'n Gestaltgroepwerkprogram in maatskaplike werk vir toesighoudende, geskeide ouer

English: Divorce is an increasing problem which influences the lives of a great number of parents and children in South Africa. The increasing number of divorce cases in South Africa and the impact which custodian, divorced parents have on the adjustment of their children to the divorce situation, serve as the main motivation for this study. The research problem which is the focus of this study is the design and development of a gestalt group work programme for custodian, divorced parents in the early adult phases’ awareness, self-support and integration. The first four phases of the intervention research design and development model are used as the research design. Intervention research is regarded as suitable because as applied research, it focuses on guiding researchers and practitioners to develop effective interventions to address existing human and social problems. To develop a gestalt group work programme, a literature study is undertaken during which the focus is on a theoretical perspective of gestalt therapy as conceptual framework, gestalt group work as therapeutic intervention form and gestalt group work activities and – techniques. A literature review is given next in regard to divorce and potential factors which can influence custodian, divorced parents’ adjustment to the divorce situation in the early adult phase. Although other therapeutic approaches may also be relevant, gestalt therapy is seen as the appropriate conceptual framework for the design and development of a group work programme for custodian, divorced parents on account of the holistic element, theoretical point of departure and objectives which are upheld. To complement the literature study, an empirical study is undertaken in the form of a qualitative study. For the purposes of this study six Afrikaans speaking custodian, divorced parents (both genders), between 20 and 40 years old, are involved. Non-probability selection, namely purposeful test sample out of the universe of participants were chosen for one gestalt group work session (120 minutes) per week, over a period of ten weeks with a concept-gestalt group programme for their awareness, self-support and integration. During programme implementation qualitative data in regard to participants’ experiences and reactions are collected by means of direct, systematical and participatory observation where after research data is observed and judged by an independent observer – an expert in the field of gestalt therapy. Qualitative observations which is made during the implementation of the concept programme, is described by means of case studies, through a comprehensive explanation of each participant as well as the group’s reaction during each gestalt group work session. The results and assessment of the information of the six participants which is obtained from the case studies, is done by means of aims and goals of each gestalt group work session, the covering objectives of gestalt therapy and -group work, objectives in regard to each group member, objectives in regard to group level and gestalt moments. The group process as well as each group member (participant) is assessed continiously by means of the five levels of neurosis. As a result of the study the conclusion is reached that gestalt therapy offers a suitable framework for a group work programme for custodian, divorced parents’ awareness, selfsupport and integration. Because of the holistic outlook and objectives of the programme, participants are equipped to move through the levels of neurosis at group level as well as individually to function as conscious, self-supporting and integrated units. Recommendations with regard to the content and course of the programme, as well as to training and further research, are formulated as a result of the conclusions.