Thesis (Ph.D.)--James Madison University, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references.

This auto-ethnographic study (i.e. an autobiographical genre of writing and research, written in the first-person voice, where the workings of self are expressed both cognitively and emotionally) qualitatively explores the changing assumptions of a training therapist. It shows how various therapies were negotiated during the training period, and explores how meaning was constructed according to basic, underlying epistemological assumptions. Significant experiences and therapies are presented, showing how the therapist's most basic, linear assumptions, were directly challenged by eco-systemic training. The study produces an in-depth, thick description of both the emotional and the cognitive journey of a training therapist, and traces the therapist's movement away from the stability and certainty of a linear epistemological 'way of knowing' to the instability and uncertainty characteristic of an eco-systemic 'way of knowing'. Conclusions are idiosyncratic and are not intended for generalization. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

This study aims to show that the adoption of the cybernetic perspective is appropriate in dealing with relationship problems of interacting and communicating individuals since it authenticates the inclusion of the therapist in the therapeutic system, and thus the creation of a reality by all involved, and not just the therapist alone. The constructivist view of the world and the systemic theoretical assumptions are recognized as the required framework for the adopted cybernetic approach. The consideration of the stability/change nature of change is acknowledged as forming the most essential aspects of the change that system require. Thus addressing both stability of what clients need to maintain of themselves, as well as what they want to change is important. The action research methodology used in this research ensured a focus on the actions of the therapist/social worker while facilitating a therapeutic process with a family. Therefore attention could be given to areas requiring change through the planning, acting and reflecting steps throughout the process. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

This study focuses on the cybernetic complementarity of stability and change in family therapy. Stability and change involve both the client and therapist, and is a selfreferential process where the observer is part of that which is observed. One couple was involved in ten therapy sessions. During the action research cycles of planning, acting and reflecting, the principles of systems theory, cybernetics and second cybernetics were implemented. A team consisting of one lecturer and two students were actively involved throughout all the phases of the research process. During therapy, the therapist focused on stability to facilitate change in the structure of the couple's organizational system. The research served as a good example of how punctuation of two complementarity processes (stability and change) can enable and empower clients to autonomously reflect on their own behaviour, and to make decisions regarding patterns they would like or feel ready to change. / Social Science (Mental Health) / Thesis (M. Soc. Science)--University of South Africa, 2001. / M.A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

Utilizando como referência teórica a Abordagem Transdisciplinar e os conhecimentos produzidos pelos movimentos New Age, particularmente pelas Psicologias Transpessoais de enfoque humanista, entre as quais a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa, este estudo tem por objetivo geral participar dos debates sobre essas abordagens e sobre as relações entre Psicologia e Informática, novo campo de ação para psicólogos, aqui particularizados os novos métodos de auto-conhecimento mediados por computador, via Internet, a distância. Define como objetivo específico verificar as potencialidades e contribuições do Processo Self-Empowerment, método de Personal Coaching, basicamente mediado a distância, via Internet, e desenvolvido ao longo de três etapas ou módulos: (1) Etapa da reflexão biográfica, (2) Etapa da consulta oracular ao Eu Interior por meio do Jogo da Transformação e (3) Etapa de estruturação de um Plano de Ação. A pesquisa descritiva aqui apresentada considerou os fundamentos teóricos do processo e sua metodologia. Seus resultados possibilitara constituir um conjunto articulado, teórico-metodológico, que contribui expressivamente para a condução de processos de autoconhecimento, auto-realização e auto-transcendência, em geral e, de modo particular, para os processos de personal coaching via Internet. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que o Processo Self-Empowerment possibilita aos participantes um melhor conhecimento de si mesmos, atualização de suas potencialidades e maior possibilidade de uma participação social mais efetiva e consciente. / The general aim of this study is to participate in the debate between Transdisciplinarity, Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology, including the Person-Centered Approach, with E-learning and Information Technology in Internet, as new branch of psychology with new methods to counseling, self-knowledge mediated by computer, through e-learning. The research intended to verify the specific capabilities and contributions of the Case Self-Empowerment Journey of Transformation as an E-learning Counseling or as a Personal Coaching Method developed over three phases or modules: (1) Phase of autobiographical reflection, (2) Phase of oracular consultation of the Self through the Transformation Game (3) Phase of Action Planning. This descriptive research aims in additional for the theoretical and methodological approach of Self-Empowerment Process. The results indicate that Self- Empowerment Process contributes significantly to the Internet counseling and to self-development, self-knowledge, self-realization and self-transcendence, and contributes to participants have more effective in social participation.

The psychological sciences offer a large spectrum of theories, principles, and methodological approaches to understand mental health, normal and abnormal functions and behaviours, as well as mental disorders. Based on continued research progress, psychology has derived a wide range of effective interventions for behaviour change and the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of mental disorders. Thus, psychology and clinical psychology in particular should be regarded as the ‘mother’ science for psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic practice. This paper provides a selective overview of the scope, strengths and gaps in psychological research to depict the advances needed to inform future research agendas on mental disorders and psychological interventions in the context of psychotherapy. Most maladaptive health behaviours and mental disorders can be conceptualised as the result of developmental dysfunctions of psychological functions and processes, and as associated neurobiological and genetic processes in interaction with behaviour and the environment. An integrative translational model, linking basic and experimental research with clinical research and population-based prospective longitudinal studies is proposed for improving identification of critical core vulnerability and risk factors and core pathogenic mechanisms. The proposed framework is expected to allow a more stringent delineation of targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions and an optimisation and better understanding of cognitive-behavioural therapies and other psychological interventions. Based on a European consultation process, a ‘Science of Behaviour Change’ programme with the promise of improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of both healthrisk behaviour constellations and mental disorders is proposed. / Psychologie als «Mutterwissenschaft» für Psychotherapie und psychische Gesundheit Psychologie als Wissenschaft bietet ein breites Spektrum an Theorien, Grundlagen und methodischen Ansätzen, um psychische Gesundheit, normale und gestörte Funktionen und Verhaltensweisen sowie psychische Störungen zu erforschen und zu «verstehen». Auf dieser Grundlage haben sich in der Klinischen Psychologie vielfältige effektive, psychologisch begründete Interventionen für die Prävention, Behandlung und Rehabilitation von psychischen Störungen ausdifferenziert. Damit ist die Psychologie als «Mutterwissenschaft » der Psychotherapie und psychotherapeutische Praxis anzusehen. Der Beitrag versucht auf der Grundlage einer Stärken-/Schwächen-Analyse der psychologischen Forschung diejenigen Themenbereiche zu definieren, die für Erkenntnisfortschritte bei psychischen Störungen und die psychotherapeutische Interventionsforschung besonders vielversprechend sein könnten. Dysfunktionale bzw. abweichende Verhaltensweisen wie auch psychische Störungen lassen sich als entwicklungsbezogene Störungen psychologischer Funktionen und Prozesse und damit assoziierter neurobiologischer und genetischer Prozesse konzeptualisieren. Für eine verbesserte Identifikation von zentralen Vulnerabilitäts- und Risikofaktoren sowie ätiologisch relevanten Schlüsselprozessen wird ein integratives translationales Modell vorgeschlagen, welches die Grundlagen- und experimentelle Forschung mit klinischer Forschung, Translation und Public-health-Implikationen verknüpft. Damit soll auf der einen Seite eine stringentere Ableitung gezielter Interventionen erleichtert werden, andererseits aber auch eine bessere Identifikation der zentralen Wirkfaktoren und Wirkprozesse psychologischer Therapien ermöglicht werden. Basierend auf einem europäischen Experten-Beratungsprozess wird ein EU-Programm ‘The science of behavior change’ angeregt.

Physical activity has been demonstrated in the literature as an effective way to reduce the risk for development of chronic disease. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change has been developed as a means to predict and facilitate movement into healthier lifestyle behaviors. The model is centered on "stages of change", which describe a continuum of readiness to engage in a health behavior change. Stages contain temporal, qualitative, and quantitative characteristics. This was a six-month study that evaluated the effectiveness of stage-matched (theorized to be pertaining only to the maintenance stage of change) vs. generic (theorized to be pertaining to anyone, regardless of stage) newsletters in assisting subjects to attain the Maintenance stage of change. It also sought to identify further qualitative characteristics that can differentiate between the Action and Maintenance stages of change. Results indicated that monthly stage-matched newsletters were no more effective in helping subjects reaching Maintenance than were the generic newsletters. Exerciser self-schema was related to stages of change, but those relationships differed from baseline to six-month follow-up, indicating development of exerciser self-schema during the study period. Implications of this are discussed. Other concepts discussed included "structure" of change process, in that three new scores were developed and correlated with self-efficacy as well as intercorrelated. Motivation was also evaluated and compared across levels of success at adhering to exercise during a three-month period. Limitations of the study and implications are discussed.

The aim of this research was to determine how Gestalt Therapy could be utilised to re-write life script. Transactional Analysis terminology was translated into Gestalt Therapy, especially the terms life script, life position and re-writing in the literature study. Gestalt Therapy concepts of importance for the research were also discussed in the literature study. An empirical study was conducted, involving one respondent, for whom Gestalt Therapy sessions were provided with the aim of determining how life script could be re-written through such intervention. Gestalt Therapy concepts and life script concepts were identified during the therapy process. A re-written life script was formulated by the researcher corresponding with the level of functioning of the respondent during therapy and in relation to the respondent's life position. The researcher deducts from the entire study, but especially from the empirical study that life script can be re-written by means of utilising Gestalt Therapy. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

The main aim of the research project was to develop a change agent identification framework, to be used by organisational change management specialists to identify change agents more effectively in large organisations moving forward. To date, little research has been conducted regarding the role and identification of change agents in large organisations. In the context of the research project, the sample of change agents used, referred to employees affected by the change, spread across the organisation, assisting in communicating key messages and ensuring that their peers become change ready. A thorough 12-step empirical research process was followed, which included both a qualitative and quantitative approach. The qualitative process consisted of the development of a change agent identification framework, comprising of four dimensions, each with supportive information and/or items. The aim of the quantitative process was to empirically test the personality trait dimension of the framework with a sample group of 27 change agents and 135 employees influenced by a transformation process. This was to determine which change agent personality traits has a positive impact/effect on employee change readiness levels during transformation. Through a rigorous analysis process, only the phlegmatic, persuasive and optimistic personality traits resulted in having some positive effect on employees during a transformation process. In support of these findings, the literature study findings as well as the qualitative empirical research findings indicated that the persuasive and optimistic personality traits need to form part of a change agents’ personality profile. The phlegmatic personality trait was not evident throughout all literature findings. The literature and empirical results contributed towards a comprehensive understanding of the way in which individuals should be identified as change agents in large organisations. The developed framework should assist industrial and organisational psychologists in the future to identify individuals as change agents, more efficiently. Recommendations were made on the future expansion of a knowledge base for organisational change agents. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-04T18:27:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giovanna Corte Honda.pdf: 1706545 bytes, checksum: bb4e935051d2438d5d0f5f2a19b03c2f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-07 / The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatments in a clinical Psychology school produce changes in patients, and to try to understand and systematize the factors that influence good or poor outcomes. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine participants after they had completed treatment, to evaluate the adaptive efficacy, patient stage of change at the end of psychotherapy and the presence of psychopathological symptoms. These were measured using the Escala Diagn?stica Adaptativa Operacionalizada Redefinida EDAO-R Stage of Change Scales EEM and Symptom Assessment Scale 40- EAS-40. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The participants were divided into sub groups, according to the stage of change classification. Data suggest symptom improvement and progression to a higher stage of change in adult patients who were treated with psychotherapies conducted at clinical school. The adaptive efficacy is more difficult to change. The more damage to adaptive efficacy, the more psychotherapeutic time will probably be necessary. Analysis of the interviews allowed us to know the patients? stage of change at the moment of intervention, as well as their motivation to change; adaptive efficacy?s quality and psychopathological symptoms can be associated with the factors and mechanisms of change in psychotherapies. The quality of the relationship between the student of Psychology and the patient; and the patient?s disposition as the agent of his own change, can be relevant in psychotherapy outcomes. Generalization of results demands caution. There are few studies that analyze psychotherapeutic outcomes in patients treated by clinical school students. New research is suggested, and the importance of working with other measures is emphasized. As this is a retrospective study, longitudinal studies are necessary to follow the psychotherapeutic process since the beginning. / Esta pesquisa objetivou investigar se os atendimentos prestados em uma Cl?nica-escola ensejaram mudan?as em pacientes e buscou compreender e sistematizar os fatores que influenciaram a chance de progresso ou retrocesso nas psicoterapias. Para tanto, foi realizada entrevista individual semi-estruturada, com nove participantes em fase de t?rmino de atendimento psicoter?pico, para a avalia??o da efic?cia adaptativa, est?gio de mudan?a em que se encontrava o participante ao final da psicoterapia e avalia??o de sintomas psicopatol?gicos. Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Escala Diagn?stica Adaptativa Operacionalizada Redefinida EDAO-R, Escala de Est?gios de Mudan?a EEM e Escala de Avalia??o de Sintomas EAS-40. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas. Para an?lise dos resultados, os participantes foram divididos em subgrupos, de acordo com a classifica??o que apresentaram no est?gio de mudan?a. Os dados sugerem que pode-se esperar mudan?as tanto sintomatol?gicas quanto nos est?gios de mudan?a de pacientes adultos atendidos em psicoterapias em cl?nicas-escola. No que respeita ? configura??o adaptativa, ? mais resistente a mudan?as. Quanto mais prejudicada a efic?cia adaptativa, provavelmente mais tempo de psicoterapia ser? demandado. As an?lises das entrevistas tamb?m permitiram saber que o est?gio de mudan?a em que o paciente se encontra no momento da interven??o, bem como sua motiva??o para mudan?a, qualidade da efic?cia adaptativa e ?ndice de sintomas psicopatol?gicos s?o fatores que podem influenciar no processo de mudan?a. Sugere-se ainda que a qualidade do relacionamento entre estagi?rio de psicologia e paciente, al?m disposi??o do paciente como agente da pr?pria mudan?a, podem ter sido relevantes nos resultados das psicoterapias. O n?mero reduzido de participantes n?o permite a generaliza??o dos resultados. Poucos s?o os estudos que focalizam os resultados das psicoterapias de pacientes atendidos por alunos de Cl?nica-escola. Portanto, sugere-se a realiza??o de novas pesquisas e enfatiza-se a import?ncia de se trabalhar com v?rias medidas. Ademais, por este ser um estudo de car?ter retrospectivo, s?o necess?rias pesquisas longitudinais para o acompanhamento dos processos desde o in?cio.