This thesis traces the inception and evolution of a combined collaborative action research project and living theory action research project. Six academic staff members attempted to improve our practice of generating locally relevant research in a university psychology clinic. This process impacted not only on the lives of the participants, but facilitated the enactment of the three tasks of universities and so influenced the lives of the student and residential communities to whom we had a responsibility. This thesis explores two research questions that formed the first part of the study, namely: “How can we improve the functioning of Itsoseng Psychology Clinic?” and “How can we increase our research output?” The second part of the study was a self-study action research project in which I examined my attempts to improve my academic practice by inquiring into my practice of facilitating the collaborative action research project as a peer support initiative. In the form of my living theory, this thesis therefore also explored my answers to the questions: “How can I facilitate a peer support research initiative?” and “How can I improve my academic practice through facilitating such an initiative?” I take a macro-level view of the relationship between a university and surrounding communities and discuss within the South African context three discernable mandates or tasks that universities fulfil: teaching, research and community engagement. I discuss the relevance of this study to psychology and specifically university psychology clinics as potential interface between the university and the surrounding community when enacting community engagement as the third academic task. I also discuss the implications of this study to action research methodology and the concept of transformation in emancipatory research. The main argument of my living theory of my academic practice is that the formation and nurturing of a regular, supportive and critical audience in the form of peer support research meetings contributed to the transformation of resources into assets when we worked towards improving the service delivery and local relevance of a university psychology clinic. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Psychology / unrestricted

Les banques de données recueillant systématiquement des données-cibles sur leur clientèle permettent de décrire celle-ci, ses besoins et de répondre à plusieurs questions de recherche clinique. Un projet pilote pour déterminer la faisabilité d’un tel système a lieu à la Clinique universitaire de psychologie de l’Université de Montréal (CUP). Sous un angle qualitatif inductif inspiré de la phénoménologie descriptive de Husserl, la présente étude vise à décrire les répercussions potentielles et les impressions des cliniciens quant à l’implantation de cette procédure. Des entretiens individuels semi-directifs ont été effectués en télépratique avec 14 cliniciens volontaires en utilisant un canevas d’entrevue. Des considérations concernant cinq thèmes centraux ont émergées des analyses : les obstacles à l’implantation, les impacts potentiels sur la thérapie, certaines recommandations pour améliorer la participation, l’utilité perçue et une attitude d’ouverture. La consultation des cliniciens s’avère une caractéristique essentielle dans l’élaboration de l’implantation. Les implications cliniques et des pistes d’amélioration sont discutées. / Databases that systematically collect key data on their clientele make it possible to describe who consults, their needs and allow to answer several clinical research questions. A pilot project to determine the feasibility of such a data-collecting procedure is taking place at the University of Montreal’s Psychology Clinic (CUP). Using a qualitative inductive approach inspired by Husserl's descriptive phenomenology, the study aims to describe the potential impact and clinicians’ impressions of the implementation of this procedure. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 14 volunteer clinicians using an interview outline. Five central themes emerged from the analyses: barriers to implementation, potential impacts on therapy, recommendations for improving participation, perceived usefulness, and an open attitude. Consultations with clinicians was an essential feature in the development of the implementation. Clinical implications and avenues for improvement are discussed.