Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Texas, May, 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-143).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Marquette University, 2009. / Stephen M. Saunders, Michael Wierzbicki, Lucas Torres, Leah Arndt, Advisors.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 258 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-258). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Thesis (doctoral)--La Salle University, 2005. / ProQuest dissertations and theses ; AAT 3227740 Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-64)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2006. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-143). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

M.A. / This action research study explored the development and workings of a monthly, openended depression and anxiety support group based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Although the growth of mutual-aid groups has escalated over the past three decades, there is little research on support groups created solely for the purpose of servicing depression and anxiety sufferers. Researchers have indicated that support and information at these meetings may prove to be a valuable and effective intervention which helps sufferers come to terms with their condition (Miller, 1987; Stein, Zungu-Dirwayi, Wessels, Berk & Wilson, 1998). The study at hand aimed to elucidate the ways in which the depression and anxiety support group was experienced as helpful, as well as those areas which could be improved to increase the effectiveness of the group system. The support group was examined over an eleven-month period, November 1999 – October 2000, during which time the progress and experiences of three new group members was specifically observed and chronicled. Seven participants, including three members of a support group catering for black depression and anxiety sufferers, were initially sourced and screened for inclusion in the study. Although not intentional, the three subjects that finally fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study were all white females attending the Johannesburg support group. Relevant data on the three participants was collected systematically over this period through a process of triangulation. Methods included structured and semi-structured interviews, written reports, questionnaires and participant observation. The grounded theory approach allowed the researcher to work inductively with the data and to discern and explore the connections between elements and patterns that emerged in the analysis. An integration of the research data revealed that the group was primarily helpful to participants through the factors of universality, cohesion, didactic instruction and downward social comparison. Furthermore, the results indicated that participants presenting with prominent avoidant personality disorder (APD), as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II, are likely to strongly value the relief from social isolation that the support group setting affords them, as well as gaining comfort from belonging to and being accepted by a group and improving their interpersonal skills. On the negative front, the group would or could not move beyond a formative, early stage of group development. As a result, its members were either caught in a repetitive cycle of exploring the same territory or lost interest after a relatively short period of time and terminated membership. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that members be afforded the opportunity of attending a more advanced therapy group once they feel they have gained the necessary relief from the primary support group. The support group plays a valuable role of reassuring members that they are not alone in their suffering, offering them the learning experience of being accepted by a group and introducing them to group format and protocol. However, once a foundation has been established, it is likely that members would benefit from joining a more advanced group in which interpersonal learning and role modelling is emphasized. Members need an arena where they can explore their behaviour and feelings in depth, and with other members who are functioning at a similar level. It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase understanding of support group functioning, provide suggestions for future research involving APD clients and depression and/or anxiety sufferers in support gr oup settings and make some contribution towards theory-building in this field.

Research output indicates that a very high percentage op people with depressive disorders do not improve after a period of two years. One can thus assume that poor identification of the symptomatology and the factors involved in the etiology and maintenance thereof could lead to a generalised diagnosis and a less successful intervention. Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) has explicit criteria for both Dysthymia and Unipolar Major Depression it is sometimes difficult for clinical therapists to distinguish between them because of/due to the symptom similarities. Against this background the question is often asked whether Dysthymia is entitled to an unique diagnostic status. A few international investigations, as well as the preceding study (Smit 1994) have indicated that they are in fact different disorders. Each of these research findings however only focuses on specific areas of these disorders. The main purpose of the present study is however to identify the differences and similarities between the two depressive groups. An in-depth study was done to get an indication of the different comorbid personality and syndrome disorders as well as the unconscious defence mechanisms these patients tend to use. Two hundred and fifty five patients from the TARA, the H. Moross Centre, Weskoppies Hospital and Vista Private Clinic was evaluated. The DSM-IV was used to distinguish between the subjects of the different groups. Thereafter Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale was applied to get an indication whether the chosen patients weren't too little or too seriously depressed, as this could have influenced the results. The patients were then tested with Millon's Clinical Multi-Axial Inventory II to determine their comorbid personality and syndrome disorders. Finally they were assessed with Ihilevich and Gleser's Defence Mechanism Inventory to establish the defence style they usually unconsciously use. The results indicate that both groups tend to have comorbid anxiety and somatoform disorders. The findings also suggested that the Schizoid, Dependent and Borderline personality disorders would be the best indicators/predictors for the diagnosis of Unipolar Major Depression. According to the results the Dysthymic group had significantly higher measures on the Self-Defeating, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Avoidant, Borderline, Paranoid, Somatoform, Dysthymic, Thought Disorder, Major Depressive, Delusional and Aggressive style sub-scales. The best predictors/indicators for the Dysthymic Depressive Disorder are the Anxiety, Drug dependence, Thought Disorder, Major Depression and Somatoform syndrome disorders, the Anti-Social, Self-Defeating, and Schizotypal personality disorders, as well as the Aggressive, Projective, Intellectual, Intrapunitive and Reversal defence mechanisms. The results also indicate that the Dysthymic males had significantly higher measures than the females on 19 of the 27 subscales. The females subjects of the Unipolar Major Depressive group had significantly higher scores than the males on the Dependent and Somatoform sub-scales, while the males of the Major Depressive group had significantly higher scores than the females of this group on the Anti-Social, Aggressive-Sadistic, Alcohol dependence and Drug dependence sub-scales. One can come to the conclusion that the Dysthymic group (especially the males) are much more affected than the Unipolar Major Depressive group. These findings thus support the view that Dysthymia is entitled to a own unique diagnostic status, at least for a South African population. / Dr. A. Burke