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A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, infulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. NOVEMBER, 1987 / The present study is set within the broad area of adult development and functioning. It is primarily located within the developmental theory of Erik Brikson, who described development, not only frem the perspective of the growing child, hut with the understanding ox the continuity of development over the entire life cycle (1878). As this represents m area of relatively recent concern, there are many gaps in the literature. A cognitive map in the fom of a hypothetical construct ten&ad the- Transitional Space was described and developed in this woi-k, to facilitate tha undetstartiing of both, individual and cduyle development and functioning. This hypothetical construct was based on Winnicott's (1971) original notion of transitional phenomena, which he located as being between inner and outer reality. The Transitional space may be briefly described as that part of the inner world that is projected outwards, and both reflects the internal frame of reference through which the perception of the world is filtered, as well as those aspects of hidden inner reality that are perceived by others as being "me". The Transitional Space comprises three aspects, namely: boundary quality, content, and size. Boundary quality of the Transitional Space reflects the ability of the individual for intimate contact, and id described in terms of the parameters of flexibility and permeability. The content of the Transitional -pace is described as that aspect that is concerned with ego identity (Erikson 1968). Finally, the aspect of the size of the Transitional space isNa reflection of progression along the continuum of ego development as operationalizud by Loevinyer et al (1970):. ” " ' As it has been found that systems are most accessible to observation and study during periods of change, it was decided to locate the study at a point of developmental change or crisis. The period selected for investigation was the tisite around the birth of the first child, and thus the transition to parenthood. In response to evidence of a need in the literature, a model was derived to both describe and explain the changes over this period. The model of change was based on the findings of. Janis (1958), in terms of preparation for change, and regression in the face of stress, as well as the theory of "romantic solutions" to transitional periods (Becker, 1973) and the cyclicity of the romantic experience (Livingston, 1980). The model was integrated with tije sociological model of LaRossa and laRossa (1981), to form a more canprehensive description and explanation of the process of the ■ transition to parenthood. ; The first aim in the study was to describe and predict adult and couple functioning on the basis of the model of thi Transitional Space, with special reference to the changepoint of the transition to

The relationship of self-monitoring processes and causal attributions to choice of conflict resolution strategy among married clinic couples was examined. Thirty-five couples and nine individual spouses who were currently receiving marriage counseling completed four questionnaires: the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale; Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale; a Marital Conflict Questionnaire, a measure of attributions; and a Conflict Strategy Scale measuring the frequency with which spouses used Integrative (cooperative), Distributive (uncooperative), and Denial-Avoidant conflict resolution strategies. The following hypotheses were tested: 1) self-monitoring differences between spouses would be positively associated with attributional conflicts and uncooperative modes of conflict resolution; 2) responsibility attributed to the partner would be associated with increased dispositional attributions for the partner's behavior, increased use of Distributive strategies, and lower overall marital satisfaction. Analyses included bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses predicting conflict strategy and marital satisfaction from self-monitoring and attributions.Contrary to expectations, self-monitoring differences were not related to attributional conflict or conflict strategy endorsed. However, high self-monitoring spouses made more situational attributions for their partners' behavior and endorsed more frequent use of Dental-Avoidant strategies. Responsibility attributed to the partner had a positive relationship to dispositional attributions for the partner's behavior but no relationship to use of conflict strategy. Regression analyses indicated that self-monitoring, Intent to have an impact, and resolvability of conflicts accounted for significant amounts of variance in use of Distributive (uncooperative) strategies. Importance of conflicts, own control, and use of Denial-Avoidant strategies predicted more than three-fourths the variance in marital satisfaction.Results contradict previous research Indicating that partner responsibility Is associated with Increased uncooperative behavior. Present results suggest that self-presentational concerns are prevalent In marital conflicts and may enhance the likelihood of uncooperative/avoidant behavior. Possible modifications in the attributional model of marital conflict to account for the Impact of self-monitoring on conflict resolution in distressed relationships are proposed. Implications for therapy with distressed couples and future research on attributional processes in close relationships is discussed.

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M.A. / The causes of these dysfunctions are mainly seen as psychological. The brain is thus again emphasized as the most important sexual organ. Certain therapeutic techniques enable the social worker to alter the client's unrealistic cognitions. The following therapeutic interventions were selected : Cognitive restructuring Reframing Stress inoculation. This selection is made because the altering of cognitions would result in modification of the targeted behavior. Certain recommendations with regard to social work practice, are aimed at improving services in the field of sexual dysfunction. One of the most important matters to be addressed, seems to be the elimination of myths and incorrect information about sexuality on a community level. Social workers ought to play a major role in promoting healthy sexual cognitions and perceptions.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2002. / The main aim of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to marital satisfaction. The first aim related to these factors was to determine whether respondent demographics (gender, duration of marriage and presence of children) influence martial satisfaction. The second aim was to determine the extent to which the individual is satisfied with his/her marriage. The third aim was to establish an association between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction. The fourth aim was to determine the extent to which the perception of fairness in the division of labour contributes to marital satisfaction. To achieve these aims, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of married individuals. The hypothesis that there would be no relationship between respondent demographics and marital satisfaction was upheld for gender and the presence of children, but was rejected for the number of years married. It was hypothesized that more respondents would report that they are not satisfied with their marriage than are satisfied with their marriage. This hypothesis was not supported by the statistical analyses and the findings of the study. Statistical analysis rejected the hypothesis that there is no relationship between marital satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. A significantly higher percentage of individuals who were satisfied with their marriage were also satisfied with their sexual relationship. This proved also to be true for those who were not satisfied with their marital and sexual relationship. The hypothesis that there is no relationship between the perception of fairness in the division of household labour and marital satisfaction was not supported by statistical analysis. The above findings indicate that the aims of the study were met.

Many women reporting PMS symptoms state their symptoms affect their mood, social, and family functioning. This study attempted to provide clinicians with information to assist in psychotherapeutic intervention, by determining the effect PMS has on marital satisfaction. Nineteen female subjects reporting PMS symptoms and their partners completed the study. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory - Revised (MSI-R) and the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire-Form T (MDQ-form T) were used to determine if the nineteen couples reported marital distress as a result of the women's cyclical premenstrual symptoms. The results of the study suggested that the women and their partners, report high levels of marital distress that is not reflective of the cyclical nature of the PMS symptomatology. Scores on the MSI-R for the subjects and their partners indicated the couples perceived level of distress in the t-50 to t-70 range on scales 3-8 is consistent throughout the menstrual cycle. The couples reported higher levels of marital distress than would be the expected norm, suggesting that PMS may be a contributing factor to the level of distress they reported experiencing. This study did not include a control group, which would have provided a norm for couples who do not report PMS by which to compare the MSI-R scores.

The relationship between adult attachment style and romantic relationship quality in marriage relationships was explored. Romantic relationship quality was measured at the working model (or perceptual) and the behavioral levels. No previous research had investigated romantic relationship quality as reflecting specific attachment related perceptions of self and spouse or as attachment related behaviors. Two hundred and six married subjects were recruited from university campuses, churches, and on an individual basis. Most of the subjects were white, middle class, and had children. Subjects completed self-report questionnaires measuring adult attachment style, working model of self and romantic partner, and reports of relationship behaviors of self and romantic partner. The first hypothesis proposed that attachment style differences would be seen in specific attachment related working models of self and romantic partner. The second hypothesis proposed that attachment style differences would be seen in reports of attachment related behaviors for self and romantic partner. Hypotheses were tested using multivariate analysis of variance.

A typology of marital dyads derived from Kelly's (1955) Personal Construct Psychology was used to investigate the communicative behaviors of married companions. Four groups based on Kelly's Commonality (dyadic similarity) and Sociality (dyadic understanding) corollaries were contrasted: similar-understanding, dissimilar-understanding, similar-misunderstanding, and dissimilar-misunderstanding couples. It was expected that dyadic understanding would contribute more to self-disclosure, cooperative involvement, and marital satisfaction than dyadic similarity. Furthermore, it was anticipated that couples high in understanding and low in similarity would represent optimally functioning couples, as evidenced by disclosure, satisfaction, and involvement with each other. Sixty-three married couples who had known each other at least two years completed questionnaire items assessing demographic variables, marital satisfaction (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and self-reported communication behaviors (Partner Communication Inventory, Dyadic Disclosure Inventory). Each spouse also completed an 8 X 8 Repertory Grid and predicted the mate's responses on the Rep Grid. Subjects then participated in three different audio-taped discussion tasks (an informal conversation, a consensus decision-making task, and a role-played conflict-resolution scene) which were rated for avoidant, competitive, and cooperative responses, as well as overall self-disclosure. Although understanding facilitated disclosure in conflict situations and similarity fostered marital satisfaction, communicative behaviors generally reflected the joint influence of both similarity and understanding. Dissimilar-understanding couples were intensely involved with each other and freely disclosed, but were not highly satisfied. Similar-understanding couples were the most content and had the greatest sense of validation as a couple. Similar-misunderstanding couples restricted their relationship by attempting to avoid expected confrontations. Dissimilar-misunderstanding couples viewed themselves in a socially desirable light, tried to maintain congenial, nonintimate interactions, and were moderately contented. Implications for therapeutic programs, for Kelly's theory, and for future research were discussed.

The primary objective of the study was to increase understanding of interpersonal dimensions of stress and coping within married couples. Using a diary methodology and a matched-pair hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis strategy, the study examined how stress and coping processes unfold over the course of a given day and across days within couples. The study investigated within-couple variation in daily stress, coping, coping efficacy, mood, and marital tension. Special emphasis was given to the examination of the correlates and consequences of empathic responding, a form of relationship focused coping. The results suggest that when relational outcomes are considered, empathic responding may represent an adaptive way of coping with everyday stress occurring within intimate contexts. Moreover, the study indicates that when greater personal significance is attached to a family stressor, husbands and wives tend to increase their use of empathic responding. The findings suggest that the examination of relationship-focused coping may add to the theoretical and explanatory power of current models of stress and coping. Also considered were the contextual effects of marital adjustment on how family stressors are experienced and managed by couples. The results document a link between marital adjustment and the use of empathic responding for both husbands and wives within couples. Further, the study suggests that marital adjustment plays an important role in determining whether the negative effects of stress will persist across days.