M.A. (Psychology) / Research shows that infidelity has been and continues to be one of the major causes of divorce. Current literature on infidelity appears to focus on the effects infidelity has on one‟s health and has alluded to a woman‟s experience of her „self‟ as being intertwined in her relationship. The primary aim of the research was to explore the ideas, feelings, and attitudes a wife has about her identity, worth, capabilities, and limitations following her husband‟s sexual infidelity. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the experience and the meanings which participants attribute to their circumstances. Participants were interviewed using a series of semi-structured questions and were afforded the opportunity to openly share their experience, thoughts, and feelings. Participant interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Despite both participants experiencing infidelity in their marriage and revealing accounts of the experience which proved to be quite different, the researcher identified three master themes across both participants‟ experiences. These themes are encapsulated as follows: (a) Laying of the self aside for the betterment of others; (b) Spirituality; and (c) Health. The researcher has highlighted overarching themes which concluded that the effect infidelity had on each participant‟s self appear to be comparable.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas State University Libraries / Department: Human Development and Family Studies.

The National Women's Health Information Center reports that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to American women and that nearly one-third of American women have been physically assaulted by their significant other at some point in their lives. These women often experience depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and grief (Campbell et al., 1995). Literature supports the use of physical activity in promoting psychological well-being. The purpose of this study, then, was to evaluate the influence of physical activity on how survivors of domestic violence view themselves and their circumstances. The participants were seven women (18 to 54 years) who had been in abusive relationships, on average for eleven years, and who had recently left their partners. The participants were given access to an exercise facility and participated in one, two, three, or four interviews at one-month intervals. Interview questions covered abuse history, physical activity levels, self-view, emotional status, and how exercise may have influenced these factors. Qualitative analysis of 11 participants' responses revealed that exercise gave women the perception of healing, "getting out of trauma mode," of working towards a future self, "moving towards the vision of the type of person that I want to be," and freedom. Exercise improved their self-view by demonstrating to them that they were advancing beyond their abuse-controlled lives; that they were taking care of themselves. Women found exercise an effective means of "eliminating nervous energy" that resulted from being battered women, which in turn improved emotional status. Results are discussed in terms of the unique benefits derived from physical activity by these women, how exercise enhanced their recovery, and suggestions made by participants as to how the benefits of exercise could be fully realized. / Graduation date: 2004

M.A. / The purpose of this research was to compile a psychological information program on stroke, and to provide this psychological information to the spouse of the stroke patient.The emotional status of the spouse of the stroke patient was evaluated during the intervention.The final goal of this research was to give a phenomenological description of the experiences of the spouse of the stroke patient. The method for collecting data was 1) to evaluate the emotional status of the spouse of the stroke patient with the POMS (Profile Of Mood State) inventory before he was exposed to the content of the psychological information program on stroke.2) The spouse of the stroke patient was then introduced to the psychological information program, and any questions which arose were answered. 3) A follow up appointment was arranged for ten days later. During this appointment the POMS inventory was administered again to assess the spouse's emotional status after exposure to the psychological informationprogram on stroke.Any further questions were answered.Within a framework of identified themes a phenomenological description of the experiences of the spouse of the stroke patient was given.The most important experiences were identified as confusion, anxiety, tension, rage, frustration, tiredness, and feelings of not being motivated and depression.The phenomenological themes were "Om-te-wees (Dasein)", "Die wereld", "In-die-wereld-wees", "Om-ingegooi-tewees- in-die-wereld", "Angs as basiese ingesteldheid tot die wereld" and "Liggaamlikheid". The current research was motivated after a thorough study of the literature on stroke.The literature survey revealed a deficiency in terms of availability of information on stroke to the spouse of the stroke patient after the stroke has occured.The literature survey disclosed that the focus of research has been on the stroke patient.Research identified the spouse of the stroke patient as the primary caretaker.Therefore it is important that the spouse of the stroke patient will have access to psychological information on stroke to assist them during their tasks of caretaking. Certain variables influenced theresults of the present research project.These variables were 1) the time when the psychological information was provided to the subjects, 2) the emotional status after the stroke had occurred, and 3) the extent of information the subjects received from other resources. During the current research project the subjects confirmed the value of the availability of psychological information on stroke.The psychological information on stroke is important in assisting the spouse of the stroke patient during their tasks of caret•king.The psychological information on stroke provides the spouse of the stroke patient with 1) a better understanding of the stroke patient, 2) knowledge of what to expect after a stroke had occured, and 3) realistic goals for the future.

There is presently an increasing trend towards deinstitutionalization of several different populations, including physically disabled adults. Although a variety of staffed resources provide for alternative care, 'home' and 'family' remain the primary resource in the community based care system. Given that the family of the 1980's has a decreased capacity to care due to such factors as increased mobility and loss of extended family networks we must be concerned with the continued viability of this resource. And, given that 'family’ is often a euphemism for 'nearest female relative' and that women's role in society has changed markedly in recent years the issue of women as caregivers is one of particularly urgent concern. This study is based on extensive interviews with eight women caring for disabled husbands. The interview schedule and methodology facilitated descriptive data regarding caregiving tasks as well as a comprehensive exploration of what was problematic about the day to day reality of caregiving for these women. The data analysis identified struggling with the 'role' of wife-caregiver, isolation and a changed marital dynamic as primary themes in the process of caregiving. This study provides some insight into what is problematic about caregiving for these wives and some suggestions for improving social work practice and providing more effective services in relation to this population. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

No description available.

The aim of this study was to explore the self-concept of battered South African women. The ecosystemic approach was used to ground the battering experience. This qualitative framework was exploratory and also included an in-depth analysis of the battering experiences as narrated by abused women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data obtained were analysed through the use of the hermeneutic method. The following were the themes that emerged out of the narratives: dominance, control versus loss of control, connection versus disconnection, security versus insecurity, and feelings of degradation. The study provides a holistic understanding of battering and its impact on women’s selfconcept. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Women in distressed relationships who had sustained severe psychological abuse and either no, moderate, or severe violence from their partner were included (N = 93). Men's and women's alcohol use did not differ with level of violence. Different patterns were found in the moderate violence group regarding women's beliefs about their partner's substance problem, men's psychological abuse, and the relationship of men's and women's quantity of alcohol use and times intoxicated. Uncertainty resulting from moderate violence may strengthen the emotional impact of psychological abuse. Even when psychological abuse is exacerbated by violence, women may use active coping techniques rather than drinking to cope with abusive relationships. The findings suggest that an inordinate focus on alcohol abuse may be ineffective in combating the problem of domestic violence.

The aim of this study was to explore the self-concept of battered South African women. The ecosystemic approach was used to ground the battering experience. This qualitative framework was exploratory and also included an in-depth analysis of the battering experiences as narrated by abused women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data obtained were analysed through the use of the hermeneutic method. The following were the themes that emerged out of the narratives: dominance, control versus loss of control, connection versus disconnection, security versus insecurity, and feelings of degradation. The study provides a holistic understanding of battering and its impact on women’s selfconcept. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)