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Syftet med studien var att undersöka om idrottarens upplevda tränarbeteende och coach-idrottarrelation predicerar upplevt idrottsspecifikt psykologiskt välmående och idrottsspecifik stress hos svenska elitsatsande juniorgolfare. Insamling av data skedde via ett experturval där insamlingen av data skedde via enkäter. Urvalet bestod av pojkar och flickor i årskurs 1–4 (M=2.33; SD=1.106) som går på RIG- och NIU-gymnasium med inriktning golf. I studien deltog totalt 61 personer (42 pojkar och 19 flickor). Studien var en kvantitativ tvärsnittsstudie.  Studien genomförde enkla regressionsanalyser för att testa studiens fyra hypoteser. Resultatet visade ett positivt statistiskt signifikant samband mellan tränarbeteende och idrottsspecifikt psykologiskt välbefinnande (B=.436, p<.001) där en högre grad av upplevt positivt associerade tränarbeteende predicerade högre upplevelse av idrottspecifikt psykologiskt välbefinnande bland deltagarna. Likaså återfanns ett positivt signifikant samband mellan coach-idrottarrelation och idrottsspecifikt psykologiskt välbefinnande (B=.438, p<.001) där en god relation till sin tränare predicerade ett högre psykologiskt välbefinnande. Studien fann även ett negativt statistiskt signifikant samband mellan tränarbeteende och idrottspecifikt stress (B=-.436, p=.024) där en högre grad av upplevt positivt associerat tränarbeteende predicerade minskad idrottspecifikt stress bland deltagarna. Däremot fann studien inget statistiskt signifikant samband mellan coach-idrottarrelation och idrottsspecifik stress.  Föreliggande studie kan bidra med att ge tränare och andra inblandade inom golf en ökad förståelse för att det är viktigt för idrottarens psykologiska välmående att ha en bra upplevd relation till sin tränare samt en förståelse för att tränarens beteende kan predicera idrottsspecifik psykologiskt välbefinnande och idrottsspecifik stress. / The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the athlete's perceived coachingbehavior and coach-athlete relationship have a correlation with perceived sport-specificpsychological well-being and sport-specific stress in Swedish elite junior golfers. Collectionof data was done via questionnaires with the help of an expert selection. The selectionconsisted of boys and girls in grades 1-4 (M=2.33; SD=1.106) who attend RIG and NIUgymnasiums majoring in golf. 61 people participated in the survey (42 boys and 19 girls). Thestudy was a quantitative cross-sectional study.The study conducted simple regression analyzes to test the study's four correlations.The result showed a positive statistically significant relationship between coaching behaviorand sport-specific psychological well-being (B=.436, p<.001) where a higher degree ofperceived positively associated coaching behavior indicated a higher experience ofsport-specific psychological well-being. Likewise, a positive significant relationship wasfound between coach-athlete relationship and sport-specific psychological well-being(B=.438, p<.001), where a good relationship with one's coach indicated a higher well-being.The study also found a negative statistically significant relationship between coachingbehavior and sport-specific stress (B=-.436, p=.024) where a higher degree of perceivedpositively associated coaching behavior indicates reduced sport-specific stress among theparticipants. In contrast, the results showed no statistically significant relationship betweencoach-athlete relationship and sport-specific stress.The present study can contribute to increase the understanding for coaches and othersinvolved in golf that it is important for the athlete's psychological well-being to have a goodperceived relationship with their coach as well as contribute to an understanding that thecoach's behavior can predict sport-specific psychological well-being and sport-specific stress.

The experimenter's purpose was to assess whether short-term yoga training could improve overall well-being in female college students. There were two parts to the study. The first part included 98 participants, who took three questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, and subjective well-being. The measures used were, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and an original Subjective Sense of Well-being questionnaire. The experimenter wanted to see if there was a difference in perceived anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life between males and females. There were 53 females and 45 males. In an Independent ttest, the results indicated that females differed significantly in anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life measures. When compared to males, the females had more negative perceptions of their anxiety, depression, and well-being. In the second part of the study, eight participants, who were students at University of Central Florida, volunteered to attend eight yoga sessions, each an hour long. Since four of the participants attended only one session, the experimenter compared these (Low Attendance) to the four participants who attended all of the yoga sessions (High Attendance) over a period of four weeks (2 yoga sessions per week). Results were analyzed using a 2X2 mixed ANOV A. Results failed to demonstrate significant main effects for Pre-Post for any of the 3 dependent measures. Main effects for participation (High vs. Low) were not significant for anxiety or depression, but did reveal significantly higher subjective well-being for the High participants group. No interaction effects were significant.

The Fast Moving Consumable Goods industry is characterized by competitiveness, on going change and high turnover. To stay competitive, retain talent and keep up with these fast paced systems, organisations have to capitalise on the potential of their workforce to outperform the rest. Giving the increasing demand on both employer and employee regarding innovation, creativity and shared knowledge, increased importance of employee well-being being viewed as sources of “prosperity” for organisations, are critical. Organisations must find a way to enable their employees to flourish. Flourishing refers to high levels of wellbeing in terms of feeling well and functioning well (Keyes, 2007). Subjective well-being refers to the levels of positive and negative affect and the overall satisfaction with life. Psychological well-being consists of individuals’ positive functioning in life. Social wellbeing relates to individuals’ evaluation of their functioning on a public and social level. Individuals spend a large part of their adult life at work in organisational environments that are dynamic and ever-changing. The domain of work is a critical part of existence and plays a dynamic role in the development, expression and maintenance of well-being. Globally the workplace is recognised as a key setting for focusing on improving the well-being of employees due to its compelling impact on a variety of organisational outcomes. Flourishing is thus not only relevant in everyday life, but also occurs in the work and organisational environment. Limited studies regarding flourishing in work and organisational contexts exist and central to studying, understanding, and explaining flourishing at work, are valid and reliable instruments. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multidimensional scale that measures work flourishing. Furthermore, to investigate the impact of various factors in the work and organisational environment on flourishing in the FMCG industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data regarding the flourishing of employees in the FMCG industry in South Africa. A stratified random sample (N = 779) was iv taken of employees in an alcoholic beverage company in South Africa. The measuring instruments used were the self-developed Flourishing-at-Work Scale, Flourishing-at-Work Scale Short Form, parts of the Job-Demand-Recourse Scale, Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ), and a Biographical Questionnaire. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, regression analysis and latent class analysis were applied. Structural equation modelling was used to test a structural model of work flourishing and its relation to organisational antecedents and outcomes. The results of study 1 showed the validity of a multidimensional scale that measures flourishing in work and organisational context. The FAWS (Flourishing-at-Work Scale) includes the three dimensions of emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being, as suggested by Rothmann (2013). This supports the work of Keyes (2005, 2007) regarding integrating the models of hedonic (Diener, 1984), eudaimonic (Ryff, 1989), and social well-being (Keyes, 1998) into a unified structure. The results of the latent class analysis also showed that different classes of well-being were evident due to the interplay between the various dimensions. Study 2 showed that work-related antecedents impact on work flourishing. A short form of the FAWS (Flourishing-at-Work Scale) was developed and found to be valid. The results confirm that career advancement, authentic leadership and work-life interference predict work flourishing. Advancement and authentic leadership positively relate to flourishing while negative work-life interference impacts flourishing negatively. The Conservation of Resources (COR) framework (Hobfoll, 1989), which suggests that the well-being of an individual is dependent on the maintenance or gain of resources, is therefore supported. The job demands workload and job insecurity did not predict flourishing in the organisational environment. Study 3 showed that positive organisational practices (positive emotions, support, and inspiration) predict work flourishing. Furthermore, career advancement was a positive predictor of flourishing in the work and organisational context.

The Fast Moving Consumable Goods industry is characterized by competitiveness, on going change and high turnover. To stay competitive, retain talent and keep up with these fast paced systems, organisations have to capitalise on the potential of their workforce to outperform the rest. Giving the increasing demand on both employer and employee regarding innovation, creativity and shared knowledge, increased importance of employee well-being being viewed as sources of “prosperity” for organisations, are critical. Organisations must find a way to enable their employees to flourish. Flourishing refers to high levels of wellbeing in terms of feeling well and functioning well (Keyes, 2007). Subjective well-being refers to the levels of positive and negative affect and the overall satisfaction with life. Psychological well-being consists of individuals’ positive functioning in life. Social wellbeing relates to individuals’ evaluation of their functioning on a public and social level. Individuals spend a large part of their adult life at work in organisational environments that are dynamic and ever-changing. The domain of work is a critical part of existence and plays a dynamic role in the development, expression and maintenance of well-being. Globally the workplace is recognised as a key setting for focusing on improving the well-being of employees due to its compelling impact on a variety of organisational outcomes. Flourishing is thus not only relevant in everyday life, but also occurs in the work and organisational environment. Limited studies regarding flourishing in work and organisational contexts exist and central to studying, understanding, and explaining flourishing at work, are valid and reliable instruments. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multidimensional scale that measures work flourishing. Furthermore, to investigate the impact of various factors in the work and organisational environment on flourishing in the FMCG industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data regarding the flourishing of employees in the FMCG industry in South Africa. A stratified random sample (N = 779) was iv taken of employees in an alcoholic beverage company in South Africa. The measuring instruments used were the self-developed Flourishing-at-Work Scale, Flourishing-at-Work Scale Short Form, parts of the Job-Demand-Recourse Scale, Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ), and a Biographical Questionnaire. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, regression analysis and latent class analysis were applied. Structural equation modelling was used to test a structural model of work flourishing and its relation to organisational antecedents and outcomes. The results of study 1 showed the validity of a multidimensional scale that measures flourishing in work and organisational context. The FAWS (Flourishing-at-Work Scale) includes the three dimensions of emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being, as suggested by Rothmann (2013). This supports the work of Keyes (2005, 2007) regarding integrating the models of hedonic (Diener, 1984), eudaimonic (Ryff, 1989), and social well-being (Keyes, 1998) into a unified structure. The results of the latent class analysis also showed that different classes of well-being were evident due to the interplay between the various dimensions. Study 2 showed that work-related antecedents impact on work flourishing. A short form of the FAWS (Flourishing-at-Work Scale) was developed and found to be valid. The results confirm that career advancement, authentic leadership and work-life interference predict work flourishing. Advancement and authentic leadership positively relate to flourishing while negative work-life interference impacts flourishing negatively. The Conservation of Resources (COR) framework (Hobfoll, 1989), which suggests that the well-being of an individual is dependent on the maintenance or gain of resources, is therefore supported. The job demands workload and job insecurity did not predict flourishing in the organisational environment. Study 3 showed that positive organisational practices (positive emotions, support, and inspiration) predict work flourishing. Furthermore, career advancement was a positive predictor of flourishing in the work and organisational context.

Counseling psychologists are tasked with understanding optimal psychological and cognitive functioning. Recent theoretical predictions (Crisp & Turner, 2011) and growing evidence suggest that cross-race interactions are important ways individuals might improve their cognitive and psychosocial functioning. However, the theoretical predictions from Crisp and Turner have not yet been tested in one model. Further, much of the empirical support for the theoretical predictions has been from studies using 1) undergraduate samples and 2) weak theory-measurement fit. The present study used an online, community survey (N = 270) to test Crisp and Turner’s (2011) predictions that cognitive flexibility would mediate the relationship between cross-race interactions and psychological well-being in both a White sample (N = 198) and a sample of Color (N = 70). Results supported the hypothesized mediational model, indicating that more frequent cross-race interactions were associated with greater psychological well-being, through greater cognitive flexibility. The findings are discussed in the context of Crisp and Turner’s model (2011). Implications for sociological, educational, and psychological professionals are also discussed. Recommendations for future studies include experimental, longitudinal, and intervention studies with strong theory-measurement fit.

Emotional intelligence is a relatively new and growing area of behavioural research, which stimulated the imagination of the general public, the commercial world and the scientific community. Only a few studies have been done on the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of emotional intelligence, optimism, life satisfaction and self-efficacy, as well as the validity and reliability of these measures on a sample of university students. Further objectives included conceptualising emotional intelligence, optimism, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, wellbeing and academic performance and determining the validity and reliability of the 33-item measurement of emotional intelligence (SEIS) for a sample of potential future employees in economical sciences professions. The results obtained from this study will help organisations determine the level of emotional intelligence and well-being of their future workforce, in order to implement certain interventions to improve it. A cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. A sample of 341 students was used for this study, but only 324 of the responses could be utilised. The participants (N = 324) were students within the field of economics. 1 17 Students were from the Vanderbijlpark Campus and 207 students were from the Potchefstroom Campus. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, Life Orientation Test Revised, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale were administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the statistical data. The results obtained from the SEIS proved this measuring instrument to be valid and reliable. By using the multiple linear regression analysis approach, a six dimensional factor structure for emotional intelligence among students emerged, which supported earlier conceptions in this regard. The results showed that Interpersonal factors consisted of Positive Affect, Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control. Intrapersonal factors consisted of Self-Efficacy, Life Satisfaction and Optimism. Self-efficacy, Life satisfaction, Optimism, Pessimism, Positive Affect, Emotion-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotion-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control, predict 16% of the variance in Academic Performance. Significant predictors of Academic Performance are Life Satisfaction, Optimism, Pessimism and Emotions-Others. A second order factor analysis was done on the factors of the SEIS, LOT-R, GPSES, and the SWLS. Two factors were extracted explaining 50,95% of the variance. These factors were called Interpersonal Factors and Intrapersonal Factors. On the Intrapersonal Factor, the following factors loaded: Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own and Non-Verbal Emotions. Self-Efficacy, Life Satisfaction and Optimism, Positive Affect and Emotional Control loaded on the Interpersonal Factor. It is evident from the above that psychological well-being consisted out of two dimensions namely Interpersonal and Intrapersonal aspects. Positive Affect is significantly positively related (large effect) to Optimism and Self-Efficacy and significantly positive related (medium effect) to Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control. Emotions-Others is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own and Self-Efficacy. Happy Emotions is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions, Emotional Control, Optimism and Self-Efficacy. Emotions-Own is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Non-verbal Emotions, Emotional Control, Optimism and Self-Efficacy. Non-verbal Emotions significantly positively related (medium effect) to Emotional Control and Self-Efficacy. Emotional Control significantly positively related (large effect) to Self-Efficacy and significantly positively related (medium effect) to Optimism and Life Satisfaction. Optimism significantly positively related (medium effect) to Life Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy. Pessimism is significantly negatively related (medium effect) to Life Satisfaction and Self- Efficacy. Life satisfaction is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This study, presented in article format, contributed to the development of the science and practice of positive psychology / psychofortology, specifically in the South African multi-cultural context, through (i) a first phase exploration of the validity of several scales, mainly developed in a 'western' context, for applicability of measurement of facets of psychological well-being in the South African (multicultural) context (manuscript I), (ii) an exploration of patterns of psychological wellbeing and satisfaction with life in cultural context (manuscript 2), and (iii) a review of the state of the art of the applicability of knowledge (theory and experimental findings) from the domain of positive psychology, for use in practice to enhance the quality of life for people (manuscript 3). For purposes of this study "cultural context" referred to relatively individualist and relatively collectivist cultural orientations as manifested in shared patterns of behavioural readiness, assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, values, historical background and language groupings. The aim of the first study I article was to do a first phase screening of psychometric properties of several scales measuring facets of psychological wellbeing in a South African context. Most of these scales were developed in a western context, and measure facets of cognitive, affective, conative, social, and spiritual psychological well-being. Data were gathered in two projects including 731 participants from different cultural contexts in the North West Province. The FORTproject (FORT = Clarifying the nature of psychological strengths; -=strength) included a convenience sample of 384 mainly white students and adults from the Potchefstroom area, and a convenience sample of 130 mainly black students from the Mafikeng area. The POWIRS-project (POWIRS = Profiles of Obese Women with the Insulin Resistance Syndrome) included 102 black and 1 15 white adult women. Reliability and validity of scales for use in a South African context were reported. Results indicated that the reliability and validity of scales varied from acceptable to totally unacceptable for use in specific subgroups. It was concluded that the most promising scales for use in all groups were the Affectometer 2 (AFM), the Fortitude Questionnaire (FORQ) (except the FORQ-S), the Cognitive Appraisal Questionnaire (CAQ), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (the latter measuring pathology), and to some extent the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC). This second study I article explored the patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life in relatively more individualist and relatively more collectivist cultural contexts in South Africa. Secondary factor analyses were conducted on data obtained in four cross-sectional studies, comprising 1,909 participants. Questionnaires varied in studies, and measured facets of affective, cognitive, physical, spiritual, interpersonal and social well-being. Similarities and differences in patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life were found. Satisfaction with life clusters with intra-psychological well-being in relatively more individualist cultural groups, and with inter-personal factors in relatively more collectivist African groups. Implications for models of psychological well-being and interventions to enhance psychological well-being were indicated. The aim of the third study I article was to review and evaluate the practical applicability of scientific knowledge from the domain of positive psychology / psychofortology, with specific reference to assessment, interventions, lifespan development and application in various contexts. It was shown that knowledge in the scientific domain of positive psychology has great relevance for, and application possibilities on individual, community and public policy levels. Applications were found as far as evaluation (assessment) and interventions are concerned in various life contexts (such as education, psychotherapy, health promotion, work), and in various phases of life (from childhood through adolescence and adulthood to old age). Several specific, empirically validated, strategies for enhancement of facets of psychological well-being were highlighted. It was pointed out that an advantage of positive psychology is that it has the theory, research evidence, and techniques to bring benefit to many people on the total mental health continuum, and not only, but also, to the minority who have a problem or are at risk of developing problems. A main conclusion across the different studies reported in this thesis (articles 1-3), was that cultural contexts and variables certainly need to be taken into account in research and practice of positive psychology. Despite the major developments in the scientific domain of positive psychology / psychofortology, its theories and applications have mainly been developed and explored in a western context, and further research is necessary, specifically in the African context. Several recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Les comparaisons temporelles sont essentielles pour s’évaluer. Plusieurs études se sont intéressées aux conséquences négatives d’être insatisfait à la suite de comparaisons temporelles désavantageuses (c.-à.-d., à la privation relative). Peu d’étude a toutefois examiné l’évolution de ce sentiment d’insatisfaction. Le présent mémoire propose que ressentir différents niveaux d’insatisfaction au fil du temps, soit une trajectoire instable d’insatisfaction, affecte négativement le bien-être psychologique. Trois études expérimentales ont été menées. Les résultats révèlent que percevoir une trajectoire instable d’insatisfaction affecte négativement le bien-être psychologique. Une quatrième étude corrélationnelle a été menée au Kirghizstan afin d’examiner si les perceptions d’insatisfaction et d’instabilité mesurées à fil de l’histoire d’un groupe sont associées au bien-être psychologique lors de changements sociaux. Les résultats suggèrent que percevoir un haut niveau d’instabilité et d’insatisfaction au fil du temps est associé négativement au bien-être. Les implications théoriques et méthodologiques sont discutées. / Temporal comparisons are essential for one’s self evaluation. Several studies have examined the negative consequences of being dissatisfied after unfavorable temporal comparisons (i.e., having a feeling of relative deprivation). However, few studies have examined how changes in relative deprivation affect well-being. The present master’s thesis proposes that feeling different levels of relative deprivation over time (i.e., an unstable trajectory of relative deprivation) negatively affects people’s well-being. Three experimental studies were conducted. Results showed that perceiving an unstable trajectory of relative deprivation negatively affects well-being. A fourth correlational study was conducted in Kyrgyzstan in order to examine whether perceptions of relative deprivation and instability measured retrospectively across a group’s history are associated with people’s well-being in times of social change. Results suggested that perceiving high instability and a high level of relative deprivation over time is negatively associated with well-being. The theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

The background of this study derives from the fact that the auditing sector is characterized by excessive workload, psychological ill-health and high staff turnover. Prior research emphasizes the effects on chartered accountants, auditing quality and organizational consequences. The purpose of this study is therefore to examine junior auditor’s individual well-being, hence the research question: What is the relationship between workload, role conflict and role ambiguity together with psychological well-being of junior auditors? Cooper and Marshalls theory of occupational sources of stress is the basis for this study and the research model originates from Jones, Norman and Wier. A survey was sent to 201 junior auditors in Stockholm working within Big Four, furthermore, to answer the research question at hand, hypothesis testing is applied. Results of this study shows that work overload is the most prominent of the examined variables, but psychological ill-health could possibly derive from other non-studied factors. Conclusively, the study shows that junior auditors neither experience role conflict or role ambiguity, and therefore, solely workload has a negative effect on occupational stress and psychological illhealth. Further researchers should conduct a qualitative study in order to gain greater understanding of the individuals, but also to examine whether other variables can affect junior auditors. / Bakgrunden till denna studie är att revisionsbranschen präglas av hög arbetsbelastning, psykisk ohälsa och personalomsättning, där tidigare forskning lagt stor vikt vid att undersöka auktoriserade revisorer, revisionskvalitén och organisatoriska konsekvenser. Syftet med denna studie är därmed att lägga fokus på juniora revisorers individuella välbefinnande, och således blir forskningsfrågan: Hur ser sambandet ut mellan arbetsbelastning, rollkonflikt samt rolltvetydighet och juniora revisorers psykologiska välbefinnande? Teorin som ligger till grund för detta arbete är Cooper och Marshalls teori om källor till arbetsrelaterad stress, och forskningsmodellen som används i denna studie är en modifiering av Jones, Norman och Wiers. En enkät skickades ut till 201 juniora revisorer inom Big Four och 60 svar erhölls, för att kunna besvara forskningsfrågan tillämpades hypotesprövningar. Resultatet visar att arbetsbelastning är den mest betydande av de undersökta variablerna, dock kan försämrat psykologiskt välbefinnande även föranledas av andra faktorer som inte undersöks i denna studie. Slutsatsen är därmed att juniora revisorer varken upplever rollkonflikt eller rolltvetydighet, och studie har således funnit att endast arbetsbelastning påverkar den arbetsrelaterade stressen och det psykologiska välbefinnandet negativt. Förslag till vidare forskning är att utföra kvalitativa studier för att uppnå en djupare förståelse av individen, men även studera andra faktorer som kan påverka de juniora revisorerna.