Computer games have not only invaded the lives of children, but the lives of adults as well. Increasingly, computer games have become a part of popular culture. Initially computer games were considered to be a waste of time, time that could have been better spent doing more worthwhile activities such as studying and physical exercise. Recently, however, attitudes towards computer games have changed; teachers, parents and researchers have started to regard computer games as a possible educational resource. During this new information age it is possible that the children who are part of the Net generation have started to think and process information differently, and that they may have different educational needs. Some researchers think that computer games may serve as an educational tool to support their learning. This literature survey provides an overview of current literature on computer games and education. The review examines the aspects of computer games that support learning, such as motivational factors, social interaction and learning through doing. Further, the review studies the negative aspects that prevent games from being accepted as an educational tool such as the violence portrayed, game addiction, negative stereotyping and asocial behaviour. The Net generation is also examined. The review looks at their characteristics, thinking patterns, skills and their expectations of education. The review then serves as a basis to provide some guidelines for the selection and usage of computer games in the classroom. / Dissertation (MEd (Computer-Integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / unrestricted

Pain is a very common problem experienced by the general population and children in particular. It goes beyond personal suffering and affects all dimensions of the quality of life and general functioning of both adults and children, be it the physiological, psychological or financial aspects. Children may suffer from pain that may either be chronic or acute, depending on the diagnosis. Assessment of pain in children is equally important as that of adults, except that they lack the verbal fluency and cognitive development to communicate their pain. Children’s experience of pain is similar to that of adults. Pain assessment is a key aspect in the nursing management of children and delivery of care within the Primary Health Care (PHC) setting. Effective pain assessment is thus reliant on comprehensive assessment of the child and his or her pain. The aim of this research was to explore and describe practices and perceptions of professional nurses working in a PHC facility regarding pain assessment of children under five years in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and to formulate recommendations for professional nurses in PHC facilities to facilitate pain assessment in PHC settings. A qualitative study design was used and data was collected with the use of focus groups. A purposive sampling was conducted to select participants who represent the target population. The sample used for the study included all the professional nurses working in PHC facilities registered with the South African Nursing Council and that have at least one year of experience. The practical training of the researcher to conduct an interview was done prior to the actual research. A pilot focus group was conducted and the interview schedule was finalised. Semi-structured focus groups were used to obtain data from the participants. The researcher conducted 6 focus group interviews attended by 32 professional nurses. Data was collected until data saturation was achieved. Trustworthiness was ensured in accordance with the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Data was captured on a digital voice recorder and transcribed verbatim. Field notes were taken during each focus group. Data analysis was done by means of content analysis by the researcher and an independent co-coder. After consensus and saturation, three major themes emerged. Each theme was identified and divided into sub-themes and was consequently discussed together with the relevant data obtained from literature. The findings indicated that professional nurses perceive the assessment of pain in children under five years as a challenge. The combination of signs and symptoms to make decisions with pain assessment was identified as an area of concern. The participants further p erceived the history provided by the parent as important in the process of pain assessment. The conclusions drawn are that the professional nurses acknowledge that they don’t take sufficient notice of pain in children under five, which means that children with pain are neglected. Professional nurses maintain that there is a need for sufficient pain assessment and the need for guidelines and tools to assess pain in children under five, especially in the PHC setting. These professional nurses support the availability of guidelines to assist them to conduct effective and comprehensive pain assessment. The research report concluded with the researcher’s recommendations for nursing education, nursing research and nursing practice with specific formulation of guidelines for the facilitation of professional nurses to truly render effective and comprehensive pain assessment in PHC settings. / Thesis (MCur)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Pain is a very common problem experienced by the general population and children in particular. It goes beyond personal suffering and affects all dimensions of the quality of life and general functioning of both adults and children, be it the physiological, psychological or financial aspects. Children may suffer from pain that may either be chronic or acute, depending on the diagnosis. Assessment of pain in children is equally important as that of adults, except that they lack the verbal fluency and cognitive development to communicate their pain. Children’s experience of pain is similar to that of adults. Pain assessment is a key aspect in the nursing management of children and delivery of care within the Primary Health Care (PHC) setting. Effective pain assessment is thus reliant on comprehensive assessment of the child and his or her pain. The aim of this research was to explore and describe practices and perceptions of professional nurses working in a PHC facility regarding pain assessment of children under five years in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and to formulate recommendations for professional nurses in PHC facilities to facilitate pain assessment in PHC settings. A qualitative study design was used and data was collected with the use of focus groups. A purposive sampling was conducted to select participants who represent the target population. The sample used for the study included all the professional nurses working in PHC facilities registered with the South African Nursing Council and that have at least one year of experience. The practical training of the researcher to conduct an interview was done prior to the actual research. A pilot focus group was conducted and the interview schedule was finalised. Semi-structured focus groups were used to obtain data from the participants. The researcher conducted 6 focus group interviews attended by 32 professional nurses. Data was collected until data saturation was achieved. Trustworthiness was ensured in accordance with the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Data was captured on a digital voice recorder and transcribed verbatim. Field notes were taken during each focus group. Data analysis was done by means of content analysis by the researcher and an independent co-coder. After consensus and saturation, three major themes emerged. Each theme was identified and divided into sub-themes and was consequently discussed together with the relevant data obtained from literature. The findings indicated that professional nurses perceive the assessment of pain in children under five years as a challenge. The combination of signs and symptoms to make decisions with pain assessment was identified as an area of concern. The participants further p erceived the history provided by the parent as important in the process of pain assessment. The conclusions drawn are that the professional nurses acknowledge that they don’t take sufficient notice of pain in children under five, which means that children with pain are neglected. Professional nurses maintain that there is a need for sufficient pain assessment and the need for guidelines and tools to assess pain in children under five, especially in the PHC setting. These professional nurses support the availability of guidelines to assist them to conduct effective and comprehensive pain assessment. The research report concluded with the researcher’s recommendations for nursing education, nursing research and nursing practice with specific formulation of guidelines for the facilitation of professional nurses to truly render effective and comprehensive pain assessment in PHC settings. / Thesis (MCur)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 (SA, 1996) makes provision for all citizens to receive quality health care. Legislation such as the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service of 1995, (SA, 1995a), the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele) (SA, 1997b), the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, as amended (SA, 1994), the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (SA, 1995b) and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (SA, 1998) enshrines this right for all citizens by ensuring that health authorities put measures in place to improve the performance of nurse employee (NE), and thus ensuring quality health care. NE are only able to improve the quality of their performance, if their performance is systematically appraised and their potential for development is identified. However, researchers, for instance Du Plessis (2002:116), Nkosi (2002:37–44), Narcisse and Harcourt (2008:1154), Thompson et al. (1999:139), Fletcher (2001:473) studied the perceptions and experiences of employees and managers of performance appraisal (PA) and these studies indicated that there is a gap in the implementation of PA. The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) was implemented in the North West public health sector in clinics and hospitals in 2004 to provide guidelines for the implementation of PA. This policy is reviewed annually since it was first drafted. However the researcher’s personal experience with PA in practice was that there is a gap between the process provided by the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) and the implementation thereof in the North West public health sector. This led to the following research questions: how is PA implemented from the perspectives of nurse line managers (NLM) and NE in clinics in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District (KKD) and what guidelines can be developed to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD? The study aimed to develop guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The study had a cross–sectional quantitative design with exploratory, descriptive and contextual research strategies. Two questionnaires: one for NLM and the other for NE were developed from section 13.4.4 and 13.4.5 of the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13 amendment approved for 2008–2009 performance cycle) (SA, 2007), to explore and describe the perceptions of NLM and NE on the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. Twenty–three problems were identified from the empirical research with regard to communication, feedback and participation in PA, which served as the evidence base towards developing guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The guidelines were developed using inductive and deductive reasoning and were based on the ten–point plan of Juran. Finally the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for practice, education, management, research and policy. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Hoofstuk 1 benadruk die sentrale en skerpsinnig-wyse sleutelposisie van eskatologiese hoop en getuienis daarvan in die lewens van gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers. 'n Eksegetiese studie van Johannes 9:1-8, Lukas 5:12-15, Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:1617, Romeine 5:2-5; 6:5-11; 8:18-25, 1 Petrus 1:3-9 en Matteus 28:19-20 is die studiekern van Hoofstuk 2. Siekte (blindheid, melaatsheid), Iyding en pyn (Job), dood van die mensdom (Adam en Eva) en die retrovitale dood van Jesus Christus, hoop en getuienis is nagevors en ontleed. Vergelykings met huidige tendense waar MIV/VIGS 'n gestigmatiseerde terminale siekte is, word getref. Die basis van hoop op die ewige lewe in die volle teenwoordigheid van God Almagtig, is die beloftes en oorweldigende liefde van die lewende God. Getuienis van hierdie standhoudende en lewende hoop is die Groot Opdrag aan die dissipels van Christus in Matteus 28:19-20, en daarom aan alle gelowiges tot die wederkoms (advent) van Christus. Hoofstuk 3 stel die bydrae vas van die metateorieë van die mediese -, kommunikasiewetenskappe en Psigologie as komplementerende ervaringvelde. Die mediese en sosiale omstandighede van die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers toon 'n uiters negatiewe situasie, wat onder meer bestuurbaar gemaak word deur die sogenaamde "signature strengths" van die Positiewe Psigologie. Op 'n veel hoer vlak is spirituele gesondheid en heling, as die vrug van die Hel/lge Gees, van kardinale belang vir die ewige lewe. Hierdie metateorieë bevestig die waarhede rakende die Groot Geneesheer soos in Hoofstuk 2 aangedui, en voorsien verder verhelderende perspektiewe op 'n nuwe prakties-teologiese teorie. Empiriese navorsing aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe studie by die gesondheidsentrum van 'n voorstedelike motorvervaardigingaanleg, word in Hoofstuk 4 onderneem. In twee groeponderhoude met multi-veranderlikes per deelnemer (gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers en 'n kontrolegroep van mediese personeel/gesondheidwerkers), is vasgestel dat die MIV/VIGS Iyers versterkende geestelike krag van hul eskatologiese hoop vir die ewige lewe saam met God, ervaar. Pastorale behoeftes sluit gebed, vertroosting en koinonia/"fellowship" in. Hoofstuk 5 stel praktiese riglyne voor tot kerugmatiese -, liturgiese -, koinoniale -en diakoniale getuienis oor hoop. Versoening met God deur die "retrovitale" liefde/dade van Jesus Christus se dood as die spil-as wat radikaal-Skriftuurlike denke/lewe inisieer (in teenstelling met die "retrovirale" vermoë van die MI-virus waar die "kwaad" vermenigvuldig), word in die riglyne aangemoedig. Getuienis oor hoop aan ander is die "geskenk van die Lewe”. Die slotsom waartoe gekom word, is dat die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyer tot in die vierde fase van die siekte, oor haar/sy hoop kan getuig. Praktiese riglyne hiertoe moedig die gelowige met enige terminale siekte of in elk geval, aan om met 'n lewe van aanbidding oor hierdie hoop te getuig en s6 die lewende God te eer. / Chapter 1 emphasizes the central and perspicacious position of eschatological hope and witnessing thereof, in the lives of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers. An exegetical study of John 9:1-8, Luke 5:12-15 Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:2-5; 6:511; 8:18-25, 1 Peter 1 :3-9 and Matthew 28: 19-20 is conducted in Chapter 2. Illnesses (blindness, leprosy), suffering and pain (Job), death of mankind (Adam and Eve) and the retrovital death of Jesus Christ, hope and witnessing are researched and analysed. Comparisons with life today where HIV/AIDS is a stigmatised terminal illness, are weighed. Hope for eternal life in the full presence and reign of God Almighty, is based on the promises and overwhelming love of the living God. Witnessing of this vivacious and living hope is imperative to the disciples of Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20, and therefore to all believers until the advent of Christ. Chapter 3 establishes the contribution of meta theories of complementary and entwined sciences, such as health and medicine, communications and the positive psychology. The medical and social circumstances of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers revealed an extremely grave situation, which is manageable with inter alia positive "signature strengths". On a much higher plain, spiritual health and healing as the fruit of the Spirit, is of cardinal importance for eternal life. These theories only confirm the truths about the Great Healer as stated in Chapter 2 and provide enlightening perspectives for a new practical theological theory. Empirical research via a qualitative study at the health centre of an urban vehicle manufacturing plant, is conducted in Chapter 4. Two group interviews with multi-variables per participant (believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers and a control group of health workers), have established that the HIV/AIDS sufferers are spiritually enormously strengthened by their eschatological hope for eternal life with God, without this earthly suffering. Pastoral needs include prayer, comfort and koinonia/fellowship. Chapter 5 suggests practical guidelines in terms of witnessing hope by means of cherugmatical, liturgical, koinonial and diaconial communication. The image of the 'retrovital' Lord Jesus Christ as the pivotal change that paths the way to radical Biblical thinking/living (in comparison with the "retroviral" ability of the. HI-virus which multiplies the "evil"), is encouraged. The final conclusion is that a believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferer is able to witness hope for eternal life until the fourth phase of the terminal illness. Practical guidelines hereto may encourage the believer of any terminal illness or in any case, to witness hope with a life of worship and thus honour the living God. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 (SA, 1996) makes provision for all citizens to receive quality health care. Legislation such as the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service of 1995, (SA, 1995a), the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele) (SA, 1997b), the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, as amended (SA, 1994), the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (SA, 1995b) and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (SA, 1998) enshrines this right for all citizens by ensuring that health authorities put measures in place to improve the performance of nurse employee (NE), and thus ensuring quality health care. NE are only able to improve the quality of their performance, if their performance is systematically appraised and their potential for development is identified. However, researchers, for instance Du Plessis (2002:116), Nkosi (2002:37–44), Narcisse and Harcourt (2008:1154), Thompson et al. (1999:139), Fletcher (2001:473) studied the perceptions and experiences of employees and managers of performance appraisal (PA) and these studies indicated that there is a gap in the implementation of PA. The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) was implemented in the North West public health sector in clinics and hospitals in 2004 to provide guidelines for the implementation of PA. This policy is reviewed annually since it was first drafted. However the researcher’s personal experience with PA in practice was that there is a gap between the process provided by the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13) and the implementation thereof in the North West public health sector. This led to the following research questions: how is PA implemented from the perspectives of nurse line managers (NLM) and NE in clinics in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District (KKD) and what guidelines can be developed to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD? The study aimed to develop guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The study had a cross–sectional quantitative design with exploratory, descriptive and contextual research strategies. Two questionnaires: one for NLM and the other for NE were developed from section 13.4.4 and 13.4.5 of the PMDS policy (Policy no. NWPG 13 amendment approved for 2008–2009 performance cycle) (SA, 2007), to explore and describe the perceptions of NLM and NE on the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. Twenty–three problems were identified from the empirical research with regard to communication, feedback and participation in PA, which served as the evidence base towards developing guidelines to improve the implementation of PA in clinics in the KKD. The guidelines were developed using inductive and deductive reasoning and were based on the ten–point plan of Juran. Finally the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for practice, education, management, research and policy. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Hoofstuk 1 benadruk die sentrale en skerpsinnig-wyse sleutelposisie van eskatologiese hoop en getuienis daarvan in die lewens van gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers. 'n Eksegetiese studie van Johannes 9:1-8, Lukas 5:12-15, Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:1617, Romeine 5:2-5; 6:5-11; 8:18-25, 1 Petrus 1:3-9 en Matteus 28:19-20 is die studiekern van Hoofstuk 2. Siekte (blindheid, melaatsheid), Iyding en pyn (Job), dood van die mensdom (Adam en Eva) en die retrovitale dood van Jesus Christus, hoop en getuienis is nagevors en ontleed. Vergelykings met huidige tendense waar MIV/VIGS 'n gestigmatiseerde terminale siekte is, word getref. Die basis van hoop op die ewige lewe in die volle teenwoordigheid van God Almagtig, is die beloftes en oorweldigende liefde van die lewende God. Getuienis van hierdie standhoudende en lewende hoop is die Groot Opdrag aan die dissipels van Christus in Matteus 28:19-20, en daarom aan alle gelowiges tot die wederkoms (advent) van Christus. Hoofstuk 3 stel die bydrae vas van die metateorieë van die mediese -, kommunikasiewetenskappe en Psigologie as komplementerende ervaringvelde. Die mediese en sosiale omstandighede van die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers toon 'n uiters negatiewe situasie, wat onder meer bestuurbaar gemaak word deur die sogenaamde "signature strengths" van die Positiewe Psigologie. Op 'n veel hoer vlak is spirituele gesondheid en heling, as die vrug van die Hel/lge Gees, van kardinale belang vir die ewige lewe. Hierdie metateorieë bevestig die waarhede rakende die Groot Geneesheer soos in Hoofstuk 2 aangedui, en voorsien verder verhelderende perspektiewe op 'n nuwe prakties-teologiese teorie. Empiriese navorsing aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe studie by die gesondheidsentrum van 'n voorstedelike motorvervaardigingaanleg, word in Hoofstuk 4 onderneem. In twee groeponderhoude met multi-veranderlikes per deelnemer (gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers en 'n kontrolegroep van mediese personeel/gesondheidwerkers), is vasgestel dat die MIV/VIGS Iyers versterkende geestelike krag van hul eskatologiese hoop vir die ewige lewe saam met God, ervaar. Pastorale behoeftes sluit gebed, vertroosting en koinonia/"fellowship" in. Hoofstuk 5 stel praktiese riglyne voor tot kerugmatiese -, liturgiese -, koinoniale -en diakoniale getuienis oor hoop. Versoening met God deur die "retrovitale" liefde/dade van Jesus Christus se dood as die spil-as wat radikaal-Skriftuurlike denke/lewe inisieer (in teenstelling met die "retrovirale" vermoë van die MI-virus waar die "kwaad" vermenigvuldig), word in die riglyne aangemoedig. Getuienis oor hoop aan ander is die "geskenk van die Lewe”. Die slotsom waartoe gekom word, is dat die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyer tot in die vierde fase van die siekte, oor haar/sy hoop kan getuig. Praktiese riglyne hiertoe moedig die gelowige met enige terminale siekte of in elk geval, aan om met 'n lewe van aanbidding oor hierdie hoop te getuig en s6 die lewende God te eer. / Chapter 1 emphasizes the central and perspicacious position of eschatological hope and witnessing thereof, in the lives of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers. An exegetical study of John 9:1-8, Luke 5:12-15 Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:2-5; 6:511; 8:18-25, 1 Peter 1 :3-9 and Matthew 28: 19-20 is conducted in Chapter 2. Illnesses (blindness, leprosy), suffering and pain (Job), death of mankind (Adam and Eve) and the retrovital death of Jesus Christ, hope and witnessing are researched and analysed. Comparisons with life today where HIV/AIDS is a stigmatised terminal illness, are weighed. Hope for eternal life in the full presence and reign of God Almighty, is based on the promises and overwhelming love of the living God. Witnessing of this vivacious and living hope is imperative to the disciples of Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20, and therefore to all believers until the advent of Christ. Chapter 3 establishes the contribution of meta theories of complementary and entwined sciences, such as health and medicine, communications and the positive psychology. The medical and social circumstances of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers revealed an extremely grave situation, which is manageable with inter alia positive "signature strengths". On a much higher plain, spiritual health and healing as the fruit of the Spirit, is of cardinal importance for eternal life. These theories only confirm the truths about the Great Healer as stated in Chapter 2 and provide enlightening perspectives for a new practical theological theory. Empirical research via a qualitative study at the health centre of an urban vehicle manufacturing plant, is conducted in Chapter 4. Two group interviews with multi-variables per participant (believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers and a control group of health workers), have established that the HIV/AIDS sufferers are spiritually enormously strengthened by their eschatological hope for eternal life with God, without this earthly suffering. Pastoral needs include prayer, comfort and koinonia/fellowship. Chapter 5 suggests practical guidelines in terms of witnessing hope by means of cherugmatical, liturgical, koinonial and diaconial communication. The image of the 'retrovital' Lord Jesus Christ as the pivotal change that paths the way to radical Biblical thinking/living (in comparison with the "retroviral" ability of the. HI-virus which multiplies the "evil"), is encouraged. The final conclusion is that a believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferer is able to witness hope for eternal life until the fourth phase of the terminal illness. Practical guidelines hereto may encourage the believer of any terminal illness or in any case, to witness hope with a life of worship and thus honour the living God. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The purpose of this research was to investigate and describe the experience of lesbian parents and their adolescents regarding the adolescents’ development of a sense of self in the lesbian home, in order to compile guidelines that can provide help to these parents. The subject was investigated from both a pastoral base theory (normative perspective) and a Gestalt theoretical perspective (paradigmatic perspective). A qualitative approach was followed for the purpose of this study, with semi-structured interviewing with the adolescents and their parents respectively. Adolescents were also requested to make collages that served as an additional data gathering method. The sample group consisted of five adolescent boys and four adolescent girls, some of who were siblings, from six lesbian families respectively. Seven of the twelve parents were biological mothers from previous heterosexual marriages, and the remaining five women had no children of their own. From the literature review and the empirical results of this study, it appears that there are certain positive as well as negative aspects of a lesbian home that influence an adolescents sense of self. In lesbian homes where both parents are involved with the adolescents, share household duties equally and have a quality relationship with each other as well as with the adolescents, the adolescents are generally well-adapted, happy and able to handle challenges in order to develop a healthy sense of self. The positive influence that Christian religious certainty has on the overall development of the adolescents and on the sense of self, was confirmed through this study. On the other hand, adolescents experience the following aspects as challenging and impeding in their development of a healthy sense of self: Conflict and criticism from the companion parents are humiliating and destructive for the adolescents. Stigmatising, teasing and rejection from the hetero-normative society, as a result of their parents’ sexual orientation, appear to be the largest obstacle in their psychosocial development, which also influences their sense of self directly, because they react in a shy, negative and evasive way to the stigmatisation and withdraw themselves from situations that can be painful and humiliating. From the research findings, it appears that the absence of a father figure and financial tension in lesbian families are impeding to the adolescents’ healthy development of a sense of self. Due to the complexity of the aspects that can have a negative influence or impede on an adolescent’s healthy development of a sense of self within the lesbian parent relationship, the researcher realised that professional help, support and guidance might be necessary for some of the lesbian parents and adolescents in order to promote the adolescents’ development of a sense of self and the establishment of a unique identity. At the end of this study, the researcher was able to compile guidelines for lesbian parents as well as pastoral counsellors to help and guide them in their support to adolescents in order to enable them develop a healthy sense of self. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The purpose of this research was to investigate and describe the experience of lesbian parents and their adolescents regarding the adolescents’ development of a sense of self in the lesbian home, in order to compile guidelines that can provide help to these parents. The subject was investigated from both a pastoral base theory (normative perspective) and a Gestalt theoretical perspective (paradigmatic perspective). A qualitative approach was followed for the purpose of this study, with semi-structured interviewing with the adolescents and their parents respectively. Adolescents were also requested to make collages that served as an additional data gathering method. The sample group consisted of five adolescent boys and four adolescent girls, some of who were siblings, from six lesbian families respectively. Seven of the twelve parents were biological mothers from previous heterosexual marriages, and the remaining five women had no children of their own. From the literature review and the empirical results of this study, it appears that there are certain positive as well as negative aspects of a lesbian home that influence an adolescents sense of self. In lesbian homes where both parents are involved with the adolescents, share household duties equally and have a quality relationship with each other as well as with the adolescents, the adolescents are generally well-adapted, happy and able to handle challenges in order to develop a healthy sense of self. The positive influence that Christian religious certainty has on the overall development of the adolescents and on the sense of self, was confirmed through this study. On the other hand, adolescents experience the following aspects as challenging and impeding in their development of a healthy sense of self: Conflict and criticism from the companion parents are humiliating and destructive for the adolescents. Stigmatising, teasing and rejection from the hetero-normative society, as a result of their parents’ sexual orientation, appear to be the largest obstacle in their psychosocial development, which also influences their sense of self directly, because they react in a shy, negative and evasive way to the stigmatisation and withdraw themselves from situations that can be painful and humiliating. From the research findings, it appears that the absence of a father figure and financial tension in lesbian families are impeding to the adolescents’ healthy development of a sense of self. Due to the complexity of the aspects that can have a negative influence or impede on an adolescent’s healthy development of a sense of self within the lesbian parent relationship, the researcher realised that professional help, support and guidance might be necessary for some of the lesbian parents and adolescents in order to promote the adolescents’ development of a sense of self and the establishment of a unique identity. At the end of this study, the researcher was able to compile guidelines for lesbian parents as well as pastoral counsellors to help and guide them in their support to adolescents in order to enable them develop a healthy sense of self. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study, is a dissertation wherein Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by AP Church preachers, is being investigated to determine to what extend it complies with the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. This research found that the preaching from the patriarchal narratives by participating preachers of the AP Church, does not truly answer to the basic principles of Christocentric preaching. A clearly defined Christocentric approach which set out the basic principles for responsible Christocentric preaching, would improve the Christocentricity of Old Testament preaching, more specifically the patriarchal narratives, in the AP Church. A modified version of Osmers’ practical-theological model was utilized as method of research. It entails hermeneutical and normative, empirical and interpretative, as well as strategic aspects. The following goals are set for the study: Hermeneutical and normative i) To determine perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching regarding passages from Genesis 12-50. Empirical and interpretative ii) To determine to what extend sermons in the AP Church based on passages from Genesis 12-50, are truly Christocentric. iii) To determine to what extend preachers of the AP Church consciously make use of a base theory regarding Christocentric preaching when preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. Strategically To provide effective, yet Biblical guidelines for Christocentric preaching on passages from Genesis 12-50. In order to reach the above mentioned goals, the following aspects are discussed in the course of the study: Perspectives from Scripture for the research concept Christocentric preaching are determined by, among others, illuminating the unique nature and specific characteristics of the Hebrew narrative. The focus on the hermeneutical challenge offers perspectives on decisive considerations when handling Scripture, an exegetical method conducive to Christocentric preaching, as well as perspectives on a meaningful transition to Christ from the Old Testament text. The focus on the homiletic challenge indicates expository preaching as the most appropriate vehicle for responsible Christocentric preaching. From the hermeneutical and normative perspectives, a certain criteria is derived which served as a guideline for the evaluation of sixteen sermons and devotions by AP Church preachers in order to determine their Christocentricity. Flowing from this, six themes are determined on the basis of which unstructured interviews with five preachers of the AP Church are conducted. These analyses and interviews show the absence of a clearly formulated base theory regarding Christocentric preaching at participating AP Church preachers. Christocentric preaching in the AP Church – a practical theological study offers guidelines for responsible Christocentric preaching from the patriarchal narratives by concentrating on certain points of departure in respect of the Old Testament, key hermeneutical aspects, a meaningful transition from the Old Testament to Christ as well as important homiletic aspects. / Thesis (MTh (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.