Text in Afrikaans with summaries in Afrikaans and English / A pastoral Gestalt therapeutic intervention model was developed, implemented and evaluated in the research to facilitate the therapeutic process from guilt and shame to forgiveness. Guilt and shame can be traumatic self-conscious experiences which has an impact on abused late adolescent's physical, psychological, social, emotional, moral and religious development. It can determine the adolescent's behavior, their views of themselves and their interpersonal relationships. Guilt and shame arouses feelings of helplessness, anger, blame, bitterness and the need for retaliation, while forgiveness can relieve these impulses effectively and be utilized as a source for a recovering experience. In designing the intervention model, the researcher studied adolescents' emotional experience, behaviour and management of guilt, shame and forgiveness from a pastoral base theory within the Gestalt therapeutic perspective. The formation of the paradigm is based on a multidisciplinary approach which takes place on the interface between pastoral counselling and Gestalt therapy without the unique content and character of pastoral care or the Gestalt therapy being lost. By utilizing the intervention model abused late adolescents are assisted with the necessary awareness to focus on what is on their foreground in order to reach self-regulation of their emotional experience. The intervention model was developed as a prototype intervention based on Enright's forgiveness process model and components of both the pastoral base theory and the Gestalt therapeutic process of the Schoeman working model. The research was performed by using a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach. The qualitative approach entails the use of applied intervention in intervention research while the quantitative approach consists of measuring the respondents' experiences of guilt, shame and forgiveness, using three standardized rating scales before and after intervention. The researcher applied the intervention research design in a multiple case study with five respondents and a single-system design was incorporated into the intervention research. The measurement of respondents' experiences of guilt, shame and forgiveness after intervention, determined whether the changes took effect, attributable to their participation in the intervention. Following the research findings the conclusion was made that the pastoral Gestalt therapeutic intervention model can be used effectively to guide abused late adolescents who experience guilt and shame, to forgiveness. / In die navorsing is 'n pastorale Gestaltterapeutiese intervensiemodel ontwikkel, geimplementeer en geevalueer om die terapeutiese proses van skuld en skaamte na vergifnis te fasiliteer. Skuld en skaamte kan traumatiese selfbewuste ervaringe wees wat mishandelde laat-adolessente se fisieke, psigiese, sosiale, emosionele, morele en religieuse ontwikkeling beinvloed. Dit kan bepalend vir die adolessente se gedrag wees, asook hul siening van hulself en hul interpersoonlike verhoudinge. Skuld en skaamte wek gevoelens van magteloosheid, woede, blaam, bitterheid en die behoefte na vergelding, terwyl vergifnis hierdie impulse kan verlig en effektief benut kan word as 'n bron van die herstelervaring. In die antwerp van die intervensiemodel het die navorser die adolessente se emosionele ervaring, gedrag en hantering van skuld, skaamte en vergifnis vanuit 'n pastorale basisteorie binne die Gestaltterapeutiese perspektief bestudeer. Die vorming van die paradigma is geskoei op 'n multidissiplinere benadering wat op die tussenvlak tussen pastoraat en Gestaltterapie plaasvind, sander om die eiesoortige inhoud en karakter van die pastoraat of die Gestaltterapie verlore te laat gaan. Deur benutting van die intervensiemodel is mishandelde laat-adolessente begelei om met die nodige bewustheid te fokus op dit wat op hul voorgrond is ten einde selfregulering van hul emosionele belewenis te bereik. Die intervensiemodel is ontwikkel as 'n prototipe intervensie deur Enright se vergifnis prosesmodel en komponente van sowel die pastorale basisteorie as die Gestaltterapeutiese proses van die Schoeman-werkmodel te gebruik. Die navorsing is vanuit die gemengde kwalitatiewe-kwantitatiewe benadering onderneem. Die kwalitatiewe benadering het die gebruik van toegepaste intervensie in 'n intervensienavorsingsmodel behels en die kwantitatiewe benadering die meting van die respondente se ervaring van skuld, skaamte en vergifnis, met behulp van drie gestandaardiseerde metingskale, voor en na intervensie. Die navorser het die intervensienavorsingontwerp in 'n meervoudige gevallestudie met vyf respondente toegepas en 'n enkelsisteemontwerp in die intervensienavorsing gei"nkorporeer. Die meting van die respondente se ervaring van skuld, skaamte en vergifnis na intervensie, het bepaal of die veranderinge wat ingetree het, toegeskryf kan word aan hul deelname aan die intervensieprogram. Na aanleiding van die navorsingsresultate is die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat die pastorale Gestaltterapeutiese intervensiemodel effektief gebruik kan word om mishandelde laat-adolessente wat skuld en skaamte ervaar, na vergifnis te begelei. / Social Work / D.Diac. (Play Therapy)

Afrikaans text / The purpose of the research was to investigate the experiences of adolescents who identify with the Emo subculture in a specific high school in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Qualitative, applied research of an exploring and descriptive nature was conducted. The literature study focused on human development, the concepts contra-culture and subculture, Gestalt development, Gestalt therapy theories and the ecological theory. This served as a framework for the findings, which was based on unstructured interviews with persons who identified with the Emo subculture. Data triangulation was of special interest in this study to ensure reliability and validity, especially in the light of the fact that limited specialised literature is available on the Emo subculture. Various findings are described and recommendations are made for further research. / Die doel van die navorsing was om die belewenisse van adolessente wat met die Emo-subkultuur identifiseer, in ’n spesifieke hoërskool in die noordelike voorstede van Kaapstad te ondersoek. Kwalitatiewe, toegepaste navorsing van verkennende en beskrywende aard is gedoen. Die literatuurstudie het gefokus op menslike ontwikkeling, die konsepte kontrakultuur en subkultuur, Gestalt-ontwikkeling, Gestaltterapie-teorieë en die ekologiese teorie. Dit het as raamwerk vir die bevindinge gedien, wat gegrond is op ongestruktureerde onderhoude met persone wat met die Emo-subkultuur identifiseer. Data-triangulering was van besondere belang in hierdie ondersoek om vertrouenswaardigheid en geldigheid te verseker, veral in die lig daarvan dat daar min vakkundige literatuur oor die Emo-subkultuur beskikbaar is. Verskeie bevindinge word beskryf en aanbevelings word gemaak vir verdere navorsing. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Spelterapie)

Sexual abuse of children and adolescents has reached pandemic proportions in Namibia. It is widely recognised that this traumagenic experience could have a profound and long-lasting effect on survivors. Nevertheless, few survivors in Namibia access therapy; often because of non-disclosure or non-reporting, being socioeconomically disadvantaged and the overburdened public sector therapists. This study set out to explore how adolescent survivors use the Nine Figure Picture Story (9FPS) embedded within the context of Gestalt Healing tasks. A variety of play therapy experiments was used to raise the clients’ awareness and to evoke their therapy stories (as these relate to Gestalt therapy) and their trauma stories (by means of the 9FPS). The researcher-therapist hoped that the study would enhance the understanding of the meaning-making of sexually abused adolescent clients, and in doing so, contribute to therapeutic practice in Namibia and elsewhere. Research which aims to uncover personal meaning-making and hear the voice of the participants already suggests that the qualitative paradigm would be apposite. An exploratory case study was conducted in Namibia between August 2010 and November 2010. Two adolescent survivors of sexual abuse who met the eligibility criteria were drawn from the population by means of nonprobability sampling. The sample was heterogeneous: one participant was a survivor of chronic intrafamilial rape; the other of a single incident, extrafamilial child sexual abuse (CSA). The data corpus included six and ten recorded therapeutic sessions with the two clients respectively; transcribed intake and termination semi-structured interviews with the parents; the researcher’s process and observation notes; and the clients’ objets d'art and Therapy diaries. To capture the tapestry of CSA accurately and holistically, the stories of the two participants were first analysed individually and thereafter synthesised into a theoretical comparative analysis. Trustworthiness was enhanced by means of investigator, theory, data and methodological triangulation. A number of safety, beneficence and non-maleficence measures contributed to the ethicality of this sensitive research. The research uncovered that, despite their differences, the two participants presented with posttraumatic signs and patterns often reported in the literature. Most insightful was how the survivors disavowed the CSA to become “not me” (Joyce & Sills, 2006: 92). As it relates to neurobiological hypotheses, it was revealed that the tactile and visuospatial Gestalt play therapy, specifically the 9FPS, seemed to access and address the fragmented, non-sequenced and non-verbal trauma memory. It was found that the 9FPSs gave the unfinished business from the past a miniaturised dimension in the present and that the “differentiated unity” (Reynolds, 2005: 162) enhanced its assimilation into the self. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Rugby is a popular sport in South Africa, and has been played by young boys from as early as seven years old (South African Rugby Union [SARU], 2011). Despite various physical health benefits, it carries a high risk for injury, especially head injury, and consequently has a high incidence of concussion (Alexander, 2009; Laubscher, 2006; Shuttleworth-Edwards, Smith & Radloff, 2008). It is common for 12 to 13 per cent of adolescent rugby players to report mild traumatic brain injury or concussion per season (Laubscher, 2006; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). The true incidence is however considered to be higher, even as high as 70.4% (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Concussion, otherwise known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is described as a traumatically induced alteration in mental status, or traumatically induced cerebral dysfunction (Kraus, McArthur, Silvermand & Jayaraman, 1996) which may, or may not involve loss of consciousness (Quality Standards Subcommittee, American Academy of Neurology [AAN], 1997). The nature of concussion has traditionally been considered to be transient, and symptoms are usually resolved within a few days or weeks (Kirkwood et al., 2008; Taylor et al., 2010). However, when concussions are not fully resolved prior to players returning to the game, they may be vulnerable to second impact syndrome. This syndrome causes herniation and brain oedema, which may result in death (Patel, 2005), as has been reported in South African press (Alexander, 2009; South African Press Association [SAPA], 2012). Even without second impact syndrome, repeated concussions may render the brain neurocognitively vulnerable, leading to an array of short- and long-term cognitive symptoms (Alexander, 2009; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Short-term problems include difficulties with attention, focus and concentration; following multi-step instruction, engaging in mental problem-solving; verbal expression, receiving and processing verbal and visual information; maintaining effective levels of mental and physical energy; controlling mood; suppressing impulsive behaviours; initiating and maintaining productive interpersonal relationships with peers; engaging in meaningful conversation and participating in group activities (Jantz & Coulter, 2007). Short-term cognitive impairments due to repeated concussion have also been found, and include amongst the former symptoms, also problems with delayed memory, learning, social functioning, and abstract thinking (Anderson, Brown, Newitt & Hoile, 2011; Laubscher, 2006). Long-term sequelae follow when children did not return to their baseline level of functioning after three months (Kirkwood et al., 2008; Taylor et al., 2010). Long-term sequelae include problems with memory, visuo-motor processing, executive functioning, learning and abstract thinking (Anderson, 2002; Anderson et al., 2010; Horton et al., 2010; Lezak et.al., 2004; Shuttleworth-Edwards & Radloff, 2008). As mTBI is traditionally thought to be of transient nature, researchers tend to investigate moderate to severe TBI, rather than mTBI (Alexander, 2009; Anderson et al., 2010; Patel, 2005). This could easily lead to important facts about mTBI being missed or not acknowledged. Nevertheless, recent investigations are uncovering facts about mTBI that could transform the way in which we understand mTBI, providing increasing evidence that mTBI is more serious than widely believed (Blakemore, 2012; Maxwell, 2011; Toleda et al., 2012). However, there remains a lack of research investigating mTBI from a single cause. Considering the above information, the current study provides unique information about mTBI. It specifically investigated the long-term effects of mTBI on adolescents from a homogenous cause, which makes results more comparable. The importance of this study is highlighted in the face of evidence for the long-term effects of multiple concussions, that were sustained during school rugby, on academic achievement (Alexander, 2009; Laubscher, 2006).In the light of grey areas in existing research, the aim of this current study was to investigate whether there is a significant difference in academic achievement within and between two groups of adolescents that had either played rugby and sustained multiple concussions, or had not played rugby nor sustained any concussions, when measured at four points in time over six years. A retrospective data-analysis was performed on matched, controlled, prospective longitudinal data, which was obtained from a study that evaluated the impact of repeated mTBI on the cognitive and academic functioning of early adolescent rugby players over time (Alexander, 2009). This study elaborates on a subset of the previous data, adding the gr. 12 results for academic aggregate scores, to the previously reported academic dataset. Participants were selected from Alexander‟s study (2009), and had either played rugby and obtained two or more concussions (Rugby/Concussed (RC- group); n=17), or did not play rugby nor sustained any concussions (Non-rugby/Non-concussed (NRC-group); n=13). Academic aggregate scores from baseline (gr. 7) through gr. 12 were analysed using quantitative statistical measures. A normal probability plot determined that the data was distributed normally. Descriptive statistics were reported, where after repeated measures ANOVA‟s were conducted to determine the statistical significance of differences in academic scores between and within the groups over time. These results indicated that the NRC-group displayed statistically significant increase in academic achievement over time (p = .000), whereas the RC-group did not display any significant differences, despite displaying a downwards trend in achievement. The difference between the two groups was measured at its highest in gr. 12 (p = .003), indicating that the NRC-group performed statistically significantly better than the RC-group over time. However, a Pearson‟s correlation test revealed that the estimated IQ (Vocabulary subscale of the WISC-III) (Wechsler, 1991) had a positive correlation on academic achievement [r(34) = .54, p < .05)]. To control for the effect that this correlation had on the academic results, an ANCOVA was conducted. This analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in academic achievement between the two groups in gr.12 (p = .004), with a large effect size (d = 1.41), implicating practical significance. Findings consequently confirmed our hypothesis. The significant increase in academic achievement observed within the NRC-group over time, is consistent with what could be expected if the brain is allowed to develop normally without disruption such as mTBI (Blakemore, 2012; Horton et al., 2010). The finding that the RC group did not display statistically significant intra-group differences in academic achievement when measured over time, but that academic achievement followed a downward trend, is difficult to substantiate in the literature. The few research studies on the effect of cumulative concussion on young athletes do not isolate academic achievement as a variable (Iverson et al., 2004; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Further research into intra-group differences in this specific area of enquiry and population group is therefore necessary. Normal cognitive and brain development, maintains that the brain develops in a posterior to anterior direction, and the prefrontal regions which are vulnerable to concussion, develop last (Anderson, 2010; Blakemore, 2012; Lezak, 2004). Whereas the primary motor and sensory areas and areas for receptive and expressive language are fully developed by the age of ten years, the prefrontal brain areas that are responsible for more complex and abstract thought repertoires only start maturing in early adolescence and this development continues up to the age of 24 and even into the early 30s (Toleda et al., 2012). Injury to the developing brain at this critical stage of maturation may adversely affect the development of cognitive skills, preventing the child from acquiring the effective cognitive strategies needed for normal academic functioning and adequate academic achievement after TBI (Horton et al., 2010). However, if there is no insult to the brain, cognitive functions are expected to develop normally as a result of synaptic pruning and increased white-matter volume in the prefrontal cortex (Blakemore, 2012), making it likely that the maturation of these abilities will lead to greater cognitive and academic ability (Blakemore & Choudhury, 2006), such as seen for the NRC-group in this study. Limitations for this study include a small sample size and the testing of only one variable. It is therefore recommended that future studies include more variables, and aim at creating a larger, randomized sample size, possibly providing a more representative pool of participants to study this phenomenon in South African context. It is also advised that future studies consider using neuropsychological measures to test cognitive functioning. As previous studies have indicated specific impairment in executive functioning after TBI, it may be worth researching the effect of concussion on executive functioning more thoroughly (Anderson, 2002; Anderson et al., 2010; Horton et al., 2010). Further it may be valuable to consider using functional MRI studies to broaden existing knowledge about the interaction between pathophysiology and cognitive functioning This study also highly recommends that schools and rugby clubs catering for child and adolescent players reconsider the importance of implementing proper return to play protocols after players obtain concussions. / Thesis (MA (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Rugby is a popular sport in South Africa, and has been played by young boys from as early as seven years old (South African Rugby Union [SARU], 2011). Despite various physical health benefits, it carries a high risk for injury, especially head injury, and consequently has a high incidence of concussion (Alexander, 2009; Laubscher, 2006; Shuttleworth-Edwards, Smith & Radloff, 2008). It is common for 12 to 13 per cent of adolescent rugby players to report mild traumatic brain injury or concussion per season (Laubscher, 2006; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). The true incidence is however considered to be higher, even as high as 70.4% (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Concussion, otherwise known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is described as a traumatically induced alteration in mental status, or traumatically induced cerebral dysfunction (Kraus, McArthur, Silvermand & Jayaraman, 1996) which may, or may not involve loss of consciousness (Quality Standards Subcommittee, American Academy of Neurology [AAN], 1997). The nature of concussion has traditionally been considered to be transient, and symptoms are usually resolved within a few days or weeks (Kirkwood et al., 2008; Taylor et al., 2010). However, when concussions are not fully resolved prior to players returning to the game, they may be vulnerable to second impact syndrome. This syndrome causes herniation and brain oedema, which may result in death (Patel, 2005), as has been reported in South African press (Alexander, 2009; South African Press Association [SAPA], 2012). Even without second impact syndrome, repeated concussions may render the brain neurocognitively vulnerable, leading to an array of short- and long-term cognitive symptoms (Alexander, 2009; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Short-term problems include difficulties with attention, focus and concentration; following multi-step instruction, engaging in mental problem-solving; verbal expression, receiving and processing verbal and visual information; maintaining effective levels of mental and physical energy; controlling mood; suppressing impulsive behaviours; initiating and maintaining productive interpersonal relationships with peers; engaging in meaningful conversation and participating in group activities (Jantz & Coulter, 2007). Short-term cognitive impairments due to repeated concussion have also been found, and include amongst the former symptoms, also problems with delayed memory, learning, social functioning, and abstract thinking (Anderson, Brown, Newitt & Hoile, 2011; Laubscher, 2006). Long-term sequelae follow when children did not return to their baseline level of functioning after three months (Kirkwood et al., 2008; Taylor et al., 2010). Long-term sequelae include problems with memory, visuo-motor processing, executive functioning, learning and abstract thinking (Anderson, 2002; Anderson et al., 2010; Horton et al., 2010; Lezak et.al., 2004; Shuttleworth-Edwards & Radloff, 2008). As mTBI is traditionally thought to be of transient nature, researchers tend to investigate moderate to severe TBI, rather than mTBI (Alexander, 2009; Anderson et al., 2010; Patel, 2005). This could easily lead to important facts about mTBI being missed or not acknowledged. Nevertheless, recent investigations are uncovering facts about mTBI that could transform the way in which we understand mTBI, providing increasing evidence that mTBI is more serious than widely believed (Blakemore, 2012; Maxwell, 2011; Toleda et al., 2012). However, there remains a lack of research investigating mTBI from a single cause. Considering the above information, the current study provides unique information about mTBI. It specifically investigated the long-term effects of mTBI on adolescents from a homogenous cause, which makes results more comparable. The importance of this study is highlighted in the face of evidence for the long-term effects of multiple concussions, that were sustained during school rugby, on academic achievement (Alexander, 2009; Laubscher, 2006).In the light of grey areas in existing research, the aim of this current study was to investigate whether there is a significant difference in academic achievement within and between two groups of adolescents that had either played rugby and sustained multiple concussions, or had not played rugby nor sustained any concussions, when measured at four points in time over six years. A retrospective data-analysis was performed on matched, controlled, prospective longitudinal data, which was obtained from a study that evaluated the impact of repeated mTBI on the cognitive and academic functioning of early adolescent rugby players over time (Alexander, 2009). This study elaborates on a subset of the previous data, adding the gr. 12 results for academic aggregate scores, to the previously reported academic dataset. Participants were selected from Alexander‟s study (2009), and had either played rugby and obtained two or more concussions (Rugby/Concussed (RC- group); n=17), or did not play rugby nor sustained any concussions (Non-rugby/Non-concussed (NRC-group); n=13). Academic aggregate scores from baseline (gr. 7) through gr. 12 were analysed using quantitative statistical measures. A normal probability plot determined that the data was distributed normally. Descriptive statistics were reported, where after repeated measures ANOVA‟s were conducted to determine the statistical significance of differences in academic scores between and within the groups over time. These results indicated that the NRC-group displayed statistically significant increase in academic achievement over time (p = .000), whereas the RC-group did not display any significant differences, despite displaying a downwards trend in achievement. The difference between the two groups was measured at its highest in gr. 12 (p = .003), indicating that the NRC-group performed statistically significantly better than the RC-group over time. However, a Pearson‟s correlation test revealed that the estimated IQ (Vocabulary subscale of the WISC-III) (Wechsler, 1991) had a positive correlation on academic achievement [r(34) = .54, p < .05)]. To control for the effect that this correlation had on the academic results, an ANCOVA was conducted. This analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in academic achievement between the two groups in gr.12 (p = .004), with a large effect size (d = 1.41), implicating practical significance. Findings consequently confirmed our hypothesis. The significant increase in academic achievement observed within the NRC-group over time, is consistent with what could be expected if the brain is allowed to develop normally without disruption such as mTBI (Blakemore, 2012; Horton et al., 2010). The finding that the RC group did not display statistically significant intra-group differences in academic achievement when measured over time, but that academic achievement followed a downward trend, is difficult to substantiate in the literature. The few research studies on the effect of cumulative concussion on young athletes do not isolate academic achievement as a variable (Iverson et al., 2004; Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2008). Further research into intra-group differences in this specific area of enquiry and population group is therefore necessary. Normal cognitive and brain development, maintains that the brain develops in a posterior to anterior direction, and the prefrontal regions which are vulnerable to concussion, develop last (Anderson, 2010; Blakemore, 2012; Lezak, 2004). Whereas the primary motor and sensory areas and areas for receptive and expressive language are fully developed by the age of ten years, the prefrontal brain areas that are responsible for more complex and abstract thought repertoires only start maturing in early adolescence and this development continues up to the age of 24 and even into the early 30s (Toleda et al., 2012). Injury to the developing brain at this critical stage of maturation may adversely affect the development of cognitive skills, preventing the child from acquiring the effective cognitive strategies needed for normal academic functioning and adequate academic achievement after TBI (Horton et al., 2010). However, if there is no insult to the brain, cognitive functions are expected to develop normally as a result of synaptic pruning and increased white-matter volume in the prefrontal cortex (Blakemore, 2012), making it likely that the maturation of these abilities will lead to greater cognitive and academic ability (Blakemore & Choudhury, 2006), such as seen for the NRC-group in this study. Limitations for this study include a small sample size and the testing of only one variable. It is therefore recommended that future studies include more variables, and aim at creating a larger, randomized sample size, possibly providing a more representative pool of participants to study this phenomenon in South African context. It is also advised that future studies consider using neuropsychological measures to test cognitive functioning. As previous studies have indicated specific impairment in executive functioning after TBI, it may be worth researching the effect of concussion on executive functioning more thoroughly (Anderson, 2002; Anderson et al., 2010; Horton et al., 2010). Further it may be valuable to consider using functional MRI studies to broaden existing knowledge about the interaction between pathophysiology and cognitive functioning This study also highly recommends that schools and rugby clubs catering for child and adolescent players reconsider the importance of implementing proper return to play protocols after players obtain concussions. / Thesis (MA (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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.

The aim of this study is to explore and describe late adolescents' experiences of using Mxit as a source of peer–support during their Grade 12 year in order to provide a broader and more realistic understanding of their support preferences and needs. The classic text of Gestalt Therapy theory in conjunction with current literature provided an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study, including the key tenets of Gestalt theory, the core Gestalt theoretical assumptions, Mxit as a social networking application, peer–support and late adolescence. A qualitative research approach with an instrumental case study of eight Grade 12 learners from one public high school in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg was implemented. The research findings indicated that the affordability, accessibility and non–threatening nature of using Mxit as a source of peer–support made it a viable resource during stressful periods. Although face–to–face peer–support was preferred owing to the limited existential dialogue and lack of trust that was experienced while communicating over Mxit, the adolescents perceived a need for the development of peer–support groups and one–on–one counselling over Mxit as a result of the lack of supportive others experienced during Grade 12 that frequently led to depressive symptoms and/or suicidal thoughts. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

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.

The aim of this study is to explore and describe late adolescents' experiences of using Mxit as a source of peer–support during their Grade 12 year in order to provide a broader and more realistic understanding of their support preferences and needs. The classic text of Gestalt Therapy theory in conjunction with current literature provided an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study, including the key tenets of Gestalt theory, the core Gestalt theoretical assumptions, Mxit as a social networking application, peer–support and late adolescence. A qualitative research approach with an instrumental case study of eight Grade 12 learners from one public high school in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg was implemented. The research findings indicated that the affordability, accessibility and non–threatening nature of using Mxit as a source of peer–support made it a viable resource during stressful periods. Although face–to–face peer–support was preferred owing to the limited existential dialogue and lack of trust that was experienced while communicating over Mxit, the adolescents perceived a need for the development of peer–support groups and one–on–one counselling over Mxit as a result of the lack of supportive others experienced during Grade 12 that frequently led to depressive symptoms and/or suicidal thoughts. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Sexual abuse of children and adolescents has reached pandemic proportions in Namibia. It is widely recognised that this traumagenic experience could have a profound and long-lasting effect on survivors. Nevertheless, few survivors in Namibia access therapy; often because of non-disclosure or non-reporting, being socioeconomically disadvantaged and the overburdened public sector therapists. This study set out to explore how adolescent survivors use the Nine Figure Picture Story (9FPS) embedded within the context of Gestalt Healing tasks. A variety of play therapy experiments was used to raise the clients’ awareness and to evoke their therapy stories (as these relate to Gestalt therapy) and their trauma stories (by means of the 9FPS). The researcher-therapist hoped that the study would enhance the understanding of the meaning-making of sexually abused adolescent clients, and in doing so, contribute to therapeutic practice in Namibia and elsewhere. Research which aims to uncover personal meaning-making and hear the voice of the participants already suggests that the qualitative paradigm would be apposite. An exploratory case study was conducted in Namibia between August 2010 and November 2010. Two adolescent survivors of sexual abuse who met the eligibility criteria were drawn from the population by means of nonprobability sampling. The sample was heterogeneous: one participant was a survivor of chronic intrafamilial rape; the other of a single incident, extrafamilial child sexual abuse (CSA). The data corpus included six and ten recorded therapeutic sessions with the two clients respectively; transcribed intake and termination semi-structured interviews with the parents; the researcher’s process and observation notes; and the clients’ objets d'art and Therapy diaries. To capture the tapestry of CSA accurately and holistically, the stories of the two participants were first analysed individually and thereafter synthesised into a theoretical comparative analysis. Trustworthiness was enhanced by means of investigator, theory, data and methodological triangulation. A number of safety, beneficence and non-maleficence measures contributed to the ethicality of this sensitive research. The research uncovered that, despite their differences, the two participants presented with posttraumatic signs and patterns often reported in the literature. Most insightful was how the survivors disavowed the CSA to become “not me” (Joyce & Sills, 2006: 92). As it relates to neurobiological hypotheses, it was revealed that the tactile and visuospatial Gestalt play therapy, specifically the 9FPS, seemed to access and address the fragmented, non-sequenced and non-verbal trauma memory. It was found that the 9FPSs gave the unfinished business from the past a miniaturised dimension in the present and that the “differentiated unity” (Reynolds, 2005: 162) enhanced its assimilation into the self. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012