Doctoral Degrees (Psychology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Psychology) by Author "Botha, Jan Adriaan Jacobus"

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    'n Program vir die huweliksontwikkeling van migrante egpare
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Botha, Jan Adriaan Jacobus; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the evaluation of a programme for the marital development of migrant couples. Constructs relevant to marriage and various theories on family functioning are discussed in detail. The three variables included in most theories are adaptability, cohesion and communication, as emphasised in the Circumplex model (Olson, Sprenkle & Russel, 1979), which forms the basis for this study. The importance of marriage development through enrichment programmes is discussed, and it appears that prevention is described as the most important form of therapy. The research was divided into three phases. In phase I, 25 couples living in South Africa and 25 South African couples living in England were used. The following unique elements causing tension in marriages of migrant couples were identified: family unit, role responsibilities, spiritual, emotional and physical matters, external influences and communication. In phase II the literature was studied to determine which programmes already exist. This knowledge, in conjunction with the results of phase I of this research, was used to develop a unique programme for migrant marriages. This newly developed programme focuses on the following aspects of marriage: conflict resolution; the understanding and negotiation of the different roles in a marital relationship; the role of external factors; and physical, emotional and spiritual fulfilment in the relationship. Phase III of the research related to the presentation and evaluation of this newly developed programme in order to assess the impact thereof on the psychofortologic development of migrant couples. Participants were divided into three groups. The programme was evaluated by presenting and comparing an experimental group (10 couples living in England) with two control groups (Control Group 1, 10 couples and Control Group 2, 5 couples living in England). All three groups completed questionnaires as a pre-test. The experimental group attended the new programme, Control Group 1 received no intervention, and Control Group 2 engaged in the alternative intervention. The groups then completed questionnaires directly after the intervention and again three months later. The aspects of marriage relationships where significant development took place, were: satisfaction with religious orientation, sexual intimacy, social intimacy, and a more constructive handling of conflict. A further aspect whereby participating couples benefited from the programme was the understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Some of the recommendations include that more time should be allowed to talk about priorities, and also that longer discussion times between sessions should be allowed. The program should preferably be presented as an “island situation”. An effective follow-up of participants should be incorporated into the programme. In future research it should be determined whether any existing programme addresses the specific needs of the target group. Should this not be the case, it is proposed that a new programme is developed.