Seksuele misbruik blyk ʼn toenemende probleem te wees binne die gemeenskap. Met komplekse samestelling van hersaamgestelde gesinne kom seksuele misbruik binne hierdie gesinne toenemend voor. Die doel van die studie is om risikofaktore in hersaamgestelde gesinne te identifiseer sodat maatskaplike werkers ouers kan bemagtig om seksuele misbruik binne hersaamgestelde gesinne te voorkom. Daar is van ʼn doelgerigte steekproef gebruik gemaak waar semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met ses deelnemers gevoer is om data te bekom. Daar is bevind dat die risiko‟s vir seksuele misbruik in hersaamgestelde gesinne kompleks en multidimensioneel van aard is. Die risiko‟s wat duidelik na vore gekom het, was gesinsamestelling, interpersoonlike verhoudings, sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede, moeder se eie seksuele misbruik as kind asook maatskaplike wanfunksionering. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Seksuele misbruik blyk ʼn toenemende probleem te wees binne die gemeenskap. Met komplekse samestelling van hersaamgestelde gesinne kom seksuele misbruik binne hierdie gesinne toenemend voor. Die doel van die studie is om risikofaktore in hersaamgestelde gesinne te identifiseer sodat maatskaplike werkers ouers kan bemagtig om seksuele misbruik binne hersaamgestelde gesinne te voorkom. Daar is van ʼn doelgerigte steekproef gebruik gemaak waar semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met ses deelnemers gevoer is om data te bekom. Daar is bevind dat die risiko‟s vir seksuele misbruik in hersaamgestelde gesinne kompleks en multidimensioneel van aard is. Die risiko‟s wat duidelik na vore gekom het, was gesinsamestelling, interpersoonlike verhoudings, sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede, moeder se eie seksuele misbruik as kind asook maatskaplike wanfunksionering. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Die studie handel oor die identifisering van risikofaktore wat dui op beleggingsbedrog. Beleggers is voortdurend op soek na beleggingsgeleenthede met die belofte van ’n hoër opbrengs en neem blindelings besluite sonder om na die risikofaktore wat op beleggingsbedrog dui, te let. Sodoende word hulle maklik slagoffers van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede. Die studie voorsien eerstens ’n omvattende begripsomskrywing van die term “beleggingsbedrog” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014; Snyman, 2012:555). Die verskillende vorme van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede, sowel as die modus operandi wat in elke vorm gevolg word, word bespreek. Onlangse gevalle van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede in Suid-Afrika word ondersoek, insluitend Krion (Staat v Krion, 2010), Miracle 2000 (Chelemu, 2012) en Propalux (Sakepraktyk Komitee 2014). Hierdie gevalle word onderverdeel in twee temas, naamlik agtergrond van die bedrieglike beleggingsgeleentheid en die modus operandi wat in elke geval gevolg is. Die data wat tydens die empiriese studie ingesamel is, word ontleed en opgevolg deur ’n bespreking van die resultate. Daar word verduidelik hoe die studiepopulasie saamgestel is, watter metode van dataverwerking gebruik is en hoe die vrae in die vraelys uiteengesit is. Die vraelys is deur middel van die aanlyn platform, SurveyMonkey (2012), afgeneem. In die empiriese studie is semigestruktureerde onderhoude ook gevoer waarvan die transkripsie met behulp van ATLAS.TI verwerk is. Die data wat hieruit verkry is, is deur die Statistiese Konsultasiedienste (2014) van die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) se Potchefstroomkampus verwerk. Die studie identifiseer verskeie eienskappe van die bedrieër wat ’n bedrieglike beleggingsgeleentheid bedryf; die eienskappe van die tipiese belegger wat ’n slagoffer van so ’n beleggingsgeleentheid word; en die modus operandi wat in so ’n beleggingsgeleentheid gevolg word. Die eienskappe dui op moontlike risikofaktore waarop beleggers behoort te let voordat hulle in die beleggingsgeleenthede belê. Daar is bevind dat potensiële beleggers bedag moet wees op die geïdentifiseerde risikofaktore en modi operandi, of ’n kombinasie daarvan. Indien hierdie risikofaktore en modi operandi in ’n potensiële beleggingsgeleentheid bemerk kan word, behoort beleggers eers ondersoek in te stel voordat hulle daarin belê. / MCom (Forensic Accounting), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Die studie handel oor die identifisering van risikofaktore wat dui op beleggingsbedrog. Beleggers is voortdurend op soek na beleggingsgeleenthede met die belofte van ’n hoër opbrengs en neem blindelings besluite sonder om na die risikofaktore wat op beleggingsbedrog dui, te let. Sodoende word hulle maklik slagoffers van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede. Die studie voorsien eerstens ’n omvattende begripsomskrywing van die term “beleggingsbedrog” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014; Snyman, 2012:555). Die verskillende vorme van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede, sowel as die modus operandi wat in elke vorm gevolg word, word bespreek. Onlangse gevalle van bedrieglike beleggingsgeleenthede in Suid-Afrika word ondersoek, insluitend Krion (Staat v Krion, 2010), Miracle 2000 (Chelemu, 2012) en Propalux (Sakepraktyk Komitee 2014). Hierdie gevalle word onderverdeel in twee temas, naamlik agtergrond van die bedrieglike beleggingsgeleentheid en die modus operandi wat in elke geval gevolg is. Die data wat tydens die empiriese studie ingesamel is, word ontleed en opgevolg deur ’n bespreking van die resultate. Daar word verduidelik hoe die studiepopulasie saamgestel is, watter metode van dataverwerking gebruik is en hoe die vrae in die vraelys uiteengesit is. Die vraelys is deur middel van die aanlyn platform, SurveyMonkey (2012), afgeneem. In die empiriese studie is semigestruktureerde onderhoude ook gevoer waarvan die transkripsie met behulp van ATLAS.TI verwerk is. Die data wat hieruit verkry is, is deur die Statistiese Konsultasiedienste (2014) van die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) se Potchefstroomkampus verwerk. Die studie identifiseer verskeie eienskappe van die bedrieër wat ’n bedrieglike beleggingsgeleentheid bedryf; die eienskappe van die tipiese belegger wat ’n slagoffer van so ’n beleggingsgeleentheid word; en die modus operandi wat in so ’n beleggingsgeleentheid gevolg word. Die eienskappe dui op moontlike risikofaktore waarop beleggers behoort te let voordat hulle in die beleggingsgeleenthede belê. Daar is bevind dat potensiële beleggers bedag moet wees op die geïdentifiseerde risikofaktore en modi operandi, of ’n kombinasie daarvan. Indien hierdie risikofaktore en modi operandi in ’n potensiële beleggingsgeleentheid bemerk kan word, behoort beleggers eers ondersoek in te stel voordat hulle daarin belê. / MCom (Forensic Accounting), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The construct of self-regulation has been well researched, however, no comprehensive approach is available for promoting self-regulation as a strength operating in an integrated process, and, furthermore, current research gives limited consideration regarding the role of creativity in the self-regulation process. The objective of this study was to explore the relation between self-regulation and creativity, and to promote self-regulation as a psychological strength by means of a creativity programme in the field of painting in a group of individuals. Self-regulation is described in the literature as a skill that is acquired through an interaction of neurological and environmental factors that enables a person to intentionally accept agency of his or her actions. Creative self-regulation is conceptualised as the ability to generate original, novel and appropriate behaviour while constantly adjusting and adapting behaviour with a view to attain goals and promoting psychological well-being. A qualitative, interpretative design was used in the initial empirical inquiry to explore the subjective experience of 14 established painters in terms of their creativity as a self-regulatory process during the practice of their art. Data was obtained from a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Thematic data analysis supported the findings of the literature regarding the crucial similarities between self-regulation and creativity, and particular themes concerning the self-regulatory aspects of creativity, such as intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-control, and mindfulness were identified. Additionally, creativity appeared to strongly favour assimilation, which was ascribed to perseverance and a strong identification with goals. Based on the findings of the first two phases of the study, a painting programme was developed with a view to promote self- regulation as an adaptive life skill through the facilitation of creativity. Relevant guidelines for effective programme development have been incorporated into this programme. In the subsequent empirical study the painting programme was assessed, by means of a mixed experimental control group consisting of 18 patients in a private psychiatric clinic. Pre- and post-testing were conducted by means of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (General) (BPNS-Gen); the 14 item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), as well as the Shortened Self Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) to determine whether any improvement in self-regulation occurred within the group. Quantitative data provided information on differences within and between the experimental and control groups, while an additional qualitative m South African children are exposed to an enormous amount of risk factors to their development and adjustment. Research reveals that, in all probability, they do not have sufficient protective factors at their disposal to cope with such stressors. The resilience (in other words the exposure to risk factors and the presence of protective factors) of a group of children, Grade R to Grade 2, in the Klerksdorp area, was analysed by means of focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups were conducted with 14 teachers and the questionnaires were completed by 30 parents. The study reveals that the children in this group do not exhibit adequate resilience. The results identified themes such as self-esteem, creativity, assertiveness, emotional expression, emotional regulation, impulsivity, self-motivation, social responsibility and empathy. A programme (based on the Alvord-Baker model of social skills), focusing these themes, was developed in order to facilitate resilience. The Alvord-Baker model of social skills focuses on a pro-active orientation. The Resilience programme consists of eight sessions of one hour duration. During the sessions, music, dance and art activities are presented by way of groups. The themes of the sessions were intrapersonal factors (for example self-esteem and assertiveness), interpersonal factors (for example empathy and social responsibilty), stressmanagement (for example emotional expression and emotional regulation, as well as impulse control), general mood (for example self-motivation) and problem solving (for example creativity and emotional creativity). To determine the effectiveness of the compound programme, quantitative dominated, mixed methods were used. This means that, even though a quantitative research design was used (namely a two group, pre-test, post-test design), a qualitative procedure (namely a focusgroup and interviews), was used in addition. The selected group consisted of 22 children (Grade R=7, Grade 1=7, Grade 2=8), of whom 11 were male and 11 female. The participants were selected systematically from two schools (School1=12, School 2=10). The experimental (n=10) and control (n=12) groups underwent pre- and post-testing (30 days after completion of the intervention). The Resilience programme was only presented to the experimental group. The battery of tests that was compiled to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resilience programme consisted of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1974) and the Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale-BERS (Epstein & Sharma, 19980. In addition, focus groups with the teachers involved were used, as well as interviews with the parents of the children from the experimental group. The experimental group showed improvement in certain aspects of resilience, for example intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, affective trengths, school functioning, family involvement, verbal fluancy, flexibility and originality, as well as figurative fluancy, flexibility and originality. The differences between the experimental and control groups were smaller than expected. It can be stated, however, that the Resilience programme was effective in facilitating resilience in the group of children. A limitation of the study was that the practical significance was small and only statistically significant in a few cases. The parents and teachers could have been involved more actively in the process. Furthermore, it seems as if that future resilience programmes should be of longer duration in order for participants to have more opportunity to internalise and generalise the acquired skills. It is recommended that resilience programmes should form part of the school curriculum in learning areas such as Life orientation. ethod was used for examining the progress of the experimental group during the course of the programme. The results indicated that the programme brought about a significant positive change in self-regulation among the experimental group. Certain self-regulation factors, especially mindfulness, but also autonomy, decision-making, and self-evaluation appeared to have improved to a practically significant degree, whilst perseverance showed a lesser improvement of medium effect. This study therefore concluded that creativity appears to equip a person with specific skills that play a crucial role in the facilitation of self- regulation in all the phases of goal-directed behaviour. The limitations of this study were discussed and recommendations for further research and practical implementation were made. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Sexual abuse of children is a reality that occurs in communities on a daily basis. In a specific informal settlement in Buffalo City, where the researcher has previously worked as social worker, statistics showed that children in their early childhood are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse. The parents' socio-economic circumstances lead to inadequate protection and security for their minor children, making them vulnerable to sexual abuse. Research shows that each community has specific risk and protection factors in respect of sexual abuse. The aim of this study was to explore and describe through a descriptive, qualitative design the risk factors that contribute to sexual abuse of children in a particular informal settlement in Buffalo City. The research question for the study reads as follows: What are the risk factors that contribute to sexual abuse of children in a particular informal settlement in Buffalo City? Sixteen participants were interviewed by means of semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Purposeful, non-probability sampling was used to select parents or caregivers of children who were sexually abused as well as community leaders in the community to participate in the interviewing. Detailed reflections were ob tained from participants of their perceptions of contributing risk factors that left the children vulnerable. These interviews were conducted with the use of an interview schedule that was compiled in accordance with a literature study and thereafter tested. The methods that were use to capture data were interviewing, observations, reflections and fieldnotes. The interviews were transcribed for the purposes of data analysis and were analysed according to the steps of Creswell (2009). The ecological system perspective has served as the theoretical framework for this study, and five themes were identified in this context. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories, and were discussed with relevant narratives. The narratives were obtained from the transcripts. Finally, the findings were checked and verified against existing literature. The results can be summarised as follows: i. According to the findings, risk factors that contribute to the preschool child as an individual being vulnerable to sexual abuse is leaving the child alone at home without adequate supervision or the inability of parents or caregivers to provide adequately for the child’s basic needs. ii. Inadequate parenting was identified as a contributing risk factor on micro level. iii. Apathy among neighbours due to the absence of ubuntu was a contributing risk factor on meso level. iv. Inadequate programmes by social service organisations to preschool children were contributing risk factors on the eco systemic level. v. Finally, poverty and inadequate infrastructure were contributing risk factors within the community as macro system. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The construct of self-regulation has been well researched, however, no comprehensive approach is available for promoting self-regulation as a strength operating in an integrated process, and, furthermore, current research gives limited consideration regarding the role of creativity in the self-regulation process. The objective of this study was to explore the relation between self-regulation and creativity, and to promote self-regulation as a psychological strength by means of a creativity programme in the field of painting in a group of individuals. Self-regulation is described in the literature as a skill that is acquired through an interaction of neurological and environmental factors that enables a person to intentionally accept agency of his or her actions. Creative self-regulation is conceptualised as the ability to generate original, novel and appropriate behaviour while constantly adjusting and adapting behaviour with a view to attain goals and promoting psychological well-being. A qualitative, interpretative design was used in the initial empirical inquiry to explore the subjective experience of 14 established painters in terms of their creativity as a self-regulatory process during the practice of their art. Data was obtained from a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Thematic data analysis supported the findings of the literature regarding the crucial similarities between self-regulation and creativity, and particular themes concerning the self-regulatory aspects of creativity, such as intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-control, and mindfulness were identified. Additionally, creativity appeared to strongly favour assimilation, which was ascribed to perseverance and a strong identification with goals. Based on the findings of the first two phases of the study, a painting programme was developed with a view to promote self- regulation as an adaptive life skill through the facilitation of creativity. Relevant guidelines for effective programme development have been incorporated into this programme. In the subsequent empirical study the painting programme was assessed, by means of a mixed experimental control group consisting of 18 patients in a private psychiatric clinic. Pre- and post-testing were conducted by means of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (General) (BPNS-Gen); the 14 item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), as well as the Shortened Self Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) to determine whether any improvement in self-regulation occurred within the group. Quantitative data provided information on differences within and between the experimental and control groups, while an additional qualitative m South African children are exposed to an enormous amount of risk factors to their development and adjustment. Research reveals that, in all probability, they do not have sufficient protective factors at their disposal to cope with such stressors. The resilience (in other words the exposure to risk factors and the presence of protective factors) of a group of children, Grade R to Grade 2, in the Klerksdorp area, was analysed by means of focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups were conducted with 14 teachers and the questionnaires were completed by 30 parents. The study reveals that the children in this group do not exhibit adequate resilience. The results identified themes such as self-esteem, creativity, assertiveness, emotional expression, emotional regulation, impulsivity, self-motivation, social responsibility and empathy. A programme (based on the Alvord-Baker model of social skills), focusing these themes, was developed in order to facilitate resilience. The Alvord-Baker model of social skills focuses on a pro-active orientation. The Resilience programme consists of eight sessions of one hour duration. During the sessions, music, dance and art activities are presented by way of groups. The themes of the sessions were intrapersonal factors (for example self-esteem and assertiveness), interpersonal factors (for example empathy and social responsibilty), stressmanagement (for example emotional expression and emotional regulation, as well as impulse control), general mood (for example self-motivation) and problem solving (for example creativity and emotional creativity). To determine the effectiveness of the compound programme, quantitative dominated, mixed methods were used. This means that, even though a quantitative research design was used (namely a two group, pre-test, post-test design), a qualitative procedure (namely a focusgroup and interviews), was used in addition. The selected group consisted of 22 children (Grade R=7, Grade 1=7, Grade 2=8), of whom 11 were male and 11 female. The participants were selected systematically from two schools (School1=12, School 2=10). The experimental (n=10) and control (n=12) groups underwent pre- and post-testing (30 days after completion of the intervention). The Resilience programme was only presented to the experimental group. The battery of tests that was compiled to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resilience programme consisted of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1974) and the Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale-BERS (Epstein & Sharma, 19980. In addition, focus groups with the teachers involved were used, as well as interviews with the parents of the children from the experimental group. The experimental group showed improvement in certain aspects of resilience, for example intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, affective trengths, school functioning, family involvement, verbal fluancy, flexibility and originality, as well as figurative fluancy, flexibility and originality. The differences between the experimental and control groups were smaller than expected. It can be stated, however, that the Resilience programme was effective in facilitating resilience in the group of children. A limitation of the study was that the practical significance was small and only statistically significant in a few cases. The parents and teachers could have been involved more actively in the process. Furthermore, it seems as if that future resilience programmes should be of longer duration in order for participants to have more opportunity to internalise and generalise the acquired skills. It is recommended that resilience programmes should form part of the school curriculum in learning areas such as Life orientation. ethod was used for examining the progress of the experimental group during the course of the programme. The results indicated that the programme brought about a significant positive change in self-regulation among the experimental group. Certain self-regulation factors, especially mindfulness, but also autonomy, decision-making, and self-evaluation appeared to have improved to a practically significant degree, whilst perseverance showed a lesser improvement of medium effect. This study therefore concluded that creativity appears to equip a person with specific skills that play a crucial role in the facilitation of self- regulation in all the phases of goal-directed behaviour. The limitations of this study were discussed and recommendations for further research and practical implementation were made. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Sexual abuse of children is a reality that occurs in communities on a daily basis. In a specific informal settlement in Buffalo City, where the researcher has previously worked as social worker, statistics showed that children in their early childhood are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse. The parents' socio-economic circumstances lead to inadequate protection and security for their minor children, making them vulnerable to sexual abuse. Research shows that each community has specific risk and protection factors in respect of sexual abuse. The aim of this study was to explore and describe through a descriptive, qualitative design the risk factors that contribute to sexual abuse of children in a particular informal settlement in Buffalo City. The research question for the study reads as follows: What are the risk factors that contribute to sexual abuse of children in a particular informal settlement in Buffalo City? Sixteen participants were interviewed by means of semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Purposeful, non-probability sampling was used to select parents or caregivers of children who were sexually abused as well as community leaders in the community to participate in the interviewing. Detailed reflections were ob tained from participants of their perceptions of contributing risk factors that left the children vulnerable. These interviews were conducted with the use of an interview schedule that was compiled in accordance with a literature study and thereafter tested. The methods that were use to capture data were interviewing, observations, reflections and fieldnotes. The interviews were transcribed for the purposes of data analysis and were analysed according to the steps of Creswell (2009). The ecological system perspective has served as the theoretical framework for this study, and five themes were identified in this context. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories, and were discussed with relevant narratives. The narratives were obtained from the transcripts. Finally, the findings were checked and verified against existing literature. The results can be summarised as follows: i. According to the findings, risk factors that contribute to the preschool child as an individual being vulnerable to sexual abuse is leaving the child alone at home without adequate supervision or the inability of parents or caregivers to provide adequately for the child’s basic needs. ii. Inadequate parenting was identified as a contributing risk factor on micro level. iii. Apathy among neighbours due to the absence of ubuntu was a contributing risk factor on meso level. iv. Inadequate programmes by social service organisations to preschool children were contributing risk factors on the eco systemic level. v. Finally, poverty and inadequate infrastructure were contributing risk factors within the community as macro system. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Problem statement Due to HIV and AIDS impacting on communities, devastating consequences have been predicted. The number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in need of care is escalating, causing social workers’ caseloads to become unmanageable. These OVC who lost their parents through death are suffering multiple losses due to being orphaned. The material, protection and affection needs have to be addressed in a holistic, eco-systematic, multidisciplinary team approach. In practice social workers tend to focus mainly on the material and protection needs of OVC due to high caseloads and staff turnover, neglecting their affection needs. Social workers need to work with foster parents and children in identifying potential risk factors that could lead to risk behaviour in foster children who have lost their parents through death. The researcher designed an assessment tool that could enable social workers in practice to do an effective risk assessment of OVC in foster care. Intervention could be planned accordingly by setting goals to address risk factors timeously in an attempt to prevent future problem behaviour in OVC placed in foster care. Aim To develop an assessment tool for social workers to identify risk behaviour in foster children who have experienced multiple losses such as the loss of one or both parents. Method A mixed methods design was used, specifically the sequential and explanatory design which involved collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data. These obtained data were then connected and integrated. Results It was proved that a Risk assessment tool helped social workers to identify risk factors in a team effort between social workers, foster parents and children. Meeting the psychosocial needs of OVC placed in foster care more effectively is important in order to prevent the development of negative behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Problem statement Due to HIV and AIDS impacting on communities, devastating consequences have been predicted. The number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in need of care is escalating, causing social workers’ caseloads to become unmanageable. These OVC who lost their parents through death are suffering multiple losses due to being orphaned. The material, protection and affection needs have to be addressed in a holistic, eco-systematic, multidisciplinary team approach. In practice social workers tend to focus mainly on the material and protection needs of OVC due to high caseloads and staff turnover, neglecting their affection needs. Social workers need to work with foster parents and children in identifying potential risk factors that could lead to risk behaviour in foster children who have lost their parents through death. The researcher designed an assessment tool that could enable social workers in practice to do an effective risk assessment of OVC in foster care. Intervention could be planned accordingly by setting goals to address risk factors timeously in an attempt to prevent future problem behaviour in OVC placed in foster care. Aim To develop an assessment tool for social workers to identify risk behaviour in foster children who have experienced multiple losses such as the loss of one or both parents. Method A mixed methods design was used, specifically the sequential and explanatory design which involved collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data. These obtained data were then connected and integrated. Results It was proved that a Risk assessment tool helped social workers to identify risk factors in a team effort between social workers, foster parents and children. Meeting the psychosocial needs of OVC placed in foster care more effectively is important in order to prevent the development of negative behaviour. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015