Text in English / The purpose of this study was to gain a richer understanding of midlife experiences. Midlife is stereotypically viewed as a crisis and is one of the least studied, most illdefined stages in life, yet it’s one of the most significant stages. The epistemological framework for this study is post modernism, which allows for this study to document the transitions from crisis at midlife, as seen through the lens of Positive Psychology. This study was exploratory in nature and applied a qualitative ethnographic methodology. Six participants were interviewed from an ethnographic perspective, in an endeavour to allow each participant accordant ontological breadth and flexibility within their respective social and ideological contexts. The researcher’s own social context also adding nuance to the interpretation of data. This interpretation allows for the inclusion of hope, wisdom, creativity, future mindedness, courage, spirituality, responsibility and perseverance. Thematic analysis of these participants’ narratives supports the psychological research which suggests that challenges are associated with midlife. Thematic analysis revealed challenges associated with midlife such as feelings of disillusionment, regret and dissatisfaction; feelings of loneliness, rejection and isolation as well as confusion about the way forward; seeking a meaningful existence and connection as well as achievement. Some participants, however, are in denial of the existence or their experience of midlife and associated challenges, whereas others describe midlife as a transition phase — a crossroads, a wake-up call and time for reassessment Although midlife can be a difficult transitional period, Positive Psychology can help individuals identify and build the necessary resources and coping strategies to prevent a transition turning into a crisis. It was shown that most participants in this research displayed a mindset and attitude open to a Positive Psychology paradigm to accumulate the necessary resources and coping strategies to prevent a midlife transition from becoming a midlife crisis. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Text in Afrikaans / Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaal hoe volwasse enkel-tweelinge hul lewens ervaar na die verlies van hul mede-tweeling. ‘n Kwalitatiewe empiriese ondersoek is gedoen met die doel om die behoeftes van enkel- tweelinge tydens die hantering van tweelingverlies en die rouproses te bepaal. Literatuur toon aan dat die oneffektiewe hanteringsvaardighede wat gebruik word tydens tweelingverlies kan lei tot emosionele, kognitiewe, identiteits-, verhoudings- en gedragskwessies. Die literatuur dui verder aan dat daar agt temas is wat bepaal of hierdie kwessies tydens die lewe van die enkel-tweeling gaan voorkom. Die agt temas is naamlik die effek van ouerlike gesindheid, negatiewe aspekte om ‘n tweeling te wees, skuldgevoelens, polarisasie, die tweelingband, versagtende omstandighede en die effek van die verlies op die verhouding met ander. ‘n Meervoudige gevallestudie met ‘n narratiewe analitiese proses is in die studie gevolg. Agt deelnemers het ‘n self-opgestelde vraelys voltooi. Daarna is semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude gevoer om die temas wat verband hou met die vraelys verder te ondersoek. ‘n Opvolg in-diepte onderhoud is ‘n maand later met elke deelnemer gevoer waartydens hulle hul ervaring as enkel-tweeling bespreek het. Die eerste verwagte uitkoms was om die behoeftes van die enkel-tweeling wat tweelingverlies hanteer, te verstaan. Die tweede verwagte uitkoms was om by te dra tot kennis oor tweelingverlies en rou by die enkel-tweeling. Die bevindinge toon aan dat vier onverwagse temas vanuit die studie na vore gekom het, naamlik geheimhouding rakende die bestaan van ‘n mede- tweeling, voel soos ‘n aangenome kind, die kwessie van geloof as prominente faktor in die genesingsproses en die tweeling identiteit wat behou wil word. Riglyne is aan opvoedkundige sielkundiges gegee om hul toe te rus om die enkel-tweeling se verlies en rou te verstaan. ‘n Bydrae ten opsigte van kennis oor tweelingverlies en rou by enkel-tweelinge is gemaak. / The purpose of this study was to determine how adult twinless twins experience life following the loss of their co-twin. A qualitative empirical investigation was conducted in order to establish the needs of twinless twins in dealing with twin loss and the bereavement process. Literature indicates that ineffective coping mechanisms used in the loss of a twin, could result in emotional, cognitive, identity, relationship and behavioural issues. The literature further indicates that there are eight themes which determine whether these problems will culminate during the life of the twinless twin. These eight themes are: the effect of parental attitude, negative aspects of being part of a twin, feelings of guilt, polarisation, the twin connection, mitigating circumstances and the effect of loss on the relationship with others. The study followed a multiple case study research design with a narrative analytical approach. Eight participants completed a self-structured questionnaire. Thereafter semi-structured interviews were conducted to further explore themes related to the questionnaire. A follow-up in-depth interview was conducted with each participant one month later during which they described their experiences of being a twinless twin. The first anticipated outcome was an understanding of the needs of a twinless twin in dealing with loss of his or her twin. The second expected outcome was to add to the body of knowledge about twin loss and bereavement in twinless twins. The findings show that four unexpected themes emerged from the study, namely: secrecy regarding the existence of a co-twin; feeling like an adopted child; the issue of faith as a prominent factor in the healing process, and maintaining a twin identity. Guidelines are given to equip educational psychologists to understand twin loss and bereavement in twinless twins. The study contributed towards knowledge of twin loss and bereavement in twinless twins. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The research was conducted from the perspective of a positive psychological paradigm and investigated the interrelationship dynamics between the psychological constructs of resistance to change, work engagement and psychological capital which have been under-researched in the rapidly changing open distance learning work environment of academics. A quantitative survey was conducted on a probability sample of 423 (N=423) academics at a South African open distance learning higher education institution. Confirmatory- and exploratory factor analysis, in the absence of goodness of fit, revealed a four-construct measurement model for resistance to change, a two-factor measurement model for work engagement and a four-construct measurement model for psychological capital. A correlational analysis revealed significant relationships between resistance to change, work engagement and psychological capital and structural equation modelling indicated an adequate fit of the conceptual structural model. Tests for statistically significant mean differences revealed no differences between male and female academics, or between the educational levels of groups of academics, with regard to levels of resistance to change, work engagement and psychological capital. At a theoretical level, the research provided insight into the different concepts and theoretical models that lead to the development of positive psychological functioning, such as understanding of the notion of resistance to change in the work environment. At an empirical level, the new knowledge and insights derived from the results may add to a broader perspective on interrelationships between the psychological behavioural constructs of resistance to change, work engagement and psychological capital. This research has also added to the body of knowledge on how academics’ positive psychological behaviour can contribute to a positive organisation as well as to individual well-being in a changing open distance learning work environment. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

To gain a better understanding of those struggling with severe eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), the inner life-world and subjective experiences of therapy clients were explored within the South African context. This was an empirical qualitative study. Specifically, the study’s focus was on the psychological construct of perfectionism as experienced during the respondents’ treatment resistant eating disorders. The two objectives of the research were to describe and explain perfectionism, which served to increase an overall improved understanding of perfectionism. The study’s methodology encompassed a combination of phenomenological- and grounded theory methodology, exploring the narratives of six female candidates that were undergoing individual therapy for their eating disorders. These candidates were considered to have a treatment resistant eating disorder, because they had been struggling with this diagnosis for longer than a decade, and/or had previously received multiple treatment interventions without recovering. The therapy sessions were recorded via digital audio recordings, and used in the data analysis process. The discourses pertaining to the study’s focus were transcribed and analysed using phenomenological- and grounded theory methods. The phenomenological analysis produced individual descriptions of the participants’ experiences of their perfectionism, as well as a general description for perfectionism. The grounded theory analysis produced an emerging theory in the form of a cognitive schema. This schema was named The Perfectionistic Eating Disorder Self-schema (PEDSS), and explains the inner psychological process of perfectionism within a treatment resistant eating disorder client. The results of this study, in particular the PEDSS, has implications for those trying to understand, assist, and treat those who suffer from treatment resistant eating disorders, as well as helping those who struggle with perfectionism to understand their own problem more. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Psychology)

Violent cnme is among the most prominent distinguishing characteristics of South African society, it has a severely traumatising effect on the populations concerned. Based on research :findings and existing literature, this study explores traumatic effects of violent crime on the most intimate associate of the victim (the partner). Accordingly, this study deals with the much-neglected topic of secondary trauma, by focusing on the following aspects of or conditions associated with violent crime and the secondary victim: cognitive, emotional and relational effects the experience of trauma, loss, vulnerability, depression and acute stress. It reveals that, depending on the severity of the incident, its consequences for the partner of the victim may range from post-traumatic stress to acute stress or secondary traumatic stress. From the similar results returned for primary and secondary victims, it is apparent that in the future, both victim and supporter should have their needs addressed with equal emphasis. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Specialisation in Guidance and Councelling)

In Suid-Afrika word kinders dikwels opgeneem in die Intensiewesorgeenheid na 'n traumatiese gebeurtenis. Die Kerk het die opdrag om vir hierdie kinders te sorg en wel in die vorm van pastoraat. In die praktyk ontvang kinders egter nie altyd die sorg waarop hulle geregtig is nie. Een van die faktore waarom dit nie altyd gebeur nie, is omdat daar gebruik gemaak word van 'n intervensie metode wat steun op verbale kommuniekasievaardighede. Die ses stappe van intervensienavorsing is gebruik om 'n pastorale praktykmodel in die vorm van 'n kursus te ontwikkel. Die aanvanklike praktykmodel is in gevallestudies getoets en later verfyn. Die klem van hierdie praktykmodel is die gebruik van spel as modus van intervensie vanuit 'n Gestalt benadering. Die kursus sal pastors en geestelike werkers in staat stel om effektief vir kinders te sorg. Die hoofkonsepte van die navorsing vorm die vertrekpunte van die kursus saam met praktiese oefeninge in spelterapietegnieke. / Many children in South-Africa are admitted in the Intensive Care Unit after a traumatic event. The Church is called to care for these children in the form of pastoral care. In practise children are often neglected and do not receive the care that they are entiteld to. One of the main reasons is because pastors and religious workers use an intervention method that depends mainly on the verbal skills of the child. The six steps of intervention research was used to develop a pastoral model in the form of course. The innitial intervention model was tested in case studies and refined. The focus of this model is to use play as a mode of intervention from a Gestalt approach. The course will enable pastors and religious workers to care for children more effectively. The main concepts of the research forms the basis of this model with practical excercises. / Social Work / D. Diac. (Spelterapie)

This study firstly investigates the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the resulting deaths from an international, African and South African perspective. These statistics provide a backdrop to the phenomenon of grandparent-headed households. The needs of orphans and the characteristics of grandparent-headed households are explained. The researcher describes the services offered to these households by a number of supporting agencies internationally and in South Africa. Erik Erikson’s model of psychosocial development is used as a structure to explain childhood grieving during the various psychosocial development stages, including adolescence. The views and experiences of a number of South African grandparent-headed households are described as well as the views of stakeholders offering support to these families. Lastly the researcher offers guidelines to professionals and lay people who endeavour to empower grandparents who fulfil the role of parents in the context of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Stress in non-traditional students may be associated with psychological stress which could adversely affect academic and job performance. Sense of Coherence a resource enabling people to manage tension in a health promoting could positively affect performance. The objective of this study was to investigate how SOC, time-to-degree and academic achievement influence each other in non-traditional students. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this descriptive study. The convenience sample consisted of three hundred and sixty six non-traditional students at a distance learning institution in South Africa. Secondary data for this research came from students who had completed the short form OLQ-13 as part of the official study material for a research module at a particular distance education institution. No theoretical relationship could be found between SOC, time-to-degree and academic achievement. The empirical relationship proved that SOC could not be used as a predictor of time-to-degree and academic achievement of the particular sample under investigation. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Generational sub-groups have been stereotyped as requiring different approaches in the workplace with regard to what keeps them motivated. This research study was conducted from a humanistic-existential paradigm, seeking to find ways to avoid the demotivation of employees that can result from one-size fits all reward and recognition policies. The research attempts to establish the existence and nature of generational differences. Two quantitative measuring instruments, namely the Rewards Preferences Questionnaire (RPQ) and the Motivation Measure, were distributed electronically to all staff of a South African facilities management firm. The findings indicated that there are generational sub-group preferences for certain types of reward, and different perceptions about what types of reward attract, motivate and retain employees. They can be motivated differently by some reward structures. However, for others there was no obvious preference among the generational sub-groups. The main recommendation of the study is that companies adopt a flexible approach to reward and recognition, allowing employees to tailor reward structures according to their needs. Remuneration is the most preferred method of rewarding employees across all generations. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Strong opposing views exist with the popularly held notion that a midlife crisis is a normative phenomenon whilst a number of international researchers assert that the evidence shows the opposite to be true. It is nevertheless acknowledged that the psychology of midlife was one of the least researched areas internationally until the 1990s when certain aspects of midlife were investigated in the United States. Findings from these studies did not include the impact of a multiplicity of factors in combination at midlife. A new approach to the study of the life course using a combination model taking account of the influence of societal structures as well as the interplay between parts has been suggested. Such an approach to midlife transition and crisis research is not known to have taken place in South Africa or internationally. A conceptual model of midlife transition and crisis was constructed from known research and relevant literature and tested using a sample of 220 individuals aged between 30 and 65. The validity of the model was established and a methodologically sound measuring instrument was validated as a more accurate measurement of midlife crisis than a self-described experience. Two factors provisionally named stagnation and death and aging anxiety were found to exist. A true midlife crisis was experienced by a minority of individuals (IS percent) but an additional 31 percent had a troublesome but manageable experience. A neurotic disposition. the absence of good parental relationships, and the use of inappropriate coping skills such as wishful thinking were in combination related to high scores on the midlife crisis scales. A qualitative study revealed that over 90 percent of respondents were able to define a midlife crisis accurately although they tended to overstate the occurrence thereof. This replicates the research findings in the United States. Stagnation was experienced more acutely by individuals aged between 40 and 50 years whilst death and aging anxiety was the primary experience for those over 50 years. The validated conceptual model and measuring instruments can be used by therapists and coaches to facilitate the counselling or coaching process with clients experiencing midlife crisis. / Psychology / D. Comm. (Consulting Psychology)