Thesis Msc.(Clinical Psychology))--University of Limpopo, 2009. / The overall scope of the study was to explore reasons why couples do not present themselves for premarital counselling. Research indicates that despite the high divorce rates and dissatisfaction with the institution of marriage, most engaged couples are reluctant to participate in premarital counselling, in spite of its demonstrated efficacy. To understand the reasons for this lack of participation, five (5) couples who were in the process of getting married were interviewed. The results of the analysis indicate that engaged couples experience high levels of relationship satisfaction. This may result in the low participation rate as they do not perceive themselves as being susceptible to marital problems and divorce. However, due to the small sample size, it is difficult to generalize the findings. As a result further research is suggested. It is also recommended that research be conducted to determine the connection between the lack of awareness surrounding premarital counselling and participation in premarital counselling. Lastly, it is also recommended that the structure and format of the program should be made to appear more appealing and socially acceptable.

Conflict in marital relationships affects couple intimacy and satisfaction impacting on the couple system, the family system and wider social systems. Negative conflict is associated with breakdown in intimacy, marital dissatisfaction, and is seen to be a prominent cause of marital failure. As conflict is a process, it has the possibility of change and development over time, including moving towards a process whereby disagreements can be worked out with mutually acceptable solutions. Theoretical frameworks for conflict and marital counselling were reviewed and the systems-interactionist theory and a systemic-based counselling approach chosen for the purposes of this study. It was hypothesised that a systemic-based counselling approach would lower the levels of conflict occurring within a marital relationship. The principal objective of this study was to provide a more rigorous investigation than previous studies of client perceptions of the effectiveness of a systems-based counselling approach for marital counselling. Three case studies were conducted, with embedded units of analysis, within the context of a therapeutic process which drew on current theories of systemic counselling. Conflict was measured and operationalised as overt behavioural conflict, communication of negative affect, frequency of disagreements, intensity of disagreements, desire to change the other partner, the desire for change, and evidence of, and frequency of, positive conflict. As the study was based on the client's perceptions of change, multi-methods of selfreports were employed. As none of the known measurements met the needs of this study, a questionnaire known as the QCR was devised specifically for the pre- and posttests. The QCR was designed to measure: any increase or decrease in positive conflict; changes to both the intensity and frequency in negative conflict; and perceptions of the desire for change. The effectiveness of the counselling approach was measured by comparing the results of the pre-and post-tests with the continual self-reports and the self-reports at the long term follow-up interviews. An analysis of the self-reports focus on: the desire for change; the effectiveness of a systems based counselling approach in lowering negative conflict; and the usefulness of the QCR and other tools as measures. The systems-based-counselling approach, proved from the clients' perspective, to be: highly effective in case one; mostly effective in case two; and ineffective in case three as one partner aborted the counselling process. The systems-based-counselling approach had variable success in decreasing the intensity of negative conflict but was mostly successful in decreasing the frequency of negative conflict. This approach was not largely successful in reporting an increase in the frequency of positive conflict. The study revealed evidence of a relationship between commitment to the marital relationship and negative conflict. It also adds to the debate about the appropriateness of a systems-based counselling approach in violent relationships. In judging the clients' perceptions of the effectiveness of the systems-based counselling approach multi-measurements employed including the lengthy recording of the therapeutic sessions. It is claimed that this thesis offers a more rigorous methodology than anecdotal evidence previously used in the reporting of systemic counselling cases.

Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Social Work in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, 2000. / Dissertation on "The need for pre-marital counselling in preventing domestic violence" is the outcome of the researcher's concern about domestic violence that is widespread in our society. On reviewing the literature, she found that social workers and their professional associates are trying hard to fight against this disease. However, very little is being achieved as this disease in increasing day by day. Revelation by literature that pre-marital counselling, as a primary intervention, is seldom applied by practitioner that are trying to stop domestic violence, motivated the researcher to undertake this study. In her introduction to this study, the researcher stated the problem, her motivation to undertake this study, its objectives, assumptions, value and limitations, and lastly, she - defined the terms. The researcher reviewed literature on explanation of domestic violence. Her focus was on its causes, forms, effects, prevalence, common features of human violence, individual features of men who batter, why women stay in abusive relationship and the "way they respond to this domestic violence. She further looked into the preventative intervention to domestic violence, focussing on three levels of preventions, namely, preparation for marriage, which is primary prevention, promotion of the quality of marriage and family life, which is secondary prevention, treatment of marital dysfunction, which is tertiary prevention as well as traditional ways of preparing for marriage. The design the researcher used was exploratory/descriptive in nature. Subjects of the study were selected by means of purposive sampling. The sampling units were the social workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Population development, stationed at Madadeni and their clients (ten families) that presented domestic violence related problems. Madadeni community is situated at about 13 km, south of Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal. Interview schedules were pre-tested on three social workers and three families. Interviews and studying of the files of the individual prospective respondents were used to collect data. Frequency tables, columns and pie charts with percentages were used in presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. During the analysis of data, the researcher looked for similarities and dissimilarities. She presented data as a descriptive account, organised it into categories on the basis of themes and proposed hypotheses. Lastly, she gave a summary, drew conclusions regarding the need for premarital counselling in the area and made recommendations. The overall conclusion that was made by the researcher was that pre-marital counselling is needed in combating domestic violence. *

This dissertation evaluates the degree of "fit" in employing Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy [EFCT] within the context of congregational ministry and/or a Christian counselling center to counsel evangelical couples who have experienced an "attachment injury." The present study introduces and examines the possibility that, given an appropriate level of theological reflection, EFCT is an appropriate counselling methodology for use by evangelical clergy and counselors. Beginning with an examination of the values, assumptions and practices of EFCT this study explores three dimensions of the interface between EFCT and ecclesiastical practice: a) a theological reflection on the values and assumptions that inform the practice of EFCT; b) a comparison of EFCT with the marital counselling theories of Howard Clinebell, Jr., Larry Crabb, Jr., H. Norman Wright, and Everett L. Worthington, Jr., noting how each of these theories conceptualizes and treats both the marital dyad and emotional experience; and, c) an examination of Christians' perceptions of, and receptivity to, this model. The research demonstrates that the pastoral adaptation of EFCT highlighted in this study was rated favorably but not superior to the other four models. Specifically, it is noted that those who had previously experienced marital counselling, pastoral or otherwise, appeared to be attracted to the EFCT model as it was presented, even though the exemplar did not explicitly incorporate either the use of scripture, prayer, religious homework, or spiritual themes such as forgiveness and mutuality in marriage. The fact that even in the absence of an explicitly spiritual emphasis EFCT received high ratings suggests there is something within the model that speaks to the committed evangelical believer. The study concludes that even though EFCT may not be known within the evangelical community the perspective it offers "fits" with the values of this part of the Christian community and seems to appeal to those who have previously experienced marital difficulties. As a result, it may be stated that EFCT offers a mode of intervention that is suitable for use with evangelical Christians. / Practical Theology / D. Div. (Pracical theology)

This dissertation evaluates the degree of "fit" in employing Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy [EFCT] within the context of congregational ministry and/or a Christian counselling center to counsel evangelical couples who have experienced an "attachment injury." The present study introduces and examines the possibility that, given an appropriate level of theological reflection, EFCT is an appropriate counselling methodology for use by evangelical clergy and counselors. Beginning with an examination of the values, assumptions and practices of EFCT this study explores three dimensions of the interface between EFCT and ecclesiastical practice: a) a theological reflection on the values and assumptions that inform the practice of EFCT; b) a comparison of EFCT with the marital counselling theories of Howard Clinebell, Jr., Larry Crabb, Jr., H. Norman Wright, and Everett L. Worthington, Jr., noting how each of these theories conceptualizes and treats both the marital dyad and emotional experience; and, c) an examination of Christians' perceptions of, and receptivity to, this model. The research demonstrates that the pastoral adaptation of EFCT highlighted in this study was rated favorably but not superior to the other four models. Specifically, it is noted that those who had previously experienced marital counselling, pastoral or otherwise, appeared to be attracted to the EFCT model as it was presented, even though the exemplar did not explicitly incorporate either the use of scripture, prayer, religious homework, or spiritual themes such as forgiveness and mutuality in marriage. The fact that even in the absence of an explicitly spiritual emphasis EFCT received high ratings suggests there is something within the model that speaks to the committed evangelical believer. The study concludes that even though EFCT may not be known within the evangelical community the perspective it offers "fits" with the values of this part of the Christian community and seems to appeal to those who have previously experienced marital difficulties. As a result, it may be stated that EFCT offers a mode of intervention that is suitable for use with evangelical Christians. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Div. (Pracical theology)