This research explores the beliefs and behaviour of individuals who have suffered a traumatic experience, specifically the violent crimes of assault, motor vehicle hijackings and armed robbery. The researcher focuses on the occurrence of residual, subclinical symptoms of PTSD that individuals experience subsequent to the specified violent crimes. By identifying and describing trends in commonalities that exist between research participants’ accounts of such residual, subclinical symptoms the research aims to explore and describe these trends, enabling a common understanding and awareness of the longstanding effects that these experiences have on individuals. The qualitative research design allowed for an exploration aimed at understanding the meaning that individuals ascribe to specific events. Three case studies were examined. The researcher ensured the exclusion of individuals who met the criteria for PTSD by making use of the PCL-S. From this approach a thematic analysis was done using the transcriptions of audiotaped interviews with the participants. The three participants chosen for the study were aged twenty-nine (29), thirty (30) and thirty-one (31) independently. Two of the participants experienced an armed robbery, which were, independently, followed by non-violent crime of housebreaking and theft. A third participant experienced an armed robbery during her early childhood, and an additional crime of aggravated robbery in adulthood. The studied violent crimes had taken place between one year eleven months and six years prior to this study. None of the participants have received therapy following their traumatic experience. Five important findings were identified and discussed. Firstly, some individuals still meet the requirements for a diagnosis of PTSD, even years following their experiences with traumatic events. Secondly, following the experience of a violent crime some individual’s core cognitive schemas regarding themselves, their world and their relationships undergo various changes. Thirdly, some individuals experience numerous posttraumatic symptoms, which are not extensive enough to validate the diagnosis of PTSD, but that affect the individual’s life on a regular basis. Nine symptoms were identified in this study. Fourthly, some individuals may experience additional effects following exposure to violent crimes, e.g. physical illness, that is not classified as posttraumatic symptoms. Fifthly, a few individuals who have been the victim of more than one crime may experience cumulative or diminished effects when one explores the overall effects of revictimisation. Results also indicated that individuals may experiences similar posttraumatic symptoms, but that the presentation of these symptoms are unique and are influenced by an individual’s history, cognitive schemas and the characteristics of the crimes that they have experienced. Finally, these findings explored and described the phenomenon of partial posttraumatic stress disorder in order to expand the understanding of this occurrence. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

En betydande andel individer med bipolär sjukdom upplever kvarvarande, subkliniska symtom mellan egentliga sjukdomsepisoder. Sådana restsymtom är förenade med sänkt livskvalitet och förhöjd risk för återfall i sjukdomsepisoder. Syftet med föreliggande studie var att undersöka huruvida en kort, internetadministrerad behandling är genomförbar och kan ge en minskning av depressiva restsymtom, genom interventioner riktade mot sömn och emotionsreglering. För detta syfte användes en single-subject design med upprepade mätningar (n=4). Studiens resultat visar att behandlingen är genomförbar och att den, för vissa individer, kan ge en minskning av depressiva restsymtom. Vidare forskning kring behandlingen är motiverad. / A significant proportion of persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience subclinical, residual symptoms between major episodes. Residual symptoms are associated with poor quality of life and increased risk of relapse. The current study aims at investigating whether a time limited, internet-based treatment targeting disturbed sleep and emotion regulation is feasible and successful in reducing residual depressive symptoms. Pertaining to this purpose, a single-subject design with repeated measures was used (n=4). Results show that the treatment is feasible and, for some individuals, can lead to a decrease in depressive symptoms. Future studies regarding this treatment are warranted.

Bakgrund: År 2019 insjuknade över 12 miljoner människor globalt i stroke. En vanlig konsekvens av stroke är att drabbas av kvarvarande symtom med fysisk, sensorisk, kognitiv eller mental påverkan. Sjuksköterskan har en central roll i strokevården och ska arbeta personcentrerat, genom samverkan i team samt stärka personens känsla av sammanhang. Syftet: Att beskriva upplevelser av att leva med kvarvarande symtom efter stroke. Metod: En litteraturöversikt av kvalitativa artiklar med induktiv ansats genomfördes. 13 artiklar till resultatet inkluderades. I dataanalysen användes Fribergs femstegsmodell med inspiration av Graneheim och Lundmans analysmetod.Resultat: Tre huvudteman och åtta subteman utformades. Huvudtemat en förändrad vardag inkluderade subteman: en begränsad vardag och att inte passa in. Huvudtemat en förändrad människa inkluderade subteman: en förändrad kropp, en förändrad identitet och emotionell påverkan. Huvudtemat att finna sig i det förändrade inkluderade subteman: att hantera det förändrade, motivation och hopp samt acceptans och tacksamhet. Slutsats: Kvarvarande symtom efter stroke har en påverkan på livet på såväl fysiska, psykiska, emotionella och sociala aspekter. Vidare forskning samt ökad kunskap och förståelse inom ämnet kan leda till att drabbade personer får bättre vård, ett mer aktivt liv, ökad självständighet och bättre upplevd hälsa. / Title: Living with residual symptoms after a stroke- A qualitative literature reviewBackground: In 2019, over 12 million people worldwide suffered a stroke. A common consequence of stroke is residual symptoms with physical, sensory, cognitive and mental impact. The nurse has a central role in stroke care and should work person-centered, in teamwork and collaboration and also strengthen the person's sense of coherence.Aim: To describe experiences of living with residual symptoms after stroke.Methos: A literature review of qualitative method with inductive approach was conducted. 13 articles were included. The data analysis used Fribergs five step model with inspiration from Graneheim and Lundman´s analysis method.Results: Three main themes and eight sub themes were created. The main theme a changed everyday life included the sub themes: a limited everyday life and not fitting in. The main theme of a changed person included the subthemes: a changed body, a changed identity and emotional impact. The main theme of coming to terms with the change, included sub themes: coping with the change, motivation and hope and acceptance and gratitude.Conclusion: Residual symptoms after stroke have an impact on life in physical, mental, emotional and social aspects. Further research, increased knowledge and understanding of the topic can for the affected persons lead to better care, a more active life, increased independence and better perceived health.