The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Of back problems experienced in adolescence, scoliosis is the most frequent (Bradford et al, 1987; Lancard-Dusek et al, 1991). Several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of exercise on back pain. The results indicated that certain regimes are more successful than others. The purpose of this study was to determine wether a corrective exercise programme, which was intensively and aggressively applied, will have a positive effect on adolescent scoliosis subjects. The subjects were divided, randomly, into a control and rehabilitation group. The rehabilitation group followed an eight week programme comprising 24 sessions. Both groups were evaluated at session zero (0) and session twenty four (24). A t-test for homogeneity was done at day zero, between the two groups for the variables V3 to V8. The results indicated homogeneity (P>0-05). A paired t-test was done for group one; indicating that there was a meaningful difference in all the variables; except for standing height (P>0*05). For group two the test indicates a meaningful difference for degrees, standing height and lateral flexion. A t-test at day 24 indicated a meaningful difference for degrees and lateral flexion. This indicates that the group which had followed the programme had improved whilst the control group had deteriorated. AFRIKAANS : Van die rug probleme ondervind by jeugdiges,, is skoliose die mees veelvuldig (Bradford et al, 1987; Lancas-Dusek et al, 1991). Verskeie studies is reeds gedoen wat die effek van oefening op die rug evalueer. Die resultate dui aan dat van die programme meer suksesvol is as ander. Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal of 'n korrektiewe oefenings program, wat intensief en aggresief toegepas is, 'n positiewe effek op geringe ado1essent skoliose individue sal hê. Die individue was willekeurig ingedeel in 'n kontrole en 'n rehabilitasie groep. Die rehabilitasie groep het 'n agt weke program gevolg van 24 sessies. Beide groepe was tydens sessie nul en sessie 24 ge-evalueer. 'n Toets vir homogeniteit was gedoen by dag nul, tussen die twee groepe, vir die veranderlikes V3 tat V8. Die resultate was homogeen (p>0-05). 'n Gepaarde t-toets vir groep een het aangedui dat daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil vir al die verander1ikes was; behalwe staande 1engte (p>0-05). Vir groep twee was daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil in grade, staande lengte en laterale fleksie. 'n T-toets op dag 24 het 'n betekenisvolle verskil vir laterale fleksie aangedui. Dit dui aan dat die groep wat die program gevolg het verbeter het, terwyl die kontrole groep agteruit gegaan het. Copyright / Dissertation (MA (MHS))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Arts, Languages and Human Movement Studies Education / unrestricted

The adolescent in a children’s home forms part of the growing number of South African children who through the course of their lives have been exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, malnutrition and neglect. This type of abuse could be the result of lack of parenting skills in the case of parents and carers fuelled by poverty and poor education. Consequently, these adolescents would be described as “in need” and would be eligible for placement in alternative care. Children’s homes fall in the category of alternative care, made available for children “in need”. In terms of the law, a young person is enforced to leave the children’s home at the age of 18. This is accompanied by feelings of fear, uncertainty and denial. These feelings could influence the young person’s adaptation in the community negatively. The emphasis is therefore placed on the role and the responsibility of the social worker to prepare the individual for successful emancipation from the children’s home. Preparing the adolescent optimally for emancipation from the children’s home and in addition to deliver support throughout, may lead to successful adaptation into the community. This particular responsibility should be available to the child throughout his/her life in the children’s home, not just prior to the emancipation process. Social workers should be made aware of different factors that could influence the successful adaptation, for example, social workers might lack knowledge and the focus should be on bridging such shortcomings. This study focused on various contributing factors that influence the success of the adolescents’ adaptation in the community. The aim of the study was to investigate the general adaptation of the adolescent after emancipation from the children’s home. In order to reach the required goal, a number of objectives were formulated. These included the formulation of a theoretical framework of knowledge about the adolescent’s general life around the time of emancipation; the role and responsibilities of the social worker in providing support and optimal preparation of the individual; and the positive and negative factors that contribute to the individual’s success. An empirical study, during which semi-structured interviews were used as a data collecting method, was undertaken to assess the adaptation of the adolescents after emancipation from the children’s home. The following main themes were identified: the current life situation of the adolescent over the age of 18 who lives outside the borders of the children’s home; his/her self-esteem and how this perception of him/herself influences the adaptation process after emancipation; how the adolescents adapt and experience the social environment; their opinion about participation in anti-social behaviour; their feelings about the optimal preparation before and after the process of emancipation and their opinion on specific areas of change to contribute to the optimal preparation of emancipation out of the children’s home. Ten participants took part in individual, semi-structured interviews. Applied research was undertaken as the researcher aimed at establishing solutions for the identified problem area, namely that social workers need more information on the contributing factors that influence the general adaptation process after emancipation. A qualitative approach was used in order to gather qualitative empirical data. To achieve the goal in this study, a phenomenological strategy was applied, as the focus was on the experience, meaning and concept of the individual as regards his/her general adaptation process after emancipation from the children’s home. The research question formulated for this study was: What are the contributing factors that influence the general adaptation process of the adolescent after emancipation from the children’s home? The research findings indicate that the adolescent generally adapts well after emancipation from the children’s home. Most individuals experience their lives as children in a children’s home as positive. This positive feedback could be attributed to the way these individuals have been treated in the children’s home. Their adaptation process depends on the value they attach to their lives in the children’s home. The following aspects was indicated to have a positive influence on the adaptation of the adolescent after leaving the children’s home: - - preparation for life outside the children’s home by social workers - - acceptance by the peer group - - support from social workers during the adolescent’s time in the children’s home and after leaving the children’s home - - facilitation of the adolescent’ s effective handling of his trauma during his stay in the children’s home. - - Spontaneous socialization outside the children’s home - - Supportive contact with family members This study revealed the experience of the adolescents after emancipation from the children’s home, which holds further research possibilities. The necessary information was acquired and could be used in further studies of adolescents in a similar situation. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Suicide and suicidal attempts have increased over the years and the phenomenon is rapidly increasing countrywide. The rate in increase has not been happe•ning only internationally, but has unsettlingly noted to be rising in South Africa, too. Suicidal attempt has become one of the biggest social problems amongst the youths, and a problem that society has to grapple with. According to the media and statistics presented, the youth engage with destructive behavior and attempted suicide is rampant amongst Black adolescents. The young person imitates his peers and is constantly under pressure to do as the group does. Thus conformity and acceptance are the core words. The adolescent attempts suicide to solve problems. Various reasons are given for suicidal attempts and the youth names amongst others family problems, academic issues, relationship problems and so forth. In the attempt to take own life. different methods are used to commit suicide which range from overdosage, especially amongst females, to ingestion of harmful substances like bleach (clothes detergent) and hair products. Amongst males, more drastic actions in method of attempting suicide are used like hanging, gunshot and jumping from high places like bridges and buildings. There are also instances of self-inflicted burning (immolation) in some cases. Black youths have been found in recent years to engage in suicide and suicidal tendencies, whereas in previous years the tendency was almost non-existent. This calls for an investigation in Black adolescents' way of life and specifically in what their needs are. The latter is drawn from the profile presented; a task which was not easy as there exist little or no literature in this regard. This study should thus be seen as a precursor for further and more comprehensive and exclusive research especially on the social functioning of Blacks and their communities, in general. The results should be used to have sustainable school programmes aimed at the youth in general, but specifically those at risk and displaying destructive behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Suicide and suicidal attempts have increased over the years and the phenomenon is rapidly increasing countrywide. The rate in increase has not been happe•ning only internationally, but has unsettlingly noted to be rising in South Africa, too. Suicidal attempt has become one of the biggest social problems amongst the youths, and a problem that society has to grapple with. According to the media and statistics presented, the youth engage with destructive behavior and attempted suicide is rampant amongst Black adolescents. The young person imitates his peers and is constantly under pressure to do as the group does. Thus conformity and acceptance are the core words. The adolescent attempts suicide to solve problems. Various reasons are given for suicidal attempts and the youth names amongst others family problems, academic issues, relationship problems and so forth. In the attempt to take own life. different methods are used to commit suicide which range from overdosage, especially amongst females, to ingestion of harmful substances like bleach (clothes detergent) and hair products. Amongst males, more drastic actions in method of attempting suicide are used like hanging, gunshot and jumping from high places like bridges and buildings. There are also instances of self-inflicted burning (immolation) in some cases. Black youths have been found in recent years to engage in suicide and suicidal tendencies, whereas in previous years the tendency was almost non-existent. This calls for an investigation in Black adolescents' way of life and specifically in what their needs are. The latter is drawn from the profile presented; a task which was not easy as there exist little or no literature in this regard. This study should thus be seen as a precursor for further and more comprehensive and exclusive research especially on the social functioning of Blacks and their communities, in general. The results should be used to have sustainable school programmes aimed at the youth in general, but specifically those at risk and displaying destructive behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Die hoofdoelstelling van die navorsing was om die ontwikkelende sosialisering van adolessente met ernstige gehoorverlies met hul normaalhorende portuur te begryp en te beskryf. Die navorsingsvraag was, Hoe ontwikkel die adolessent met ernstige gehoorverlies sosiale verhoudings met sy/haar normaal horende portuurgroep? ‘n Ondersoek na vier adolessente met ernstige gehoorverlies is gedoen, om hul interaksiesituasie met hul horende portuurgroep beter te begryp. Die studie het ‘n meervoudige gevallestudie-ontwerp gevolg vanuit die postmoderne interpretiwistiese perspektief. Bronfenbrenner se bio-ekologiese sisteemteorie is benut as die teoretiese basis vir die studie, ten einde die totale konteks van die adolessent met gehoorverlies te begryp. Die deelnemers is volgens die maksimum variasiebeginsel gekies en die data is met behulp van kwalitatiewe metodes, naamlik observasies en onderhoude, ingesamel. Die analiseproses het uit gerigte tematiese analise en analitiese vergelyking bestaan. Die resultate het getoon dat interaksie tussen adolessente met gehoorverlies en hul normaal horende portuur suksesvol kan geskied, maar dat dit met bepaalde hindernisse (soos oningeligtheid en onsekerheid omtrent die gehoorverlies) gepaard gaan en van beide partye word aanpassings geverg. Individuele bates van die adolessent met gehoorverlies moet ook benut word en uitgebou word om die minder sterk punte te ondersteun. Die adolessent met gehoorverlies se spraak (artikulasie) en spraakleesvermoë is van kernbelang ten einde deur die horende gemeenskap verstaan te word, asook om hulle te verstaan. Gereelde deurlopende blootstelling aan die horende gemeenskap wat deur die ouers gefasiliteer word, blyk die sleutel te wees tot suksesvolle interaksie en integrasie in die breë gemeenskap. ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main purpose of the study was to understand and describe the developing socialization of adolescents with severe hearing loss with their normally hearing peers. The central research question was, How does the adolescent with severe hearing loss develop social relationships with his/her normally hearing peers? The research was conducted with four adolescents with severe hearing loss, better to understand their interactive situation with their normally hearing peers. The research took the form of a multiple case study design, conducted from the postmodern interpretive perspective. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory formed the theoretical basis of the study, to understand the full context of the adolescent with hearing loss. Participants were selected in accordance with the maximum variation sampling principle. Data were collected by qualitative methods, namely observations and interviews. The data analysis consisted of focussed thematic analysis and analytical comparison. The results showed that interaction between adolescents with hearing loss and their normally hearing peers can be successful, but it is accompanied by certain challenges such as a lack of information and uncertainty about the hearing loss and adaptations are required from both parties. The individual assets of die adolescent with hearing loss should be utilised and developed to support the weaker characteristics. The speech- and speech reading skills of the adolescent with hearing loss are of the utmost importance to be understood by the hearing community as well as to understand them. Continual exposure to the hearing community, facilitated by the parents, appears to be key to the successful interaction and integration into the broader community. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: Die doel van hierdie studie is om te verken of die Ericksoniaanse terapiebenadering met sandspelterapie gekombineer kan word om kinders en adolessente wat depressiewe gedrag toon, te ondersteun. Die studie is uitgevoer deur middel van gevallestudies waar kinders en adolessente wat depressiewe gedrag toon, ondersteun is deur middel van die Ericksoniaanse benadering tot sandspelterapie. Die motivering vir hierdie studie hou verband met jarelange interaksie met kinders wat emosionele ontwikkelingsteurnisse ervaar het wat beperkend was met betrekking tot die bereiking van hul volle potensiaal. Ek wou dus ondersoek instel na die moontlikheid om die Ericksoniaanse terapie-benadering met sandspelterapie te kombineer in die behandeling van kinders en adolessente wat depressiewe gedrag toon. My navorsing was daarop gerig om ‘n moontlike kennisbydrae te lewer tot die gebruik van die gekombineerde benadering met kinders en adolessente wat depressie as ontwikkelingsteurnis ervaar. ‘n Teoretiese raamwerk is gebruik wat uit verskillende teorieë bestaan het as 'n lens waardeur ek data geanaliseer en interpreteer het. Die ekologiese teorie, sisteemteorie en transteoretiese model is tydens die studie as teoretiese raamwerk bespreek. ‘n Intervensiestudie gekombineer met ‘n gevalstudie as navorsingsontwerp is tydens my studie gebruik. Ek het kwalitatiewe datainsamelingstegnieke in die onderhawige studie geïmplementeer ten einde die navorsingsprobleem en bevindinge deurtastend te ondersoek en te beskryf. Die data-analisestrategieë wat in die studie geïmlementeer was, berus op Creswell (2003) en Creswell (2005) se benaderings (Sien bl. 109). In antwoord op my primêre navorsingsvraag, het ek tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die Ericksoniaanse benadering in kombinasie met sandspelterapie wel van waarde mag wees vir sommige kinders en adolessente wat depressie as ontwikkelingsteurnis ervaar. / ENGLISH: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of combining the Ericksonian method with sandplay therapy to support children and adolescents with depression as developmental disorder. The aforementioned was executed by examining case studies in which children and adolescents that showed depression was supported by the Ericksonian method to sandplay therapy. This study was motivated by the researcher’s interaction with children that showed emotional developmental disorders and where these developmental disorders delayed the attainment of their potential. One of the reasons for my research was the potential contribution of knowledge towards the use of the combined method with children and adolescents whom experience depression as developmental disorder. The echological theory, systems theory and trans-theoretical model was used as theoretical framework for my study. I made use of an intervention study combined with a case study during the research. In order to investigate and describe the research problem and findings I implemented qualitative data-collection strategies. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

The aim of the study is to do qualitative research with the help of phenomenological strategy on the effect of cell phone use on the peer group relationships of early adolescents within the framework of the systems theory. The population existed of early adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years old in grades 8 and 9. Information was initially obtained through a written assignment where by the early adolescents described their cell phone use and their relationships with their peers. Thereafter three focus group discussions were held to obtain data saturation. Data was then thematically analysed and five themes with categories were identified. Findings and deductions were made regarding the cell phone as communication medium and the importance of the cell phone for the early adolescent, as well as with regard to the effect the cell phone may have on peer group relations. Lastly it is indicated that the cell phone can also be employed as a instrument of recreation within the context of the cell phone and peer group relations. It is concluded that cell phone use has an effect on peer group relations. Early adolescents find a real opportunity to exercise their social skills with their peer group through the cell phone as medium. Regarding this research done with these specific early adolescents, the study concludes that the cell phone has a positive influence on peer group relations as it creates a feeling of “belonging” amongst them. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

South Africa is faced with a high rate of substance use and sexual abuse among both sexes of adolescents from a wide range of social backgrounds. So many cases have been reported in the Department of Social Development and Special Programmes in Port St Johns. This article shows that the patterns of alcohol use among South African adolescents is cause for concern. The use of substance by adolescents is associated with a range of negative consequences, including the risk of being sexual abused. Many adolescents from the areas surrounding Port St Johns use substances, and as a result they end up engaging in risky sexual activities. Older people take advantage of them, so that many of these adolescents become victims of sexual abuse. Some of them become school drop-outs. As a result, the following effects can develop in these adolescents. * Isolation * Self-blame * Embarrassment The aim of the study was to do case analysis in order to identify adolescents who were sexually abused while being intoxicated so that the social workers can construct empowering programmes to prevent the abuse of substances and also the sexual abuse of these adolescents. Data collection took place by means of case analysis of 15 adolescents. Documents of the adolescents from the case loads of social workers in the Department of Social Development and Special Programmes were used to gain a detailed picture of the themes emerging from adolescents who were sexually abused after the abuse of substances. The results indicated that many adolescents from the areas surrounding Port St Johns use substances and as a result they end up engaging in risky sexual activities. Older people take advantage of them while they are under the influence of a substance, and these adolescents become victims of sexual abuse. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014