During the past decades there has been an increase in longevity. These aging trends have an enormous economic impact and present challenges to policymakers, families, and health care providers to meet the needs of aging individuals. Aging is accompanied with various physiological changes that can limit the elderly’s functional status and their independency. Some of the most noticeable changes occur within the musculoskeletal system, however cardiorespiratory changes, as well as changes in the body composition limits the elderly’s aerobic capacity and therefore increases the risk for cardiovascular and hypokinetic diseases. Moderate physical activity reduces the risk, or prolong the onset of physiological changes and various diseases. Physical activity can also enhance functional fitness amongst the elderly. Functional fitness is having the physiologic capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine the functional fitness as well as static balance and dynamic balance status of senior citizens. Secondly, to determine the association between: physical activity, aerobic endurance and functional fitness and status amongst senior citizens. Thirdly, to determine the association between physical activity status, aerobic endurance and static– and dynamic balance amongst elderly. A once off subject availability study was performed, and 58 senior citizens (32 females and 26 males) between the ages of 65 years and 96 years participated. The physical activity index was determined with the Sharkey and Gaskill Physical activity index questionnaire. Functional fitness was measured using the Rikli and Jones Fullerton’s functional fitness test protocol. The static balance and dynamic balance was tested with the one leg balance eyes closed and functional reach test respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of the participants. Two way summary tables were used to categorize the amount of weak test results. Partial correlations were used to determine the association between physical activity, functional fitness and static and dynamic balance. The male participants’ functional fitness status compared well with USA normal ranges, however the functional fitness test scores of the female participants were even lower than the older age group (75 to 79 years) of the USA normal ranges. The results of the frequency distribution indicated that 80.77% and 68.75% of the male and female participants respectively, tested poorly in more than four of the functional fitness tests. Neither the male nor the female participants’ static balance score were adequate, although it does not indicate a fall risk. Aerobic endurance showed to have medium (r = 0.3–0.49) to high (r 0.5) partial correlation with all functional fitness tests for the total group, as well as in the female participants. In the male participants aerobic endurance only showed high correlation (r 0.5) with lower body strength and dynamic balance and agility. Dynamic balance correlated well (r 0.5) with all functional fitness tests as well as aerobic endurance and physical activity index in the female participants, and only showed a medium correlation with agility in the male participants. This study showed alarming percentages of poor test results for both male and female senior citizens and highlights the need for physical activity interventions in old age homes. The correlations between aerobic endurance, as well as dynamic balance and functional fitness tests indicates that even simple interventions such as walking programs could enhance the functional fitness of senior citizens and thereby increase their independency. / Thesis (M.A. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

During the past decades there has been an increase in longevity. These aging trends have an enormous economic impact and present challenges to policymakers, families, and health care providers to meet the needs of aging individuals. Aging is accompanied with various physiological changes that can limit the elderly’s functional status and their independency. Some of the most noticeable changes occur within the musculoskeletal system, however cardiorespiratory changes, as well as changes in the body composition limits the elderly’s aerobic capacity and therefore increases the risk for cardiovascular and hypokinetic diseases. Moderate physical activity reduces the risk, or prolong the onset of physiological changes and various diseases. Physical activity can also enhance functional fitness amongst the elderly. Functional fitness is having the physiologic capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine the functional fitness as well as static balance and dynamic balance status of senior citizens. Secondly, to determine the association between: physical activity, aerobic endurance and functional fitness and status amongst senior citizens. Thirdly, to determine the association between physical activity status, aerobic endurance and static– and dynamic balance amongst elderly. A once off subject availability study was performed, and 58 senior citizens (32 females and 26 males) between the ages of 65 years and 96 years participated. The physical activity index was determined with the Sharkey and Gaskill Physical activity index questionnaire. Functional fitness was measured using the Rikli and Jones Fullerton’s functional fitness test protocol. The static balance and dynamic balance was tested with the one leg balance eyes closed and functional reach test respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of the participants. Two way summary tables were used to categorize the amount of weak test results. Partial correlations were used to determine the association between physical activity, functional fitness and static and dynamic balance. The male participants’ functional fitness status compared well with USA normal ranges, however the functional fitness test scores of the female participants were even lower than the older age group (75 to 79 years) of the USA normal ranges. The results of the frequency distribution indicated that 80.77% and 68.75% of the male and female participants respectively, tested poorly in more than four of the functional fitness tests. Neither the male nor the female participants’ static balance score were adequate, although it does not indicate a fall risk. Aerobic endurance showed to have medium (r = 0.3–0.49) to high (r 0.5) partial correlation with all functional fitness tests for the total group, as well as in the female participants. In the male participants aerobic endurance only showed high correlation (r 0.5) with lower body strength and dynamic balance and agility. Dynamic balance correlated well (r 0.5) with all functional fitness tests as well as aerobic endurance and physical activity index in the female participants, and only showed a medium correlation with agility in the male participants. This study showed alarming percentages of poor test results for both male and female senior citizens and highlights the need for physical activity interventions in old age homes. The correlations between aerobic endurance, as well as dynamic balance and functional fitness tests indicates that even simple interventions such as walking programs could enhance the functional fitness of senior citizens and thereby increase their independency. / Thesis (M.A. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Research regarding the imprisonment of a family member has mainly focused on the effects of parental imprisonment on the children in that family. Literature indicates that the child of an imprisoned parent has to deal with numerous challenges, including stigma and shame related to their parent‟s arrest and imprisonment. Other common feelings these children might experience include anger, confusion and sadness. Furthermore these children often experience pressure related to keeping the imprisonment a secret from those close to them. These children might also face multiple separations from the imprisoned parent, experience changes with regards to residence, school and friendships, adoption of adult roles and responsibilities, financial distress, lack of supervision and more. When compared to literature regarding parental imprisonment relatively few studies have been done on the effects of imprisonment on the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The available research indicates there are numerous implications for the family as a whole. Some of these implications include stigma, financial stress, role changes within the family, relational problems between family members (including extended family), challenges in dealing with the criminal justice system and emotional distress (feelings of loneliness, anxiety, isolation and worry). The aim of this study was to explore and describe the changes that take place in family functioning when a member of that family is imprisoned as they are perceived by the members of the nuclear family. A qualitative description (descriptive) research approach was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Six voluntary participants (all family members of imprisoned individuals) from four families were recruited. Participants were aged between 15 and 75, consisted of one male and five females. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. These interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed. Initial questions for the semi-structured interviews were obtained using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning as a guiding framework. Therefore, first deductive (directed) content analysis was used, after which thematic analysis was then done on the transcribed data. From the analysis two main themes and nine subthemes emerged. It was found that participants relied more on their family members for problem solving, were generally more open-hearted and honest with their communication towards each other while limiting potentially distressing communication and they experienced changes in the roles and responsibilities within the family. Participants also reported experiencing new emotions (positive and negative) and experienced increased support, understanding and involvement from their family members. They furthermore experienced changes in behaviour control and household rules ranging from rigid to laissez-faire and often fluctuating between these. Some participants reported experiencing more support from outside the family. Participants furthermore reported feeling stigmatised and isolated within their communities. They also experienced gaining resilience and inner strength and found strength through their religious beliefs. The findings of this study can‟t be generalized due to the limited demographic variability and small sample size. Limited research is available regarding the changes in family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member in the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The identification of religion and resilience (as subthemes identified from the data) as they relate to coping is probably the most important contribution of this study as it is not discussed in any of the models of family functioning mentioned in this study, including the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It is recommended that further research focus on both resilience and religion as they relate to coping and possibly contribute to family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member. It is furthermore suggested that specific intervention programs be developed to help families function effectively after the imprisonment of a family member. These intervention programs might include group work with different families or working with individual families either with skills development, psycho-education or therapeutically. / MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Research regarding the imprisonment of a family member has mainly focused on the effects of parental imprisonment on the children in that family. Literature indicates that the child of an imprisoned parent has to deal with numerous challenges, including stigma and shame related to their parent‟s arrest and imprisonment. Other common feelings these children might experience include anger, confusion and sadness. Furthermore these children often experience pressure related to keeping the imprisonment a secret from those close to them. These children might also face multiple separations from the imprisoned parent, experience changes with regards to residence, school and friendships, adoption of adult roles and responsibilities, financial distress, lack of supervision and more. When compared to literature regarding parental imprisonment relatively few studies have been done on the effects of imprisonment on the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The available research indicates there are numerous implications for the family as a whole. Some of these implications include stigma, financial stress, role changes within the family, relational problems between family members (including extended family), challenges in dealing with the criminal justice system and emotional distress (feelings of loneliness, anxiety, isolation and worry). The aim of this study was to explore and describe the changes that take place in family functioning when a member of that family is imprisoned as they are perceived by the members of the nuclear family. A qualitative description (descriptive) research approach was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Six voluntary participants (all family members of imprisoned individuals) from four families were recruited. Participants were aged between 15 and 75, consisted of one male and five females. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. These interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed. Initial questions for the semi-structured interviews were obtained using the McMaster Model of Family Functioning as a guiding framework. Therefore, first deductive (directed) content analysis was used, after which thematic analysis was then done on the transcribed data. From the analysis two main themes and nine subthemes emerged. It was found that participants relied more on their family members for problem solving, were generally more open-hearted and honest with their communication towards each other while limiting potentially distressing communication and they experienced changes in the roles and responsibilities within the family. Participants also reported experiencing new emotions (positive and negative) and experienced increased support, understanding and involvement from their family members. They furthermore experienced changes in behaviour control and household rules ranging from rigid to laissez-faire and often fluctuating between these. Some participants reported experiencing more support from outside the family. Participants furthermore reported feeling stigmatised and isolated within their communities. They also experienced gaining resilience and inner strength and found strength through their religious beliefs. The findings of this study can‟t be generalized due to the limited demographic variability and small sample size. Limited research is available regarding the changes in family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member in the family as a whole, especially in the South African context. The identification of religion and resilience (as subthemes identified from the data) as they relate to coping is probably the most important contribution of this study as it is not discussed in any of the models of family functioning mentioned in this study, including the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It is recommended that further research focus on both resilience and religion as they relate to coping and possibly contribute to family functioning after the imprisonment of a family member. It is furthermore suggested that specific intervention programs be developed to help families function effectively after the imprisonment of a family member. These intervention programs might include group work with different families or working with individual families either with skills development, psycho-education or therapeutically. / MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This research deals with organisation culture in the Chemical Industry, with specific reference to the culture in Gas Production. In the literature survey, the concept 'organisation culture' is studied theoretically from the perspective of Burke and Litwin. Theoretically, differences may occur between the current and desired organisation culture, between divisions and between levels of authority. The conclusion is drawn that culture change involves the whole organisation. In the empirical investigation, the Organisation Culture Index is applied to 36 employees at management level and 138 at employee level. The empirical findings show that there are significant differences. The empirical findings therefore support the theoretical findings that a single culture does not always exist in an organisation. This research also confirms that the culture in this organisation may not be appropriate for the present era. / Hierdie navorsing ondersoek organisasiekultuur in die Chemiese Bedryf, met spesifieke verwysing na die kultuur in Gasproduksie. In die literatuuroorsig word die konsep "organisasiekultuur" teoreties vanuit Burke en Litwin se perspektief beskou. Teoreties kan verskille in organisasiekultuur tussen die huidige en die verlangde organisasiekultuur, tussen afdelings en tussen gesagsvlakke voorkom. Die afleiding word gemaak dat kultuurverandering die totale organisasie betrek. In die empiriese ondersoek word die Organisasiekultuurindeks op 36 werknemers van die bestuursgroep en 138 van die werknemersgroep toegepas. Uit die empiriese bevindinge blyk dit dat daar betekenisvolle verskille in organisasiekultuur voorkom. Die empiriese bevindinge steun die teoretiese bevindinge dat daar nie altyd sprake is van 'n enkele kultuur in 'n organisasie nie. Daar word ook vasgestel dat hierdie organisasie se organisasiekultuur nie toespaslik is vir die huidige era nie. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This research deals with organisation culture in the Chemical Industry, with specific reference to the culture in Gas Production. In the literature survey, the concept 'organisation culture' is studied theoretically from the perspective of Burke and Litwin. Theoretically, differences may occur between the current and desired organisation culture, between divisions and between levels of authority. The conclusion is drawn that culture change involves the whole organisation. In the empirical investigation, the Organisation Culture Index is applied to 36 employees at management level and 138 at employee level. The empirical findings show that there are significant differences. The empirical findings therefore support the theoretical findings that a single culture does not always exist in an organisation. This research also confirms that the culture in this organisation may not be appropriate for the present era. / Hierdie navorsing ondersoek organisasiekultuur in die Chemiese Bedryf, met spesifieke verwysing na die kultuur in Gasproduksie. In die literatuuroorsig word die konsep "organisasiekultuur" teoreties vanuit Burke en Litwin se perspektief beskou. Teoreties kan verskille in organisasiekultuur tussen die huidige en die verlangde organisasiekultuur, tussen afdelings en tussen gesagsvlakke voorkom. Die afleiding word gemaak dat kultuurverandering die totale organisasie betrek. In die empiriese ondersoek word die Organisasiekultuurindeks op 36 werknemers van die bestuursgroep en 138 van die werknemersgroep toegepas. Uit die empiriese bevindinge blyk dit dat daar betekenisvolle verskille in organisasiekultuur voorkom. Die empiriese bevindinge steun die teoretiese bevindinge dat daar nie altyd sprake is van 'n enkele kultuur in 'n organisasie nie. Daar word ook vasgestel dat hierdie organisasie se organisasiekultuur nie toespaslik is vir die huidige era nie. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Text in Afrikaans / Uit 'n literatuurstudie en empiriese ondersoek wat onderneem is, blyk dit dat 15-40% van alle adolessente subkliniese depressie ervaar. Veranderinge en toenemende druk en eise eie aan die adolessente-fase, bring by baie adolessente depressiewe gevoelens mee. Ten spyte van hierdie omstandighede is daar egter ook baie adolessente wat hierdie fase van ontwikkeling sonder enige noemenswaardige probleme deurloop. Aaron Beck is van mening dat dit nie die omstandighede opsigself is wat tot depressie aanleiding gee nie, maar wel die betekenis wat individue aan omstandighede gee. Beck noem dat depressiewe persone tot irrasionele oortuigings, foutiewe inligting-prosessering en disfunksionele outomatiese gedagtes geneig is. Om hierdie probleem aan te spreek is ses adolessente, wat subkliniese depressie ervaar, aan Beck se kognitiewe terapie onderwerp. Die primere doel van Beck se terapie is die regstelling van bogenoemde disfunksionele kognisies. Die gevolgtrekking is dat wanneer adolessente wat subkliniese depressie ervaar, se disfunksionele kognisies reggestel word, hulle depressiewe gevoelens opgehef word. / From a literature study and empirical research which was undertaken, it seems that 15-40% of all adolescents experience subclinical depression. Changes and increasing pressure and demands, typical of the adolescent phase, causes many adolescents to experience depressing emotions. In spite of these circumstances there are also many adolescents who go through this phase in development without any significant problems. Aaron Beck is of opinion that it is not the circumstances in and of itself that lead to depression but rather the meaning that individuals attached to these circumstances. Beck mentions that depressive people are inclined to irrational beliefs, erroneous information-processing and dysfunctional automatic thoughts. To address this problem, six adolescents who experience subclinical depression, were subjected to Beck's cognitive therapy. The primary target of Beck's therapy is the correction of above mentioned dysfunctional cognitions. The conclusion is that when the dysfunctional cognitions of adolescents who experience subclinical depression can be corrected, their depressive feelings will diminish. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

Text in Afrikaans / Uit 'n literatuurstudie en empiriese ondersoek wat onderneem is, blyk dit dat 15-40% van alle adolessente subkliniese depressie ervaar. Veranderinge en toenemende druk en eise eie aan die adolessente-fase, bring by baie adolessente depressiewe gevoelens mee. Ten spyte van hierdie omstandighede is daar egter ook baie adolessente wat hierdie fase van ontwikkeling sonder enige noemenswaardige probleme deurloop. Aaron Beck is van mening dat dit nie die omstandighede opsigself is wat tot depressie aanleiding gee nie, maar wel die betekenis wat individue aan omstandighede gee. Beck noem dat depressiewe persone tot irrasionele oortuigings, foutiewe inligting-prosessering en disfunksionele outomatiese gedagtes geneig is. Om hierdie probleem aan te spreek is ses adolessente, wat subkliniese depressie ervaar, aan Beck se kognitiewe terapie onderwerp. Die primere doel van Beck se terapie is die regstelling van bogenoemde disfunksionele kognisies. Die gevolgtrekking is dat wanneer adolessente wat subkliniese depressie ervaar, se disfunksionele kognisies reggestel word, hulle depressiewe gevoelens opgehef word. / From a literature study and empirical research which was undertaken, it seems that 15-40% of all adolescents experience subclinical depression. Changes and increasing pressure and demands, typical of the adolescent phase, causes many adolescents to experience depressing emotions. In spite of these circumstances there are also many adolescents who go through this phase in development without any significant problems. Aaron Beck is of opinion that it is not the circumstances in and of itself that lead to depression but rather the meaning that individuals attached to these circumstances. Beck mentions that depressive people are inclined to irrational beliefs, erroneous information-processing and dysfunctional automatic thoughts. To address this problem, six adolescents who experience subclinical depression, were subjected to Beck's cognitive therapy. The primary target of Beck's therapy is the correction of above mentioned dysfunctional cognitions. The conclusion is that when the dysfunctional cognitions of adolescents who experience subclinical depression can be corrected, their depressive feelings will diminish. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

M.Th. (Practical Theology)

M.Th. (Practical Theology)