Thesis (M.Soc.Sc (Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014

There is a robust body of research regarding outcomes following pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). However, these studies generally explore medium-term outcomes (i.e., 3 to 12-months postinjury), whereas functioning during acute stages following ABI is poorly understood. In particular, there is limited knowledge regarding caregiver functioning during a child’s hospitalization immediately after ABI. This study sought to identify and model caregiver and child predictors of ‘caregiver confidence’ in caring for their hospitalized child. Caregivers of 45 children with diverse types of new-onset acquired brain injuries completed self-report measures of their own psychological functioning, stress, and confidence levels, as well as their perceptions of their child’s stress and coping. Results showed that caregiver psychological functioning was negatively associated with caregiver confidence, and caregiver perceptions of child coping were positively associated with caregiver confidence. Child functional status did not serve as a significant mediator in this relationship as per the hypothesized model.

There is a robust body of research regarding outcomes following pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). However, these studies generally explore medium-term outcomes (i.e., 3 to 12-months postinjury), whereas functioning during acute stages following ABI is poorly understood. In particular, there is limited knowledge regarding caregiver functioning during a child’s hospitalization immediately after ABI. This study sought to identify and model caregiver and child predictors of ‘caregiver confidence’ in caring for their hospitalized child. Caregivers of 45 children with diverse types of new-onset acquired brain injuries completed self-report measures of their own psychological functioning, stress, and confidence levels, as well as their perceptions of their child’s stress and coping. Results showed that caregiver psychological functioning was negatively associated with caregiver confidence, and caregiver perceptions of child coping were positively associated with caregiver confidence. Child functional status did not serve as a significant mediator in this relationship as per the hypothesized model.

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A sample of 203 grandparents, 103 of whom were surrogate parents for their grandchildren, were assessed to construct a model of their psychological functioning. Four measures of psychological functioning (i.e., well-being, satisfaction with grandparenting, meaning of grandparenthood, and perceived relationships with grandchildren) were evaluated. Path analysis of data suggested that the resumption of the parental role negatively impacted all measures except the meaning of grandparenthood. Data also suggested a sense of isolation among those raising grandchildren, as well as a sense of role confusion. These factors may have been exacerbated by behavior difficulties of many grandchildren as a result of family conflict preceding the loss of their parents, and by a lack of parenting skills of grandparents who assumed parental responsibilities. These results reinforce other work that found a preference for fulfilling voluntary, nonparental relationships with grandchildren among grandparents.

Trauma research has been predominantly focused on the study of the negative psychological sequelae of traumatic experience. Recently, however, increased empirical attention has been paid to the potential for positive changes, or posttraumatic growth, derived from survivors’ struggle with trauma. There is evidence accumulating in support of this phenomenon following various types of traumatic events. Using an online, cross-sectional design, the present study examined posttraumatic growth among 143 survivors of interpersonal violence. Furthermore, the relationship between posttraumatic growth and the severity of psychological distress symptoms, as well as between growth and hope was explored. Results indicated that the severity of depressive symptoms was negatively related to growth, while the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and hope were found to positively predict growth. Associations between posttraumatic growth and demographic and interpersonal violence characteristics did not emerge. The potential implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Trauma research has been predominantly focused on the study of the negative psychological sequelae of traumatic experience. Recently, however, increased empirical attention has been paid to the potential for positive changes, or posttraumatic growth, derived from survivors’ struggle with trauma. There is evidence accumulating in support of this phenomenon following various types of traumatic events. Using an online, cross-sectional design, the present study examined posttraumatic growth among 143 survivors of interpersonal violence. Furthermore, the relationship between posttraumatic growth and the severity of psychological distress symptoms, as well as between growth and hope was explored. Results indicated that the severity of depressive symptoms was negatively related to growth, while the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and hope were found to positively predict growth. Associations between posttraumatic growth and demographic and interpersonal violence characteristics did not emerge. The potential implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Advances in cancer treatment have led to a significant increase in the number of pediatric oncology survivors. These survivors often have late effects in their cognitive, academic, executive, and psychological functioning subsequent to their chemotherapy and radiation treatment. In particular, executive functioning (EF), which is crucial for cognitive and academic functioning, has been recognized as an area that is impacted by treatment. Several studies have described cognitive remediation programs that seek to improve EF skills in pediatric oncology survivors. Although these programs have led to improvements in EF skills, they are often difficult to replicate due to the extensive time requirement. Many survivors also experience distress and anxiety and would likely benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be an effective intervention for children with internalizing disorders. Thus, a brief intervention that combines treatment for executive functioning and psychological distress is warranted. A mixed methods study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a nine-week blended cognitive remediation and cognitive behavior therapy group for pediatric oncology survivors and their parents. Participants were pediatric cancer survivors, age 9-14, and their parents who were referred through a local children's hospital that specialized in oncology treatment. Pre and post measures of EF, psychological functioning, and parental stress were examined. Semi-structured interviews with participants and their parents were completed and analyzed to learn more about the function of short-term group therapy for pediatric oncology survivors. Content analysis of the parent support group sessions was also conducted. Significant changes were found for youth internalizing symptoms, youth adaptive skills, youth executive functioning, and parental stress. There was also a positive correlation between parental stress and parent-rated youth internalizing problems as well as parent-rated youth behavioral symptoms and a negative correlation between parental stress and parent-rated youth adaptive behavior. Qualitative interviews indicated that participants felt that the intervention was helpful. Themes from the parent group included the challenge of managing late effects, balancing multiple roles, and coping with distress. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for further areas of research are presented. / text

ABSTRACT SECURE EXPLORATION: CONCEPTUALIZATION, TYPES, AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH SECURE ATTACHMENT, SELF-CONSTRUALS AND OTHER SELF-RELATED VARIABLES imamoglu, Selen Ph.D., Department of Psychology Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Olcay imamoglu Co-supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bengi &Ouml / ner-&Ouml / zkan June 2005, 211 pages The aim of the present study was to enhance understanding of secure exploration within the perspective of attachment theory and Imamoglu&#039 / s (2003) Balanced Integration-Differentiation (BID) model. A two-dimensional model of exploration was proposed consisting of trust for self and approaching the unknown, and scales were developed to study exploration separately from attachment both as a general and a domain-specific (i.e., cognitive, relational, self-related, spatial, and time-related) orientation. A questionnaire consisting of measures concerning exploration, attachment, self-construals, and other affective-relational (i.e., positive self- and other-models, trust for self, self-satisfaction, positive future expectations, trait anxiety) and intrinsic motivational (i.e., need for exploration, need for cognition, approaching the unknown, tolerance for ambiguity, curiosity, separation-differentiation security) variables, was administered to 434 (280 female, 154 male) Turkish university students. On the basis of the results, it was concluded that, (1) trust for self and approaching the unknown represent important dimensions in understanding secure exploration and variations in insecure exploration orientations / (2) exploration orientation, like attachment, represents both a general as well as a domain-specific orientation / (3) attachment and exploration represent distinct but complementary orientations, and separation-differentiation security provides a conceptual link between the two / (4) attachment and exploration may represent the foundations of relational and individuational self orientations, respectively / (5) secure attachment and secure exploration tend to be associated with the distinct but complementary affective-relational and intrinsic motivational domains, respectively / (6) of the four types of attachment-exploration orientations formed by crossing the secure and insecure ends of each, being secure in both orientations seems to be associated with optimal psychological functioning.

Fifteen adult women (mean age 34.5 years) participated in this exploratory study. The study aimed to identify commonalities in trichotillomania patients’ personality structure and psychological functioning. Relevant historical data were obtained, the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale was completed, and a Rorschach test in terms of the Comprehensive System was administered. The results point to an innate vulnerability in the sample’s personality structure that impedes their capacity for efficient problem-solving, decision-making, and coping behaviour. Other key findings include a distorted perception of themselves, a limited capacity for control and stress tolerance, difficulty in modulating and expressing emotions, the interference of primary process thinking in ideational activity, and the effects of these factors on their interpersonal relationships. Theoretical inferences are made about the probable aetiological roots of these findings. As the subjects’ level of functioning was unexpectedly high in the light of their deep-rooted pathology, the dynamic role and function of self-induced hair pulling as a symptom were considered. Suggestions are made to improve the treatment prognosis of the disorder. / Dissertation (MA (Clinical Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted