Rapid escalation of Subclinical Eating Disorders (SED) in the form of high levels of body–dissatisfaction (BD) and drive for thinness (DT) globally and locally, and the at–risk status of university females are underscored by recent studies. As yet there exists no South African program tailored to the needs of afflicted female students and which includes a risk–protective focus grounded in Positive Psychology theory. In this chapter a theoretical overview on the nature and definition of SED, its prevalence and the rationale for a risk–protective focus grounded in Positive Psychology theory are provided. Thereafter three preliminary South African studies, namely two correlation studies (De Pãz Fransisco, 2007; Kirsten, Du Plessis & Swanepoel, 2010) and the Weight Over–concern and Well–being program of Kirsten, Du Plessis and Du Toit (2007) are discussed. Findings of these preliminary studies highlight the promise of utilizing Positive Psychology theoretical approaches to practically significantly reduce risk factors and promote protective factors. As such, Well–being therapy (Fava & Ruini, 2003) that promotes the six dimensions of psychological well–being (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), and Self–Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) that can promote true self–esteem in the form of self–determination and mindfulness (Kabat–Zinn, 1998), with its inherent self–compassion, kindness and self–forgiving manner, show promise. More in–depth studies with larger samples are however needed. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Rapid escalation of Subclinical Eating Disorders (SED) in the form of high levels of body–dissatisfaction (BD) and drive for thinness (DT) globally and locally, and the at–risk status of university females are underscored by recent studies. As yet there exists no South African program tailored to the needs of afflicted female students and which includes a risk–protective focus grounded in Positive Psychology theory. In this chapter a theoretical overview on the nature and definition of SED, its prevalence and the rationale for a risk–protective focus grounded in Positive Psychology theory are provided. Thereafter three preliminary South African studies, namely two correlation studies (De Pãz Fransisco, 2007; Kirsten, Du Plessis & Swanepoel, 2010) and the Weight Over–concern and Well–being program of Kirsten, Du Plessis and Du Toit (2007) are discussed. Findings of these preliminary studies highlight the promise of utilizing Positive Psychology theoretical approaches to practically significantly reduce risk factors and promote protective factors. As such, Well–being therapy (Fava & Ruini, 2003) that promotes the six dimensions of psychological well–being (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), and Self–Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) that can promote true self–esteem in the form of self–determination and mindfulness (Kabat–Zinn, 1998), with its inherent self–compassion, kindness and self–forgiving manner, show promise. More in–depth studies with larger samples are however needed. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Literature reveals that reproductive coercion is a major contributor to unwanted pregnancy and a factor that influences the choice to terminate pregnancy in many adolescents. Adolescents represent a population vulnerable to a number of physical and psychological problems. Purpose The overall aim of this thesis was to develop a model of self-forgiveness for women who terminated pregnancy in adolescence. Objectives The study objectives are aligned according to the phases of the study as follows: Phase 1: Desk review Explore what is already known about the topic and identify gaps. Phase 2: Lived experiences of participants about TOP Explore the lived experiences of participants who terminated pregnancy in adolescence. Phase 3: Development of a model Develop a model of self-forgiveness for women who terminated pregnancy in adolescence. The social-ecological model (Bronfenbrenner 1992), through which individuals are understood to influence and be influenced by people, organisations, institutions, societal norms, rules and beliefs with whom they interact, was followed. The model offered a holistic framework for exploring interrelationships related to TOP Methodology A qualitative approach based on Heidegger (1962) interpretive phenomenological approach was used. The study was conducted at a Health Care Centre in Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The population consisted of women, 20-35 years old, who terminated pregnancy in adolescence. A purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit 30 participants who had terminated pregnancy in adolescence. An interview guide was used to solicit information from participants. Audiotaped interviews were held at the time, date and place agreed by participants. Colaizzi’s (1978) approach of data analysis was used. Results Five major themes emerged, with 17 sub-themes as transgressing one of nature’s strongest instincts: the mother’s protection of her young; unplanned pregnancy; intra-and interpersonal relationships; experience of caring by health care professionals and a need for counselling. A model of self-forgiveness for women who did TOP in adolescence, based on the components of self-condemnation and self-blame, cultural and spiritual, as well as reproductive coercion, was developed. Conclusion Participants carried the burden of shame and guilt of having terminated pregnancy in adolescence. The influence of culture and religion were the major contributing factors to women failing to forgive themselves after termination of pregnancy. A model of self-forgiveness is needed to allow those who terminated pregnancy in adolescence to move on with their life. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)