Thesis (D. Min.)--Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN, 2008. / Description based on Print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 153-158).

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-199). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, IL, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [171]-175).

Thesis (M. Div.)--St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, 2000. / [Abstract]. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 51).

Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-44).

Thesis (M.A.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, IL, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [171]-175).

Thesis (M. Div.)--St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, 2000. / [Abstract]. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 51).

Psychobiography is a qualitative research design used to explore and understand the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. The application of theory is typically done to finished lives of well-known or enigmatic people, and covers the person’s entire lifespan. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the personality development of the Rastafarian reggae musician Bob Marley.To meet this aim the study created a comprehensive picture of Marley’s life within the particular social, economic and historical context in which he lived. Marley’s work was considered influential both during and after his life. His music is listened to by diverse groups of people, and is known internationally. Marley’s personality was explored by applying Eric Berne’s theory of Transactional Analysis (TA) to his life story. Data was collected and analyzed using a strategy consisting of three steps, namely, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Results of the study indicated that TA is a suitable theory for creating insight into the life of this historical figure, and has led to an increased understanding of the application of this psychological theory. Lastly, the study has contributed towards increasing the number of psychobiographical studies conducted in the South African context.

The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.

This psychobiographical study of Helen Keller’s life is exploratory-descriptive in nature. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling. The choice was based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this profoundly handicapped woman had within her society. Helen Keller also meets the psychobiographical requirements. These include that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study uses a qualitative, single case, interpretive research design. The design is employed to study Helen Keller’s entire life span within a formal psychological theory. The theory used in this study is Daniel Levinson’s (1996) Life Structure theory of adult development. Data for this study were collected from a variety of primary and secondary sources which provided alternative perspectives on her life. In addition, the data have been corroborated by historical texts, and newspaper and journal articles. Levinson’s (1996) theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development, each with particular developmental tasks. Cross-era transitions separate the eras. By describing and exploring the data according to this theory, Helen Keller as a profoundly handicapped person is shown to display universal patterns of development as suggested by Levinson. At the same time, the Life Structure she developed, her life components, and Satisfactoriness illuminated her uniqueness. Through the application of the theory to Helen Keller’s life, this psychobiographical study facilitated an examination of the theory. This led to suggestions for potential development of the theory.