Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Zululand, 2007. / Alcohol abuse is recognized as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa, affecting both adults and adolescents alike. While there is a substantial amount of research about various aspects of adult alcohol use, only recently has attention been given to comprehensive and thorough evaluation in the adolescent population. However, there is a dearth of information as far as treatment is concerned. This research attempts to fill this hiatus in the research literature. The diverse etiological perspectives for understanding adolescent alcohol abuse most often offer partial, often one-dimensional views of this dynamic and pervasive problem. However, there is no single source of influence, or single developmental model that can explain acquisition of and recover}' from addictions. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of intentional behaviour change attempts to bring together the divergent perspectives by focusing on how individuals change behaviour and by identifying key change dimensions involved in this process. The Stages-of-Change treatment programme, based on the Transtheoretical Model, was the focus of this investigation. The programme was evaluated by a group of learners, educators and psychologists using a phenomenological approach. Process evaluation and appreciative inquiry methods were used to obtain qualitative data into their experiences of the programme. Themes that emerged from the analysis included the following: Knowledge/empowerment, transference of skills, positive group dynamics, cognitive and behavioural shifts, improved communication, flexibility, comprehensiveness and motivation. Participants also made several suggestions for improving the programme. Finally, the implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations are offered. It is hoped that the present study will not only contribute to a greater understanding of the treatment of adolescent substance abuse, but will also stimulate further research in this field.

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-97).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 111-128).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1996. / This is an electronic reproduction of TREN, #029-0368. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-97).

This research study examined the effects of high levels of sugar intake on mental health in marijuana smokers. Because the literature demonstrates a similarity between refined sugar and other commonly addictive drugs, those who ingest a higher percentage of dietary sugar will score more poorly on the DASS21, meaning that with higher levels of sugar ingestion, a greater deficit in mental health functioning will be measurable. Of 16 participants, nine were female and seven were male, and the participants ranged from a normal weight to obese. The results did support the hypothesis of sugar dependence. This has implications for future studies on the impact of sugar on mental health. The results to this study may provide insight into potential for greater understanding of eating disorders associated with sugar dependence, thereby potentially leading to the development of more effective treatment options.

Thesis (MA(Psychology))-University of Pretoria, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Evaluating the psychofortology of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder has been identified as a research priority in South Africa. This is in line with calls from researchers in diverse fields of psychology for more attention to the resilience, strengths, resources and capacities of people. This study therefore aimed to explore and describe the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The sample consisted of 99 voluntary participants from various managed recovery centres within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Participants were given a package of questionnaires to complete under the supervision of the researcher. The assessment consisted of a biographical questionnaire and four standardized paper and pencil measures namely; the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI), the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), the Affectometer 2 (AFM-2) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A quantitative, non-experimental exploratory-descriptive research method was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Key findings include the following: Results on the CRI revealed low average mean scores on both the Coping Resources Inventory and within all the five subscales. Results of the SOC-29 revealed a high average mean score for sense of coherence. Results of the AFM-2 revealed that more positive affect than negative affect is present, resulting in happiness. Results of the SWLS revealed an average level of satisfaction with life, with most participants’ reporting neutral levels of satisfaction with life. There were significant positive correlations between the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of the sample. This implies that these constructs can be categorized under the subdiscipline of psychofortology. Overall, these findings emphasized the need for more research into adults recovering from a substance-use disorder.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 150-174). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--University of Tulsa, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 57-62.