The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between occupational stress and locus of control, to analyse and investigate the nature of nurses’ work and to determine the sources of stress and how they influence the nurses’ work environment and personal lives. The Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (WLQ) and Rotter’s 23-item scale were applied in a probability, simple random sample consisting of 302 South African nursing students and nurses currently employed in the private and public healthcare sector. Significant relationships were observed between the variables. Supporting evidence indicates that there is a negative correlation between occupational stress and locus of control. The results further indicate significant differences among the different locus of control orientations and the participants perceived level of stress; as well as a difference in the correlations between occupational stress and demographics such as marital status, working time and occupational level. Finally, the researcher was able to determine which stressors cause the highest level of stress among the participants. The findings should contribute valuable new information to the employee well-being literature and human resource management practices relating to employee assistance programmes, employee well-being and the retention of staff, especially in the healthcare sector. Copyright / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Introduction: Le trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) touche 1% de la population mondiale. Pour les personnes vivant avec un TSA, certains éléments de l’environnement (ex.: bruit, lumière, aménagement) constituent des facteurs perturbateurs ; les manifestations peuvent se maintenir durant toute la vie. Il est donc important de pouvoir évaluer l’environnement afin d’y faire des interventions pour les adultes vivant avec un TSA et d’améliorer leur qualité de vie. But: Développer un instrument d’évaluation du milieu de vie des adultes vivant avec un TSA. Méthodologie: Cette étude a été développée en deux étapes: 1) exploration des éléments de l’environnement ayant un impact sur les jeunes vivant avec un TSA auprès des parents et 2) Consultation des utilisateurs potentiels sur une version préliminaire de l’ÉDIPE-version TSA Résultats: L’ÉDIPE-version TSA a été développée sur les bases du Modèle de compétence, qui explique la relation personne-environnement, en considérant les éléments de l’environnement humain et non humain ayant un impact sur les adultes vivant avec un TSA (ex.: éléments sensoriels, concernant la sécurité, la stabilité ou les visiteurs). Lors de la consultation des utilisateurs potentiels (ergothérapeutes), certaines modifications en lien avec le contenu, le mode de passation, le format et l’applicabilité de l’instrument, ont été suggérées. Conclusion: L’ÉDIPE-version TSA pourrait combler un manque dans la pratique clinique et scientifique des ergothérapeutes auprès des adultes vivant avec un TSA. Ainsi, des interventions sur l’environnement adaptées à cette population, seront favorisées. / Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is prevalent in 1% of the world's population. Within individuals living with ASD, some environmental elements (e.g., noise, light, distribution) are just some disruptive factors; the manifestations may persist throughout life. Therefore, it is important to assess the environment in order to provide interventions for adults living with ASD, improving their quality of life. Purpose: To develop tool for assessing the environment of adults living with ASD. Methods: This study was developed in two steps: 1) Exploration of environmental factors that impact young people living with ASD with parents and 2) Consultation of potential users about the first version of the HoPE - ASD version. Results: The HoPE-ASD version was developed on the basis of the Model of Competence, explaining the person-environment relationship, considering the human and non-human environmental components that have an impact on adults living with ASD (e.g., sensory elements, related to the safety and functionality of spaces, stability, visitors or trusted persons). During the consultation of potential users (occupational therapists), some modifications related to the content, mode of administration, format and applicability of the instrument were suggested. Conclusion: The HoPE-ASD version could fill a gap in the clinical and scientific practice of occupational therapists working with adults living with ASD. Thus, environmental interventions adapted to this population will be promoted.

M. Tech. (Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The face of South African (SA) universities’ academic environment has changed over the past decade, primarily propelled by transformation issues, new policies and practices, which also required academics to have certain skills and attributes. Recruiting and retaining key academics in the public higher education (HE) are not once-off events; they are ongoing processes that involve analysing the needs, culture and practices of the organisation and identifying individuals whose skills and personalities better meet those organisational needs. Given the rapid restructuring and transformation of SA public HE, recruiting and retaining of essential talent has been a huge challenge experienced by higher education institutions (HEIs). Research relating to how HEIs could better attract and retain key talent has, however, been scarce; as such, this study aims to fill the existing gap in the literature. Against this background, this study aimed at exploring the influence of person-environment fit (PEF), person-organisation fit (POF) and person-job fit (PJF) on career satisfaction (CS) and the influence of CS on intention to leave (ITL) among university academics. Embedded within a positivist paradigm, the study followed a quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to measure study constructs. In addition to the soliciting information on the demographic variables, respondents were requested to complete five different measuring scales, namely the general environment fit scale (GEFS), organisational culture profile (OCP), the knowledge, skills and ability profile (KSAP), the career satisfaction scale (CSS) and the intention to leave scale (ITLS). A total of 550 questionnaires were distributed to the identified sample of university academics and from that distribution only 202 questionnaires were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics techniques as well as correlation and regression analysis were used to evaluate academics’ perceptions and relationships between study constructs. Findings revealed the existence of strong positive associations between the three fit constructs and CS and a negative association between CS and ITL. The findings also propose that the HEI could use fit dimensions to increase the level of academics’ CS and reduce their proclivity to leave the HEI. Academics’ CS can be enhanced by the implementation of a career advancement policy that will ensure that academics are provided with fair and equal training and development opportunities and are promoted based on their individual performances. To constantly reduce the propensity to leave the institution, the HEI could continuously satisfy career goals of academics through the provision of career progression opportunities.

INTRODUCTION. D’ici 2030, le Québec comptera 180 000 personnes aînées vivant avec un trouble neurocognitif (PATNC). Les TNC entraînent des enjeux d’interaction personne environnement – l’aîné interagissant avec son environnement humain (proche aidant) ou non humain (domicile) – compromettant ainsi le maintien à domicile. Basée sur le Modèle de compétence, l’Évaluation à domicile de l’interaction personne environnement (ÉDIPE) – version cognitive vise à combler le manque d’instruments validés ciblant ces enjeux. Cet instrument comprend trois sections (Exploration des problèmes cognitifs et de leur impact; Évaluation de l’interaction; Validation et interprétation du processus d’évaluation) évaluées lors d’entrevues, d’observations et de mises en situation; deux échelles (ordinale; dichotomique) qualifient l’interaction personne-environnement. Ce Mémoire porte sur l’étude de la fidélité interexaminateurs de l’ÉDIPE–version cognitive. MÉTHODOLOGIE. Basés sur la Théorie classique de la mesure, deux ergothérapeutes indépendants et formés ont administré simultanément l’ÉDIPE–version cognitive à 30 dyades (PATNC-proches aidant), à domicile (3,2h/évaluation). Pour chaque item, le coefficient kappa, le pourcentage d’accord et l’erreur-type ont été calculés. RÉSULTATS. Les coefficients kappa varient entre -0,053 et 1,000 (pourcentages d’accord 50%-100%); la majorité (80%) varie d’Acceptable à Presque parfait. DISCUSSION. La formation et l’application rigoureuse du guide de passation soutiennent la fidélité interexaminateurs de l’instrument. Plusieurs coefficients faibles démontrent un pourcentage d’accord élevé, référant aux paradoxes de Feinstein et Cicchetti. CONCLUSION. Cette étude documente la fidélité interexaminateurs d’un instrument prometteur comblant une lacune dans la compréhension de l’interaction personne environnement des PATNC vivant à domicile. Poursuivre la validation de l’ÉDIPE–version cognitive appuiera davantage son utilisation en clinique et en recherche. / INTRODUCTION. By 2030, Quebec will have 180,000 older people living with a neurocognitive disorder (OPLwNDs). Neurocognitive disorders lead to issues affecting the person-environment interaction – the older adult interacting with his or her human (caregiver) or non-human (home) environment – thereby compromising aging in place. Based on the Model of Competence, the Home Assessment of Person-Environment Interaction (HoPE)-Cognitive Version aims to fill the gap in validated tools targeting these issues. This tool has three sections (Exploration of cognitive problems and their impact; Assessment of interaction; Validation and interpretation of the assessment process) that employ interviews, observations and task performance; two scales (ordinal; dichotomous) qualify the person-environment interaction. This Master’s thesis examines the interrater reliability of the HoPE-Cognitive Version. METHODOLOGY. Based on classical test theory, two independent, trained occupational therapists simultaneously administered the HoPE-Cognitive Version to 30 dyads (OPLwND-caregiver), at home (3.2 h/assessment). For each item, the kappa coefficient, percentage of agreement and standard error were calculated. RESULTS. Kappa coefficients ranged from -0.053 to 1.000 (percentages of agreement 50%–100%); the majority (80%) ranged from Acceptable to Almost Perfect. DISCUSSION. Training and rigorous application of the assessment guide support the tool’s interrater reliability. Several low coefficients demonstrate a high percentage of agreement, referring to Feinstein and Cicchetti’s paradoxes. CONCLUSION. This study documents the interrater reliability of a promising tool that fills a gap in understanding the person-environment interaction of OPLwNDs living at home. Further validation of the HoPE-Cognitive Version will support its use in clinical and research settings.

No description available.

La schizophrénie est un trouble mental qui touche environ un pour cent de la population et dont les symptômes et troubles associés affectent la capacité des individus à fonctionner dans la communauté. Dans la dernière décennie, des services spécialisés dans la détection et l’intervention précoce dès le premier épisode psychotique ont été implantés dans plusieurs pays. Or, ces services ont surtout ciblé, jusqu’ici, la réduction des symptômes et de la demande de soins. Les difficultés fonctionnelles des jeunes adultes schizophrènes justifient que les services qui leur sont destinés misent également sur la réadaptation et l’amélioration du fonctionnement dans la communauté. Les besoins, priorités et préférences de cette population, ainsi que l’impact des particularités développementales du jeune âge adulte sur leur fonctionnement, sont méconnus. Cette étude propose de documenter le fonctionnement dans la communauté des jeunes adultes schizophrènes au stade du premier épisode psychotique et de le comparer à celui de leurs pairs sans psychopathologie. L’utilisation d’un modèle théorique de réadaptation, le modèle de Compétence, permet de conceptualiser le fonctionnement sous l’angle de la relation personne-environnement. Ce projet s’inscrit dans une approche de recherche synthétique ; le devis préconisé est une étude de cas multiples avec l’utilisation de méthodes mixtes (qualitatives et quantitatives), selon un modèle concurrent de triangulation (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007). Les résultats mettent en lumière des différences entre les deux groupes dans les domaines des relations sociales et conjugales, du cheminement académique et de l’indépendance résidentielle et financière. Les données qualitatives, analysées selon le modèle de la théorisation ancrée (Glaser & Strauss, 1967), permettent de comprendre les processus sociaux impliqués dans l’accomplissement des tâches développementales au jeune âge adulte, ainsi que les conditions personnelles et systémiques sous-jacentes. Les résultats soulignent l’importance d’adapter les services résidentiels aux particularités développementales, de favoriser le soutien aux études et d’inclure les amis et les pairs dans la réadaptation des personnes touchées. Cette thèse permet à la fois d’identifier les besoins et priorités de cette population, de donner une voix aux jeunes adultes schizophrènes dans l’élaboration des services qui leur sont destinés et d’examiner les enjeux méthodologiques reliés à l’utilisation d’un devis mixte en recherche clinique. / Schizophrenia is a mental health disease that affects approximately one percent of the population and whose symptoms and associated deficits hinder community functioning in affected individuals. Over the last decade, specialized services in early detection and intervention of first-episode psychosis have been implemented in many countries. So far, these services have primarily targeted symptoms and use of psychiatric care as outcomes. The significant functional difficulties experienced by young adults with schizophrenia call for a shift in emphasis towards rehabilitative strategies. No study has documented the needs, preferences and priorities of this population in terms of rehabilitation services and of the influence of developmental characteristics of young adulthood on functional outcome. This study aims to examine community functioning of young adults with schizophrenia after the first episode of psychosis and to compare it with community functioning of their unaffected peers. Community functioning is conceptualized from the perspective of person-environment interaction through the lens of the Model of Competence. A multiple case study is used within the canvas of a synthetic research approach. A concurrent, mixed methods design (qualitative and quantitative) is implemented for triangulation purposes (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007). Results indicate salient differences between the clinical and comparison groups in the areas of social and conjugal relationships, academic achievement as well as financial and residential independence. Qualitative data analyzed through a grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) highlight the social processes through which young adults achieve developmental tasks. Personal and systemic conditions that constraint and facilitate processes are recognized. The results have implications for psychiatric practices. First, residential services should be adapted to the developmental characteristics of this age group. Second, supported education should be valued and implemented as a key service for young adults with schizophrenia. Third, friends and members of the social network should be included as early and intensively as possible in the rehabilitation process. Overall, this study leads to methodological innovations in the use of mixed methods in clinical research, to identification of needs and priorities in the design of rehabilitation strategies and to the recognition of the voices and input of young adults with schizophrenia.

Knowledge has been recognized as an important resource that should be carefully managed in order to enhance organizational competitiveness. Therefore, it is important to manage knowledge resources that have been learned and stored in organizations. Several scholars in the public administration literature have examined whether public service motivation (PSM) can help employees share their knowledge in ways that contribute to the effective functioning of public organizations. However, the mechanisms by which PSM influences individuals’ propensity to share knowledge have not been clarified by past research. Against this background, at first, this study contributes to understanding the relationship between PSM and knowledge sharing by applying self-determination theory with a logical insight of the intrinsic knowledge sharing motivation process. This study also examined that relationship by testing three competing psychological mechanisms based on person-environment (P-E) fit theory: (1) person-group (P-G) fit, (2) person-job (P-J) fit, and (3) person-supervisor (P-S) fit. The research questions for this study are as follows: Do individuals with higher levels of PSM have a higher propensity toward knowledge sharing? Does the congruence between employees and their work environment increase employees’ knowledge sharing behavior? Do PSM-driven employees have higher willingness to fit in the work environment? Does P-E fit theory help explain the causal relationship between PSM and knowledge sharing? Based on primary data of 1,094 occupationally diverse employees working in 33 local governments in South Korea, the current study found that caution should be exercised when making claims regarding the effects of PSM on individuals’ propensity to share knowledge and that greater emphasis should be placed on ways public sector organizations can foster P-G fit and P-J fit. However, this study also found that the relationship between PSM and knowledge sharing is not mediated by the extent to which employees perceive that their values are congruent with those of their supervisors. Keywords: public service motivation (PSM), person-environment fit (P-E fit), person-group fit (P-G fit), person-job fit (P-J fit), person-supervisor fit (P-S fit), knowledge sharing

本論文首先介紹臺灣老人的居住安排基本概況。接著，以交換理論與家庭價值觀，分析居住安排的轉換。同時，從經濟因素與需要因素的推拉作用以及家庭價值觀與交換理論，分析老人「移與子女居」和「子女回居」。再接著，應用相同樣本探討年歲增長與居住安排的關係，分析一群老人從初老經過中老到老老三個階段的居住安排。最後，以人與環境一致模式、基本生活需求滿足假說，分析老人居住安排滿意與否的改變。 以往討論老人居住安排的轉換，大多以家庭價值觀解釋，強調感情因素，當老人有最大需要時，例如，健康惡化或從有偶變成無偶，更可能發生轉換為與子女同住。但現代化社會，經濟因素轉趨重要，可能需要以交換理論補強。因此，本論文使用我國行政院衛生署與密西根大學合作之「臺灣地區中老年身心社會生活狀況長期追蹤調查」縱斷面調查資料，進行老人居住安排轉換的分析研究，觀察居住安排轉換行為，以檢視這兩種觀點對於居住安排轉換的解釋力。又，以往的相關研究大多以靜態變數為解釋變數，本論文貢獻主要在於以動態的變數－相關變數前後期的變化－為解釋變數，檢視其對老人居住安排轉換的影響。結果發現：以家庭價值觀或以交換理論解釋老人居住安排的轉換，都獲得部分支持；但沒有足夠的證據支持健康惡化或從有偶變無偶是影響老人轉換為與子女同住的關鍵因素；相反地，與交換理論相關的重大經濟決策權的改變變得比較重要，造成更可能發生轉換為不與子女同住或與子女同住。隱含著家庭價值觀對老人居住安排轉換的影響逐漸式微，而交換理論的影響力則越來越強，可彌補以家庭價值觀解釋之不足。 本論文亦使用縱斷面調查資料，以相關變數前後期的變化為解釋變數，檢視臺灣老人從不與子女同住變成「移與子女居」及「子女回居」的影響因素。結果隱含老人正向經濟因素的轉變更可能發生「子女回居」，需要因素及負向經濟因素的轉變則更可能發生「移與子女居」，而且沒有證據足認健康狀況轉差是影響轉換為與子女同住的關鍵因素。 有別於以往許多老人居住安排的文獻常將65歲以上的人當作一個群體，或有的橫斷面研究使用不同樣本，抑或即使以縱斷面研究亦使用不同樣本，進行老化研究，本論文利用相同樣本縱斷面研究分析老年人在初老、中老、老老階段的居住安排，回答「隨著年齡的增長，老人與子女共住的比例是呈U型或直線下降的關係？」、「老化對居住安排有何影響？」的問題。研究結果顯示隨著年齡的增長，老人與子女共住的比例呈直線下降。本論文發現一些因素在某階段有顯著影響，而在其他階段未發現有顯著影響，此即與老化有關；除此，對三個階段的居住安排均發生顯著影響的因素，其影響程度亦隨著年齡的增長而有不同，均為預測老人各階段居住安排決定的良好指標。 本論文為檢視究竟何因素影響老人居住安排滿意與否之改變，使用縱斷面調查資料，應用人與環境一致和基本生活需求滿足之理論基礎，以動態的變數－相關變數前後期的改變－為解釋變數，檢視其影響。結果發現：以人與環境一致或基本生活需求滿足，解釋居住安排滿意與否之改變，都獲得部分支持，同時，「愛屋及烏」假說亦獲得支持。顯示居住安排滿意與否之改變，主要歸因於環境與個體間之一致及合適與否。 總結而言，老人隨著年歲增長，居住安排從滿意變為不滿意者的比例增加，健康狀況亦呈直線下降，但不與子女同住的比例遞增，與子女同住的居住安排則呈直線下降，許多影響因素已顯示老人由家庭照護的傳統價值日漸式微。無論老人採行何種居住安排，理應以提高居住安排滿意度，提昇老人福祉為依歸。此際，除了由政府提出有效對策以為改善之外，老人宜自求多福，例如，改善居住環境、移居良好醫療環境，家庭重大決策放手由子女承擔，多多參與社交性或拜訪親友、鄰居的活動，快樂邁向成功老化。 / This dissertation, firstly, introduces the basic overview of living arrangements of the elderly in Taiwan. Then, it analyzes the transitions in living arrangements among elderly of family values and exchange theory, meanwhile, it also analyzes “moving to be with children” and “returning to the nest” from needs factors and economic factors as well as family values and exchange theory. Then, it uses a panel study to examine the living arrangements of young-old, old-old, and oldest-old. Finally, it applies a theoretical basis of person-environment congruence and basic-needs content to analyze the changes in satisfaction with living arrangements of the elderly. The value placed on family was often used to explain the influence on living arrangements transitions in previous literature. Yet economic factors have become important in modern society, therefore we need to use exchange theory to strengthen the explanation on transitions. This dissertation, therefore, attempts to compare these two explanations through analyzing transitions, and to examine the effects of these two viewpoints on transitions. Using a longitudinal data source, the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan, produced by the Department of Health (Taiwan) and the University of Michigan, a binomial logit model is used to observe the behavior of transitions. The contribution of this dissertation mainly lies in taking the dynamic variables, the changes of related variables between baseline and follow-up, as independent variables to examine the influence on the transitions. Empirical results show that both family value and exchange theory cause the living arrangements transitions, but lack evidence to prove that a senior’s health deterioration or the loss of a spouse was the major determinant of the transition to live with children. Contrarily, transitions of living arrangements are more likely to occur when a senior changes her/his role as the economic decision-maker into the non economic decision-maker of the household or vice versa. That implies the influence of family values on transitions is decreasing, and the influence of exchange theory is increasing. This dissertation also uses a longitudinal data source and takes the changes of related variables between baseline and follow-up as independent variables to examine what factors are associated with “moving to be with children” and “returning to the nest” among those living apart from children at baseline of Taiwanese seniors. Empirical results imply that “returning to the nest” is more likely to occur when a senior’s positive economic factors are changed; while “moving to be with children” is more likely to occur when a senior’s needs factors and negative economic factors are changed, and lacking evidence to prove that health deterioration was the major determinant of the transition to live with children. Most previous research on elderly living arrangements examined all people aged 65 and over as a whole. Some cross-sectional studies on aging employed different samples, as did some longitudinal studies. This dissertation examines the living arrangements of young-old, old-old, and oldest-old in Taiwan. A panel study was used to answer the following questions: Is the proportion of coresidence with increased age U-shaped or decreased linearly? What influence does aging have on living arrangements? Analytical results show that the proportion of coresidence decreased linearly among the same samples for the young-old, old-old, and oldest-old. Empirical results show that some factors were significant at some stages, while not significant at other stages, that is, they were affected by aging. Additionally, some factors related to living arrangements for all three age groups, and their effects differed with increased age. All of them are good indicators in predicting the determinants of elderly living arrangements for the three groups. This dissertation also uses a longitudinal data source, applies a theoretical basis of person-environment congruence and basic-needs content, and takes the dynamic variables, the changes in related variables between the baseline and follow-up, as independent variables to examine the determinants of changes in satisfaction with living arrangements of the elderly. Empirical results indicate that both person-environment congruence and basic-needs content partially cause changes in satisfaction with living arrangements, and the “love me, love my dog” hypothesis is also fulfilled. This dissertation suggests that changes in satisfaction with living arrangements are mainly attributed to the congruence or fit between the environment and the individual. Summarily, the proportion of dissatisfaction with living arrangements increases as age increases, the condition of health worsened linearly and the proportion of living with children is decreased with increased age, many factors have been implied the influence of traditional values on family care is decreasing. No matter what kind of living arrangement the elderly adopted, they should improve the living arrangement satisfaction, and enhance the welfare. At this time, beyond the improvements through effective measures of the government, the elderly should fend for themselves by improving the living environment, moving to a good medical environment, transferring the power of decision-making to children, and more involving in sociability or visiting relatives, friends and neighbors. And then they achieve successful aging happily.

La schizophrénie est un trouble mental qui touche environ un pour cent de la population et dont les symptômes et troubles associés affectent la capacité des individus à fonctionner dans la communauté. Dans la dernière décennie, des services spécialisés dans la détection et l’intervention précoce dès le premier épisode psychotique ont été implantés dans plusieurs pays. Or, ces services ont surtout ciblé, jusqu’ici, la réduction des symptômes et de la demande de soins. Les difficultés fonctionnelles des jeunes adultes schizophrènes justifient que les services qui leur sont destinés misent également sur la réadaptation et l’amélioration du fonctionnement dans la communauté. Les besoins, priorités et préférences de cette population, ainsi que l’impact des particularités développementales du jeune âge adulte sur leur fonctionnement, sont méconnus. Cette étude propose de documenter le fonctionnement dans la communauté des jeunes adultes schizophrènes au stade du premier épisode psychotique et de le comparer à celui de leurs pairs sans psychopathologie. L’utilisation d’un modèle théorique de réadaptation, le modèle de Compétence, permet de conceptualiser le fonctionnement sous l’angle de la relation personne-environnement. Ce projet s’inscrit dans une approche de recherche synthétique ; le devis préconisé est une étude de cas multiples avec l’utilisation de méthodes mixtes (qualitatives et quantitatives), selon un modèle concurrent de triangulation (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007). Les résultats mettent en lumière des différences entre les deux groupes dans les domaines des relations sociales et conjugales, du cheminement académique et de l’indépendance résidentielle et financière. Les données qualitatives, analysées selon le modèle de la théorisation ancrée (Glaser & Strauss, 1967), permettent de comprendre les processus sociaux impliqués dans l’accomplissement des tâches développementales au jeune âge adulte, ainsi que les conditions personnelles et systémiques sous-jacentes. Les résultats soulignent l’importance d’adapter les services résidentiels aux particularités développementales, de favoriser le soutien aux études et d’inclure les amis et les pairs dans la réadaptation des personnes touchées. Cette thèse permet à la fois d’identifier les besoins et priorités de cette population, de donner une voix aux jeunes adultes schizophrènes dans l’élaboration des services qui leur sont destinés et d’examiner les enjeux méthodologiques reliés à l’utilisation d’un devis mixte en recherche clinique. / Schizophrenia is a mental health disease that affects approximately one percent of the population and whose symptoms and associated deficits hinder community functioning in affected individuals. Over the last decade, specialized services in early detection and intervention of first-episode psychosis have been implemented in many countries. So far, these services have primarily targeted symptoms and use of psychiatric care as outcomes. The significant functional difficulties experienced by young adults with schizophrenia call for a shift in emphasis towards rehabilitative strategies. No study has documented the needs, preferences and priorities of this population in terms of rehabilitation services and of the influence of developmental characteristics of young adulthood on functional outcome. This study aims to examine community functioning of young adults with schizophrenia after the first episode of psychosis and to compare it with community functioning of their unaffected peers. Community functioning is conceptualized from the perspective of person-environment interaction through the lens of the Model of Competence. A multiple case study is used within the canvas of a synthetic research approach. A concurrent, mixed methods design (qualitative and quantitative) is implemented for triangulation purposes (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007). Results indicate salient differences between the clinical and comparison groups in the areas of social and conjugal relationships, academic achievement as well as financial and residential independence. Qualitative data analyzed through a grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) highlight the social processes through which young adults achieve developmental tasks. Personal and systemic conditions that constraint and facilitate processes are recognized. The results have implications for psychiatric practices. First, residential services should be adapted to the developmental characteristics of this age group. Second, supported education should be valued and implemented as a key service for young adults with schizophrenia. Third, friends and members of the social network should be included as early and intensively as possible in the rehabilitation process. Overall, this study leads to methodological innovations in the use of mixed methods in clinical research, to identification of needs and priorities in the design of rehabilitation strategies and to the recognition of the voices and input of young adults with schizophrenia.

Parental monitoring of settings is not always relevant for the prevention of adolescent crime because adolescents with strong personal moral rules and the ability to exercise self control are unlikely to offend even when they are unsupervised and know that their parents have little knowledge about their activities. Parental monitoring, commonly operationalised as parental supervision or parental knowledge, is often shown to have a negative relationship with crime involvement. However, research often ignores both the mechanism by which these relationships occur and the conditions under which they might (and might not) be found. This thesis uses specialist Space-Time Budget data (from the Peterborough Adolescent and Young Adult Development Study) to allow the comparison of adolescent crime rates in settings characterised by the of convergence of i) the physical presence or absence of parents and other guardians, ii) the psychological presence or absence of parents (represented by adolescent-perceived generalised parental knowledge of the circumstances of unsupervised activity) and iii) personal crime propensity (moral rules and ability to exercise self control). The conclusion derived from the results is that the physical presence of parents and other guardians in settings reduces the rate of adolescent crime committed in those settings; and the psychological presence of parents reduces the criminogenic impact of unsupervised time. Crucially however, these effects of parental monitoring are almost irrelevant for adolescents with a lower personal crime propensity, who are not likely to offend in settings irrespective of the physical or psychological absence of parents and other guardians. These findings provide support for person-environment interactions inherent in the causal model of Situational Action Theory, and provide a novel addition to evidence that could be used in future to inform policy-relevant recommendations concerning parenting behaviour and adolescent offending. Although this thesis provides new evidence about the relationship between parental monitoring and crime, the bulk of its contribution is relevant to a much wider audience. It contributes to the debate on approaches to the study of crime and crime prevention, adds clarity to key concepts and develops theoretical arguments in the field of parental monitoring and crime, develops a novel application of Situational Action Theory, extends theoretical and methodological discussions surrounding situational analysis, applies novel data and analytical methods to the study of the psychological and physical presence of guardians, generates and situates unique findings about the situational role of aspects of parental monitoring and crime, and makes some policy recommendations and suggestions about the nature and direction of future research.