While research investigating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for adolescent substance use has increased in recent years, few studies have explored predictors of differential response to these rehabilitation programs. Delay of gratification (DG), which refers to the tendency to forego strong immediate satisfaction in the pursuit of larger long-term rewards, is one factor potentially relevant to all rehabilitation programs, as substance use can be characterized as a choice between short-lasting satisfaction from drug consumption and long-term benefits from abstinence. This study aims at investigating the changes of delay of gratification and the relationship between delay of gratification, future orientation and drug avoidance throughout a drug rehabilitation programme. A sample of one hundred and eleven students in Christian Zheng Sheng College was recruited to participate in this longitudinal study with four waves of data collection. The findings of the present study contribute to the literature of risky behavior by demonstrating the relationship between delay of gratification and drug avoidance, as well as the finding that delay of gratification is a changeable trait which can be strengthened through interventions. Further study will be required to examine the mechanism of change in delay of gratification and drug avoidance, as well as the influences of future orientation on delay of gratification and drug avoidance. / published_or_final_version / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

South Africa is currently experiencing rapid social change with socio-economic deprivation, influencing the future orientation of adolescents. Research indicates that a lack of future expectations affects present behaviour−diminishing the possibility of socialisation and productivity in adulthood. The objective of this study is to assess the future perceptions of indigent adolescents. The Gestalt paradigm provided the framework for defining the study. This empirical study uses a mixed methodology design combining both the quantitative and the qualitative approaches. A crosssectional survey provided the groundwork in terms of ascertaining the degree of awareness in respect of the future orientation of indigent, urban adolescents whilst a qualitative, semi-structured, one-on-one interview provided an in-depth contextualisation of the problem. The empirical study demonstrated that, although socio-economic deprivations and pervasive social issues do influence the future orientation of adolescents in South Africa, these influences have not eradicated the indigent adolescents’ motivational striving toward a positive and productive future. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

South Africa is currently experiencing rapid social change with socio-economic deprivation, influencing the future orientation of adolescents. Research indicates that a lack of future expectations affects present behaviour−diminishing the possibility of socialisation and productivity in adulthood. The objective of this study is to assess the future perceptions of indigent adolescents. The Gestalt paradigm provided the framework for defining the study. This empirical study uses a mixed methodology design combining both the quantitative and the qualitative approaches. A crosssectional survey provided the groundwork in terms of ascertaining the degree of awareness in respect of the future orientation of indigent, urban adolescents whilst a qualitative, semi-structured, one-on-one interview provided an in-depth contextualisation of the problem. The empirical study demonstrated that, although socio-economic deprivations and pervasive social issues do influence the future orientation of adolescents in South Africa, these influences have not eradicated the indigent adolescents’ motivational striving toward a positive and productive future. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)