Thesis (M.A.-Psychology)--University of South Africa, 2001.

The objectives of this research were to investigate the lived experiences of parents who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease, investigate the lived experiences of children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease and propose an ecosystemic intervention programme for supporting children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease. The literature research investigation revealed that part of the burden that learners whose parents suffer from HIV/AIDS carry comes in the form of mental stress and experiences caused by, merely staying with a sick loved one whose condition deteriorates where hope of improvement was expected, prolonged sickness of a loved one, and witnessing the slow painful death of a loved one especially at home. These children often take on additional domestic tasks or care for sick relatives or younger siblings. The children's attendance can be compromised during this time. Their incentive to protect themselves against infection can be low when HIV is only one of many threats to health and life. Poverty may also breed low levels of respect for self and others, and thus a lack of incentive to value and protect lives. The mediating mechanisms act in ways which reduce the impact of risks, reduce negative chain reactions, maintain self-esteem and self-efficacy through relationships and task achievement and open opportunities for positive development. Findings from the empirical research reveal that parents who are HIV-positive are unemployable because of their ill-health, a situation which makes their families to leave in dire poverty. The parents often blame each other for their HIV-positive status sometimes as a way of relieving stress, but when these parents blame each other their children are caught in the cross-fire. Children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS are discriminated against and stigmatised by other children, friends and people from their communities. This situation affects these children both psychologically and emotionally. These children assume adult responsibilities at a very tender age, usually lack basic needs such as food, clothing, school uniform, school necessities etc. Their scholastic performance gets negatively affected because of lack concentration, not having enough time to do homework and being frequently absent from school. The children become vulnerable to verbal, emotional and physical abuse, do not get the necessary support they need from their family members, community, government institutions such as the Department of Health and in schools where they attend. These children do not seem to be coping with the circumstances they find themselves in especially if they are also HIV-positive. There is no communication between children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS and their parents concerning their experiences about the disease, how they feel and the future expectations. There is also no clear plan on what should these children do, in the case of their parents' death. At schools where these children attend there are no clear strategies to assist them to catch-up with their school work after a long absence and the children do not receive any work from school while they are at home sick or recuperating from illness as per the National Policy on HIV/AIDS. An ecosystemic programme is proposed in this research. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Recent legislation in South Africa has changed education considerably, particularly in the move towards inclusive education. Previous educational provision in South Africa, as in many countries, assigned many learners with learning difficulties to segregated settings. Such placements tended to be based on the psycho-medical, intelligence-testing model of identifying learning difficulties. Much research has queried the effectiveness of this approach. However, as no alternative model has been researched, it was decided to research the effectiveness of using an ecosystemic approach in conjunction with a collaborative consultancy model as a method for identifying learning needs in high school learners in a South African public secondary school. Various methods of qualitative data collection were used during the intervention, and comparative analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings of this study suggest that an ecosystemic approach used together with a collaborative consultancy approach to identify and understand learning diversity is a viable process in inclusive education contexts. However, it is acknowledged that a considerable body of research needs to be achieved before this finding can be considered conclusive. In addition, certain constraints to using this approach were acknowledged, and these include the time, expertise and money needed to facilitate the process successfully.

The current democratic climate in South Africa, along with current educational reform has called for a re-consideration of assessment and intervention procedures in the education and psychology context. Historical procedures of assessment and intervention programmes have been seen to be culturally biased, unfair, and unethical to children. These methods have been further regarded as too simplistic. A call for an approach to assessing and supporting children, which takes into consideration many factors of the child’s environment, has been placed. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the constructivist ecosystemic approach to assessment and intervention used with a case study, Matthew, who was assessed and supported in this approach prior to the onset of this study. A constructivist, ecosystemic assessment process, The Initial Assessment and Consultation (IAC) was used in understanding the child’s development. Such an assessment process called for an ecosystemic intervention programme, including, learning support through the application of the Cognitive Approach to Literacy Instruction (CATLI) as well as play therapy for the child and parent counselling for the parents. Methods of qualitative data collection were used, such as surveys completed by all the participants and extant data, such as learning support exams, lesson plans and a journal as well as counselling process notes. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings of this study suggest that a holistic constructivist ecosystemic approach to assessment and interventions is a viable process in understanding and supporting an underachieving anxious child. However, it is acknowledged that a considerable body of research needs to be achieved before this finding can be considered conclusive. In addition, certain constraints to using this approach were acknowledged, such as time and expertise.

Along with various contextual factors, the method of literacy instruction is recognised as one of the main reasons for low levels of literacy learning both locally and internationally. Harcombe’s CATLI process is offered as an alternative literacy methodology, firstly since its constructivist, ecosystemic underpinnings endeavour to address as many contextual issues as is possible, and secondly, because the CATLI process attempts to address some of the gaps in other literacy instructional programmes. The current study aimed to evaluate the CATLI process as a viable alternative to traditional methods of literacy instruction. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the constructivist approach to train university students in the CATLI process. The sample comprised trainee learning support specialists and one parent per learner receiving the CATLI intervention at the community centre at a Johannesburg university in 2007. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained by means of questionnaires and extant records provided evidence that all learners showed improvement in literacy skills as well as general development, ascribing the effectiveness of the process to being underpinned soundly by social constructivism and associated theories. For the same reason, trainees considered their training sufficient.

Este trabalho avaliou a função ecológica da diversidade arbórea em um agroecossistema partindo da hipótese de esta ser um instrumento significativo no manejo agrícola de pragas e doenças. Tendo a cultura da cana-de-açúcar como objeto de estudo, durante dois anos foi conduzido um experimento de campo no município de Mombuca - SP ao redor da mata do Pinheirinho, um fragmento florestal de porte e composição de vegetação de Mata Atlântica Estacional Semidecidual, cercado inteiramente por cultivos de cana-de- açúcar. O design experimental foi em Delineamentos Sistemáticos que permitiu a possibilidade de acompanhar os indicadores em pontos fixamente estabelecidos ao longo do tempo. Assim, foram delimitados 8 transectos de 100 metros de comprimento em sentidos cardeais a partir das bordas do fragmento florestal em direção aos talhões de cana-de-açúcar. Foram também demarcados seis pontos amostrais em situação de isolamento quanto à presença florestal, minimamente distantes em 300 metros de qualquer fragmento de porte significativo. O levantamento arbóreo na mata foi realizado através do método dos quadrantes. A riqueza em espécies raras foi avaliada e a diversidade arbórea foi determinada por índices de diversidade. A caracterização edáfica dos cultivos de cana foi realizada por meio de análises físico-químicas das amostras coletadas no início do estudo. As condições climáticas de temperatura e precipitação foram acompanhadas em todo o período do estudo. As informações sobre o cultivo e manejo da cana-de-açúcar no local foram disponibilizadas pelos técnicos e agricultores da usina e cooperativa que mantêm os talhões. A entomofauna na cultura foi monitorada mensalmente, durante seis meses em cada ano do estudo. Armadilhas do tipo Moericke foram instaladas em pontos amostrais estabelecidos de dez em dez metros nos 8 transectos e nos pontos isolados. Além da diversidade de insetos, foram analisados como indicadores de insetos-praga, a broca-da-cana (Diatraea saccharalis) e a cigarrinha-da-raiz (Mahanarva fimbriolata), e como indicadores de inimigo natural, parasitoides do gênero Paratheresia sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae). O indicador de doença foi o raquitismo da soqueira (Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli), cujo nível de infestação foi monitorado nos dois anos do estudo. Os resultados obtidos foram interpretados após análise estatística específica para cada indicador. O fragmento florestal possui área de 214 hectares. Na amostragem da vegetação arbórea foram identificadas 67 espécies arbóreas entre 224 indivíduos amostrados. O índice de diversidade de Shannon foi de 3,04, de dominância de Simpson foi de 0,87 e as proporções de espécies e indivíduos raros foram, respectivamente, 0,42 e 0,43. A avaliação da entomofauna demonstrou efeito direto entre a distância da mata e a ocorrência de cigarrinha e broca da cana-de-açúcar. A distância da mata não interferiu na quantidade do parasitoide avaliado. A diversidade de insetos foi analisada após agrupamento das ordens coletadas em três diferentes grupos, separados conforme características biológicas e ecológicas das ordens. A proporção daqueles considerados potencialmente benéficos aumentou com a proximidade da mata. A proporção do grupo potencialmente misto (benéficos e prejudiciais) aumentou com a distância da mata. O número de indivíduos no grupo considerado potencialmente prejudicial não variou em função da distância da mata. A intensidade e infestação de raquitismo de soqueira teve aumento gradual e diretamente relacionado ao distanciamento das plantas cultivadas em relação ao fragmento florestal. / This work evaluated the ecological function of Arboreal Diversity in an agroecossystem based on the hypothesis that this is a significant instrument in the agricultural management of pests and diseases. After two years of cultivation of sugarcane as an object of study, a field experiment was carried out in the municipality of Mombuca, SP, around the Pinheirinho forest, a forest fragment of vegetation of the Atlantic Semideciduous Atlantic Forest, surrounded entirely by sugarcane crops. The experimental design was in Systematic Design that allowed the possibility of accompanying the indicators at fixed points established over time. Thus, eight 100-m-long transects were delineated in cardinal directions from the edges of the forest fragment toward the sugarcane fields. Six sample points were also demarcated in isolation from the forest presence, minimally distant at 300 meters from any significant fragment. The arboreal survey in the forest was done in quadrants. Wealth in rare species was evaluated and Arboreal Diversity was determined by diversity indexes. The edaphic characterization of the sugarcane crops was through physical-chemical analysis of the samples collected at the beginning of the study. Climatic conditions of temperature and precipitation were monitored throughout the period. Information on the cultivation and management of sugarcane in the site was made available by the technicians and farmers of the plant and cooperative that maintain the plots. The forest fragment has an area of 214 hectares, 67 tree species were identified in 224 individuals sampled. The diversity indexes were: Shannon 3.04; Simpson 0.87, the proportions of rare species and individuals were respectively 0.42 and 0.43. The evaluation of the entomofauna showed a direct effect between the distance of the forest and the occurrence of the sugar cane borer and the sugarcane borer. The distance from the forest did not interfere with the amount of parasitoid evaluated. The diversity of insects was analyzed after grouping the orders collected in three different groups according to the biological and ecological characteristics of the orders. The proportion of those considered potentially beneficial increased with the proximity of the forest. The proportion of the potentially mixed group (beneficial and harmful) increased with distance from the forest. The number of individuals in the group considered potentially harmful did not vary according to the distance of the forest. The intensity and infestation of ratoon rickets had a gradual increase and was directly related to the distancing of the cultivated plants in relation to the forest fragment.

The aims of this research about learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS was to determine, by means of a case study, the psychological well-being of learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS; the general performance of these learners at school; the nature and extent of social support they get from their schools, family, community and society; and the physical well-being of these learners; as well as to make suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of these learners in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. The literature review highlighted that, as a result of HIV/AIDS, new family forms are emerging, such as "skipgeneration" families, where the parent generation has succumbed to HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and the families are made up of grandparents and orphaned grandchildren, and child-headed families, where grandparents are not available to care for orphaned grandchildren. The case study of this research revealed that parental illness and the death of parents of adolescents affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS are causes of these adolescents' emotional trauma and grief, stress, scholastic problems, stigmatization and discrimination, missing out on educational opportunities and experiencing poverty. The empirical research also revealed that these children and adolescents do not get the necessary familial support from their relatives, especially immediately after the death of their parents. On the basis of both the literature review and the empirical research findings, the researcher made suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of learners affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The aim of this study was to develop, evaluate and refine an ecosystemic program to facilitate self-regulation (SR) among corporate workers. A temporary program was developed with the aid of a literature review, based on the integration of the SR-theory with the principles of the ecosystem theory and program development. The program was presented over a period of three days at the Mabula nature reserve for a group of seven corporate employees in the broker industry. Each session took place in the form of a game drive, preceded by a group activity, a discussion of one of the three components of SR and followed by applicable examples out of nature. Data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results show that although participants' goal management, self effectiveness (SE) and mindfulness improved after conclusion of the program, these changes were not statistically or practically meaningful. Possible explanations for this are detained in the nature of the program and the manner in which the program was implemented, as well as in the factors which could have negatively influenced the credibility and reliability of the program evaluation. The conclusion was made that the program had a greater impact on participants' insight of the theoretical under print of SR, rather than their SR skills and that the aspect of experiential learning is possibly not promoted enough. Nevertheless, the program is very promising and only a few changes are necessary to refine the temporary program. Recommendations include that there should be more intensive emphasis on the practical facilitation of SR during the presentation of the program and that standardised instruments with a greater group of participants, including a control group, should be considered. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aims of this research about learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS was to determine, by means of a case study, the psychological well-being of learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS; the general performance of these learners at school; the nature and extent of social support they get from their schools, family, community and society; and the physical well-being of these learners; as well as to make suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of these learners in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. The literature review highlighted that, as a result of HIV/AIDS, new family forms are emerging, such as "skipgeneration" families, where the parent generation has succumbed to HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and the families are made up of grandparents and orphaned grandchildren, and child-headed families, where grandparents are not available to care for orphaned grandchildren. The case study of this research revealed that parental illness and the death of parents of adolescents affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS are causes of these adolescents' emotional trauma and grief, stress, scholastic problems, stigmatization and discrimination, missing out on educational opportunities and experiencing poverty. The empirical research also revealed that these children and adolescents do not get the necessary familial support from their relatives, especially immediately after the death of their parents. On the basis of both the literature review and the empirical research findings, the researcher made suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of learners affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The objectives of this research were to investigate the lived experiences of parents who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease, investigate the lived experiences of children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease and propose an ecosystemic intervention programme for supporting children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease. The literature research investigation revealed that part of the burden that learners whose parents suffer from HIV/AIDS carry comes in the form of mental stress and experiences caused by, merely staying with a sick loved one whose condition deteriorates where hope of improvement was expected, prolonged sickness of a loved one, and witnessing the slow painful death of a loved one especially at home. These children often take on additional domestic tasks or care for sick relatives or younger siblings. The children's attendance can be compromised during this time. Their incentive to protect themselves against infection can be low when HIV is only one of many threats to health and life. Poverty may also breed low levels of respect for self and others, and thus a lack of incentive to value and protect lives. The mediating mechanisms act in ways which reduce the impact of risks, reduce negative chain reactions, maintain self-esteem and self-efficacy through relationships and task achievement and open opportunities for positive development. Findings from the empirical research reveal that parents who are HIV-positive are unemployable because of their ill-health, a situation which makes their families to leave in dire poverty. The parents often blame each other for their HIV-positive status sometimes as a way of relieving stress, but when these parents blame each other their children are caught in the cross-fire. Children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS are discriminated against and stigmatised by other children, friends and people from their communities. This situation affects these children both psychologically and emotionally. These children assume adult responsibilities at a very tender age, usually lack basic needs such as food, clothing, school uniform, school necessities etc. Their scholastic performance gets negatively affected because of lack concentration, not having enough time to do homework and being frequently absent from school. The children become vulnerable to verbal, emotional and physical abuse, do not get the necessary support they need from their family members, community, government institutions such as the Department of Health and in schools where they attend. These children do not seem to be coping with the circumstances they find themselves in especially if they are also HIV-positive. There is no communication between children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS and their parents concerning their experiences about the disease, how they feel and the future expectations. There is also no clear plan on what should these children do, in the case of their parents' death. At schools where these children attend there are no clear strategies to assist them to catch-up with their school work after a long absence and the children do not receive any work from school while they are at home sick or recuperating from illness as per the National Policy on HIV/AIDS. An ecosystemic programme is proposed in this research. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.