The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the use of television for providing guidance to expectant fathers by determining whether or not the medium of television can be implemented to offer parent guidance to expectant fathers during the transition into fatherhood. Focus was therefore placed on gaining an understanding of the specific type of information required by expectant fathers, in conjunction with their perceptions of the most suitable form of media to provide such guidance. The study was conducted in terms of an INTERPRETIVIST-positivist paradigm and followed a mixed methods approach. A combination of a survey design and case study research design was employed. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies were implemented during the two phases. Firstly, a telephone survey (questionnaire) was conducted with 65 participants. Secondly, four individual (face-to-face) interviews were conducted with expectant fathers, to obtain in-depth information. In addition, data was collected by means of field notes and a reflective journal. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that expectant fathers have a clear need for information to help prepare them for their role as a father and require more knowledge regarding the topic of fatherhood and pregnancy. According to the findings expectant fathers also wish to receive guidance in order for them to develop certain basic childcare skills needed to fulfil their role and regard television to be the most suitable medium for providing them with the guidance they require. Fathers feel that television may assist them by providing the information they require, thereby directly addressing their needs. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Educational Studies / M.Ed.

Text in Afrikaans / Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself in 'n eiesoortige gesinsituasie. Die situasie stel verskeie eise aan die ouers asook aan die kinders in die gesin. Bo en behalwe die universele gesinsuitdagings, moet bulle ook die uitdagings uniek aan die aannemingsituasie bemeester. Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself soms in moeilike situasies en benodig dan ondersteuning. Daarom is daar in hierdie studie besluit om ondersoek in te stel na die effek van gesinsterapie in gesinne met aangenome kinders. Die doel was om vas te stel in watter mate gesinne met aangenome kinders gehelp kan word om probleme te oorkom met gesinsterapie as terapeutiese intervensie. Die navorsing is gedoen aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe ontwerp waar data hoofsaaklik ingesamel is deur vraelyste, observasie en onderhoudvoering. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesinsterapie effektief gebruik kan word om hulp te verleen aan die gesin met aangenome kinders. Daar word as 'n span aan die probleme gewerk aangesien gesamentlike doelwitstelling-plaasvind en dit dien ook as 'n belangrike saambindende faktor van die gesinslede. AI die gesinslede se probleme kon gelyktydig aangespreek word in plaas van op 'n individuele basis. / Families with adopted children find themselves in a situation with unique demands made on them as a family as well as on an individual level as a parent or a child. They have to master the universal family challenges as well as the challenges of the family with adopted children. These families often find themselves in complex situations, which are difficult to handle and thus need the necessary support. The reason for this study was therefore to investigate the effect of family therapy in families with adopted children. The aim was to find out how effective a family with adopted children could be helped to solve the problems experienced with family therapy as therapeutic intervention. A qualitative analysis was conducted and data was gathered primarily through questionnaires, observation and interviewing. The results of the research led to the conclusion that family therapy was indeed an effective therapeutic intervention as far as families with adopted children were concerned. It provided the family to work together as a team and created unity. All the family members' problems could also be addressed at once instead of individually. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

Educational Studies / M.Ed.

Text in Afrikaans / Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself in 'n eiesoortige gesinsituasie. Die situasie stel verskeie eise aan die ouers asook aan die kinders in die gesin. Bo en behalwe die universele gesinsuitdagings, moet bulle ook die uitdagings uniek aan die aannemingsituasie bemeester. Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself soms in moeilike situasies en benodig dan ondersteuning. Daarom is daar in hierdie studie besluit om ondersoek in te stel na die effek van gesinsterapie in gesinne met aangenome kinders. Die doel was om vas te stel in watter mate gesinne met aangenome kinders gehelp kan word om probleme te oorkom met gesinsterapie as terapeutiese intervensie. Die navorsing is gedoen aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe ontwerp waar data hoofsaaklik ingesamel is deur vraelyste, observasie en onderhoudvoering. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesinsterapie effektief gebruik kan word om hulp te verleen aan die gesin met aangenome kinders. Daar word as 'n span aan die probleme gewerk aangesien gesamentlike doelwitstelling-plaasvind en dit dien ook as 'n belangrike saambindende faktor van die gesinslede. AI die gesinslede se probleme kon gelyktydig aangespreek word in plaas van op 'n individuele basis. / Families with adopted children find themselves in a situation with unique demands made on them as a family as well as on an individual level as a parent or a child. They have to master the universal family challenges as well as the challenges of the family with adopted children. These families often find themselves in complex situations, which are difficult to handle and thus need the necessary support. The reason for this study was therefore to investigate the effect of family therapy in families with adopted children. The aim was to find out how effective a family with adopted children could be helped to solve the problems experienced with family therapy as therapeutic intervention. A qualitative analysis was conducted and data was gathered primarily through questionnaires, observation and interviewing. The results of the research led to the conclusion that family therapy was indeed an effective therapeutic intervention as far as families with adopted children were concerned. It provided the family to work together as a team and created unity. All the family members' problems could also be addressed at once instead of individually. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

In this study the impact of a board game as parent guidance strategy to reinforce Cognitive Control Therapy (CCT) in the home environment of a child with ADHD was explored. The influence of such a board game, based on the principles of CCT, on multiple contexts of the child’s existence - therapeutic and family contexts - was also investigated. There were two reasons for involving the parents in therapy. Firstly, children with an attention problem are situated within contexts and the effect of ADHD can permeate to the home and school environments. Secondly, for Cognitive Control Therapy (CCT) to be successful, it needs to be sustained by frequent repetition. It was hypothesized that sustainability of the effect of CCT should rise substantially after introduction of the board game, as the child and the parent can reinforce the principles of CCT by using it, even without being able to attend a session. The board game was designed by using the principles for game development as articulated by Dodge. A case study was then conducted by using a mixed methods approach, where quantitative and qualitative data were obtained. Data collection strategies consisted of quantitative methods in the form of the Cognitive Control battery (pre and post test), and the Copeland Symptoms checklist. Qualitative strategies included parental feedback, qualitative data during therapy sessions (observations and therapeutic notes) and a semi-structured interview with the mother. Data was collected before, after and during the intervention. The intervention consisted of individual therapy with the participant, parent guidance and parallel implementation of the designed board game by the parents with the child-participant. The quantitative data (from the CCB and the Copeland Symptoms Checklist) from the post test indicated that sensitivity towards distractions remains a concern, and that parental implementation of a board game (incorporating elements of CCT) with a child can possibly have a slightly negative effect on cognitive control functioning. However, the scope of this case study does not allow direct correlations to be drawn between the parental input and the child’s cognitive control functioning. It does point to the possibility of heeding caution when implementing a board game to reinforce CCT principles by a parent. Conversely, the findings from the study also indicated that family relations improved. Five qualitative insights emerged: i) increased ability to distinguish between relevant versus irrelevant information in the participant; ii) increase in organizational thought in the therapeutic situation and at home; iii) improved communication between parent and child, resulting in improved skills to maintain discipline; iv) improved interaction among family members; and v) transfer of skills to the mother. The study found that the greatest contribution of the board game appears to be the improvement experienced in the family context – probably as a result of increased interaction among family members and attention focused on the problem. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Educational Psychology / MEd / unrestricted

This study forms part of a broader school-based intervention project focused on the promotion of healthy nutrition-related practices, physical health and the socio-emotional functioning of primary school children in resource-constrained communities in South Africa. The initial intervention was offered to Grade 1 to 3 learners at two schools situated in Gauteng. The purpose of the current study is to explore the needs and expectations of the parents whose children have been involved in the broader research project, with regard to the guidance they require on healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle behaviour. As a next phase of the broader project, the findings of my study will inform the development of a parent-guidance intervention for the parents of the learners in the participating schools. I integrated the Parental Involvement Process model and Ecological Systems theory in compiling a conceptual framework that guided me in undertaking my research. I utilised interpretivism as epistemology and followed a qualitative approach. I implemented a case study design utilising Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) principles in generating data with 22 parent participants who were purposively selected. For data generation and documentation, I used PRA-based workshops, observation-as-context-of-interaction, field notes, reflective journaling and audio-visual techniques. Following inductive thematic analysis, four themes and related sub-themes emerged in relation to potential topics for food and nutrition-related guidance; guidance on physical activity and fitness; guidance required for supporting the psycho-social wellbeing of children, and suitable modes of delivery for a parent guidance intervention. Based on the findings of this study, I can conclude that parents from the two communities were motivated to support the health and wellbeing of their children and families; however, some structural and psychological barriers prevented them from adopting healthy lifestyle behaviour and parenting practices. To this end, the parent participants identified specific areas that they require additional support and guidance in, based on their unique life circumstances. Furthermore, parents identified mobile technology as potential suitable way in which guidance can be offered, in combination with parent workshops and information pamphlets. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to assess school-based psycho-educational support to parents of children with learning impairments and how the parents' needs differ according to the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment and the educational status of the parent. The study presents a literature review of the neuro-physiological origin of learning impairments, cognitive development, common problems experienced by children with learning impairments, the effects on the family of having a child with learning impairments and an overview of school support services in South Africa. A survey study was used. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study showed that parents need to be equipped with knowledge and skills irrespective of the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment, the number of years the child has been in special school and the educational status of the parents. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

This study reviews literature regarding the antecedents of locus of control. The development of locus of control in children is found to be related to parent attitudes, behaviours and interactions between parents and children. Literature was further consulted to understand the relationship between parenting and locus of control development. It was decided, based on continued review of literature, that parent guidance based on a social cognitive learning approach was a valid therapeutic model to enhance internal locus of control in children. The parent guidance model proposed in this study was based on parenting guidelines to enhance internal locus of control in children. The aim is to bring about transformation of parent attitudes and behaviours through therapeutic means, which will produce change in the parent-child relationship. This interaction was expected to lead to enhanced internality in the child participants. The empirical study engaged a predominantly qualitative methodology, using an action research design. The sample consisted of 14 families representing various racial groups and family structures. Data collection methods included questionnaires, observation and focus groups to determine the effectiveness of the proposed therapeutic model. Results showed that group parent guidance based on a social cognitive learning approach and focussing on development, responsibility, consistency, home environment, parent style, emotional intelligence, modelling, discipline and roles of mothers and fathers is effective in enhancing internal locus of control in primary school children. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The purpose of this study was to assess school-based psycho-educational support to parents of children with learning impairments and how the parents' needs differ according to the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment and the educational status of the parent. The study presents a literature review of the neuro-physiological origin of learning impairments, cognitive development, common problems experienced by children with learning impairments, the effects on the family of having a child with learning impairments and an overview of school support services in South Africa. A survey study was used. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study showed that parents need to be equipped with knowledge and skills irrespective of the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment, the number of years the child has been in special school and the educational status of the parents. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)