting the psychological well-being of caregivers, both during and after the caregiving process.