Masters Degrees (Psychology)

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Aanvaarding van roetine MIV berading en toetsing in die konteks van die gesondheidsoortuigingsmodel
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Nothling, Jani; Kagee, Ashraf; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIV prevalence rates worldwide and younger age groups are often disproportionately affected. Knowledge of HIV status is regarded as an important prevention strategy for reducing HIV transmission and infection and it is viewed as a means to access antiretroviral therapy. Routine HIV Counseling and Testing (RCT) can significantly increase knowledge of HIV status, but it is unclear whether RCT will be accepted if offered. The aim of this study was to determine whether the main dimensions of the Health Belief Model (HBM) namely, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers can predict acceptance of RCT. A second objective of the study was to determine if the variable of the HBM, namely cue’s to action could significantly contribute to predicting acceptability of RCT. A sample of 1113 students at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province of South Africa completed a structured questionnaire, measuring the acceptability of RCT. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data and it was found that the main dimensions of the HBM could explain 25.1% of the variance in acceptance of RCT. It was however found that the variable perceived severity did not make a significant individual contribution to predicting acceptability of RCT. The addition of the variable cues to action also did not make a significant individual contribution to the prediction of RCT. It was therefore found that the HBM could partially, but not in its entirety, predict acceptability of RCT among the student population. Interventions should therefore aim to increase perceived benefits of RCT, reduce perceived barriers to RCT and facilitate correct personal risk assessment in order to increase perceived susceptibility.
Aborsie en adolessensie : die besluitnemingsproses
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Theron, C. G.; Naidoo, Anthony V.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence is viewed as the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood. Development during this stage centres on identity, sexuality, cognition and morality. Abortion during adolescence demands a careful decision-making process. Research has shown that the adolescent's reaction to abortion is determined by the decision-making process that was adopted. This paper provides a literature review of developmental issues and the capacity of adolescents to make decisions about reproduction and motherhood. The conclusion is reached that age is not the determinant of the emotional state following abortion, but rather the nature of the decision-making process that was followed.
Abuse suffered by the amakhoti in the Xhosa community
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Loubser, Isabe; Van der Westhuysen, T. W. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The issue of violence against women in South Africa is receiving much attention in both the media and in Parliament. Yet, women remain vulnerable to violence in their communities and homes. Certain cultural practices and traditional beliefs in black communities in South Africa exacerbate this problem. Despite declarations in human rights documents and legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act of 1998, some cultural practices seem to defy condemnation. Set within a framework of socio-cultural theory, this study is aimed at exposing one such cultural practice as abusive towards women. Marriage in the Xhosa tradition is a process rather than a single event. In this study, the initiation phase through which a Xhosa woman goes when she marries, called the makhotistage, is investigated. As marriage is also a family issue rather than an individual choice, the treatment that the amakhoti receive from the entire extended family is investigated. A critical ethnographic report was compiled from the experiences of twenty women who are or were amakhoti. Firstly, abusive behaviour is categorised as physically, sexually or psychologically abusive. Other practices such as witchcraft and the paying of lobola (bride-price) are also shown to be abusive. Secondly, the social context of the makhoti phase is explored. Aspects of the social context of the abusive situation which come under scrutiny are, the choice of a partner, residential pattern of women during their time as a makhoti, and reasons for staying in the relationship. Patterns of abusive behaviour are identified as they relate to specific roleplayers in the extended family. Thirdly, the emotions experienced by the participants during their time as a makhoti as well as their coping skills are explored. The results of this study indicate that the amakhoti in the Xhosa community are exposed to extremely abusive treatment at the hands of their husbands, their own family and their in-laws, and that much of this treatment is perpetuated later on in the marriage. The study also indicates that other women in the extended family also indulge in abusive behaviour towards the makhoti, despite the fact that they shared the same fate.The study confirms that Xhosa women are purposefully kept in a position of disempowerment and subservience by cultural beliefs and practices which inhibit their personal development.
Acts of eating : the everyday eating rituals of female farm workers of color in the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Matthee, Deidre Denise; Kruger, Lou-Marie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this qualitative study the significance of the everyday eating rituals of female farm workers of color in the Western Cape is explored. Eating and its associated activities are understood as embodied, social practices that are meaningful and meaning-making. It aims to address the gap left by mainstream psychology's scant attention to the subject matter. Furthermore, it is an endeavor to steer away from the dualistic path trailed by mainstream psychology's following of traditional western philosophical thought. Assuming a social constructionist approach, six transcribed interviews were analyzed using the grounded theory method. Three main themes are extracted from these texts: knowing, agency and community. The ritual of preparing food involves embodied knowing, which enhances the women's impressions of their capacities as transformative agents. This sense of agency is performed through other acts of eating within relational contexts. The link between eating rituals and notions of community is thus introduced, which opens the space to revisit the positions of women in the sites of the family and society.
Ad hoc interpreters’ experiences of an in-service training course and subsequent interpreter-mediated sessions.
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Hagan, Sybrand Anthony; Swartz, Leslie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT : The provision of good quality mental health care relies heavily on effective communication. Interpreters have a profound role to play where language and cultural barriers stand in the way of effective communication. To date little is known about interpreting practices in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined ad hoc interpreters’ experiences of an in-service training course and subsequent interpreter-mediated sessions at South African psychiatric hospitals. A cross-sectional qualitative interview design was used. The research participants consisted of 13 individuals (ages 25 to 59), all who attended an in-service training course. Seven participants are male and six are female. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim. The results of the qualitative data are grouped into six themes: “Language barrier between researcher and participants”, “The role of age, culture and gender”, “Views on interpreting”, “Willingness to act as ad hoc interpreters”, “The effectiveness of the in-service training course, subsequent interpreting sessions and interest in more formal training” and “The importance of a working relationship between interpreters and clinicians”. The language ability of participants is unsatisfactory to ensure the optimal delivery of mental health care, as can be seen by numerous miscommunications between researcher and participants. It is clear that interpreters can have a vital impact on the effectiveness of mental health care. There is clearly a need for trained interpreters in South Africa. The continuous use of untrained interpreters could lead to adverse health outcomes. Although participants stated that the in-service training course was helpful, it was difficult to judge the effectiveness of the course, due to various reasons. Finally, limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Adaptation in families with young children : identifying key processes and factors of resilience
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Walters, Ilze; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
Family resiliency refers to the ability of families to withstand and rebound from crises and adversity, and entails adequate or more than adequate adaptation in the face of adversity. The aim of this study was to identify those qualities or resources that young families have employed in their adaptation to the addition of a child to the couple/family relationship and which have deemed them resilient during this normative crisis. Grounded within family systems theory (Carter & McGoldrick, 2003), both the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996) and the Key Family Processes as outlined by Walsh (2002) served as the theoretical frameworks that guided the execution of the research. Eighty-nine families, in which the eldest child was no older than four years of age, took part in this study. Seven quantitative questionnaires were used in the assessment of family adaptation, whilst the participating parents also completed a demographic questionnaire and answered an open-ended question. The qualitative dimension of this study revealed that families regarded the resources of social support, effective and caring communication, flexibility in family roles, rules and relationships and, lastly, commitment to the family as important resources in the process of adapting to the presence of a young child in the family. The quantitative results indicate that resilience may be bolstered by spending time together and managing a routine, as well as valuing the family unit highly.
Adapting to a COVID world: A comparative study of participants’ experiences of online vs. face-to-face facilitation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Jackson, Justine; Kafaar, Zuhayr; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: This thesis explored the differences and similarities between feedback from those who experienced a synchronous online workshop vs those who experienced the same workshop in a face-to-face delivery method. The workshop that I got the feedback sheets from was a cognitive behavioural workshop delivered to adults in a corporate environment in South Africa. It was a 4-day workshop, which looked at shifting unhelpful behaviour in both the work and home environment. My research attempted to aid in the understanding and to further explore both differences and similarities in terms of the feedback and whether there were any differences and similarities in terms of the experience of either format. This may assist decision-makers to make more informed choices as to whether to continue developing employees or to cancel training altogether if online learning is the only option. Should there be only limited academic research to base decisions on, there is a risk that corporates will choose to either abandon training or follow their own lead and agendas when it comes to financing training for their employees. This is a potentially significant risk that could be mitigated with enough formal research regarding face-to-face versus online learning. My hope is that my thesis will add to the body of formal research on this topic and also provide more relevance in terms of the South African context. This research may also be relied upon since almost a third of the country is vaccinated and businesses are considering new hybrid ways of working and whether or not to reopen face-to-face training or to consider a synchronous training as the new normal. This thesis employed a thematic analysis in order to generate themes through the data. Through the data analysis there were five themes that emerged, namely: “The Link Between Perceived Value and Impact”, “The Effect of an Informal Light-Hearted Learning Environment”, “Engagement Always Wins”, “Gratefulness for Personal Growth” and “Experienced Irritations”. In response to the key research question, What are the differences and similarities between adult learners’ experiences of the cognitive-behavioural training workshop when performed virtually versus face-to-face, I picked up on some clear similarities as well as some unique differences. The differences were that the feedback sheets received from the face-to-face workshops had no comments about connectivity issues. “Experienced Irritations” comments from those in the faceto- face workshop revolved more around the course participants themselves feeling drained or tired at the end of the workshop. An additional difference in the feedback from the participants in the different formats was found under the theme “The Effect of an Informal Learning Environment”. There were also differences under the theme “Creating Safe Spaces”. For the rest of the themes and subthemes, both formats seemed remarkably similar in their feedback and the participants overall experiences.
Adherence to highly active anti-retrovirals and the impact of borderline personality disorder thereon
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-12) Nel, Jonathan Gordon; Smith, M. R.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adherence to medical regimes and the difficulties associated with patient adherence are well documented. Furthermore, non-adherence with prescribed medication is ubiquitous. Regarding HIV, strict adherence to combination highly active antiretroviral therapy regimes is a prerequisite for immunological reconstitution. Certain factors have been identified as predicting non-adherence. However, the role of personality variables on adherence has been neglected, specifically with regards to personality pathology. Moreover, there is a high rate of comorbidity between HIV and Axis II disorders, including BPD. Despite controversy, the DSM-IV-TR identifies nine fundamental criteria required for the diagnosis of BPD to be made. These criteria are considered separately in an attempt to elucidate their potential role on non-adherence. Clinically, it is likely that the criteria interact to create a gestalt effect, further complicating adherence.
Adolescent dating violence and identity development : a South African perspective
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-12) Leaver, Matthew; Kruger, Lou-Marie
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This assignment attempts to explore how certain factors that play a role in the perpetration of dating violence among South African male adolescents are related to identity development. While there has been much investigation of the factors relating to dating violence, much less has been written about how these factors are related to the developmental tasks of adolescence. This assignment starts with a brief exploration of local and international literature on adolescent and adult dating violence. Certain factors that are considered to be particularly relevant to adolescent dating violence are then highlighted. These are exposure to trauma, alcohol and drug use, peer group influences, and aggressive and misogynist expressions of masculinity. The main focus of the thesis is then to investigate the extent to which these factors can be tied to one of the main developmental tasks of adolescence, namely identity formation. It is argued that, while adolescence is a phase in which identity is being developed, identity formation can be compromised by early exposure to aggression. This, together with the desire to imitate significant others, may lead to a re-enactment of aggression. Alternatively, it can lead to a heightened identity confusion, which may create a greater reliance on external sources, most significantly the peer group. It is possible that, for acceptance, the peer group may require an expression of masculinity that is misogynist and aggressive. Given that dating relationships are an arena in which identities are negotiated with a peer group, it is possible that the aggression that is encouraged may find expression within these dating associations. The abuse of alcohol and drugs, modelled by others in early life and encouraged by the peer group, serves to augment the likelihood of dating violence. This process is also discussed in the light of the post-Apartheid South African context. Understanding the abovementioned factors in terms of identity development has implications for empirical enquiry and prevention programmes. It is argued that research should take into account the developmental tasks of adolescence, whilst attempting to understand the unique challenges that face adolescents in South Africa. Intervention programmes should be focused on assisting adolescent males with the developmental task of identity negotiation.
Adolescent femininity ideology predicts rape myth acceptance in male and female first-year students at a South African university
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Thackwray, Savannah; Kafaar, Zuhayr; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: My study investigated the relationship between adolescent femininity ideology and rape myth acceptance. Specifically, I investigated whether adolescent femininity ideology predicts rape myth acceptance in a sample of 382 male and female first-year university students between the ages of 18 and 22 in South Africa. Convenience sampling was used, and data was collected using an online survey. The survey contained questions on basic biographical information, the Adolescent Femininity Ideology Scale (AFIS), the Adolescent Femininity Ideology Scale for Boys (AFIS-B), and the updated version of the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA-MV). Multiple regression analysis assessed whether adolescent femininity ideology could predict rape myth acceptance. The results indicate that adolescent femininity ideology is a predictor of rape myth acceptance in males, with scores on the AFIS-B predicting 33% of the variance of scores on the IRMA-MV (p < .00). The AFIS was not a significant predictor of scores on the IRMA-MV for females, indicating that femininity ideology does not predict rape myth acceptance in females. Females’ and males’ scores on the IRMA-MV differed significantly (p<.00). It is evident in the current sample that males are more likely than females to accept rape myths; however, the overall scores on the IRMA-MV were relatively low, indicating that in general there is a rejection of overt rape myths.
Adolescent girls’ experiences of sexual and reproductive health services in public clinics in the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Narker, Thania; Kagee, Ashraf; Coetzee, Bronwyn Jo'Sean; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology
ENGLISH SUMMARY: This study explored the experiences that adolescent girls had when attending public clinics in the Western Cape for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, as well as explored the opinions and beliefs of healthcare workers (HCWs) who provided these SRH services. Participants were adolescent girls between the ages of 13-17 years, and the HCWs at the clinics who provided these adolescents with SRH services. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (adolescents (n=11); HCWs (n=4)), and through observations of the clinic environment with the use of an observation schedule. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for reflexive thematic analysis. Findings of this study reveal that adolescent girls had positive experiences at the clinic and with HCWs, which were unlike their initial expectations. Adolescents reported being comfortable, happy, and even enjoyed being in the clinic during their SRH consultations. The HCWs created an adolescent-friendly environment that allowed adolescents to ask questions, and speak about sex and SRH openly and comfortably. Adolescents reported the main influences that encouraged them to seek SRH services were from their mothers and peers. HCWs had differing personal views as to when they believe adolescents were ready to engage in sexual activity. However, there was an overall agreement that their personal beliefs were not to affect the way they treated adolescents who approached them seeking SRH services. The HCWs reported numerous barriers that may hinder adolescents’ access to SRH services, which included: clinic operating hours that did not accommodate high school times; understaffed clinics; lack of resources; and governing body of schools who did not allow HCWs to provide SRH education and services at high schools. The findings from this study demonstrate that it is possible for adolescents to have positive experiences when seeking SRH services, even in contexts or cultures that may be more conservative. There have been numerous reports from adolescents, in various areas of rural and sub-Saharan Africa, where HCWs were reported to humiliate, scold, and even refuse to provide SRH services to adolescents who approached them for these services. As such, the clinic environment and behaviour of HCWs are two of the determining factors to whether adolescents will continue to seek SRH services and care. This study recommends targeting the needs of adolescents to make the clinic environment adolescent-friendly in order to promote adolescents’ adherence to utilising SRH services, thus promoting better long-term adolescent SRH outcomes.
Adolescent offenders’ perceptions regarding restorative justice
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Janse van Rensburg, Joanna; Naidoo, Anthony V.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has adopted an approach to corrections based on the principle of restoration. This restoration takes place between the offender and the victim, the community and their own family and within themselves. According to DCS, rehabilitation can not take place without restoration (The White Paper on Corrections in South Africa, 2005). For this reason the DCS has shown a concerted commitment to the promotion of restorative justice programmes as part of offender rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to assess the perception that juvenile offenders, who were in prison at the time of the study, have of restorative justice in prison. The findings obtained in this regard could be used to contribute to various aspects of restorative justice in prisons such as what offenders perceive to be indications of readiness to participate in such programmes; the perceived effect of restorative justice programmes on the offender; what facilitative mechanisms can be used, and the extent of the need to educate offenders with regard to restorative justice. The findings could be used to contribute to programme presentation and ultimately to the outcomes of restorative justice programmes in prison. Twenty three participants that were selected were juvenile offenders aged between 18 and 20. They were all serving sentences of more than 2 years, and had served at least 2/3 of their sentence and/or are about to be released. The offences of the participants included economic, violent, sexual and homicide crimes. The DVD titled Burning Bridges was used as a research stimulus and data was gathered by means of individual interviews and a focus group discussion. The data revealed that offenders need to be educated about the principles and practices of restorative justice programmes. The offenders’ ability to address the victim and the community needs to be assessed, as well as their ability to recall and talk about their crime. There should also be a focus on the offender’s general behaviour in prison, which includes their willingness to use the opportunities that they receive in prison. Knowledgeable personnel should be become more involved with the selection of suitable candidates, as they will be able to give a rich description of the offender that is being assessed.
Adolescents' experiences of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) within a South African context : a qualitative study
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-10) Pestana, Katia; Coetzee, Bronwyne; Lochner, Christine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by recurrent, repetitive and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/ or repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). The obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms cause substantial impairment and distress; in children, they interfere with developmental adaptation and daily functioning. The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) may have triggered and reinforced obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviours, and such aggravation might, in turn, correlate with poorer functioning and worsening of quality of life (QOL) of individuals with OCD. Available literature regarding the impact of OCD on everyday functioning and QOL has been mainly quantitative in nature. Moreover, research studies mostly include adults with OCD. There are currently no published qualitative studies that attempt to explore the influence of COVID19 on the everyday lives of children and adolescents with OCD. Therefore, the present study aimed to qualitatively explore the subjective experience of living with OCD from the perspectives of adolescents (12-18 years old) and their parents within a South African context. The second aim was to qualitatively explore how COVID-19 has impacted South African adolescents with OCD from their own perspectives as well as that of their parents. Eight adolescents (6 females and 2 males) and eight parents (8 females) took part in online semi-structured interviews. All the participants provided written informed consent and assent, and were given assurance that their identities would be kept strictly confidential and anonymous. The interviews were conducted online via Zoom or MS Teams and were audio-recorded with permission. Thereafter, the interviews were transcribed verbatim and entered into a qualitative software programme and thematically analysed. In total, 8 themes and 17 sub-themes were identified and analysed through the lens of the Ecological Systems Theory (EST). The thematic analysis uncovered participants’ subjective experiences of living with OCD. This is the first study to qualitatively explore how OCD impacts on the everyday life of youth, also within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown phases, from the perspectives of adolescents and their parent/s. The findings were that OCD is debilitating, with a substantial impact on all domains, including home, social functioning, and schoolwork. Adolescents with OCD (and their parents) reported extreme guilt and shame because of OC symptoms and an inability “to be themselves.” Results on the impact of COVID-19 were mixed. Some participants reported exacerbated symptoms (e.g., worse contamination fears and increased compulsive washing) in this context, whereas others denied any impact. Overall, these findings offer deeper insight into the subjective experiences of living with OCD, also during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspectives of adolescents and their parents. The findings highlight the importance of involving parents in treatment strategies and emphasizes the need for well-defined guidelines to assist parents in effectively implementing at-home reinforcement of therapeutic teachings. Moreover, the data accentuate the importance of psychoeducational programs at schools and in the community, to increase awareness and coping with OCD, specifically in children and adolescents.
Adolescents' relationships in a town in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) De Jager, Nadia; Lesch, Elmien; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The important role of interpersonal relationships in the adolescent developmental period has been extensively demonstrated in the literature (e.g. Brown, 1991; Gottlieb, 1991; Larson, Wilson, Brown, Furstenburg, & Verma, 2002). In the present study, adolescents’ relationships with their mothers, fathers, romantic partners, and best friends were investigated. The sample consisted of mainly White and Coloured late-adolescents from four schools in and around a large country town, representing different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Their relationships were investigated by assessing in what relationships adolescents reported the most and least of certain relationship qualities like support and intimacy. This was assessed with the use of two self-report questionnaires. The questionnaires used was the Network of Relationships Inventory (NRI), a 33-item Likerttype scale with which intimacy, companionship, affection, nurturance, satisfaction, relative power, punishment and conflict (C1) was assessed, and the Quality of Relationships Inventory (QRI), a 25-item Likert-type scale with which support and conflict (C2) was assessed (Touliatos, Perlmutter, & Holden, 2001). It was found that adolescents reported the different relationship qualities differently in all their relationships. The following are the main findings for the different relationship qualities: - Support: Support was found to be equally as high for mothers, best friends and romantic partners, with fathers ranked lowest for support. - Intimacy: Intimacy with romantic partners was reported as being the highest, followed by best friends and then mothers and intimacy from fathers being the lowest. - Companionship: The highest level of companionship was reported for best friends and romantic partners, who did not differ significantly from each other. This was followed by companionship from mothers and companionship from fathers was the lowest. - Affection: The highest level of affection was reported for mothers, followed by romantic partners and then fathers, with the lowest levels of affection coming from best friends. - Nurturance: Romantic partners were rated highest for nurturance, followed by best friends and mothers, who did not differ significantly from each other. The lowest level of nurturance was reported for fathers. - Satisfaction: Adolescents were most satisfied with their romantic relationships, best friends and mother-relationships, as they did not differ significantly from each others. Adolescents were least satisfied with their father-relationships. - Relative Power: Adolescents felt most powerful in their mother-relationships, followed by their relationships with their fathers. The third most power was reported in romantic relationships and adolescents felt the least powerful in their relationships with their best friends. - Punishment: Adolescents were punished most by their mothers, then their fathers and then their romantic partners and they were punished least by their best friends. - Conflict: Conflict reported was equally as high for mothers, fathers and romantic partners, with the lowest levels of conflict reported with their best friends. Apart from the above findings, analyses were also done between the different relationship qualities, relationships, and certain demographic factors. The results are supported by the developmental-contextual framework, as it emphasizes how the different aspects of adolescents’ relationships and lives are interrelated.
Adult adoptees’ perspectives on adoption
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-11-22) Langenhoven, Cherith; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study I explore the perspectives on adoption of searching adult adoptees who are living in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The motivation for this study was validated when a review of the South African literature indicated that most of the adoption research had been conducted with non-adoptees or adopted children, whereas this research focused solely on the perspectives of adult adoptees. The research aim was achieved by answering the following research question: What are adult adoptees’ perspectives on adoption? The theoretical framework for this study is Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, as well as Family Systems Theory. An exploratory qualitative research design was utilised due to its relevance to obtaining subjective adoption perspectives. Additionally, I applied specific procedures to ensure trustworthy research results. The adoptees were identified and recruited by Cape Town Child Welfare and through snowball sampling. A biographical questionnaire was utilised to add context to their responses. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, followed by probing questions when necessary, were used to collect data from 12 adoptees. Thematic analysis was implemented to analyse the data obtained, and the ATLAS.ti 7 (2015) software program was utilised as an organisational tool. The perspectives of the adult adoptees were identified and described within the following four meta-themes: 1) Optimistic adoption views, beliefs and values, 2) The integral role of the adoptive family in adoption, 3) The impact of adoption, and 4) Perceptions of adoption in society. These meta-themes individually include themes and subthemes. The findings indicate that adoption is a good option for alternative childcare and considered by most of the participants as a normal life experience. All of the adult adoptees believed in the positive nature of adoption and the possibility of positive adoption outcomes. However, a positive adoption experience is dependent on the adoptees’ access to their biological history, the absence of abuse, and open communicativeness on adoption within the adoptive family. The greatest adoption-related recommendation uncovered through this research is that adoptive parents, the extended family and society need to be educated appropriately to prepare them to understand adoption and their roles within adoption better.
Affirming communication and its association with family functioning
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Jordaan, Cabriere; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Affirming or positive family communication is an important aspect in helping families and individuals protect themselves against various life challenges (Greeff & Du Toit, 2009; Greeff & Van der Merwe, 2004; Norman, 2000). According to Barnes and Olson (1985), affirming family communication plays an important role in an adolescent’s development. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between affirming family communication and family functioning. The relationships between family functioning and the quality of communication between the adolescent and the father and mother respectively were also investigated. Then, as the main focus of the present study, affirming family communication was explored qualitatively from the perspective of the adolescents. A quantitative survey research design was combined with an exploratory, qualitative design. The quantitative data was collected with self-report questionnaires, while the qualitative data was gathered by recording a discussion of affirming family communication in focus groups. The participants were first-year Psychology students of the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. A total of 83 females and 17 males took part in the quantitative component of the present study (N = 100). Fourteen of these 100 students also took part in the focus group discussions. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed a significant positive correlation between affirming family communication and family functioning. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and openness in communication between the adolescent and the mother and father respectively. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that openness in communication with the mother, affirming family communication and problems in communication with the father were important predictors of family functioning. Three core categories (with sub-categories) emerged from the content analysis of the focus group discussions on affirming family communication. These core categories were verbal affirming communication, non-verbal affirming communication and functional affirming communication. The findings of the present study highlight the importance of affirming family communication, especially in families with adolescent children, while also providing a description of affirming family communication from the adolescents’ perspectives.
After the act : women's experience of abortion in one South African community
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-07) Germann, Heidi; Kruger, Lou-Marie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Abortion is a universal phenomenon which has occurred in every society throughout history and which evokes extreme reaction. In South Africa, until the acceptance of the "Choice of Termination Act 92 of 1996", elective terminations were illegal. This qualitative study explores the various contexts that impact on and influence the meaning women attribute to their abortion experience. Six women who have undergone abortions and who now reside in the greater Cape Town area, South Africa, were recruited and interviewed about their abortion experience. A semi-structured interview schedule was used. Charmaz's (1990) social constructionist approach to grounded theory was utilized for data analysis. The premise of social constructionist theory is that the meaning of experiences is not universal, but actively constructed by people in specific contexts. The meanings are dependent on the context in which they are experienced. The findings suggest that a range of emotional responses follow abortion, but that women often feel very ambivalent about abortion. These responses are influenced by the different contexts in which they occur namely the legal, social, religious, gender and personal contexts. Recommendations for future abortion research are included.
Aggression types and beliefs : a comparison of aggressive and non-aggressive male psychiatric in-patients
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) De Klerk, Anna Maria Elizabeth; Nortje, C.; Theron, W. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated aggression types and beliefs about aggression among male psychiatric in-patients, using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) and the Expagg Questionnaire (Expagg). Two groups were compared: an aggressive group (.0= 40) and a non-aggressive group (n = 44). As expected, the aggressive group displayed significantly higher levels of self-reported aggression, as reflected by their total scores on the AQ and its four subscales (anger, hostility, physical and verbal aggression). The non-aggressive group scored significantly higher on the Expagg than the aggressive group. This indicates a tendency towards expressive beliefs about aggression where aggression is being viewed as an expression of negative feelings and thus as a temporarily loss of control. The relatively lower Expagg scores for the aggressive group shows a tendency towards instrumental beliefs about aggression where aggression is seen as a means to reach a desired goal and thus as an effort to temporarily gain control over the situation. The total scores on the Expagg correlated negatively with self-reported aggression. The implications for prevention and intervention programs are discussed.
Alcohol use of students at the University of Stellenbosch
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Meyer, Jan-Hendrik; Van der Westhuizen, Le Roux; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The present study stems from a concern with the possible occurrence of alcohol abuse on a university campus. The major focus is an exploration of the drinking habits of mostly undergraduate students. An adequate understanding of the above would simplify the task of the university authorities of formulating a relevant alcohol policy and action plan. The survey involves a self-completion questionnaire. The data analysis concentrated on Pearson's correlations and chisquare tests. Significant relationships between the level of alcohol use on the one hand and gender, residence, language, other substance abuse, sport participation, religion, moral values, and sexual activity on the other hand was found. Finally a profile of high-risk, heavier drinking students are provided.
The alignment of mind style with four categories of registration in South African psychology
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Reinecke, Charlene Rene; Van der Westhuysen, T. W. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology .
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the possible alignment between mind style and four specialization categories within the profession of psychology. The Mind Style model of Anthony F. Gregorc, serving as a key to better understand an individuals' constitution, constitutes the theoretical underpinning of the investigation. The model divides specific perceptual and ordering qualities into four mediation channels or mind styles: Concrete Sequential (CS), Abstract Sequential (AS), Abstract Random (AR), and Concrete Random (CR). The Gregorc Style Delineator, an instrument measuring the perceptual qualities of concreteness and abstractness, and the ordering qualities of sequentialness and randomness, was administered to 68 students registered for the Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology masters study programmes at the University of Stellenbosch. The primary research objectives included determining the mind styles of the four specialization groups, and ascertaining whether the four groups displayed distinguishing dominant mind style preferences. Secondary research objectives explored the relationships between and interactions with the words of the Gregorc Style Delineator and the four specialization groups. The reasons of the four groups for studying their chosen specialization fields were also noted. The data was analysed using the SPSS. Findings revealed no significant differences between the mind styles of the four groups. The Abstract Random mind style was found to be the dominant mind style for all four of the specialization groups. The secondary research objectives similarly found no significant evidence in support of clear descriptive delineations between the four specialization groups. Regarding mind style, a perceptual-ordering aspect of personality, it would thus appear that psychologistsin- training, and therefore psychologists, are undifferentiated. On the whole the results of this study indicate that psychologists in various registration categories are more similar than different. Recommendations were made for further study and research.

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