Coaches play a central role in shaping the sport environment for young athletes. This thesis is focused on the leadership process in sports and how coaches’ autonomy-supportive and controlling interpersonal styles longitudinally are related to young athletes’ motivation and ill- and well-being. The aim is also to examine psychometric multidimensionality in measures of coaches’ need-supportive and controlling interpersonal styles. Questionnaire data from young athletes were used in the empirical studies. In Study 1, we examined an adaptive motivational process (i.e., longitudinal associations between autonomy support, need satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and well-being). The results showed that within-person changes in perceived autonomy support, need satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and well-being were all positively correlated. Higher self-determined motivation and well-being early in the season longitudinally predicted higher levels of perceived autonomy support from the coach. Higher self-determined motivation was also a positive predictor of within-person changes in perceived autonomy support and well-being over the season. In Study 2, we examined a maladaptive motivational process (i.e., longitudinal associations between coaches’ controlling behaviors, controlled motivation, and ill-being). The findings demonstrated that athletes who perceived their coach as more controlling reported higher controlled motivation at the end of the season and that higher controlled motivation early in the season predicted higher ill-being at the end of the season. Controlled motivation was also a positive predictor of athletes’ perceptions of coaches’ controlling behaviors at the within-person level. Study 1 and 2 suggest that individual factors (e.g., motivation and well-being) seemed to function as important determinants of how athletes perceived their coach and future research should explore the underlying mechanisms through which these processes occur. In Study 3, we examined psychometric multidimensionality in measures of athletes’ perceptions of coaches’ need-supportive (Interpersonal Supportiveness Scale-Coach [ISS-C]) and controlling (Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale [CCBS]) interpersonal styles. The analyses indicated that the ISS-C is not multidimensional; it appears to comprise a single factor. Three of the four subscales of the CCBS appear to share a common core, whereas the fourth subscale (i.e., controlling use of rewards) seems to represent a slightly different aspect of a controlling interpersonal style. These results bring into question the multidimensionality in measures of athletes’ perceptions of coaches’ interpersonal styles. Neither measure displayed a coherent multidimensional pattern, indicating a need for better alignment between theory and measurement.

Cette thèse a pour objectif d’apporter des résultats pour la connaissance relative au processus d’intervention dans l’organisation en matière de prévention de la santé psychique au travail. Après avoir mis en lien les processus de construction de la santé au travail et pris connaissance des facteurs qui soutiennent la réussite des interventions de prévention primaire, l’analyse permet de questionner la correspondance possible entre ces deux champs de recherche. L’analyse de sept cas d’intervention apporte des éléments pour saisir les conditions qui favorisent la décision de changement de l’organisation. Le processus d’intervention est conçu comme un moyen de produire une dynamique de maturation organisationnelle sur la question de la santé psychique au travail et susceptible d’améliorer la coopération entre acteurs. Enfin, en interrogeant l’interaction entre l’individu et l’organisation, cette thèse analyse les logiques de recours à des formes d’aides pour des salariés en difficulté. Ce détour permet d’interroger les causes du non-recours à des dispositifs organisationnels de prévention et à identifier à quelles conditions ils peuvent être efficaces et utilisés. / We aim to contribute to the study of intervention process in the organization for mental health prevention in the workplace. We begin by linking the different health-building processes in the workplace. We then take into account the factors that support the success of primary prevention interventions. Our analysis then allows for exploration of possible relationship between these two research fields. Our examination of seven cases studies of prevention interventions brings elements of understanding to the conditions that best favour the decision to change an organization. The intervention process is designed as a way to produce a dynamic organizational maturation on the issue of mental health in the workplace, which is likely to improve cooperation between actors. Finally, by questioning interactions between the individual and the organization, this dissertation analyzes the logic behind the non-take-up strategies used by troubled employees. It allows us to examine why arrangements within an organization are not used and to identify under what conditions they can be efficient and well used.

This dissertation combines psychology with peace and conflict research in a cross-disciplinary approach to reconciliation processes after intrastate armed conflict. Two overarching contributions are made to the field of reconciliation research. The first is conceptual and methodological. The vague concept of reconciliation is defined and operationalized (Paper I), and a method is proposed for how reconciliation may be studied systematically at the national level (Paper II). By discussing what reconciliation is and how we should measure it, comparative research on reconciliation is facilitated which is imperative if we wish to learn of its promises and pitfalls in post-conflict peacebuilding. The second contribution is empirical. There has been an assumption that truth telling is healing and thereby will lead to reconciliation; healing is the assumed link between truth and reconciliation. This assumption was investigated in two studies in Rwanda in 2006. A multistage, stratified cluster random survey of 1,200 adults was conducted to assess whether witnessing in the gacaca, the Rwandan village tribunals for truth and reconciliation, was beneficial for psychological health; thereby investigating the claim that truth telling is healing (Paper III). The results of the survey are disconcerting. Witnesses in the gacaca suffered from significantly higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder than non-witnesses also when controlling for important predictors for psychological ill-health such as gender or trauma exposure. To acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the experience of witnessing in the gacaca, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women genocide survivors who had witnessed in the gacaca (Paper IV). The results of this study challenge the claim that truth telling is healing, suggesting instead that there are risks for the individuals on whom truth-telling processes depend. Traumatization, ill-health, isolation, and insecurity dominate the lives of the testifying women. Insecurity as a result of the truth-telling process emerged as one of the most crucial issues at stake. This dissertation presents a novel understanding of the complexity of reconciliation in post-conflict peacebuilding, demonstrating that truth and reconciliation processes may entail more risks than were previously known. The results of this dissertation can be used to improve the study and the design of truth and reconciliation processes after civil war and genocide.

Previous research showed that in 2010, only 23% of adults and 81% of teenagers worldwide did not meet the recommendations for physical activity. Physical inactivity is related to increased risk of poorer health and suffering from lifestyle diseases. Football Fitness is a relatively new concept of organized physical activity with moderate and high intensity. The training form combines strength and fitness to suit all ages and gender, regardless of previous soccer experience or physical ability. Being part of a group and establishing social relations have been shown to be related to improved well-being and was one of the main factors for participation. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to investigate whether participation in Football Fitness was related to positive changes in mental health and well-being, and to strive to explore and create an understanding of women's experiences of participation. Method The women (N = 18) aged 15 to 54 years participated in a 6-week intervention, 2 workouts per week, in 90 minutes. The following inclusion criteria were used to carry out the selection: (1) should be less physically active than 150 minutes a week; (2) had not played organized football in the last 10 years and (3) were not diagnosed with any clinical mental health diagnosis. The study was conducted with a mixed method through an experimental design that involved three times to measure women's perceived well-being, current physical functions, social capital and whether participation in Football Fitness felt meaningful. Furthermore, focus group interviews were conducted after the intervention was completed. Quantitative data was analyzed by Bayesian repeated measures analysis of variance (R-ANOVA) and a one pair sample t-test was used as statistical tests in the study and performed in JASP. Qualitative data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Results The result of the quantitative analysis showed that Football Fitness had a positive impact on women's well-being (BF10 = 3659,057), and social capital (BF10= 831.785) over time. Furthermore, the result showed that women who participated felt that it was meaningful to participate in Football Fitness (BF10 = 2.570e + 6). The analysis showed support for the null hypothesis that Football Fitness should give effect to women's current functions (BF10 = .0576). The qualitative result showed that women experienced comfort, solidarity, satisfaction, and happiness during participation, which created added value for women without previous experience of football. Conclusion The result of the present study supports the hypothesis that Football Fitness contributes to positive changes in psychological health and well-being. The women who participated in the study experienced comfort, solidarity, satisfaction, and happiness in participation, which are factors that contribute to increased health and well-being. The result of the study showed that women valued group training where they had the opportunity to create social relationships in context with the training and that it was positive with an including leader and a group that contributed to a feeling of comfort. These factors contributed to the fact that women who participated felt that participation in Football Fitness added value. Participating in Football Fitness added value to the women without precious football experience which indicates that further investigations regarding the association between Football Fitness and lifestyle predictors.

L’objectif général de ce travail de thèse était d’étudier la possibilité d’améliorer le fonctionnement cognitif (mémoire de travail, mémoire épisodique, vitesse de traitement, fonctions exécutives) et la santé psychologique (estime de soi, plainte mnésique, satisfaction de vie) lors du vieillissement grâce à la pratique des activités de loisir. Pour cela, quatre programmes utilisant les activités de loisir, allant du plus unimodal au plus multimodal, ont été conçus et proposés à des participants âgés. Leurs scores à différentes mesures ont été évalués avant et après les interventions et comparés à ceux de groupes contrôles. Les résultats mettent en évidence que globalement ces programmes permettaient l’amélioration des performances cognitives ainsi que des transferts sur la santé psychologique, sauf l’entraînement unimodal (i.e., spécifique). / The main objective of this thesis was to test the possibility to improve cognitive functioning (working memory, episodic memory, speed of processing, executive functions) and psychological health (self-esteem, memory complaint, satisfaction of life) with leisure activities during aging. The present work was based on four programs using leisure activities, from unimodal to multimodal composition including pretests and posttests and compared to control groups. Globally, results show that the programs heterogeneously improve cognitive performances and provide evidence of benefits transfer to psychological health, except for the unimodal program. Overall, results show that unimodal cognitive training only improve cognitive functioning (Experience 1), whereas playful and multimodal interventions improve psychological health and influence cognitive performance (Experiences 2, 3, et 4). Eventually, our results show that leisure activities during lifespan are associated with a better psychological health (Experiment 3), improve subjective well-being and help to better adapt to ageing. This work supports the idea that leisure activities during life span are in line with psychological health. It also highlights that multimodal cognitive interventions contribute to successful ageing more than unimodal programs.

Caring for a child with disabilities and special needs can be a challenging and arduous responsibility. Many parents are unprepared to cope with such event and encounter problems with their own health and psychological well- being. Conversely, when parents and families are empowered with appropriate tools and techniques they can overcome these difficult circumstances through the use of health coping strategies. This study will examine the use of coping strategies and the impact on parent’s psychological health. The literature review in this study will discuss coping practices, and the adverse affects on parent’s emotional welfare. The research was conducted with eight parents who participated in an audio-recording, face-to-face interview with open-ended questions. The data of this study was collected and examined by utilizing qualitative methods. Interview data was transcribed into written form to explore and identify common themes. Researcher used a qualitative approach to understand participant’s experiences. The study discovered four common themes: 1. Social support systems, 2. Family Dynamics, 3. Spirituality, and 4. Positive Thinking. The findings of this study may increase awareness and understanding of healthy coping strategies utilized by parents of children with special needs and how it may impact their psychological well-being. The research also addressed the limitations of the study, the significance of the study for social work and the future recommendations for the social work profession and future research.

<p>This dissertation combines psychology with peace and conflict research in a cross-disciplinary approach to reconciliation processes after intrastate armed conflict. Two overarching contributions are made to the field of reconciliation research. The first is conceptual and methodological. The vague concept of reconciliation is defined and operationalized (Paper I), and a method is proposed for how reconciliation may be studied systematically at the national level (Paper II). By discussing what reconciliation is and how we should measure it, comparative research on reconciliation is facilitated which is imperative if we wish to learn of its promises and pitfalls in post-conflict peacebuilding. The second contribution is empirical. There has been an assumption that truth telling is healing and thereby will lead to reconciliation; healing is the assumed link between truth and reconciliation. This assumption was investigated in two studies in Rwanda in 2006. A multistage, stratified cluster random survey of 1,200 adults was conducted to assess whether witnessing in the gacaca, the Rwandan village tribunals for truth and reconciliation, was beneficial for psychological health; thereby investigating the claim that truth telling is healing (Paper III). The results of the survey are disconcerting. Witnesses in the gacaca suffered from significantly higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder than non-witnesses also when controlling for important predictors for psychological ill-health such as gender or trauma exposure. To acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the experience of witnessing in the gacaca, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women genocide survivors who had witnessed in the gacaca (Paper IV). The results of this study challenge the claim that truth telling is healing, suggesting instead that there are risks for the individuals on whom truth-telling processes depend. Traumatization, ill-health, isolation, and insecurity dominate the lives of the testifying women. Insecurity as a result of the truth-telling process emerged as one of the most crucial issues at stake. This dissertation presents a novel understanding of the complexity of reconciliation in post-conflict peacebuilding, demonstrating that truth and reconciliation processes may entail more risks than were previously known. The results of this dissertation can be used to improve the study and the design of truth and reconciliation processes after civil war and genocide.</p>

Incivility within organizations is a rampant problem with dire consequences,including adverse effects on both job satisfaction and psychological states. This study was conducted to address the gap in the current literature that looks at incivility within organizations. To date, no studies have assessed the impact of bottom-up incivility (i.e., incivility that is directed from subordinates to supervisors) on supervisor targets. Thus, this study investigated the impact of bottom-up forms of incivility of supervisors’ mental and physical states, as well as their levels of job satisfaction. However, due to small sample sizes, the current research was expanded to address the effects of both bottom-up incivility and other forms of incivility (i.e., peer-to-peer and superior-to-subordinate). As a result, the study consisted of two samples: bottom-up targets (N = 19) and targets of all forms of incivility (N = 89). In the bottom-up sample, results showed that instances of bottom-up incivility are a significant predictor of lower levels of job satisfaction. In the sample of targets of all forms of incivility, the results indicated that incivility was a significant predictor of lower levels of mental health. In the sample of targets of all forms of incivility, hierarchical regression analyses also showed that the effects of incivility on physical health were mediated by mental health.

This dissertation focuses on an occupational stressor that has been recently introduced to the literature, illegitimate tasks, or tasks that seem unreasonable or unnecessary at work. Previous work has demonstrated the relationship between illegitimate tasks and a narrow set of discrete emotions as well as negative employee performance behaviors. The current research contributes to the literature by expanding the nomological network associated with illegitimate tasks and uses a rigorous daily diary methodology in a full-time working sample. It was expected that illegitimate tasks reduce state levels of self-esteem as well as other employee well-being indicators including anger, depressive mood, fatigue, job satisfaction, and sleep quality. Ninety participants filled out trait level surveys and subsequently completed daily dairy questionnaires three times daily for two workweeks. Daily diaries assessed experiences of illegitimate tasks as well as self-esteem and well-being. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test primary hypotheses. Results indicate that anger and job satisfaction are consistently, significantly associated with illegitimate task episodes throughout workdays; however, responses dissipate overnight. Depressive mood and fatigue tend to be related to illegitimate tasks as the workday carries on and these responses appear to persist into the following workday. Results are consistent with the notion that illegitimate tasks reduce state self-esteem. However, high trait levels of self-esteem may negate this relationship. No effects on sleep quality were evident. In sum, daily experience of illegitimate task episodes represents a meaningful occupational stressor that predicts reductions in employee self-esteem and employee well-being.

Avhandlingens övergripande syfte var att fördjupa kunskapen om hur socialtjänsten synliggör barns fysiska och psykiska hälsa samt barns egna upplevelser i barnavårdsutredningar. Resultaten diskuteras utifrån rättsliga förutsättningar samt teorier om barn som subjekt och sociala aktörer. De fyra delstudierna visar att det finns begränsningar i hur hälsan samt barns upplevelser beskrivs om man vill förstå deras behov av stöd. En anledning till detta kan vara att den rättsliga regleringen inte per automatik ger barn status som subjekt och aktörer. Resultaten tyder på att barnperspektivet i både den rättsliga regleringen och genomförandet av barnavårdsutredningar har stärkts jämfört med vad som visats i tidigare forskning men det behövs en utvecklad analys och argumentation kring barns upplevelser och barns hälsa. En sådan förståelse ger förutsättningar för att barn blir synliggjorda utifrån sina unika förutsättningar vilket säkerställer att socialtjänsten tar hänsyn till deras unika behov. / The overall aim of this thesis is to explore how the physical- and psychological health of children – as well as children’s own experiences – are represented in child welfare investigations. The results are discussed with reference to both legal regulations and theories, which identify children as subjects and social actors in their own right. The four studies show that there are limitations in how children’s health generally, along with their experiences more specifically, are described. The consequence is a diminishing of the chances to understand the child’s need for support. One reason for this might be that legal regulations for social welfare investigations do not automatically ascribe to children the status of subjects and social actors. Compared with previous research, results gathered in this thesis indicate that the child’s perspective has been strengthened in both law and in social welfare investigations. All the same, there is still a need for more developed analyses of children’s health as well as children’s experiences. Such an understanding requires that children be seen from their unique positions, ensuring moreover that social services take into account the specific needs of individual children.