Britain has recently seen substantial increases in the mixed ethnicity population. (ONS, 2004, Population Trends, 2001). Those of a mixed parentage background now account for 0.8% of the total population and form the 6th largest overall group (ONS, 2004). Black mixed groups have increased by 50% and South Asians by over 27%. Whilst black and white mixed parentage individuals have been studied, previous research has not sought to explore how being of mixed parentage might impact upon children who have one white and one South Asian origin parents. Historically social psychologists did not view identity formation as a matter of individual choice or negotiation. However, in today's society human beings are confronted with high levels of choice in their lives, including in personal issues. Within this context, this PhD offers an insight into the processes of forming an ethnic identity - with a specific focus on individuals of a mixed parentage background. The thesis provides an understanding into the processes of such individuals and society's high level of emphasis on choice. The ideas of Mead, Goffman, Moscovici, Tajfel and Turner and more recently Weinreich have been particularly influential in shaping this PhD. The model of identity used is a socio-psychological one that seeks to understand the psychological and socio-cultural processes of identity. The topic was approached in three stages. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups: mixed parentage (Asian/white adolescents), non-mixed parentage (Asian and white adolescents) and their parents. Factors such as language, culture and physical appearance were central themes that emerged from the analysis. The aim of the second study was to further investigate and develop findings from the first. This follow-up study was based on 16 mixed parentage participants. They completed retrospective diaries on their experiences of being of mixed parentage; these were followed up with interviews. Analysis revealed a number of interpretative repertoires used in the process of negotiating ethnic identity. The third study involved a questionnaire administered to 87 participants of different mixed parentage background. Many of the findings from the two qualitative studies were supported by the data from this questionnaire, for example, ideas concerning choice and perceptions of being mixed parentage. In taking this multi-method approach this thesis makes three important contributions. First, it researches and discusses the experiences and ethnic identity construction of south Asian and white mixed parentage adolescents; a group previously neglected in social sciences literature. Second, it documents the importance that mixed parentage participants, not just of South Asian and white background, place on exercising choice and autonomy over presentation of ethnic identity. It was found that mixed parentage individuals feel they have a greater ability to adopt a situational/chameleon identity than other individuals because of their dual ethnic backgrounds. However, it is argued that the amount of choice they really have is limited because of a range of psychological and sociological factors.

Concerns about potential adverse socio-psychological consequences have commonly accompanied the introduction of new communication media. These have often been focused on the effects of media on the younger and vulnerable sectors of society. The present research examines on line text-based communications and the use of mobile phones specifically in terms of the role and function of SMS text messages by young people. The role of these media is conceived widely so as not to concentrate on any adverse influences but their use in the normal everyday social experiences of young people. Young people constitute a major sector of the consumers of these digital media. Social support is conceived as an important function of text-based digital communications just as it has been demonstrated to be crucial to a great deal of socio-psychological functioning. In order to assess the impact of the digital media on psychological functioning, the concept of psychological well-being is employed to be indicative of the absence of significant levels of psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression.

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This study examined the nature and prevalence of ego strength among early adolescent learners in grade nine attending an independent school. An in-depth literature review was conducted in order to explore the role and theories of ego development. Thereafter, theories and key aspects of various dimensions of adolescent development were highlighted. The empirical investigation included both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. A questionnaire was administered to one hundred and ten grade nine learners in order to obtain a broad measure of the respondents' ego and superego strength. Thereafter, two learners were selected in order to explore their experiential life worlds. The findings of the empirical investigation were compared with information that emerged from the literature study. The study was concluded by offering recommendations to parents, educators and professionals working in the field of psychology of education in empowering them in addressing the phenomenon of ego development among early adolescent learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

This study examined the nature and prevalence of ego strength among early adolescent learners in grade nine attending an independent school. An in-depth literature review was conducted in order to explore the role and theories of ego development. Thereafter, theories and key aspects of various dimensions of adolescent development were highlighted. The empirical investigation included both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. A questionnaire was administered to one hundred and ten grade nine learners in order to obtain a broad measure of the respondents' ego and superego strength. Thereafter, two learners were selected in order to explore their experiential life worlds. The findings of the empirical investigation were compared with information that emerged from the literature study. The study was concluded by offering recommendations to parents, educators and professionals working in the field of psychology of education in empowering them in addressing the phenomenon of ego development among early adolescent learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

South Africa has been going through severe social changes over the past two decades. In light of these changes the present study aimed to understand adolescents’ expectations of their personal future. Based on the Theory of Possible Selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986) the present research addressed the overall question whether adolescents’ personal future plans incorporate the views they share about the present and the future of their social context. Social context was not only limited to factors such as gender, ethnicity and school environment, but also included both the daily lived experiences of inequality, as is the case in South Africa, and the projected social context of the future. A total of 631 pupils from four Gauteng high schools took part in this cross sectional study. The results support the hypotheses especially within the possible selves’ domain of academic achievement. The interrelatedness between possible selves and shared beliefs about the future of South Africa could, however, not be demonstrated. / Grow Your Own Timber Programme of the University of South Africa / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology (Research Consultation))