With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. xviii In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. ( Psychology)

Studies indicate that, except for anger, many men tend to avoid expressing their feelings, especially those feelings indicative of personal vulnerability and emotional dependency (Levant, Hall, Williams, & Hasan, 2009). Men are frequently portrayed as lacking the ability to recognise, own and find words with which to express their feeling experiences; this is captured by the term alexithymia (Levant, Hall, Williams, & Hasan, 2009). Defined by ‘restrictive emotionality’, alexithymia literally indicates ‘without words for emotions’. Roland Levant has contended that men who are strongly influenced by ideas of traditional masculinity tend to be alexithymic (Levant, Hall, Williams, & Hasan, 2009). The central aim of this study was to focus on and understand the emotional experiences of participants of all-male or gender-homogenous group psychotherapy of this study. The study used a qualitative approach to understand how men emotionally engage or do not engage and express their emotions. Men who had been in all-male group psychotherapy were purposively selected to participate in this study. In-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured questionnaire were conducted and analysed according to the thematic analytic method. This study explored and described the accounts of lived emotional engagements of male participants in an all-male psychotherapy group. The study sought to highlight the significance of an explicit masculine framework with male emotions within a framework of non-deficit assumptions. The non-deficit approach to men privileges the strengths and unique contributions that men make as partners and fathers (Dollahite & Hawkins, 1998). This study explored and described the accounts of lived emotional engagements of male participants in an all-male psychotherapy group. The study sought to highlight the significance of an explicit masculine framework with male emotions within a framework of non-deficit assumptions. The non-deficit approach to men privileges the strengths and unique contributions that men make as partners and fathers (Dollahite & Hawkins, 1998). This study aspired to demonstrate that a gender-conscious model in working with male emotions enhances men’s capacity for a quality and depth of emotional engagement that echoes the more optimistic research on the male capacity for self-reflection and openness to subjective transformation (Kiselica, 2003). / Psychology / Ph. D. (Psychology)

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)

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)

Advances in breast cancer detection and oncology treatment modalities have prolonged the survival time for the cancer population, which is officially the largest group of cancer survivors among women in the western world, including South Africa (Brem & Kumar, 2011; Fisher, Dolbeault, Sultan & Bredart, 2014; Herbst, 2011; Reyes-Gibby, et al., 2012). In the light of shocking statistics and ever rising numbers of cancer, especially breast cancer, the time is ripe for further research in the domain of psycho-oncology and has motivated the researcher, due to her interest and involvement in breast cancer, to make this her field of research. Despite the need for a bio-psycho-social approach when treating cancer patients there is little literature available on the psychological interventions in South Africa where the majority of research studies previously conducted in South Africa have generally focused on the bio-medical aspects of cancer (Albrecht, 2009; Venter, 2014). To comprehend the paradigm of psycho-oncology, which is the backbone of this study, a theoretical framework was attained from Engel’s humanistic or psychological model (caring) and Pasteur’s biomedical model (curing) (Borrel-Carrio, Suchman, & Epstein, 2004). The primary aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of breast cancer patients concerning their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship and unique needs for psycho-oncological interventions through their own “voices”. The research was conducted within a qualitative framework with a case study method of inquiry employing open-ended style interviews and psychotherapeutic sessions with five purposely sampled breast cancer patients. Two qualitative questionnaires were also used for triangulation purposes. Transcripts of all the therapeutic sessions were analysed using interpretive analysis where categories and themes were developed and described in full. Findings indicated that in spite the extensive proof that breast cancer causes numerous sexual and psychological complications during active treatment and afterwards, patients still feel that they have no “platform” to express their emotions and sexual issues within the oncology framework, or that there is enough and sufficient assistance to attend to their needs. e The researcher hopes that this study will make a valuable contribution to research in the field of psycho-oncology in South Africa and to indicate new realities of the chronicity of breast cancer and treatment complications that demand psychotherapeutic interventions in cancer care and that the study will initiate new ways of understanding the role of psychology and the psychologist in the medical world of cancer. The researcher hopes that by offering an understanding of participants’ unique experiences of this process, practitioners will have insight when working therapeutically with this population and empower them to have a quality of life, even within the boundaries of their illness. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

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))

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)

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)