Social workers in private practice / Social work in South Africa appears to have low status and a negative ”welfare” image. The general public seems to regard social workers and the profession with disdain and for the most part is ignorant of what social workers do apart from handing out grants and removing children from their families. This exploratory research focuses on social workers in private practice - how they view their professional selves, the factors that contribute to the development of their professional selves and the factors that hinder or facilitate this development. The impact of public opinion on social workers in private practice is explored and possible solutions to problems experienced by these private practitioners are sought. Modern and postmodern paradigms are summarised as a background to the Rogerian theory, constructivist philosophy and social constructionist theory that underlie this research. The researcher explores the perceptions of each respondent who shares his/her particular reality with the researcher through the meanings he/she attributes to his/her experiences. / Social work / M.A (Social Science (Mental Health))

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the latchkey situation on children's relationships. A literature study on the concept `latchkey' children was conducted and it was established that there are only a few studies conducted on the phenomenon. However, most of the literature consulted established that self-care has a negative and positive impact on children's relationships with the self, their parents, siblings, peers and educators. To confirm the findings from the literature study an empirical study was conducted by means of collecting data from three `latchkey' children, three educators and four parents. The empirical research confirmed the findings of the literature study that a latchkey situation has indeed a negative impact on children's relationships with the self and others. The empirical study did, however, not confirm the positive impact of a latchkey situation on children's relationships with the self, parents, siblings, peers and educators. / Educational Studies / M. Ed (Guidance and Counselling)

For decades there has been growing interest into the crime of child murders. Emphasis was placed on victims and those at risk. Not much focus was placed on perpetrators and their families. Evidence suggests that the family and social systems play a vital role in determining adult violent behaviour. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of convicted child murderers in their family and social system. Data was collected and analysed, using genogram interviews and analysis. Themes were highlighted using hermeneutic thematic analysis, within a post-modern paradigm. Results were presented in the form of genogram analysis and thematic content analysis. Prominent themes that arose were separation, rejection, abuse, neglect and substance abuse. These life experiences together with poor education are some of the characteristics that may have contributed to the child murderers actions towards children. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

The three interviews at the back of thesis are in Tswana / Teenage delinquency is a growing phenomenon in the Sebokeng area. Parents with teenagers perceived as “difficult”, feel unable to parent and discipline their children. It is not known what their perceptions are regarding their realities in relation to their children’s uncontrollable behaviour. A qualitative study was conducted to answer the following questions: What is the perception of parents with teenagers perceived as “difficult” in relation to their children’s uncontrollable behaviour? What does delinquency communicate? This study found that the behaviour of the parents and children communicates something about themselves as people, their needs, feelings and identity, sometimes on an unconscious level, as well as about their perceptions regarding the interaction between them. Neither the behaviour of the parent nor of the child should be seen in isolation. Therefore, social workers should consider what delinquency communicates about each member of the family, as well as the family as a whole. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science (Mental health))

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), the philosophy underpinning professional service in the health care industry in the U.S.A. and U.K., has been accepted as a paradigm for psychological practice by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA recommends that professionals base their clinical decisions on scientifically supported research and an understanding of their clients' specific ecological disposition. Clients are considered to have a right to efficacious interventions based on objective research findings, effective service and a high standard of care. Sub-divisions of EBP are Evidence-Based Treatments (EBT) and Evidence-Based Assessment (EBA). . South African educational psychologists have a meagre assessment ‘toolkit’ - outdated, culturally insensitive, non-standardised tests for culturally and linguistically diverse clients. Children from diverse backgrounds would have higher standards of care and more efficacious interventions were psycho-educational assessments to be culturally-sensitive. Without such instruments, ethical management of interventions is questionable, although universally, psychologists have found innovative ways of adapting their praxis to the difficulty. However, all practices and/or interventions are not based on research evidence, nor can be necessarily considered good practice. In the U.S.A. with its abundance of assessment instruments, EBA is a means of ensuring the scientific foundation for professional practice, consequently reliable, valid, culturally-sensitive assessment instruments have been produced. Findings in this study, derived from conversations with a sample of educational psychologists, revealed they were already accommodating cultural and linguistic diversity. Awareness of the value of EBA would support educational psychologists, bring them on par with worldwide praxis and enhance their professionalism. / Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Women’s procreative capacities and the appreciation of birth experiences have always been recognised in civil society and the early days of psychology. Given that our culture is one that emphasises a woman’s capacity to bear children as one of the greatest social achievements, the social responsibility to procreate and ensure collective survival becomes a potent mandate, especially so for Black African women. To fulfil this social responsibility, traditional African culture dictates a very specific process of pregnancy which involves a series of watershed moments, each of which requires that social support, of whatever form, should be available. This study explored the role that social support from significant others and health professionals play in mediating psychological issues during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatally among Black African women in Madadeni Township in KwaZulu-Natal. The study was rooted in the interpretive, qualitative paradigm and a phenomenological research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who were aged from 18 to 25 years with a baby older than two weeks but less than six months. Semi structured interviews were conducted in the mother tongue of the participants until the point of saturation where no new information arose from the six participants interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to extract recurrent themes across participants. The results indicate that social support, especially from parents and partners, plays a defining role in helping women to cope with the stress experienced during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatally. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology: Research Consultation)

Summaries in English and Afrikaans / Die hersaamgestelde gesin word in hierdie navorsingstudie ondersoek as in komplekse alternatiewe gesinstruktuur met eiesoortige strukturele kenmerke, probleemareas en rituele wat nie aan die norm van die kerngesin ontleen kan word nie. In die literatuuroorsig word hierdie aspekte van nader beskou en tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dot die belangrike rol van die eie ouer in die hersaamgestelde gesin grootliks misgekyk word. Die verbondenheid van die eie ouer aan beide die ouer-kind- en die nuwe egpaarsisteme maak dit vir hom/haar moontlik om 'n sleutelrol te vervul tydens gesinsinteraksies, eenheidsvorming en die opvoedingsgebeure in die hersaamgestelde gesin. Dit is moontlik vir die eie ouer om vanuit in unieke posisie as 'n buffer te dien in die problematiese stiefouer-stiefkindverhoudinge. Hierdie moontlikheid bestaan egter slegs indien die eie ouer oor voldoende kennis, insig en vaardighede beskik. 'n Uitgebreide kwalitatiewe ondersoek aan die hand van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met die lede van ses hersaamgestelde gesinne het die volgende tendense aan die lig gebring Eie ouers verwag van nuwe egliede om kinders in die hersaamgestelde gesin uit die staanspoor te aanvaar en lief te he. Eie ouers koester konflikterende gevoelens ten opsigte van die dissiplinering van hul kinders deur die stiefouer. Eie ouers, stiefouers en kinders in hersaamgestelde gesinne gaan dikwels gebuk onder die las van onverwerkte gevoelens van verdriet en verlies. Die hantering van finansies ten opsigte van inwonende eie en stiefkinders, asook nie-inwonende kinders en vorige egliede skep spanning en bemoeilik goeie verhoudinge. Eie ouers is dikwels so verdeeld tussen die belange van hul kinders en die van hul nuwe maats dat hulle dit moeilik vind om in 'n tweede huwelik 'n betekenisvolle verhouding met hul nuwe lewensmaat op te bou. Genoemde tendense het 'n bepalende rol gespeel in die ontwikkeling van 'n begeleidingsprogram vir eie ouers. Agt sessies met doelwitte gebaseer op hierdie probleemareas is gestruktureer om die eie ouer met noodsaaklike kennis en vaardighede toe te rus ten opsigte van harmoniese verhoudingstigting en -onderhouding in hersaamgestelde gesinne. Die begeleidingsprogram is deur middel van 'n fokusgroeponderhoud aan die evaluering van vier ouerpare in hersaamgestelde gesinne onderwerp en is aan die hand van hul aanbevelings verfyn en gefinaliseer. / In this research study the reconstituted family is investigated as a complex alternative family structure with distinctive structural characteristics, problem areas and rituals which cannot be adopted from the norm of the nuclear family. In the literature survey these aspects are examined closely and the conclusion is drawn that the important role of the biological parent in the reconstituted family is ignored to a large extent. The biological parent's commitment to both the parent-child and new couple systems allows him/her to play a key role in family interactions, unit formation and educational events in the reconstituted family. It is possible for the biological parent to act as a buffer in the problematic stepparent-stepchild relationships from a unique perspective. However, this possibility only exists if the biological parent possesses sufficient knowledge, insight and skills. An extensive qualitative investigation on the basis of semi-structured interviews with members of six reconstituted families revealed the following tendencies: Biological parents expect their new spouses to accept and love children in the reconstituted family from the onset. Biological parents harbour conflicting feelings regarding the disciplining of children by the stepparent. Biological parents, stepparents and children in reconstituted families often still carry the burden of unresolved feelings of sadness and loss. The handling of finances with regard to resident own and stepchildren, as well as non-resident children and former spouses creates tension and compromises good relationships. Biological parents are often so divided between the interests of their own children and those of their new spouses that they find it difficult to build a meaningful relationship with their new spouse in a second marriage. The tendencies mentioned played a decisive role in the development of a guidance programme for biological parents. Eight sessions with aims based on these problem areas were structured to equip biological parents with the necessary knowledge and skills in respect of the development and maintenance of harmonious relationships in reconstituted families. The guidance programme was subjected to the evaluation of four sets of parents in reconstituted families by means of a focus group interview and was refined and finalised on the basis of their recommendations. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The aim of this study was to explore absent fathers' experiences. This involved determining absent fathers' conceptualisation of fatherhood, exploring the psychological well-being of absent fathers, and how absent fathers cope with being absent from their children‟s lives. An ecosystemic approach was employed as the epistemology to understand the participants in terms of organisation of their behaviour in social contexts. Qualitative research was used, and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the data. The research found that these fathers' experiences of being absent from their children's lives have negatively affected several aspects of their lives, both emotionally and behaviourally. Furthermore, the study concluded that fathers who are absent from their children‟s lives, while aware of the roles they need to play, seem unable to fulfil these roles. Lastly, the absent fathers revealed a tendency to react ambivalently towards their identities as fathers. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Exploring the functions of chemical substances in individuals' sexual behavior / Interviews in English and Afrikaans / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

The aim of this study was to explore absent fathers' experiences. This involved determining absent fathers' conceptualisation of fatherhood, exploring the psychological well-being of absent fathers, and how absent fathers cope with being absent from their children‟s lives. An ecosystemic approach was employed as the epistemology to understand the participants in terms of organisation of their behaviour in social contexts. Qualitative research was used, and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the data. The research found that these fathers' experiences of being absent from their children's lives have negatively affected several aspects of their lives, both emotionally and behaviourally. Furthermore, the study concluded that fathers who are absent from their children‟s lives, while aware of the roles they need to play, seem unable to fulfil these roles. Lastly, the absent fathers revealed a tendency to react ambivalently towards their identities as fathers. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)