The termination of pregnancies is increasing worldwide and is associated with profound physical and emotional changes, but at the same time support in the form of pre- and post-counselling, especially in the South African context, does not always take place. Many women are thus reliant on themselves to deal with the trauma without receiving professional help in order to cope. Coping refers to efforts to manage claims made on the individual and which are viewed as a demand that exceeds the resources of the person. Coping is increasingly seen as a form of self-regulation, indicating the ability to conduct, direct and monitor a flexible plan of behaviour, depending on changing circumstances. A self-regulating perspective on coping can be very valuable to understand how appropriate adjustments are made in response to the discrepancy between stated goals and actual behaviour. In spite of this, there is lack of available research data in relation to the termination of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore coping strategies relating to the termination of pregnancy from a self-regulating perspective. An exploratory qualitative case study research design was used, comprising in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of two young women and who had chosen to terminate their pregnancies. Both participants terminated their unplanned pregnancies by means of vacuum aspiration within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, without any post-abortion counselling. Both indicated that they were not yet ready to have children and that they would have been unable financially to care for the children. The interviews began with an open-ended question to get a general idea of the participants’ views on the termination of pregnancy, to establish how they coped with it, and to obtain insight into their subjective experience. Then, by using more structured questions, the focus shifted to their coping, specifically as a form of self-regulation. Thematic content analysis of the data was done independently by the researcher and a second experienced qualitative researcher. Results show that coping with the termination of a pregnancy is an extremely difficult process that is emotionally difficult to handle, and that both participants coped through social, emotional, cognitive and problem focused strategies, as well as by managing goals. In addition to this, one participant also made use of religion as a source to be able to cope. Particularly significant was the realisation that a self- regulating perspective contributed to the observation that there were clear differences in how these strategies were applied in the unique context of each case. It is shown that the way in which social support and interpersonal conflict is regulated, plays an important role in the coping process, especially because, in this study, it could be distinguished in terms of how the participants made cognitive and problem focused adjustments. Furthermore, it is indicated that both sometimes suppressed their emotions and at other times expressed them appropriately within the context of the stressor. The value of faith as an internal source, as well as the ability to create a synthesis between assimilation and accommodation, became apparent in one participant, and supports research in this regard. The conclusion is eached that a self-regulating perspective adds value to the understanding of coping with the termination of pregnancy, especially because it emphasises how coping is essentially a self-regulatory process, and not just a one- dimensional implementation strategy. Finally, some gaps were identified and recommendations made for further research. / Thesis (MSc (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The termination of pregnancies is increasing worldwide and is associated with profound physical and emotional changes, but at the same time support in the form of pre- and post-counselling, especially in the South African context, does not always take place. Many women are thus reliant on themselves to deal with the trauma without receiving professional help in order to cope. Coping refers to efforts to manage claims made on the individual and which are viewed as a demand that exceeds the resources of the person. Coping is increasingly seen as a form of self-regulation, indicating the ability to conduct, direct and monitor a flexible plan of behaviour, depending on changing circumstances. A self-regulating perspective on coping can be very valuable to understand how appropriate adjustments are made in response to the discrepancy between stated goals and actual behaviour. In spite of this, there is lack of available research data in relation to the termination of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore coping strategies relating to the termination of pregnancy from a self-regulating perspective. An exploratory qualitative case study research design was used, comprising in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of two young women and who had chosen to terminate their pregnancies. Both participants terminated their unplanned pregnancies by means of vacuum aspiration within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, without any post-abortion counselling. Both indicated that they were not yet ready to have children and that they would have been unable financially to care for the children. The interviews began with an open-ended question to get a general idea of the participants’ views on the termination of pregnancy, to establish how they coped with it, and to obtain insight into their subjective experience. Then, by using more structured questions, the focus shifted to their coping, specifically as a form of self-regulation. Thematic content analysis of the data was done independently by the researcher and a second experienced qualitative researcher. Results show that coping with the termination of a pregnancy is an extremely difficult process that is emotionally difficult to handle, and that both participants coped through social, emotional, cognitive and problem focused strategies, as well as by managing goals. In addition to this, one participant also made use of religion as a source to be able to cope. Particularly significant was the realisation that a self- regulating perspective contributed to the observation that there were clear differences in how these strategies were applied in the unique context of each case. It is shown that the way in which social support and interpersonal conflict is regulated, plays an important role in the coping process, especially because, in this study, it could be distinguished in terms of how the participants made cognitive and problem focused adjustments. Furthermore, it is indicated that both sometimes suppressed their emotions and at other times expressed them appropriately within the context of the stressor. The value of faith as an internal source, as well as the ability to create a synthesis between assimilation and accommodation, became apparent in one participant, and supports research in this regard. The conclusion is eached that a self-regulating perspective adds value to the understanding of coping with the termination of pregnancy, especially because it emphasises how coping is essentially a self-regulatory process, and not just a one- dimensional implementation strategy. Finally, some gaps were identified and recommendations made for further research. / Thesis (MSc (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Young men who grew up with emotionally absent fathers seem to find it difficult to attain equilibrium through dedication to both personal and relational concerns, probably because they tend to have low self-esteem, struggle to establish intimate relationships and may be at greater risk of engaging in antisocial or violent behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the self-regulation strategies that white young adult male students employ to deal with the emotions and cognitions related to the experience of having emotionally absent fathers. Interactive Qualitative Analysis was applied to facilitate a discussion group process through which a hypothetical model for a purposive sample of nine participants’ self-regulation strategies was systematically constructed. Ten themes were identified, and judging from the model participants’ attempts at self-regulation seem to be unproductive in the long run, hence the presence of three feedback loops from which they are unable to produce constructive behavioural outcomes. Disappointment over emotionally absent fathers has introduced a number of inhibiting factors that hinder the participants’ growth towards self-actualisation. Results support the literature on the complex nature of self-regulation within conflicting relationships. Although the study was explorative and findings cannot be generalised, it does provide valuable cues for counsellors, psychologists and further research. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Young men who grew up with emotionally absent fathers seem to find it difficult to attain equilibrium through dedication to both personal and relational concerns, probably because they tend to have low self-esteem, struggle to establish intimate relationships and may be at greater risk of engaging in antisocial or violent behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the self-regulation strategies that white young adult male students employ to deal with the emotions and cognitions related to the experience of having emotionally absent fathers. Interactive Qualitative Analysis was applied to facilitate a discussion group process through which a hypothetical model for a purposive sample of nine participants’ self-regulation strategies was systematically constructed. Ten themes were identified, and judging from the model participants’ attempts at self-regulation seem to be unproductive in the long run, hence the presence of three feedback loops from which they are unable to produce constructive behavioural outcomes. Disappointment over emotionally absent fathers has introduced a number of inhibiting factors that hinder the participants’ growth towards self-actualisation. Results support the literature on the complex nature of self-regulation within conflicting relationships. Although the study was explorative and findings cannot be generalised, it does provide valuable cues for counsellors, psychologists and further research. / MA (Psychology), 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 method 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.

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 method 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.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that requires constant patient compliance to diet, life style, glucose level monitoring and medication. Non-compliance to medication can be associated with the development of complications, avoidable hospitalization, disease progression, premature disability and death. Noncompliance is also very costly and therefore compliance to medication regimens is very important. A promising, yet under-explored approach to compliance is self-regulation. Selfregulation refers to the process of goal setting and striving. Self-regulation has specifically been associated with success in reaching one’s goals. The key selfregulation processes include goal establishment, planning, striving towards a goal and revising it. Although a large number of studies have been conducted on compliance related to diabetes, there is a lack of research findings from a selfregulation perspective. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-regulation and patient compliance to type I and type II medication. Specific aims are (a) to determine whether there is a significant difference in the mean self-regulation scores for participants high and low in compliance and (b) to determine whether there are significant differences in the mean self-regulation scores between compliant and non-compliant participants within different gender and age groups. The participants consisted of an availability sample of 50 (31 female and 19 male) type I and type II diabetes patients collecting their medication at the Clicks Pharmacy in Potchefstroom and Trans 50 retirement villages in Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The ages of the participants ranged between 20 and 87 years. Compliance was measured by investigating the participants’ repeat scripts as well as the Clicks Medication Therapy Management Questionnaire (MTM-Q), developed in 2009 by pharmacists at Clicks to measure patients’ self-report of compliance. Selfregulation was measured with the Shortened Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) (Carey, Neal, & Collins, 2004). The study used the factor structure proposed by Potgieter and Botha (2009), based on a factor analysis of the SSRQ in the South- African context. Data capturing and analysis was done in consultation with the Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University. A total number of 28 (56%) participants in this study were classified as compliant, which is lower than compliance figures reported in most international studies. Differences between compliant and non-compliant participants were primarily noted with regard to Mindful Awareness, Monitoring and Decision making. No differences were noted between any of the groups regarding Learning from mistakes, Perseverance, or Self-evaluation. Compliant participants in the total, female and older groups scored higher on Mindful Awareness than non-compliant participants. For older participants, this difference was practically significant. Compliant participants in the female and older group also obtained higher scores on Monitoring, with the difference in the female group practically significant. Surprisingly, noncompliant female participants scored higher on Decision Making than compliant female participants. Compliant and non-compliant male and younger participants, however, did not differ on any of the self-regulation factors. The study emphasizes the fact that diabetes is perceived as a significant challenge to the current goals of the patient. Subsequently, this study confirms, to a large extent, the importance of self-regulation in compliance to type I and type II diabetes medication, providing support for international studies that emphasise the importance of behavioural factors in diabetes. Mindfulness and Monitoring emerged as important factors in this study, and was explained in relation to compliance as a challenge to one’s perceptual awareness and ability to continuously generate feedback regarding one’s health status. The reason for gender and age related differences in the relationship between compliance and self-regulation, however, is not totally clear and needs to be explored in further research. An important limitation of the study is the small sample size that was used. Future research should explore the trends emerging from this study in larger, random samples. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that requires constant patient compliance to diet, life style, glucose level monitoring and medication. Non-compliance to medication can be associated with the development of complications, avoidable hospitalization, disease progression, premature disability and death. Noncompliance is also very costly and therefore compliance to medication regimens is very important. A promising, yet under-explored approach to compliance is self-regulation. Selfregulation refers to the process of goal setting and striving. Self-regulation has specifically been associated with success in reaching one’s goals. The key selfregulation processes include goal establishment, planning, striving towards a goal and revising it. Although a large number of studies have been conducted on compliance related to diabetes, there is a lack of research findings from a selfregulation perspective. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-regulation and patient compliance to type I and type II medication. Specific aims are (a) to determine whether there is a significant difference in the mean self-regulation scores for participants high and low in compliance and (b) to determine whether there are significant differences in the mean self-regulation scores between compliant and non-compliant participants within different gender and age groups. The participants consisted of an availability sample of 50 (31 female and 19 male) type I and type II diabetes patients collecting their medication at the Clicks Pharmacy in Potchefstroom and Trans 50 retirement villages in Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The ages of the participants ranged between 20 and 87 years. Compliance was measured by investigating the participants’ repeat scripts as well as the Clicks Medication Therapy Management Questionnaire (MTM-Q), developed in 2009 by pharmacists at Clicks to measure patients’ self-report of compliance. Selfregulation was measured with the Shortened Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) (Carey, Neal, & Collins, 2004). The study used the factor structure proposed by Potgieter and Botha (2009), based on a factor analysis of the SSRQ in the South- African context. Data capturing and analysis was done in consultation with the Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University. A total number of 28 (56%) participants in this study were classified as compliant, which is lower than compliance figures reported in most international studies. Differences between compliant and non-compliant participants were primarily noted with regard to Mindful Awareness, Monitoring and Decision making. No differences were noted between any of the groups regarding Learning from mistakes, Perseverance, or Self-evaluation. Compliant participants in the total, female and older groups scored higher on Mindful Awareness than non-compliant participants. For older participants, this difference was practically significant. Compliant participants in the female and older group also obtained higher scores on Monitoring, with the difference in the female group practically significant. Surprisingly, noncompliant female participants scored higher on Decision Making than compliant female participants. Compliant and non-compliant male and younger participants, however, did not differ on any of the self-regulation factors. The study emphasizes the fact that diabetes is perceived as a significant challenge to the current goals of the patient. Subsequently, this study confirms, to a large extent, the importance of self-regulation in compliance to type I and type II diabetes medication, providing support for international studies that emphasise the importance of behavioural factors in diabetes. Mindfulness and Monitoring emerged as important factors in this study, and was explained in relation to compliance as a challenge to one’s perceptual awareness and ability to continuously generate feedback regarding one’s health status. The reason for gender and age related differences in the relationship between compliance and self-regulation, however, is not totally clear and needs to be explored in further research. An important limitation of the study is the small sample size that was used. Future research should explore the trends emerging from this study in larger, random samples. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / In die skripsie word gekyk na die remedies van 'n versekeraar by wanvoorstelling (nie-openbaring) en waarborgbreuk deur 'n versekerde en veral die beperking van die versekeraar se kansellasiereg. Die klem sal egter val op die remedies by waarborgbreuk omdat versekeraars veel meer daarop steun. Die volgende voorstelle word gemaak. 'n Kansellasiereg behoort in die geval van wanvoorstelling (nie-openbaring) nie verleen te word as die versekeraar nogtans, met kennis van die ware feite, sou kontrakteer nie. By verbreking van bevestigende waarborge behoort 'n kansellasiereg toegestaan te word as die waarborgbreuk die betrokke versekeraar se berekening van die risiko redelikerwys geraak het maar nie as die versekeraar nogtans sou kontrakteer nie. By voortdurende waarborge behoort kansellasie beskikbaar te wees as die waarborgbreuk die skade redelikerwys veroorsaak het. 'n Skadevergoedingseis behoort beskikbaar te wees waar 'n versekeraar nie kan of wil kanselleer nie. / The remedies of an insurer, in the event of misrepresentation (non-disclosure) and breach of warranty by an insured are discussed, particularly limiting the insurer's right to cancel. The emphasis is on the remedies applicable to breach of warranty because insurers use these more frequently. The following solutions are suggested. An insurer should not be allowed to cancel in the event of misrepresentation (nondisclosure) if it would still have concluded the contract, knowing the truth. In the event of affirmative warranties a right to cancel should be available if breach of warranty reasonably affected the particular insurer's assessment of the risk, but not if the contract would still have been concluded. In the event of promissory warranties, cancellation should only be available if breach of warranty reasonably caused the loss. A claim for damages should be available if an insurer can not or does not wish to cancel. / Private Law / LL.M.