Pregnancy and childbirth are important life experiences in a woman’s psychosocial and psychological development. For many women, vaginal birth is still considered an integral part of being a woman and becoming a mother. Furthermore, it is thought to promote maternal well-being through helping women to match their expectations to experiences. For these women, a failed natural birth can be a psychological, psychosocial, and existential challenge that can result in significant and far-reaching consequences for their psychological wellbeing. Research, especially recent research, on the experiences of women who most wanted to, but were unable to deliver their babies naturally is relatively rare. This is surprising given the potential implications of these experiences on a mother’s emotional well-being, as well as for her feelings towards her new baby. Nevertheless, literature on the topic presents a coherent perspective on the problem and indicates that these women experience difficulties in adapting to not being able to fulfill their dream of delivering their baby naturally. There is no existing research on the subjective experiences of South African women who delivered their babies by unplanned Caesarean section. This study therefore aimed to contribute to knowledge that may fill this gap to some extent. Through purposeful sampling, ten mothers who had wanted to deliver their babies naturally, but had not been able to for whatever reason, were selected as the study sample. Various aspects of their birth experiences were explored in indepth phenomenological interviews. This allowed the researcher to probe certain aspects offered by participants in order to understand and explore their contributions in as much depth as possible. A semi-structured, open-ended approach allowed for the exploration of relevant opinions, perceptions, feelings, and comments in relation to the women’s unplanned Caesarean experiences. The transcribed data was synthesized within a framework of phenomenological theory, where women’s experiences were analyzed and explored in an attempt to understand how participants made sense of their experiences. The different aspects of women’s experiences were explored in three substudies. The results are reported in three manuscripts/articles. Research suggests that post-partum adjustment difficulties are influenced by the potentially virulent stress reactions generated in response to a perceived birth trauma. The objective of the first article was to explore women’s labour and birthing accounts with specific regard to the subsequent stress responses experienced. The stress responses experienced by the women in this study both prior to, and during the Caesarean section were predominantly anxiety-based. This was distinguished from the post-partum period, where women described having experienced more depressive symptoms. Post-traumatic stress responses are associated with negative perceptions of the birth, self and infant. The experience of adverse emotional consequences during the post-partum period can undermine a woman’s ability to successfully adapt to her role as a mother, meet the needs of her infant, and cope with post-partum challenges. The second article highlighted the possible impact of women’s unexpected and potentially traumatic childbirth experiences on initial mother-infant bonding. The unplanned Caesarean sections left mothers feeling detached from the birthing process and disconnected from their infants. Passivity, initial separation, and delayed physical contact further compromised mother-infant interaction. Postpartum physical complications and emotional disturbances have important implications for a woman’s perceptions of herself as a mother and her ability to provide for her infant, her self-esteem, and feelings of relatedness with her baby. Adverse responses to a traumatic birth experience could therefore influence the establishment of a maternal role identity, the formation of balanced maternal attachment representations, the caregiving system, and ultimately initial motherinfant bonding. In the third article, women’s experiences were contextualized in relevant coping resources and strategies. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience, such as during an unplanned Caesarean section, could be influenced by perceived strengths when coping with the stress related to the incident. The mothers in this study described several factors and coping strategies that they perceived to have been effective in reducing the impact of their traumatic birth experiences. These included active coping strategies, problem-focused coping strategies, and emotion-focused coping strategies. Coping strategies could result in reassessment of the birth process, and be associated with a more positive, acceptable and memorable experience. This study contributes to nursing, midwifery and psychological literature, by adding to the professional understanding of the emotional consequences of surgical delivery on South African childbearing women. This exploration therefore has important implications for preventative measures, therapeutic intervention, and professional guidance. However, the restricted sample may limit the generalizability of results. Further investigation of the experiences of a larger, more biographically and culturally diverse population could be instrumental in the development of knowledge and understanding in this field of study. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Pregnancy and childbirth are important life experiences in a woman’s psychosocial and psychological development. For many women, vaginal birth is still considered an integral part of being a woman and becoming a mother. Furthermore, it is thought to promote maternal well-being through helping women to match their expectations to experiences. For these women, a failed natural birth can be a psychological, psychosocial, and existential challenge that can result in significant and far-reaching consequences for their psychological wellbeing. Research, especially recent research, on the experiences of women who most wanted to, but were unable to deliver their babies naturally is relatively rare. This is surprising given the potential implications of these experiences on a mother’s emotional well-being, as well as for her feelings towards her new baby. Nevertheless, literature on the topic presents a coherent perspective on the problem and indicates that these women experience difficulties in adapting to not being able to fulfill their dream of delivering their baby naturally. There is no existing research on the subjective experiences of South African women who delivered their babies by unplanned Caesarean section. This study therefore aimed to contribute to knowledge that may fill this gap to some extent. Through purposeful sampling, ten mothers who had wanted to deliver their babies naturally, but had not been able to for whatever reason, were selected as the study sample. Various aspects of their birth experiences were explored in indepth phenomenological interviews. This allowed the researcher to probe certain aspects offered by participants in order to understand and explore their contributions in as much depth as possible. A semi-structured, open-ended approach allowed for the exploration of relevant opinions, perceptions, feelings, and comments in relation to the women’s unplanned Caesarean experiences. The transcribed data was synthesized within a framework of phenomenological theory, where women’s experiences were analyzed and explored in an attempt to understand how participants made sense of their experiences. The different aspects of women’s experiences were explored in three substudies. The results are reported in three manuscripts/articles. Research suggests that post-partum adjustment difficulties are influenced by the potentially virulent stress reactions generated in response to a perceived birth trauma. The objective of the first article was to explore women’s labour and birthing accounts with specific regard to the subsequent stress responses experienced. The stress responses experienced by the women in this study both prior to, and during the Caesarean section were predominantly anxiety-based. This was distinguished from the post-partum period, where women described having experienced more depressive symptoms. Post-traumatic stress responses are associated with negative perceptions of the birth, self and infant. The experience of adverse emotional consequences during the post-partum period can undermine a woman’s ability to successfully adapt to her role as a mother, meet the needs of her infant, and cope with post-partum challenges. The second article highlighted the possible impact of women’s unexpected and potentially traumatic childbirth experiences on initial mother-infant bonding. The unplanned Caesarean sections left mothers feeling detached from the birthing process and disconnected from their infants. Passivity, initial separation, and delayed physical contact further compromised mother-infant interaction. Postpartum physical complications and emotional disturbances have important implications for a woman’s perceptions of herself as a mother and her ability to provide for her infant, her self-esteem, and feelings of relatedness with her baby. Adverse responses to a traumatic birth experience could therefore influence the establishment of a maternal role identity, the formation of balanced maternal attachment representations, the caregiving system, and ultimately initial motherinfant bonding. In the third article, women’s experiences were contextualized in relevant coping resources and strategies. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience, such as during an unplanned Caesarean section, could be influenced by perceived strengths when coping with the stress related to the incident. The mothers in this study described several factors and coping strategies that they perceived to have been effective in reducing the impact of their traumatic birth experiences. These included active coping strategies, problem-focused coping strategies, and emotion-focused coping strategies. Coping strategies could result in reassessment of the birth process, and be associated with a more positive, acceptable and memorable experience. This study contributes to nursing, midwifery and psychological literature, by adding to the professional understanding of the emotional consequences of surgical delivery on South African childbearing women. This exploration therefore has important implications for preventative measures, therapeutic intervention, and professional guidance. However, the restricted sample may limit the generalizability of results. Further investigation of the experiences of a larger, more biographically and culturally diverse population could be instrumental in the development of knowledge and understanding in this field of study. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Thesis (doctoral)--Université de Nice. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 869-966) and index.

This study focuses on the use of a bridging technique to overcome contact–making barriers in adolescents. Contact is regarded as an integral part of all human experiences, but barriers (also called contact boundary disturbances) often hinder effective contact–making with the environment. To overcome contact boundary disturbances, several model bridges were constructed prior to the study and these were used as a metaphor during the intervention phase with adolescents. The goal of the research was to determine whether a technique called “bridging” could overcome contact boundary disturbances in adolescents in therapy. The research was conducted from an existential–phenomenological Gestalt approach. Combined quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed and a single system experimental design, A–B–A–A, was applied. A total of 14 adolescent participants between the ages of 11 and 14 were purposefully selected from three different schools in the Gauteng Province, South Africa, as well as their parents and teachers. Quantitative data were collected from the pre–intervention assessment, the post–intervention assessment and a follow–up assessment where questionnaires were completed by the researcher for each of the adolescent participants. The follow–up assessment was done four weeks after the postassessment in order to determine the consistency of the intervention. These questionnaires were analysed according to the semantic differential scale, and raw scores were plotted on line and bar graphs in order to assess the contact skills and contact boundary disturbances in the participating adolescents. Qualitative data were collected through semi–structured interviews with parents and teachers and through therapeutic interventions with adolescents. The data were analysed using the Creswell spiral and the a priori and inductive coding approaches. Three main themes were identified which were contact boundary disturbances, personal emotional factors and behavioural factors. Quantitative and qualitative data results and findings were discussed in context, to the relevant literature. The findings of the data indicated that the bridging technique can be useful in working with adolescents in therapy to overcome contact–making barriers. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This study focuses on the use of a bridging technique to overcome contact–making barriers in adolescents. Contact is regarded as an integral part of all human experiences, but barriers (also called contact boundary disturbances) often hinder effective contact–making with the environment. To overcome contact boundary disturbances, several model bridges were constructed prior to the study and these were used as a metaphor during the intervention phase with adolescents. The goal of the research was to determine whether a technique called “bridging” could overcome contact boundary disturbances in adolescents in therapy. The research was conducted from an existential–phenomenological Gestalt approach. Combined quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed and a single system experimental design, A–B–A–A, was applied. A total of 14 adolescent participants between the ages of 11 and 14 were purposefully selected from three different schools in the Gauteng Province, South Africa, as well as their parents and teachers. Quantitative data were collected from the pre–intervention assessment, the post–intervention assessment and a follow–up assessment where questionnaires were completed by the researcher for each of the adolescent participants. The follow–up assessment was done four weeks after the postassessment in order to determine the consistency of the intervention. These questionnaires were analysed according to the semantic differential scale, and raw scores were plotted on line and bar graphs in order to assess the contact skills and contact boundary disturbances in the participating adolescents. Qualitative data were collected through semi–structured interviews with parents and teachers and through therapeutic interventions with adolescents. The data were analysed using the Creswell spiral and the a priori and inductive coding approaches. Three main themes were identified which were contact boundary disturbances, personal emotional factors and behavioural factors. Quantitative and qualitative data results and findings were discussed in context, to the relevant literature. The findings of the data indicated that the bridging technique can be useful in working with adolescents in therapy to overcome contact–making barriers. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the nature of the South African late adolescent’s adjustment whilst on a working holiday in the United Kingdom. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature study was done with attention afforded to late adolescence, the developmental tasks of this life stage, culture and culture shock and the adjustment to the latter. An empirical study was conducted whereby semi-structured interviews were utilized as a data collection method. During these interviews questions were posed to the respondents to ascertain what they regarded as pleasant as well as unpleasant in relation to their working holiday in the United Kingdom, the perceived cultural differences between South Africans and Britons, problems experienced with the adjustment, homesickness, triggers thereof including ways in which to cope with it. Ten respondents were individually interviewed during this research. An exploratory research design was followed as the researcher explored the trend of late adolescents who embark on a working holiday in the United Kingdom. The researcher performed qualitative research to answer the research question. The research question that was formulated for the purpose of this study was: what is the nature of the adjustment of the late adolescent whilst living and working in the United Kingdom? The researcher applied the one-group posttest-only design as research procedure because interviews were conducted following a period of at least four months in which the respondents had lived in the United Kingdom. Empirical data was obtained by means of an interview schedule and the following themes were identified: -- Late adolescents experience culture shock upon arrival in the United Kingdom. -- Environmental differences are experienced. -- Cultural differences between South Africans and Britons are noted. -- Independency increases. -- Work experience is gained and money earned in order to meet needs. -- Cohesion and solidarity are experienced with fellow South Africans in London. -- Exposure is experienced. -- Homesickness is experienced. The researcher concludes that the late adolescent experiences initial culture shock that is absorbed by the support of fellow South Africans and results in increased independence. Homesickness is experienced and is dealt with in ways that had been tested. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work / unrestricted

This research project examines the acculturation process in order to predict the perceived work success and health (psychological and physical) of mineworkers in a mine in the North–West Province.1 Work success can also be described as that which is achieved when an employee enjoys his career for reasons of psychological experience of success and personal growth and development within both his/her current occupation and working environment. Health is defined as a condition of complete physical, mental and social well–being and not merely the absence of disease or frailty. Health is therefore about completeness, contentment and well–being at a physical, cultural, psychosocial, economic and spiritual level. Employees’ success and health is evaluated from an acculturation perspective, and therefore considered a result of the acculturation process. This proposition was explored by investigating the relationship between the acculturation context and individual intervening factors, mapped into variables, and acculturation outcomes (work success and health). A convenient sample of participants from the mine examined was taken (n = 288). English questionnaires using a cross–sectional survey design were used to gather the data. Modified measuring instruments and others developed for the project, which follow a five–point Likert format (‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’) were used to investigate the mainstream domain (perceived mainstream segregation demands, perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with mainstream members at work), an individual intervening factor (individual separation acculturation strategy practices), the ethnocultural domain (perceived pressure to conform to own culture, ethnic separation demands at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work), psychological acculturation outcomes (health), and sociocultural acculturation outcomes (work success). The data was captured in a spreadsheet, controlled for errors, and statistically analysed using regression in SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were inspected, and effect sizes were used to determine the findings’ practical significance. The results did indicate practical and statistically significant relationships exist between acculturation context, individual and acculturation outcomes variables. Perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work proved to be statistically significant predictors of meeting deadlines at work. Perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work was statistically significant predictors of reputation and respect at work. Perceived mainstream segregation demands, perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, and relationships with mainstream members at work were statistically significant predictors of training and development opportunities at work. Individual separation acculturation strategy practices and ethnic separation demands at work were statistically significant predictors of psychological health. Perceived racism at work and ethnic separation demands at work proved to be statistically significant predictors of physical health. These findings demonstrate that success and health can be viewed from an acculturation perspective, and that the acculturation context and individual intervening factors, can be used to predict psychological and sociocultural acculturation outcomes. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Resource Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Objective The present study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of childbirth by unplanned Caesarean section. Background New motherhood is characterised as a profound change, and research suggests that the psychological effects of childbirth can be significant and far–reaching for some women. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience could affect a woman's emotional and psychological state, and she may experience considerable adjustment difficulties in adapting to unfulfilled expectations of delivering her baby naturally. Methods In–depth interviews explored 10 women's lived experiences of childbirth, after which thematic content analysis was used to synthesise data. The elements of phenomenological theory served as a broad framework for the structuring, organizing and categorizing of data, with interpretation aimed at gaining a greater understanding of women's internalised childbirth accounts. Findings Women described their contact with medical personnel, as well as the physical, environmental, and emotional aspects of their unplanned Caesarean sections, as distressing and traumatic. A sense of loss of control was the most significant contributor to women's negative childbirth experiences. Feelings of failure and disappointment were primarily related to unmet expectations and a lack of preparedness. Negative experiences were mediated by attentive caregiving, inclusion in decision–making, and support from loved ones. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The general aim for this research was to explore and describe the risk and protective variables in the bio–psychosocial field of adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and to describe how these variables impact multi–dimensionally on such adolescents. From the literature search it seemed as if interventions regarding CF focus mainly on the medical condition. No literature could be found on the experiences of adolescents with CF. It is clear that there is a dearth of research on adolescents with CF in general but also specifically on the bio–psychosocial impact of this illness on adolescents in this challenging time of maturing. The research design was a case study and focused on exploration and description of risk and protective factors in the bio–psychosocial fields of adolescents with CF. Semi–structured interviews were used as a data collecting method. Questions were open–ended, but focused on the experience of adolescents having CF. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis based on the following steps, which entailed among others transcribing data, reading, re–reading, translation, coding, identifying and describing themes. Facing a chronic illness and the intensive medical treatment required is a harsh reality that influences the entire field of adolescents with CF. This research results expanded knowledge of CF in adolescents within a Gestalt field perspective. Themes identified outline risk and protective factors related to faith, daily routines and especially the effect of medical procedures on time management, emotions, health and body–related aspects, frequent hospitalisation, social support and future concerns. If the risk and protective variables in the field of adolescents with CF is better understood from their own perspective, it is assumed that trans–disciplinary interventions with a multi–dimensional focus will be targeted more accurately in intervention strategies for this vulnerable group. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This research project examines the acculturation process in order to predict the perceived work success and health (psychological and physical) of mineworkers in a mine in the North–West Province.1 Work success can also be described as that which is achieved when an employee enjoys his career for reasons of psychological experience of success and personal growth and development within both his/her current occupation and working environment. Health is defined as a condition of complete physical, mental and social well–being and not merely the absence of disease or frailty. Health is therefore about completeness, contentment and well–being at a physical, cultural, psychosocial, economic and spiritual level. Employees’ success and health is evaluated from an acculturation perspective, and therefore considered a result of the acculturation process. This proposition was explored by investigating the relationship between the acculturation context and individual intervening factors, mapped into variables, and acculturation outcomes (work success and health). A convenient sample of participants from the mine examined was taken (n = 288). English questionnaires using a cross–sectional survey design were used to gather the data. Modified measuring instruments and others developed for the project, which follow a five–point Likert format (‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’) were used to investigate the mainstream domain (perceived mainstream segregation demands, perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with mainstream members at work), an individual intervening factor (individual separation acculturation strategy practices), the ethnocultural domain (perceived pressure to conform to own culture, ethnic separation demands at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work), psychological acculturation outcomes (health), and sociocultural acculturation outcomes (work success). The data was captured in a spreadsheet, controlled for errors, and statistically analysed using regression in SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were inspected, and effect sizes were used to determine the findings’ practical significance. The results did indicate practical and statistically significant relationships exist between acculturation context, individual and acculturation outcomes variables. Perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work proved to be statistically significant predictors of meeting deadlines at work. Perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, perceived discrimination at work, and relationships with co–ethnics at work was statistically significant predictors of reputation and respect at work. Perceived mainstream segregation demands, perceived pressure to conform to management ideologies and practices, perceived racism at work, and relationships with mainstream members at work were statistically significant predictors of training and development opportunities at work. Individual separation acculturation strategy practices and ethnic separation demands at work were statistically significant predictors of psychological health. Perceived racism at work and ethnic separation demands at work proved to be statistically significant predictors of physical health. These findings demonstrate that success and health can be viewed from an acculturation perspective, and that the acculturation context and individual intervening factors, can be used to predict psychological and sociocultural acculturation outcomes. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Resource Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.