The purpose of this study is to provide a groundwork for the understanding of the psychosocial development of black South African men. This need stems from the limitation of current models of psychosocial development, which have a white, middleclass bias, and from the dearth of research relating to black psychosocial development in South Africa. Questions which have guided the present study include the following: What is the nature of the psychosocial development of black men? What are the main developmental tasks that they have to negotiate, especially in relation to family and career? How do sociocultural, political and economic factors influence development? How does the development of black South African men compare with other conceptualisations of adult development? Daniel Levinson's (1978) theory of the life structure was used as a framework to explore these questions. This involved a series of in depth qualitative interviews with eight men between the ages of 29 and 41, from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. The grounded theory approach used to analyse the data involved the simultaneous process of data collection and data analysis. Similarities and differences in the men's evolving life structures were identified through a process of coding, or organising the data into categories and themes. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding the dialectical nature of development, the role of life events, and the significance of role strain across the life span of black South African adults. Discrimination, economic constraints, traditional values, and the sociopolitical context were found to have an impact on the important developmental tasks. The coping strategies employed to deal with external barriers had an especially influential impact on the men's evolving life structures. A model of psychosocial development was proposed which addresses these factors, and which is thus more relevant to the lives of black South African men, than stage models such as Levinson's. Important implications on a societal and theoretical level, and for the professional practice of psychology emerged. It is hoped that these findings will enrich developmental theory in psychology training programmes, and guide career and personal counselling in the South African context. / Psychology / D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

The purpose of this study is to provide a groundwork for the understanding of the psychosocial development of black South African men. This need stems from the limitation of current models of psychosocial development, which have a white, middleclass bias, and from the dearth of research relating to black psychosocial development in South Africa. Questions which have guided the present study include the following: What is the nature of the psychosocial development of black men? What are the main developmental tasks that they have to negotiate, especially in relation to family and career? How do sociocultural, political and economic factors influence development? How does the development of black South African men compare with other conceptualisations of adult development? Daniel Levinson's (1978) theory of the life structure was used as a framework to explore these questions. This involved a series of in depth qualitative interviews with eight men between the ages of 29 and 41, from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. The grounded theory approach used to analyse the data involved the simultaneous process of data collection and data analysis. Similarities and differences in the men's evolving life structures were identified through a process of coding, or organising the data into categories and themes. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding the dialectical nature of development, the role of life events, and the significance of role strain across the life span of black South African adults. Discrimination, economic constraints, traditional values, and the sociopolitical context were found to have an impact on the important developmental tasks. The coping strategies employed to deal with external barriers had an especially influential impact on the men's evolving life structures. A model of psychosocial development was proposed which addresses these factors, and which is thus more relevant to the lives of black South African men, than stage models such as Levinson's. Important implications on a societal and theoretical level, and for the professional practice of psychology emerged. It is hoped that these findings will enrich developmental theory in psychology training programmes, and guide career and personal counselling in the South African context. / Psychology / D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

Oral history is a method of preserving historical information through in-depth interviews. Because the process requires narrators to use remote recall while sharing their life experiences, it can also be considered a reminiscence-related activity. Before this study, the positive effects on narrators of providing an oral history were noted in the research literature but had not been evaluated through quantitative methods. Based on theoretical constructs of Erikson and Butler, it was hypothesized that participation in oral history interviews would improve the life satisfaction of narrators. Life satisfaction was operationalized and measured using the Life Satisfaction Index Version A (LSIA). The purposes of this study were to evaluate the influence of an oral history intervention on the life satisfaction of community-dwelling elders and to identify participant characteristics associated with change in life satisfaction scores.Sixty community-dwelling, older adults who were free of cognitive impairment and mental illness were recruited from agencies serving the social and recreational needs of elders in Richmond, VA. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. LSIA scores were collected pretest, posttest, and again at retest, ten weeks after the intervention. Mean LSIA scores from the control and treatment groups were compared for differences at posttest and retest using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Regression analysis was used to identify participant characteristics associated with improved life satisfaction at posttest and retest. Oral history interviews were conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University students enrolled in a gerontology course. Participants discussed lifetime events with students on three occasions for approximately one hour per session using a researcher-developed interview guide. No statistically significant differences in LSIA scores were found between groups at posttest (p=0.74) or retest (p=0.051) although retest scores may indicate a trend toward improvement. Lower LSIA scores at pretest were associated with positive change in LSIA scores at retest (p=5.001). These results suggest that oral history may not improve life satisfaction immediately but there may be a trend toward improvement given time and that elders least satisfied with their lives at the onset are most likely to show positive change by retest.

[Truncated abstract] At the commencement of this research project in February 2005, there was a paucity of empirical investigations that focused on understanding the psychological construct of mental toughness in sport (Bull, Shambrook, James, & Brooks, 2005; Fourie & Potgieter, 2001; Jones, Hanton, & Connaughton, 2002). Although impressive, the available literature did little in offering consensus in terms of a definition and operationalising the construct in a consistent manner as well as understanding those factors contributing to its measurement and development. The absence of theoretically guided research, in particular, was noted as a major limitation of this research. The potential significance of mental toughness for performance excellence combined with the conceptual confusion and lack of rigorous empirical research highlighted the need for further research on mental toughness in sport. Accordingly, the purpose of this thesis was to examine issues pertaining to the understanding, measurement, and development of mental toughness in sport, using personal construct psychology (Kelly, 1955/1991) as the guiding theoretical framework. Australian football was chosen as the context to explore these issues. In the opening empirical chapter, two qualitative manuscripts in which Australian football coaches’ perspectives on mental toughness and those factors contributing to its development are reported. Three central themes for understanding mental toughness in Australian football were generated: characteristics (self-belief, motivation, tough attitude, concentration and focus, resilience, handling pressure, personal values, emotional intelligence, sport intelligence, and physical toughness); situations (e.g., injuries, success); and behaviours (e.g., superior decision-makers, consistent performance). '...' In the final empirical chapter, two manuscripts in which the effectiveness of two different psychological skills training programs in enhancing mental toughness among youth-aged (15's) Australian footballers are reported. The first presents a quantitative analysis while the second presents a qualitative analysis. Multisource ratings (self, parent, and coach) of the AfMTI and self-reported resilience and flow indicated more positive changes in mental toughness, resilience, and flow than the control group. Similar patterns in the findings were evident across rating sources. Interviews with several players and one of their parents as well as the coaches generated their perceptions on the benefits of participating in the program (e.g., increased work ethic, tougher attitudes) and the processes by which the program had an effect (e.g., self-awareness; self-monitoring; self-regulation; and multi-perspective discussions) as well as suggestions for program improvement (e.g., parent and coach education programs). In summary, the results of the five studies presented in this thesis provide a comprehensive account of issues pertaining to the understanding, measurement, and development of mental toughness in Australian football. The findings are supportive of several aspects of previous research but also extend this line of inquiry in a number of ways. It is my hope that other researchers will be stimulated to engage in further research extending what is presented here and that practitioners will use this information to inform their professional endeavours.

Many positive outcomes have been documented for children with hearing loss utilizing current treatment approaches such as early identification and intervention, including appropriately fit sensory devices and communication modes that focus on listening and spoken language. However, challenges related to social-emotional development have been widely observed. The development of communication skills in children with hearing loss is impacted by many factors, including the degree of hearing loss, the child's age at onset and identification, the presence of other disabilities, and when the child receives intervention. While there are a variety of therapeutic options available for children with hearing loss to develop communication skills, listening and spoken language is of particular interest to parents with normal hearing. In addition to affecting social competence and participation, problems with social-emotional development are linked to poor academic performance. This study examined the social-emotional development of a small group of young children who communicated using listening and spoken language as measured by parent and caregiver report. Three psychosocial scales were used to evaluate the children's social-emotional development in comparison to peers. These results were analyzed within the context of other demographic variables. One of the five children was identified as facing problems with social-emotional development.

The Group Mentoring Programme which is the subject of this evaluative research was developed and implemented under the auspices of the Australian Library and Information Association by the author and a colleague. The main aim of the Programme was to facilitate the transition of new graduates in librarianship into the profession. The objectives of the research were: (1) to conduct an impact evaluation of the Programme; (2) to explore and develop the conceptual and theoretical bases of mentoring; and (3) to identify sources of stress anticipated and experienced by new graduates in their transition into the profession. This evaluative research represents the first report in the research literature to date in which a group mentoring programme of this kind has been evaluated using a quasi-experimental research design. The population comprised all graduates in librarianship from the two Western Australian universities offering these courses in 1996. Subjects in the experimental group were self-selected, and the remainder of the population made up the comparison group. (This was divided into two groups - those who did not have a current mentor, and those who had a current mentor.) Data were collected by means of pre- and post-test questionnaires, and analysed by multiple regression analysis. The main outcome variable was measured by Hall's Professionalism Scale, a validated measuring instrument. Results indicated that the Group Mentoring Programme was effective in only one of the five domains of professionalism as measured by this scale (that is, in having a sense of 'calling' to the field). This suggested that a group mentoring programme, by itself, is not a sufficient strategy for new graduates to attain a professional identity. A four-stage model of mentoring as continuing professional development is suggested as a strategy for teaching professionalism in a more formal, ++ / structured way. Results also showed that career-development outcomes were significantly higher in the Group Mentoring participants than in the two comparison groups, indicating that group mentoring is an effective career development strategy in the first year of such a programme. The concept of mentoring is extended to include group mentoring, which incorporates the essential characteristics of mentoring; it is also suggested that group mentoring includes the potential for practising three forms of mentoring relationships: individual, peer and co-mentoring. Two broad areas for future research are suggested: longitudinal studies examining the outcomes of group mentoring, and studies extending the theoretical and conceptual bases of group mentoring.

This study examined whether level of occupational prestige in early adulthood and rate of change in occupational prestige had an effect on psychosocial development in middle adulthood and whether gender had an effect on occupational prestige and psychosocial development. Utilizing a subsample from the Rochester Adult Longitudinal Study (RALS), 180 participants were assessed longitudinally, approximately every eleven years after their original assessment in 1966 as college students. Results showed that over time individuals improve in their sense of work competency and individuals differ in their rate of change in occupational prestige over time. However, contrary to the hypotheses, findings indicated that there were no significant relationships between occupational prestige in early adulthood and psychosocial development in middle adulthood. The results also revealed a significant gender difference with respect to occupational prestige with males on average having higher occupational prestige compared to females. In all, it was shown that how productive and confident people perceive themselves to be in the workforce differs. However, there is no direct relationship between occupational prestige how self-perception of work competency. Findings highlight the importance of Eriksonian theory in that individuals continue to develop psychosocially over time.

Denna kvalitativa intervjustudie syftar till att undersöka vuxna biologiska barns erfarenheter av att vara familjehem och hur familjehemsplaceringarna har påverkat de biologiska barnen. Studien undersöker om den psykosociala utvecklingen har påverkat de biologiska barnen, hur erfarenheterna av att växa upp som biologiskt barn i familjehem har påverkat de vuxna individernas nuvarande livssituation och hur de biologiska barnen upplevde sin delaktighet i beslut gällande familjehemsplaceringar. Studien genomfördes genom semi-strukturerade intervjuer där sju intervjupersoner mellan 19–44 år som hade vuxit upp som biologiskt barn i familjehem fick besvara frågor om deras upplevelser av olika områden av deras uppväxt i familjehem. Tematisk analys användes som analysmetod i studien.Resultatet av intervjuerna visar på att biologiska barn som växer upp i familjehem påverkas i olika grad av de barn som blir familjehemsplacerade hos dem. En del av intervjupersonerna nämner känslor av att hamna i skymundan, då de placerade barnen prioriterades när det gäller uppmärksamheten av vårdnadshavarna. Även skolgången påverkades negativt för en del av intervjupersonerna där dålig sömn var en avgörande faktor för de biologiska barnen, då sömnen gjorde att de presterade sämre i skolan. Även bortprioritering av egna skoluppgifter på grund av de placerade barnens behov att få hjälp i skolan påverkade de biologiska barnens skolgång åt det sämre då de inte fick tillräckligt med tid åt egna uppgifter. Intervjupersonerna nämner däremot hur de blivit mer förstående för när individer har det jobbigt och har enklare att finnas där för andra, detta på grund av uppväxten i familjehem. Majoriteten av intervjupersonerna uppger att de är positivt inställda till familjehem, men är däremot inte villiga att själva bli det som vuxna. / This qualitative interview study aims to investigate adults' biological children's experiences of being in a family home and how the family home placements have affected the biological children. The study examines whether the psychosocial development has affected the biological children, how the experiences of growing up as biological children in family homes have affected the adult’s current life situation and how the biological children experienced their participation in decisions regarding family home placements. The study was conducted through semi-structured interviews where seven interviewees between the ages of 19–44 who had grown up as biological children in family homes answered questions about their experiences of various areas of their upbringing in family homes. Thematic analysis was the chosen analysis method in the study. The results of the interviews show that biological children who grow up in family homes are affected to varying degrees by the children who are placed in family homes with them. Some of the participants mention experiences of being overlooked, when the children placed in family homes was prioritized the guardian’s attention. The education was also negatively affected for some of the interviewees, where poor sleep was a decisive factor for the biological children, as sleep made them perform worse at school. De-prioritization of own school tasks due to the placed children's need for help at school also affected the biological children's education for the worse as they did not get enough time for their own tasks. The participants, on the other hand, mention how they have become more aware when individuals are having a hard time and find it easier to be there for others, this due to growing up in a family home. Most of the interviewee’s state that they have a positive attitude to family homes, but are, on the other hand, not willing to become one themselves as adults.

Syftet med denna kvalitativa studie var att utifrån BVC-personalens skildringar synliggöra hur föräldrar kan främja sitt barns psykosociala hälsa och därmed motverka framtida risker. Fyra semistrukturerade intervjuer med BVC-sköterskor genomfördes. Utifrån detta formulerades fem teman som innefattar hur föräldrar kan främja sitt barns psykosociala hälsa. Den empiriska datan har analyserats med hjälp av den utvecklingsekologiska teorin, samt begreppet resiliens som teoretiskt ramverk. Resultatet har visat på vikten av att man som förälder är både fysiskt och emotionellt närvarande, samt att man har ett positivt samspel med sitt barn. Vidare lyftes vikten av ett nätverk, betydelsen av att bevara ett barns oskuldsfullhet samt att barnet känner sig älskat men samtidigt upplever en tydlig struktur och gränssättning. Resultatet bekräftar således på gräsrotsnivå det inom socialt arbete väl etablerade materialet “BBIC” (Barns Behov i Centrum). / The aim of this qualitative study was to explore child healthcare workers’ experiences of how parents can enhance their child’s psychosocial health and thereby prohibit future risks. Four nurses were interviewed, utilizing a semi-structured interview method. From this, five themes that embrace how parents can enhance their child’s psychosocial health took form. The empirical data was analyzed using developmental ecological theory and resilience as a conceptual framework. The findings showed the importance of parents being physically and emotionally available and having a positive interaction with their child. Further on, the importance of a network was lifted along with the significance of a child having an innocent childhood, a clear set of structure and boundaries and experiencing love. Thereby, the results on a grassroot level confirm the material “BBIC” that focuses on children’s needs and that’s well known and used in social work in Sweden.

Estudos apontam que a decisão de permanência no curso, o desempenho acadêmico e o próprio desenvolvimento psicossocial dos estudantes universitários são afetados por fatores contextuais, pessoais, relacionais e acadêmicos. O Programa Nacional de Assistência Estudantil (PNAES) é uma política governamental que visa reduzir a evasão e o baixo desempenho em universidades federais, indicando potenciais áreas de intervenção. Em uma nova universidade multicampi, o objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar a intenção de permanência, o desempenho acadêmico e a percepção de desenvolvimento psicossocial com as áreas do PNAES, apoio social percebido e aspectos de desenvolvimento de carreira. Resultados indicaram correlações mais altas do apoio social percebido e identidade de carreira com as variáveis-alvo, e baixas ou inexistentes correlações com as áreas do PNAES. Destacou-se o desenvolvimento psicossocial relacionado a todas as variáveis analisadas. Implicações dos resultados para o aprimoramento das políticas e das ações de apoio ao êxito acadêmico são discutidas. / Different studies indicate that dropout decision, academic grades and psychosocial development among university students are affected by contextual, personal, relational and academic factors. The Programa Nacional de Assistência Estudantil (PNAES) is a governmental politic that aims to reduce dropouts and low grades in federal public universities, specifying 10 areas to work on and achieve the results proposed. In the context of a recently created multicampi university, this study aims to identify the relation of dropout intention, academic grades, and perception of psychosocial development with PNAES areas, perceived social support and career development aspects. Results indicated higher associations of social support and career identity with the main variables in this study. Low or inexistent relations were observed between the main variables and PNAES areas. Results also pointed out the importance of psychosocial development on the variables analised. Implications of these results for politics improvement and possible actions for academic support are discussed.