Trygg-bas scripts är mentala anknytningsrepresentationer som bildas och utvecklas hos individen utifrån dess samvaro med anknytningsperson(er). Studiens syfte var att undersöka förekomst av idrottsrelaterade (tävlings) script och sambandet mellan trygg-bas styrka i barnens eventuella sporttävlingsscript, trygg-bas generellt och koherens i barnets anknytningsrepresentation. Dessutom söktes förståelse för barns och föräldrars involvering och upplevelse av barnets idrottsaktivitet. Föräldrapress undersöktes från både barn- och föräldraperspektiv. Slutligen diskuterades samband mellan barnets anknytning och föräldrapress. Barnen testades för scriptkunskap (Secure Base Script Test, SBST; Psouni & Apetroaia, 2011), samt blev intervjuade (Friends and Family Interview, FFI; Steele & Steele, 2005). Idrottsenkäter besvarades av barn och föräldrar. Idrottsaktiva skolbarn i åldern 9-12 år (N = 86) och föräldrar (N = 74) deltog. Nivåerna av föräldrapress är låga, dock något högre sett från barnens perspektiv. Signifikanta, negativa korrelationer mellan trygg anknytning och föräldrapress rapporteras. Föräldrarnas sensitivitet och/eller barnens balanserade emotionssystem kan vara förklaringar. Samband mellan barnens generella trygg-bas scripts och ett sporttävlingsscript rapporteras. Scriptkunskap för att tackla sporttävlingar var högre för trygga än för otrygga barn (F(1,40) = 5.05, p = .03, partiell η2 = .11). Vilket tyder på att tryggt anknutna barn har en trygg-bas kunskap som är nyttig i idrottssituationer, vilket framhäver anknytningsteorins relevans för sportpsykologi. / Secure base scripts are mental attachment representations that develop in the individual during interactions with caregiver(s). In the study we assessed the importance of attachment representation coherence, scripted attachment knowledge and, for children’s scripted knowledge of coping in a sports competition. Besides, a sport enquiry investigating children’s and parental involvement and experience in the child’s sports activities. Parental pressure from both the child and parents perspective was evaluated. Finally, any connection between the child’s attachment and parental pressure was discussed. Children were interviewed (Friends and Family Interview, FFI; Steele & Steele, 2005) and, tested for scripted attachment knowledge (Secure Base Script Test, SBST; Psouni & Apetroaia, 2011). Sports questionnaires were answered by children and parents. School children active in sport, 9-12 years (N = 86) and parents (N = 74) participated. The level of parental pressure is low seen from both the child and parents perspective, anyhow, the children reporting a slightly higher level of pressure. Significant, negative correlations between secure attachment and parental pressure are reported. Parental sensitivity and/or the secure children’s balanced emotional system might be explanations. Scripted knowledge of coping in sports competitions predicted by children’s scripted attachment knowledge (SBST) is reported. Scripted knowledge of coping in sports competitions was higher for Secure than for Insecure children (F(1,40) = 5.05, p = .03, partial η2 = .11). Our findings suggest that securely attached children have an overarching secure base knowledge which is particularly useful in sports situations, thereby highlighting the relevance of attachment theory for sports education and sports psychology.

The boy in his late middle childhood faces enormous changes — physically, socially and mentally. World-wide, people experience challenges - politically and economically as well as regarding social structures such as families. Children are not excluded from these challenges. Family structures change over time and fathers are increasingly becoming absent in the lives of their children. This Master's dissertation provides information concerning three major aspects regarding the boy. The first, as described in Article 1, is the effect of the absent father on the boy in his late middle childhood and that of the alternative father figure, the mentor. The second major aspect, as described in Article 2, is the influence of family ordinance on the boy in his transition phase from middle childhood into adolescence, his experience of the biological father and his expectancies regarding a mentor relationship The third major aspect is the adolescent boy's experience of his biological father, the influence of an alternative father figure, namely the mentor, and the affect of the mentor relationship. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The boy in his late middle childhood faces enormous changes — physically, socially and mentally. World-wide, people experience challenges - politically and economically as well as regarding social structures such as families. Children are not excluded from these challenges. Family structures change over time and fathers are increasingly becoming absent in the lives of their children. This Master's dissertation provides information concerning three major aspects regarding the boy. The first, as described in Article 1, is the effect of the absent father on the boy in his late middle childhood and that of the alternative father figure, the mentor. The second major aspect, as described in Article 2, is the influence of family ordinance on the boy in his transition phase from middle childhood into adolescence, his experience of the biological father and his expectancies regarding a mentor relationship The third major aspect is the adolescent boy's experience of his biological father, the influence of an alternative father figure, namely the mentor, and the affect of the mentor relationship. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of the study was to determine how Gestalt play therapy may be used in the therapeutic treatment of children in middle childhood who stutter. Stuttering is a problem that touches the lives of many people and is associated with great interpersonal distress. Stuttering is especially difficult for children in middle childhood, a time dominated by the school experience. Gestalt play therapy creates a child-friendly environment, in which the child can share information in a safe manner through the use of play therapeutic techniques. Literature was reviewed according to relevant topics, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three respondents, the data obtained was qualitatively analysed and research findings were discussed. The researcher concludes that Gestalt play therapy can be used to good effect with children who stutter, as it allows them to work through their emotions, and therefore, encourages them to communicate more freely within the therapeutic environment. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

No description available.

Text in Afrikaans / The earlier conceptualisation of the roles of fathers that only focused on the breadwinner, has been replaced by a number of unique roles that are fulfilled by the father. The different aspects of fatherhood have a reciprocal influence on each other and can influence the father’s experience. The goal of this qualitative study was to explore the father’s experience of twins in their middle childhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight fathers. From this study it became clear that fatherhood of twins can generally be seen as a positive experience, but fathers of twins face extra challenges that lack in the case of single children. The researcher came to the conclusion that by being aware of the changes in each developmental stage, the father can prepare himself better for fatherhood and handle situations that he experiences at a particular moment. Various suggestions that can be useful for parental guidance and preparing fathers of twins for fatherhood were made. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

The goal of the study was to explore the effect of role models on the self efficacy of the child in the middle childhood years. The focus of the study was on the middle childhood or school years, a critical developmental stage with a proliferation of socialization agents – role models. The researcher was interested in the effect that observational learning (modelling) had on the socialization of the child and more specifically on his/her developing self efficacy beliefs. The researcher identified the lack of relevant literature pertaining to children and relating to the South African context. The rapidly changing global environment and pervasive media exposure of modern living begged investigation regarding the effects on the child. A qualitative approach was used in the study in gaining subjective, experiential rich data from the child’s perspective. A phenomenological research strategy was used as the researcher sought the meaning that the children attach to role models in their lived experience. Applied research characterized the research study. The researcher hoped to enhance the existing available data by adding insight in understanding the child’s subjective experiences, insight that would be of assistance to teachers, parents and helping professionals. - Unstructured one-on-one interviews were chosen as the method of data collection. Eight respondents, four boys and four girls, were selected through purposive, non-probability sampling method with the aim at eliciting relevant and rich data. The theory of social learning proposed by Bandura (1963, 1986) formed the basis of the study. This theory underscores observational learning – both direct tuition and vicarious reinforcement – as the powerful vehicle of socialization of a child. Thus, role models are agents of observational learning; modelling attitudes, values, norms, beliefs and behaviours for ensuing emulation. Self efficacy beliefs are a self evaluation of the individual’s capabilities. These beliefs fuel action since an individual will act and achieve success in accordance with this evaluation. The findings of the study highlighted the effect of significant relationships, role models, on the efficacy beliefs of the child. Peer feedback, acknowledgment and vicarious reinforcement provided by peer relationships was seen as influential in colouring the efficacy beliefs of the respondents. Teacher efficacy was seen as an important factor influencing future learning and the child’s academic success. A relationship that was seen to hold great significance was the parent-child relationship. Parent reaction to the child’s achievement – their praise, motivation and validation – was a crucial factor impacting the efficacy beliefs of the child. The researcher found a general lack of awareness of media influences. Role models are selected, observed, evaluated and integrated by the child as an active member of his/her social world. In conclusion, role models were seen as key figures in the developing efficacy beliefs of the child. Self efficacy beliefs govern the achievement and success of the child. These beliefs are a learned self evaluation. The study highlighted that not all role models have the same significance for the child, hold the same influence. Moreover, observational learning is both direct and indirect, including negative and positive models. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The research that was conducted focused on the perceptions of educators regarding co-operation with the play therapist in dealing with the child who has been multi-traumatized. The objective of the research was to determine the perceptions of educators regarding co-operation with the play therapist in dealing with the multi-traumatized child. In order to achieve this objective, information was gathered and a theoretical framework was drawn up through an extensive literature study and consultation with experts. An empirical study was conducted by making use of two separate focus groups. Empirical data was gathered through the use of focus group discussions. Fourteen respondents where included in this study. Applied research was used. The data gathered through the empirical study was used by the researcher to make recommendations regarding the co-operation between educators and play therapists in order to improve the therapeutic insets made by the play therapist. The researcher made use of an exploratory research design and the following research question underlined this study: What are the perceptions of educators with regards to working together with the play therapist in dealing with the multi-traumatized child. A focus group guideline was used during the focus group discussions in order to gather the empirical data. Out of the empirical data the following themes were identified: · Educators experience behavioral, emotional, and academical problems with the multi-traumatized child; · Educators has a need for information, skills and co-operation with others in dealing with the multi-traumatized child; · Educators have both positive and negative perceptions regarding play therapy; and · Educators do have a need for co-operation with the play therapist in dealing with the multi-traumatized child. The research showed that there is a need for co-operation between educators and play therapist in dealing with the multi-traumatized child. Co-operation between these two role players is not only in the best interest of the child but it also strengthens the input of both educators and play therapist in dealing with the multi-traumatized child. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work / unrestricted

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between motor skills proficiency and participation in physical activity considering three mediators (ability beliefs, subjective task value, and expectancy of success) among Grade 3 children and considers those relationships in terms of sex-based differences. The participants in this study were recruited from eight elementary schools from School District 61 in Victoria, British Columbia. Participants were 398 children (Girls: n = 201, Boys: n = 197). Motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), physical activity participation was measured using the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), and ability beliefs, subjective task value, and expectancy of success were measured using the Expectancy Value Questionnaire (EVQ). Descriptive statistics showed that participation in physical activities was low with a mean score of 3.7 on a scale of 14. Percent of maximum (POMP) scores of the psychological variables were in the middle of the range of possible scores; specifically: 68.7%, 74.8%, and 72.7% for children’s ability beliefs, task value, and expectancy of success, respectively. A MANCOVA revealed a main effect of sex (F (7, 389) = 29.684, p < .001; Wilks’ Lambda = 0.652) between boys and girls in terms of their ability beliefs, expectancy of success, subjective task value, motor skills proficiency. A second MANCOVA examining the effect of sex on total raw scores of motor skills and physical activity also revealed a main effect of sex (F (2, 394) = 11.130, p < .001; Wilks’ Lambda = 0.947). Separate parallel multiple mediator models were created for both boys and girls. The mediator model for boys revealed an overall significant effect of .044 (p < .001). The mediator model for girls revealed an overall significant effect of .031 (p < .05). The mediation model for boys showed that the psychological variables in this study did not mediate the relationship between motor skills and physical activity participation. Instead, boys’ motor skills directly predicted their participation in physical activity. The girls’ mediation model showed mediation between motor skills and physical activity with subjective task value as the mediator. Girls’ motor skills did not have a direct relationship with their participation in physical activities. Future research might: (1) include gender as a mediating factor in future mediation models, (2) explore mediation models with locomotor skills and object control skills as independent variables, and (3) explore the role of social and environmental factors such as the influence of parents, teachers, peers, culture, and society on children’s participation in physical activity. / Graduate

The objective of this research was to establish what the influence of gestalt group playtherapy on the self-esteem of primary schoolgirls in a children’s home would be. The goals of the research were to build a knowledge basis by means of a literature study and consultation with experts in the field. The aim of this knowledge basis was the needs and developmental characteristics of the middle childhood years, the characteristics and problems encountered by the children’s home child, to assess by means of an empirical study what the influence of gestalt group playtherapy on the self-esteem of the child in the middle childhood years in a children’s home would be and the nature and scope of gestalt therapy. The study also had the further aim to make recommendations for the use and appropriate application of social workers working in the field of children’s welfare, especially the children’s home. For the empirical study the dominant-less-dominant model was used. The dominant data collection measure that was used, was of the quantitative kind with a small component of qualitative study to support the last mentioned quantitative investigation. Six respondents were identified and engaged in eight group playtherapeutic sessions. Applied research was used as the researcher aimed to find a solution for the problem of low self-esteem in specific children, namely the primary school child in the children’s home. The research resorted under the sub-category of intervention-knowledge-development. This type of research focuses on the practical application of research. The research design that researcher utilized, was the quasi-experimental design where one group pretest-posttest was being used. This design is useful to assess how an independent variable would influence a specific group. The data collection methods used were questionnaires, unstructured observation and the study of respondent’s case records. Empirical data results indicated the following: - the child in a children’s home has weak self-esteem; - the child in a children’s home has problems binding with the peer group; - respondents could already identify and regulate emotions in themselves and understand that emotions are not always correctly observed and interpreted in others; - respondent were very negative towards the children’s home and their committal to the home; - gestalt group playtherapy has a significant influence on the self-esteem of the above mentioned child. The research lead to specific recommendations addressed to parents, teachers, social workers and housemothers aiding them regarding the improvement of a child’s self-esteem. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted