The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of adolescents, who have been exposed to violence, regarding the role of social support in their academic achievement. A qualitative, collective, within-site case study design was applied to obtain baseline data. The data was gathered through consecutive in-depth individual interviews with two male and six female adolescent learners (between 15 and 17 years of age) in a secondary school in Gauteng. Collages were furthermore used to assist participants with expressing their perceptions on the role that social support played in their academic achievement, despite being exposed to violence in their communities. The study was mainly informed by Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory, but in order to better understand the adolescent as an individual who functions within the ecological systems theory, Erikson’s psycho-social development theory as well as the theory of social support were integrated to understand this complex period of development. Interview data were analysed thematically, whilst shared analysis were utilised to give meaning to the visual data presented in the collages. The results indicate that encouragement to achieve, the provision of care and support to deal with problems in a proactive manner and enabling relationships with significant others facilitated academic achievement despite exposure to violence. Furthermore, positive self-talk, self-discipline and coping behaviours were identified as self-supportive behaviour that was perceived as enabling adolescents to achieve academically. The study indicates that adolescents who achieve academically despite exposure to violence, perceive social support as playing a significant role in the facilitation of academic achievement in these contexts of adversity. It is therefore recommended that significant others in the lives of adolescents should be informed about the important role that their supportive interactions play in the adolescent’s ability to maintain academic achievement. Further research could explore the viability of social support interventions in assisting adolescent learners to achieve their full academic potential, despite exposure to violence. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Obesity is affecting an increasingly larger proportion of adolescents in the world, and this can be attributed to low resting metabolic rate (RMR) as well as reduced physical activity (PA) levels. Little is known about objectively determined habitual PA and RMR in 16 year old African adolescents. The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, to determine the objectively measured PA status of adolescents and secondly, to determine the relationship that exists between RMR and PA in 16 year old adolescents. Two hundred and twenty six (226) adolescents aged sixteen (16) wore the Actiheart® monitor, combined accelerometry and heart rate for seven (7) consecutive days. Six high schools were recruited to take part in the study: two from town (high socio-economic status) and four from the township (low socio-economic status) of the Potchefstroom area of the North West Province of South Africa. Times spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity, physical activity counts per minute (CPM), total energy expenditure (TEE), active energy expenditure (AEE) and physical activity levels (PAL) were assessed using the Actiheart®. The participants’ RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry using the Fitmate Pro (Cosmed, Italy). All data analyses were performed with the SPSS Version 20 software (IBM SPSS, II). The descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) as well as independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to determine differences between ethnicity and genders and to calculate practical significance. A Type I error rate of p ≤ 0.05 was used for statistical significance. To investigate the relationship between RMR and physical activity regression analysis was performed with adjustment for gender, race and fat free mass. Results: Significantly higher PAL (1.57 ± 0.15) were determined in girls compared to boys (PAL = 1.41 ± 0.10). Black adolescents indicated significant higher PAL (1.53 ± 0.14) compared to white adolescents (1.45 ± 0.16). On average, regardless of race or gender, the participants were more active on weekdays than weekends. The current study shows that girls spent more minutes/day in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than the boys. The results show that 16.4% of the study sample was either overweight or obese. After adjustment for gender, ethnicity and FFM, linear regression between RMR and moderate-to-vigorous PA yielded an r2 = 0.46 (p ˂ 0.05.) Conclusion: Objectively determined PA of adolescents in South Africa indicates that only one third of adolescents are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily MVPA. Gender and race specific interventions are needed to increase habitual physical activity levels in adolescents. Given the fact that the studied sample did not meet recommended daily physical activity and the adverse effect of inactivity and chronic diseases of life style, urgent strategies to inculcate the culture of regular physical activity as a preventative measure of chronic diseases of life style are needed. Behaviour that is carried on into adulthood is established during adolescence. Civic health efforts should focus on encouraging adolescent involvement in regular moderate-to-vigorous PA, which will subsequently increase RMR and lower the risk of the development of non-communicable chronic diseases such as obesity. Further local research is needed to confirm the association between RMR and PA in the local population. / Thesis (MSc (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether adolescents who participate in sport perform better academically in comparison to their non–participating counterparts. An availability sample of 210 learners between 14 and 24 years from a secondary school in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District took part in this research. The participants were assessed by a Biographical Questionnaire adapted from Mpshe (1996); an adapted version of The Physical Activity Index of Sharkey (1979); the General Scholastic and Aptitude Test (GSAT)(Claassen, De Beer, Hugo & Meyer,1998); The revised two–factor Study Process Questionnaire: R–SPQ–2F of Biggs (1987a, 1987b); The Rosenberg Self–Esteem Scale (RSES), Rosenberg (1965); an adapted version of The Self–concept and Motivation Questionnaire of Bester (2003), and The Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scales of Ryff (1989). To obtain an overview of the participants’ academic performance, averages obtained in the June 2010 examinations in the four compulsory learning areas, i.e. Setswana First Language, English First Additional Language, Life Orientation and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, were calculated. A significant relationship between sport participation and academic performance was yielded by a cross–tabulation with a practical significance of 0.09. Univariate regression models with academic performance as dependent variable and the following variables as independent variables were calculated as separate models, namely: IQ, Deep approach and Surface Approach as dimensions of the R–SPQ–2F, Motivation, Self–esteem and Psychological well–being. Only self–esteem was found to significantly predict academic performance. A further analysis using an interaction between sport participation and self–esteem did not yield a significant finding. It was concluded that it is important that Educational planners should take cognisance of the literature and research findings of this study. In future studies bigger samples can be used and the interaction between cognitive, non–cognitive and sociodemographic variables in the prediction of academic performance can be studied. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the Grade 7 adolescents’ meaning of the phenomenon of trauma to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their perceptions in order to contribute to dialogue and discourse. Current literature was used to provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study which included a summary of the key tenets as well as an overview of the relevant core theoretical assumptions of Gestalt Therapy theory, early adolescence as a developmental stage, and the concept of trauma. A qualitative instrumental case study was used to provide a comprehensive description of the subjective perceptions of the participants, using phenomenological one–on–one semi–structured interviews and documents in the form of drawings. The sample consisted of a selected group of nine early adolescents from one Northern suburb school. The common thread that ran throughout this study was that trauma is perceived as a negative experience that is unique for each individual. The findings indicated that individuals who have been exposed to a trauma are affected on levels of contact and awareness. Lack of support was found to lead to the use of inappropriate contact styles which led to incomplete Gestalts, resulting in unresolved traumatic responses, which affected their social skills and academic development. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether adolescents who participate in sport perform better academically in comparison to their non–participating counterparts. An availability sample of 210 learners between 14 and 24 years from a secondary school in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District took part in this research. The participants were assessed by a Biographical Questionnaire adapted from Mpshe (1996); an adapted version of The Physical Activity Index of Sharkey (1979); the General Scholastic and Aptitude Test (GSAT)(Claassen, De Beer, Hugo & Meyer,1998); The revised two–factor Study Process Questionnaire: R–SPQ–2F of Biggs (1987a, 1987b); The Rosenberg Self–Esteem Scale (RSES), Rosenberg (1965); an adapted version of The Self–concept and Motivation Questionnaire of Bester (2003), and The Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scales of Ryff (1989). To obtain an overview of the participants’ academic performance, averages obtained in the June 2010 examinations in the four compulsory learning areas, i.e. Setswana First Language, English First Additional Language, Life Orientation and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, were calculated. A significant relationship between sport participation and academic performance was yielded by a cross–tabulation with a practical significance of 0.09. Univariate regression models with academic performance as dependent variable and the following variables as independent variables were calculated as separate models, namely: IQ, Deep approach and Surface Approach as dimensions of the R–SPQ–2F, Motivation, Self–esteem and Psychological well–being. Only self–esteem was found to significantly predict academic performance. A further analysis using an interaction between sport participation and self–esteem did not yield a significant finding. It was concluded that it is important that Educational planners should take cognisance of the literature and research findings of this study. In future studies bigger samples can be used and the interaction between cognitive, non–cognitive and sociodemographic variables in the prediction of academic performance can be studied. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the Grade 7 adolescents’ meaning of the phenomenon of trauma to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their perceptions in order to contribute to dialogue and discourse. Current literature was used to provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study which included a summary of the key tenets as well as an overview of the relevant core theoretical assumptions of Gestalt Therapy theory, early adolescence as a developmental stage, and the concept of trauma. A qualitative instrumental case study was used to provide a comprehensive description of the subjective perceptions of the participants, using phenomenological one–on–one semi–structured interviews and documents in the form of drawings. The sample consisted of a selected group of nine early adolescents from one Northern suburb school. The common thread that ran throughout this study was that trauma is perceived as a negative experience that is unique for each individual. The findings indicated that individuals who have been exposed to a trauma are affected on levels of contact and awareness. Lack of support was found to lead to the use of inappropriate contact styles which led to incomplete Gestalts, resulting in unresolved traumatic responses, which affected their social skills and academic development. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The purpose of this research was to investigate and describe the experience of lesbian parents and their adolescents regarding the adolescents’ development of a sense of self in the lesbian home, in order to compile guidelines that can provide help to these parents. The subject was investigated from both a pastoral base theory (normative perspective) and a Gestalt theoretical perspective (paradigmatic perspective). A qualitative approach was followed for the purpose of this study, with semi-structured interviewing with the adolescents and their parents respectively. Adolescents were also requested to make collages that served as an additional data gathering method. The sample group consisted of five adolescent boys and four adolescent girls, some of who were siblings, from six lesbian families respectively. Seven of the twelve parents were biological mothers from previous heterosexual marriages, and the remaining five women had no children of their own. From the literature review and the empirical results of this study, it appears that there are certain positive as well as negative aspects of a lesbian home that influence an adolescents sense of self. In lesbian homes where both parents are involved with the adolescents, share household duties equally and have a quality relationship with each other as well as with the adolescents, the adolescents are generally well-adapted, happy and able to handle challenges in order to develop a healthy sense of self. The positive influence that Christian religious certainty has on the overall development of the adolescents and on the sense of self, was confirmed through this study. On the other hand, adolescents experience the following aspects as challenging and impeding in their development of a healthy sense of self: Conflict and criticism from the companion parents are humiliating and destructive for the adolescents. Stigmatising, teasing and rejection from the hetero-normative society, as a result of their parents’ sexual orientation, appear to be the largest obstacle in their psychosocial development, which also influences their sense of self directly, because they react in a shy, negative and evasive way to the stigmatisation and withdraw themselves from situations that can be painful and humiliating. From the research findings, it appears that the absence of a father figure and financial tension in lesbian families are impeding to the adolescents’ healthy development of a sense of self. Due to the complexity of the aspects that can have a negative influence or impede on an adolescent’s healthy development of a sense of self within the lesbian parent relationship, the researcher realised that professional help, support and guidance might be necessary for some of the lesbian parents and adolescents in order to promote the adolescents’ development of a sense of self and the establishment of a unique identity. At the end of this study, the researcher was able to compile guidelines for lesbian parents as well as pastoral counsellors to help and guide them in their support to adolescents in order to enable them develop a healthy sense of self. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The purpose of this research was to investigate and describe the experience of lesbian parents and their adolescents regarding the adolescents’ development of a sense of self in the lesbian home, in order to compile guidelines that can provide help to these parents. The subject was investigated from both a pastoral base theory (normative perspective) and a Gestalt theoretical perspective (paradigmatic perspective). A qualitative approach was followed for the purpose of this study, with semi-structured interviewing with the adolescents and their parents respectively. Adolescents were also requested to make collages that served as an additional data gathering method. The sample group consisted of five adolescent boys and four adolescent girls, some of who were siblings, from six lesbian families respectively. Seven of the twelve parents were biological mothers from previous heterosexual marriages, and the remaining five women had no children of their own. From the literature review and the empirical results of this study, it appears that there are certain positive as well as negative aspects of a lesbian home that influence an adolescents sense of self. In lesbian homes where both parents are involved with the adolescents, share household duties equally and have a quality relationship with each other as well as with the adolescents, the adolescents are generally well-adapted, happy and able to handle challenges in order to develop a healthy sense of self. The positive influence that Christian religious certainty has on the overall development of the adolescents and on the sense of self, was confirmed through this study. On the other hand, adolescents experience the following aspects as challenging and impeding in their development of a healthy sense of self: Conflict and criticism from the companion parents are humiliating and destructive for the adolescents. Stigmatising, teasing and rejection from the hetero-normative society, as a result of their parents’ sexual orientation, appear to be the largest obstacle in their psychosocial development, which also influences their sense of self directly, because they react in a shy, negative and evasive way to the stigmatisation and withdraw themselves from situations that can be painful and humiliating. From the research findings, it appears that the absence of a father figure and financial tension in lesbian families are impeding to the adolescents’ healthy development of a sense of self. Due to the complexity of the aspects that can have a negative influence or impede on an adolescent’s healthy development of a sense of self within the lesbian parent relationship, the researcher realised that professional help, support and guidance might be necessary for some of the lesbian parents and adolescents in order to promote the adolescents’ development of a sense of self and the establishment of a unique identity. At the end of this study, the researcher was able to compile guidelines for lesbian parents as well as pastoral counsellors to help and guide them in their support to adolescents in order to enable them develop a healthy sense of self. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Text in Afrikaans / The death of a parent is one of the most meaningful experiences in life. When the child in mourning is not given a proper chance to grieve, there could be complications later in life. In this study scrapbooking, as a tool in Gestalt group work, was utilised to assist three pre-adolescents after the death of a parent. The goal of this research was to determine whether scrapbooking could be successfully used with in the grieving stages after the death of a parent. The social caracter of scrapbooking makes this relevant to the pre-adolescent stage as the need to socialize is of great importance. From the results of this study, scrapbooking can be recommended to therapists to be used as a tool in assisting children during the grieving process. / Die dood van cn ouer blyk een van die mees betekenisvolle gebeure in die mens se lewe te wees. Wanneer die kind in ruil nie die geleentheid gegun word om op haar eie tyd en manier te rou nie, kan latere komplikasies na vore tree. In hierdie studie is scrapbooking as hulpmiddel in Gestalt-groepwerk met drie vroee adolessente benut om van hulp te wees na die afsterwe van 'n ouer. Die doel van die navorsing was om te bepaal of scrapbooking wel suksesvol op die wyse in die rou-proses gebruik kan word. Die sosiale komponent van scrapbooking behels die saamwees en saamwerk aan 'n scrapboek met 'n gemeenskaplike tema. Aangesien vroee adolessensie 'n ontwikkelingstadium is waar die sosiale komponent belangrik is, is die navorser van mening dat scrapbooking juis om die rede sal kan werk om verligting te bied na die afsterwe van 'n ouer. Scrapbooking word aanbeveel om tot hulp te wees om die rouproses te vergemaklik. / Social Work / MDIAC (Play Therapy)

Text in Afrikaans / Adolescent behaviour is characterised as a cognitive, social and personality developing phase. Hormones can have a big influence on the cognitive and social developing of an adolescent boy. Adolescent boy’s behaviour can influence their attitudes towards developing of values. Moral values develop during adolescence. Limitations in the developing of cognitive skills in adolescent boys can lead to immoral experimenting. Attitudes of anxiety and a low self confidence can develop. Licentiousness is when a person acts outside the norm of moral values of an environment. Sexual licentiousness is behaviour that is unacceptable in social norms of the environment. Moral values are behaviour that is acceptable in a social environment. An Adolescent with a larcenous lifestyle does not have any moral values. The descriptive research method is used for the problem statement and to enquire into the objectives of the research. The Social Development Theory possesses to the enormous power to elevate and accelerate the expansion and development of human capabilities in any field. Social development organises human energies and activities at higher levels to achieve greater results. Development increases the utilisation of human potential. The question that is being asked is: Which factors influence adolescent boys’ attitudes towards sexual licentiousness and which socio educational situations can decrease the complex problem. The adolescent, however, still experiences problems in making the appropriate decisions in life. Decisions that may have far reaching implications for their future. / Adolessensie is ‘n fase van kognitiewe, sosiale en persoonlikheidontwikkeling. Hormone in die adolessente fase by seuns kan ‘n invloed hê op die kognitiewe en sosiale ontwikkeling van die adolessent. Dit kan veroorsaak dat adolessente op ‘n baie vroeë ouderdom gekonfronteer word met hul houdings tot ontwikkeling. Morele waardes ontwikkel tydens adolessensie. Morele onrypheid by die adolessent kan bly voortbestaan as gevolg van kognitiewe beperkings. Dit veroorsaak houdings van minderwaardigheid en vrees. Losbandigheid word in die morele sin gebruik as ’n persoon onsedelik lewe. ’n Adolessent met ’n losbandige leefstyl het ’n gebrek aan sedelike kodes. Sedes is gewoontes en gedrag wat deur ’n sosiale gemeenskap as normaal beskou word. Seksuele losbandigheid is gedrag in stryd met goeie waardes van die sosiale omgewing. Die beskywende kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetode is gebruik om die probleemstelling en doelwitte te ondersoek. Die sosiale ontwikkelingsteorie is gebruik as ‘n komponent om die proses waar die adolessent menslike vaardighede en houdings ontwikkel te beskryf. Die vrae wat ontstaan is dus: Eertens: Watter faktore gee aanleiding tot adolessente se houdings ten op sigte van seksuele losbandigheid Tweedens: Is daar sosio-opvoedkundige situasies wat die verskynsel kan verminder? Die adolessent ondervind steeds probleme om regte besluite in die allerdaagse lewe te neem. Besluite wat vêrrykende gevolge vir die toekoms inhou. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Sosio-Opvoedkunde)