The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a psycho-educational programme to enhance the efficacy of parents of adolescents. Thus, the research project can be identified as formative, evaluative research. To this end, an investigation was undertaken to determine how the efficacy of parents of adolescents could be enhanced through an understanding of: * the life phase of adolescence; * the life phase of parents of adolescents; * the role of parents of adolescents; * factors influencing the parenting of adolescents (e.g., generational effects and the influence of family structure on parenting); * the challenges facing adolescents and their parents which may hamper parenting efficacy; * factors which assist parents of adolescents to overcome challenges and improve their parenting efficacy; * parenting skills which foster parenting efficacy; and * the nature of a psycho-educational programme which could enhance the efficacy of parents of adolescents. A literature study provided the theoretical background to the development of the above mentioned programme. In the next phase of the study, a psycho-educational programme was developed based on the literature review, a study of similar programmes and a pilot study conducted with parents. The programme aimed at helping parents to become aware of their parenting practices, to encourage them to increase knowledge and understanding of themselves and of their adolescent children and to develop personal strategies and skills to cope with parenting challenges. The programme was implemented with a group of 21 parents of adolescents (five fathers and sixteen mothers) living in George, South Africa during sessions held once per week over a period of six weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: six single parents; eight parents of nuclear families; and seven parents from blended-extended families. Data was collected qualitatively during each meeting. In addition, focus groups were conducted at the end of the six weeks. The findings indicated that the programme enhanced the efficacy of the participating parents in supporting the development of their adolescent children. / Educational Studies / D.Ed (Psychology of Education)

The aim of this research is to develop guidelines for a psycho-educational programme to enhance the self-actualisation of retired people. To do this, an investigation was undertaken to determine how to enhance self-actualisation during retirement, through an understanding of the: • phenomenon of retirement; • concept of self-actualisation; • challenges that hamper adjustment and self-actualisation during retirement; • factors which assist retirees in overcoming challenges and achieving self-actualisation; and • the role of psycho-educational programmes in enhancing self-actualisation during retirement. The literature study sought to promote such an understanding through the investigation of writings and research findings. The qualitative investigation attempted to provide a contextual understanding of the above, through an exploration of the retirement experiences of a selected group of retirees living in George (and surrounding area), South Africa. The findings served as the basis for guidelines for a psycho-educational programme to enhance the self-actualisation of retired people. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a psycho-educational programme to enhance the efficacy of parents of adolescents. Thus, the research project can be identified as formative, evaluative research. To this end, an investigation was undertaken to determine how the efficacy of parents of adolescents could be enhanced through an understanding of: * the life phase of adolescence; * the life phase of parents of adolescents; * the role of parents of adolescents; * factors influencing the parenting of adolescents (e.g., generational effects and the influence of family structure on parenting); * the challenges facing adolescents and their parents which may hamper parenting efficacy; * factors which assist parents of adolescents to overcome challenges and improve their parenting efficacy; * parenting skills which foster parenting efficacy; and * the nature of a psycho-educational programme which could enhance the efficacy of parents of adolescents. A literature study provided the theoretical background to the development of the above mentioned programme. In the next phase of the study, a psycho-educational programme was developed based on the literature review, a study of similar programmes and a pilot study conducted with parents. The programme aimed at helping parents to become aware of their parenting practices, to encourage them to increase knowledge and understanding of themselves and of their adolescent children and to develop personal strategies and skills to cope with parenting challenges. The programme was implemented with a group of 21 parents of adolescents (five fathers and sixteen mothers) living in George, South Africa during sessions held once per week over a period of six weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: six single parents; eight parents of nuclear families; and seven parents from blended-extended families. Data was collected qualitatively during each meeting. In addition, focus groups were conducted at the end of the six weeks. The findings indicated that the programme enhanced the efficacy of the participating parents in supporting the development of their adolescent children. / Educational Studies / D.Ed (Psychology of Education)

The aim of this research is to develop guidelines for a psycho-educational programme to enhance the self-actualisation of retired people. To do this, an investigation was undertaken to determine how to enhance self-actualisation during retirement, through an understanding of the: • phenomenon of retirement; • concept of self-actualisation; • challenges that hamper adjustment and self-actualisation during retirement; • factors which assist retirees in overcoming challenges and achieving self-actualisation; and • the role of psycho-educational programmes in enhancing self-actualisation during retirement. The literature study sought to promote such an understanding through the investigation of writings and research findings. The qualitative investigation attempted to provide a contextual understanding of the above, through an exploration of the retirement experiences of a selected group of retirees living in George (and surrounding area), South Africa. The findings served as the basis for guidelines for a psycho-educational programme to enhance the self-actualisation of retired people. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)