Benutting van sandspel in die eksplorering van die leefwêreld van adolessente volgens die gestaltbenadering in maatskaplike werk
Date
2009-03
Authors
Rottier, Martha Francina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Goal: The aim of this study is to use the Gestalt approach to explore, and to make
use of sandplay to describe and observe the world of the adolescent client, in order
to lead the social worker to gain insight and understanding to the world of the
adolescent.
This study was done because the researcher observed that sandplay achieved very
positive effects with children, adolescents and adults. This study was motivated by
the desire to provide recommendations to the social workers in practice about the
value and use of sandplay in the exploration of the world of the adolescent
The literature study focussed on a) the adolescent life-phase in order to determine
the specific developmental aspects and characteristics of the adolescent, b) to define
the possibilities of sandplay as an exploration medium, as well as c) assessing the
Gestalt approach as orientation theory and as practice theory with sandplay.
In this research, a qualitative methodology was used combined with a case-study
research design. Sandplay was used as a medium for exploration with three
adolescent participants. They were selected by means of a non-probability
sampling. The researcher used detailed, in-depth, data gathering methods which
included six measuring instruments. These instruments included: a standardised
questionnaire to give an indication of personality-traits of the participants; two
questionnaires to determine the behaviour, thought patterns and domestic
circumstances of the participants; semi-structured interview-schedules to explore
the sandtrays of the participants; photographs to accurately capture and record the
sandtrays; as well as observations recording the behaviour and non-verbal
communication of the participants.
The researcher concludes that, according to the Gestalt-approach, exploration with
sandplay is an effective method to explore the world of the adolescent. This method
provides adequate information to the social worker to understand the world of the adolescent client. Sandplay, according to the Gestalt approach, contributes value to
social work practice, because it enhances the effectiveness of exploration and
intervention. Sandplay provides the social worker with comprehensive information
about the adolescent, and enables the social worker to identify the core problem of
the adolescent expeditiously. Sandplay involves the adolescent in a sensory,
cognitive and emotional manner, which contributes to more information being
exposed that leads to more effective interventions. This method is also novel,
interesting and challenging to the social worker and the adolescent.
The researcher recommends sandplay for the exploration of the world of the
adolescent be preceded by establishing a therapeutic relationship with the
adolescent. Once a relationship is established a number of sandtrays can be built,
and thoroughly explored. The first sandtray should be non-directive. Directive
sandtrays are subsequently recommended to explore specific themes and to handle
trauma and/or issues which the adolescent may experience. It is also recommended
that the social worker utilizes hypotheses, which can be postulated from the symbolic
meanings of miniatures, as well as interpretations from other sandplay research in
his/her exploration of sandtrays.
The social worker, who uses sandplay to explore the world of the adolescent
according to the Gestalt approach, should be knowledgeable about sandplay, the
symbolic meaning of miniatures, sandplay research and the Gestalt approach as
orientation theory and practice theory.
This study was done with three Afrikaans-speaking adolescent foster children, and
the findings may not apply to other populations. Additional research needs to be
done with a wider sample of adolescents, that covers different cultures, language
and domestic backgrounds.
Description
Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Theses -- Social work