Psychological violence is mistreatment that is severe enough to influence the target person's health, to destroy his work or total career and overstrain his relationship with his family or friends. The impact of psychological violence has compelled many a company and organization to introduce policy to stop the serious consequences thereof. It seems not to be the case in the South African education. The mixed method research design was used in this study to investigate the nature and impact of psychological violence on the health of secondary school educators in the Free State. Strategies were proposed to reduce educators' experiences of psychological violence and the impact thereof on their health. Two measuring instruments were used in this study to collect the quantitative data, namely the Revised Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-R) and the Symptoms Checklist. Both these measuring instruments were distributed amongst 727 secondary school educators at 82 schools in the five education districts of the Free State. The qualitative data collection was done with 32 educators. The sources of psychological violence, likewise in the literature, are management, learners and parents. Psychological violence often causes enormous stress and it leads to a situation where educators feel depressed and traumatised. The general aim of this study is to invsetigate the nature and impact of psychological violence on secondary school educators in the Free State. Some of the findings in this study are that there are not differences between men and women with regard to exposure to psychological violence; older educators experience more exposure to psychological violence; teaching experience, qualifications and ethnicity are indeed determining factors with regard to exposure. It is also possible, as appears from the findings, that here a minority group is exposed more to psychological violence. The results of both data sets, quantitative and qualitative, are mutually confirming. It was found in this study that secondary school educators indeed experience psychological violence. The assumption is that the findings of this study will help to strengthen information that will be useful for the enhancement of educator health at schools. / PhD (Educational Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Paternal incest is the intimate sexual contact between biological, step or foster fathers and their children. These father-figures include the live-in partners of the non-offending mother. The actual incidence of paternal incest in South Africa is not known; however, the South African Police Services report the incidence of incest in the Western Cape for 2011/2012 to be the second highest in South Africa. When children reveal the incest to any person, this is called disclosure. After disclosure and with the removal of the paternal figure from the family unit, the mother or grandmother is responsible for the sole care of the child-victim and becomes the primary caregiver. However, in the South African context it is traditionally accepted that the grandmother assumes the role of primary caregiver of the child where the child’s mother and/or father are unable to fulfil their parental role adequately. Therefore in this study, “primary caregivers” refers to mothers and maternal grandmothers. In the South African context, limited studies have been done that explore the experiences of primary caregivers whose children or grandchildren were exposed to paternal incest. There is also a lack of information on how to support these primary caregivers in the abovementioned context. The aim of this study was firstly to explore the experiences of primary caregivers whose children or grandchildren were exposed to paternal incest and secondly to use these experiences to suggest guidelines that may be utilised by practitioners (such as social workers and registered counsellors) to develop support programmes for these caregivers. The research was conducted at a non-profit organisation in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, that provides psychosocial services and where cases of paternal incest are referred for intervention. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was applied in this study to obtain rich data. Six primary caregivers were chosen through purposive sampling, on the basis that their children or grandchildren were exposed to paternal incest within the last five years. Of these, four were mothers and two were maternal grandmothers who were responsible for the children. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and was analysed thematically. Two main themes emerged from the study. The first theme involved reactions to the disclosure and its aftermath, which encompassed emotional, cognitive and physiological reactions that are similar to secondary traumatisation. The second theme was coping strategies that emerged to deal with the disclosure and its aftermath, which encompassed effective coping strategies (behavioural coping strategies to actively solve problems and the presence of social support), unhealthy or negative coping strategies (behavioural coping strategies of avoidance) and threats to coping (a lack of social support). The contribution of this study lies in the suggestion of guidelines for the support of primary caregivers whose children or grandchildren were exposed to paternal incest. These guidelines include the provision of emotional support, multidisciplinary practitioner support and educational support programmes. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Summary With the rise of the divorce rate and the decline of the nuclear family, boys are more frequently being deprived of a father-presence in their homes. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore and describe boys' experiences of their relationships with their absent fathers. Three boys from different racial and cultural groups were chosen as case studies and worked with from a Gestalt Play Therapy Perspective. Data was gathered from the therapeutic sessions, as well as from semi structured interviews with the childcare workers of the boys. The findings of the study appear to concur with existing literature, namely that boys with absent fathers experience difficulties in the areas of emotional, social, cognitive and moral development. Recommendations are made as to how boys with absent fathers may best be supported. Opsomming Met die toename in egskeidings en die afname van nukleêre gesinne, word daar gevind dat seuns meer dikwels die teenwoordigheid van die vader in die huis ontneem word. Die doel van hierdie studie is `n kwalitatiewe ondersoek en beskrywing van seuns se ervaring van hulle verhouding met hulle afwesige vaders. Drie seuns van erskillende rasse- en kulturele groepe is gekies vir die gevallestudies en vanuit `n Gestalt Spelterapeutiese perspektief is met hulle gewerk. Data is versamel vanuit die terapeutiese sessies sowel as vanuit semigestruktureerde onderhoude met die seuns se kinderoppassers. Die bevindinge van die studie blyk ooreen te stem met bestaande literatuur, naamlik dat seuns met afwesige vaders probleme ondervind ten opsigte van emosionele, sosiale, kognitiewe en morele ontwikkeling. Aanbevelings word gemaak oor hoe om dié seuns ten beste te ondersteun. / SOCIAL WORK / MDIAC (PLAY THERAPY)

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to age (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. When data was analysed according to age groups, 31.4% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47.2% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional index (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness index (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. The study therefore recommends urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to age (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. When data was analysed according to age groups, 31.4% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47.2% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional index (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness index (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. The study therefore recommends urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study deals with pastoral guidance for persons who, due to unresolved trauma, are often emotionally and spiritually wounded and consequently exhibit internalised lies. Some important questions relating to this theme put on the table here include the following: * What is the origin of an internalised lie? * What effect do these lies have on the life of the wounded person? * What is truth and how can it be discerned? * How can the wounded person be guided and protected in the renewal of his/her thinking? The basic–theoretical research shows that being emotionally wounded and the accompanying internalisation of lies usually take place during childhood. This is the period when the child does not have the verbal, emotional or spiritual competence to interpret correctly or assimilate trauma and the accompanying injury. Further it transpires that the emotionally wounded person is engaged in a daily struggle with Satan and that the struggle mainly lodges in his heart and thoughts, and is based on lies. From this section it is also clear that only truth can overcome the onslaught of Satan's misrepresentation and that the truth can only be reached in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The wounded person has the choice of whom to follow, Satan or Jesus. It is therefore essential for such a person to take up the daily responsibility for the renewal and control of his mind. For this the Lord provides special weapons with which the struggle for renewal of one?s thoughts can successfully be approached. Meta–theoretical research has shown that optimal brain functioning is of cardinal importance in the renewal of the mind since behaviour, personality, cognitive ability, emotions as well as thoughts all originate in the brain. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and the way it functions affects a person?s choices, vision and personality as well as success or failure in life. In the case of a person manifesting broken relationships or compulsive behaviour patterns, it must first be ascertained whether the brain functions correctly before labelling the person with some or other abnormality. The study shows that the brain does have the ability to recover with the help of diet and exercise as well as attitude of mind. The empirical study involved six collaborators who had been exposed to inter–generative trauma and consequently had exhibited internalised lies. Information relevant to trauma, medical background, head injuries and the family of origin was collected and after being processed, was presented in a genogram. The structure and style of every family as well as the role of the particular respondent in every family was represented schematically and explained to the respondent. From the practical–theoretical section it clearly emerged that emotional and spiritual healing can only take place by means of God's Word and his truth. In this respect it is essential that the injured person should take daily responsibility regarding the renewal of his mind. After all, transformation is a process demanding patience and practice as well as faith in Christ and it is clear that there are no shortcuts to healing. To reach the necessary goals in this process an integrated holistic approach is necessary where the different neighbouring sciences are involved. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological well–being has been empirically and theoretically elaborated. This suggests that highly emotional intelligent individuals are likely to experience higher psychological well–being if compared to individuals with lower EI (Gallagher & Vella–Brodrick, 2008; Mikolajczak, Nelis, Hansenne, & Quoidbach, 2008; Mavroveli, Petrides, Rieffe, & Baker,2007; Schutte, Malouff, Thorsteinsson, Bhullar, & Rooke, 2007; Zeidner, Matthews, & Roberts, 2009). On the other hand, the role of gender has been found to be influential as well as contradictory in both EI and psychological well–being. Gender has been shown to differentially influence both emotional intelligence and psychological well–being (Castro–Schilo & Kee, 2010; McIntryre, 2010; Schutte, Malouf, Simunek, McKenly & Holland, 2002;Thomsen, Mehlesen, Viidik, Sommerlund & Zachariae, 2005). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role of gender as moderator in the relationship between emotional intelligence and aspects of psychological well–being (positive affect, negative affect and satisfaction with life). EI was measured with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (Schutte et al., 1998) while psychological well–being was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffen (1985) and the Affectometer 2 (Kamman & Flett, 1983). A cross–sectional survey design based on the study by Williams, Wissing, Rothmann and Temane (2009) was implemented after informed consent had been obtained. A sample of 459 participants consisting of both males (n= 59.5%) and females (n=32.9%) with an average age between 25 to 44 years. A 2–step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine, in the first place, the influence of EI on psychological well–being, followed by the interaction between gender and EI. The findings indicate that gender moderated only the relationship between EI and negative affect. The influence of EI on the two dependent variables, namely positive affect and satisfaction with life, was not moderated by gender. The conclusion is thus made that gender’s role as a moderator between EI and psychological well–being is evaluated only between EI’s ability to reduce the perception and experience of negative components on one’s life. Limitations of the study include the use of a cross–sectional design that lacks continuous monitoring of variables across time. The use of self–report measures indicating only subjective self–report by the participants themselves without other triangulating or collateral information is another limitation. As well as the lack of control for other moderator variables such as age, urban–rural context, and educational attainment that may play a role, but have not been taken into account. Future research can investigate other possible predicting variables (e.g. interpersonal relationships, social skills, coping and social support) on gender as moderator. These predicting variables can possibly explain additional variance in psychological well–being. The outcomes of the moderating role of gender in the relationship between EI and psychological well–being can be investigated by means of alternative measures that would explore the different levels of functioning along the mental health continuum for males and females alike. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study deals with pastoral guidance for persons who, due to unresolved trauma, are often emotionally and spiritually wounded and consequently exhibit internalised lies. Some important questions relating to this theme put on the table here include the following: * What is the origin of an internalised lie? * What effect do these lies have on the life of the wounded person? * What is truth and how can it be discerned? * How can the wounded person be guided and protected in the renewal of his/her thinking? The basic–theoretical research shows that being emotionally wounded and the accompanying internalisation of lies usually take place during childhood. This is the period when the child does not have the verbal, emotional or spiritual competence to interpret correctly or assimilate trauma and the accompanying injury. Further it transpires that the emotionally wounded person is engaged in a daily struggle with Satan and that the struggle mainly lodges in his heart and thoughts, and is based on lies. From this section it is also clear that only truth can overcome the onslaught of Satan's misrepresentation and that the truth can only be reached in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The wounded person has the choice of whom to follow, Satan or Jesus. It is therefore essential for such a person to take up the daily responsibility for the renewal and control of his mind. For this the Lord provides special weapons with which the struggle for renewal of one?s thoughts can successfully be approached. Meta–theoretical research has shown that optimal brain functioning is of cardinal importance in the renewal of the mind since behaviour, personality, cognitive ability, emotions as well as thoughts all originate in the brain. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and the way it functions affects a person?s choices, vision and personality as well as success or failure in life. In the case of a person manifesting broken relationships or compulsive behaviour patterns, it must first be ascertained whether the brain functions correctly before labelling the person with some or other abnormality. The study shows that the brain does have the ability to recover with the help of diet and exercise as well as attitude of mind. The empirical study involved six collaborators who had been exposed to inter–generative trauma and consequently had exhibited internalised lies. Information relevant to trauma, medical background, head injuries and the family of origin was collected and after being processed, was presented in a genogram. The structure and style of every family as well as the role of the particular respondent in every family was represented schematically and explained to the respondent. From the practical–theoretical section it clearly emerged that emotional and spiritual healing can only take place by means of God's Word and his truth. In this respect it is essential that the injured person should take daily responsibility regarding the renewal of his mind. After all, transformation is a process demanding patience and practice as well as faith in Christ and it is clear that there are no shortcuts to healing. To reach the necessary goals in this process an integrated holistic approach is necessary where the different neighbouring sciences are involved. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological well–being has been empirically and theoretically elaborated. This suggests that highly emotional intelligent individuals are likely to experience higher psychological well–being if compared to individuals with lower EI (Gallagher & Vella–Brodrick, 2008; Mikolajczak, Nelis, Hansenne, & Quoidbach, 2008; Mavroveli, Petrides, Rieffe, & Baker,2007; Schutte, Malouff, Thorsteinsson, Bhullar, & Rooke, 2007; Zeidner, Matthews, & Roberts, 2009). On the other hand, the role of gender has been found to be influential as well as contradictory in both EI and psychological well–being. Gender has been shown to differentially influence both emotional intelligence and psychological well–being (Castro–Schilo & Kee, 2010; McIntryre, 2010; Schutte, Malouf, Simunek, McKenly & Holland, 2002;Thomsen, Mehlesen, Viidik, Sommerlund & Zachariae, 2005). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role of gender as moderator in the relationship between emotional intelligence and aspects of psychological well–being (positive affect, negative affect and satisfaction with life). EI was measured with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (Schutte et al., 1998) while psychological well–being was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffen (1985) and the Affectometer 2 (Kamman & Flett, 1983). A cross–sectional survey design based on the study by Williams, Wissing, Rothmann and Temane (2009) was implemented after informed consent had been obtained. A sample of 459 participants consisting of both males (n= 59.5%) and females (n=32.9%) with an average age between 25 to 44 years. A 2–step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine, in the first place, the influence of EI on psychological well–being, followed by the interaction between gender and EI. The findings indicate that gender moderated only the relationship between EI and negative affect. The influence of EI on the two dependent variables, namely positive affect and satisfaction with life, was not moderated by gender. The conclusion is thus made that gender’s role as a moderator between EI and psychological well–being is evaluated only between EI’s ability to reduce the perception and experience of negative components on one’s life. Limitations of the study include the use of a cross–sectional design that lacks continuous monitoring of variables across time. The use of self–report measures indicating only subjective self–report by the participants themselves without other triangulating or collateral information is another limitation. As well as the lack of control for other moderator variables such as age, urban–rural context, and educational attainment that may play a role, but have not been taken into account. Future research can investigate other possible predicting variables (e.g. interpersonal relationships, social skills, coping and social support) on gender as moderator. These predicting variables can possibly explain additional variance in psychological well–being. The outcomes of the moderating role of gender in the relationship between EI and psychological well–being can be investigated by means of alternative measures that would explore the different levels of functioning along the mental health continuum for males and females alike. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Summary With the rise of the divorce rate and the decline of the nuclear family, boys are more frequently being deprived of a father-presence in their homes. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore and describe boys' experiences of their relationships with their absent fathers. Three boys from different racial and cultural groups were chosen as case studies and worked with from a Gestalt Play Therapy Perspective. Data was gathered from the therapeutic sessions, as well as from semi structured interviews with the childcare workers of the boys. The findings of the study appear to concur with existing literature, namely that boys with absent fathers experience difficulties in the areas of emotional, social, cognitive and moral development. Recommendations are made as to how boys with absent fathers may best be supported. Opsomming Met die toename in egskeidings en die afname van nukleêre gesinne, word daar gevind dat seuns meer dikwels die teenwoordigheid van die vader in die huis ontneem word. Die doel van hierdie studie is `n kwalitatiewe ondersoek en beskrywing van seuns se ervaring van hulle verhouding met hulle afwesige vaders. Drie seuns van erskillende rasse- en kulturele groepe is gekies vir die gevallestudies en vanuit `n Gestalt Spelterapeutiese perspektief is met hulle gewerk. Data is versamel vanuit die terapeutiese sessies sowel as vanuit semigestruktureerde onderhoude met die seuns se kinderoppassers. Die bevindinge van die studie blyk ooreen te stem met bestaande literatuur, naamlik dat seuns met afwesige vaders probleme ondervind ten opsigte van emosionele, sosiale, kognitiewe en morele ontwikkeling. Aanbevelings word gemaak oor hoe om dié seuns ten beste te ondersteun. / SOCIAL WORK / MDIAC (PLAY THERAPY)