Many children and adolescents in South Africa are being exposed as witnesses or are direct victims of violence in today's society. The purpose of this study is to explore what violent exposure adolescents have experienced and to develop a programme that includes coping skills, expression of emotion and communication. The research formed part of the FLAGH study. The research was done in the form of action research where the adolescents took part in the whole process of developing the programme. The study was done in four phases. In the first phase a random sample of 36 adolescents from Fikadibeng School in the North West Province were selected. They completed the Coping Responses Inventory-Youth Form, the Survey of exposure to community violence, Things I have seen and heard questionnaire and the Self-expression and control scales. In the second phase the programme was developed using the results of the pre-testing and a literature study on the effects of the exposure of violence on children. During the third phase the developed programme was pilot tested on a randomly selected group of the children and the post-testing took place in order to evaluate and adjust the programme according to the results found. Suggestion for the adjustment of the programme was done during the fourth phase of the study. Adolescents were largely exposed to community violence. They also displayed tendencies to internalize anger and used looking for guidance and cognitive avoidance as part of their coping repertoire. The programme proved to benefit the children in their coping with violence. It is recommended that for the future, larger groups of adolescents should be evaluated and programmes should be presented to a larger community in order to assist adolescent in their use of coping skills. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The aim of the research was to investigate the needs of adolescents and to determine their attitude, knowledge and skills regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills. The next step was to develop an empowering program to teach them life skills and to educate them with regard to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. To meet this aim, the following objectives were formulated: -To identify the needs of adolescents and extend their knowledge, skills and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills through empirical research and literature study. -To design a life skills program through a literature study and empirical research in order to improve the social functioning of the adolescents. The objectives were achieved by studying the relevant literature and through empirical research. The available literature on the subject was consulted to determine whether any research has been conducted in this field, and whether the subject could be researched. The empirical research was conducted to confirm the previous research findings. The literature study and empirical research were vital for formulating a social work empowering program. In this research, the survey method was used as a systematic fact-gathering procedure. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire. The data was used to describe the study sample, since socio-economic status could possibly have an effect on the general health and development of children. The research data were collected from the adolescents and their families to estimate the prevalence of their living standards, habits and lifestyle, knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS . The findings of this research reflected that adolescents had an urgent need for more knowledge and information concerning HIV/AIDS and life skills. In order to address this problem an empowering program was developed and will be presented. In this research the group work method will be used as an effective intervention strategy in empowering young people. Education is crucial; therefore it seems important to educate young people in certain life skills to empower them to cope with the challenges and demands of life. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This article offers a perspective on adolescents' experiences of aggression in a secondary school, with a focus on the manifestation, contributing factors, consequences, and learners' opinions on aggression. An inductive qualitative research approach was chosen, where learners wrote about their experiences and participated in focused semi-structured interviews. Central themes were derived by means of thematic content analysis. The results revealed that a substantial number of learners experienced negative feelings about aggression at school and that aggression was related to individual characteristics, the adolescent's developmental stage, socialisation, status, competition, home environment, prior experiences, learnt behaviour and the effect of the media and music. Aggression was present among all genders. ages and cultures in school. It seemed to have a higher prevalence among boys, but was also significantly present among girls. Physical and emotional bullying had a high prevalence. which showed that bullying is problematic at schools. Passive aggression was mostly present in the form of oppositional behaviour towards authorities at school and educators are often verbally abused and ignored by learners, but their classrooms are also damaged. Individual characteristics, interpersonal relationships, multicultural interaction and a lack of sufficient social skills contributed towards many acts of aggression. Aggression was prominent in the reciprocal relationships between adolescents and their social environment. Being part of a group and forming a social identity are very important. Confiding in groups may expose learners to peer pressure, which may lead to activities and behaviour that are aggressive in nature. There were reports of discrimination and it seemed that learners get along better with others who share an equal status. This may possibly explain why aggression seemed less between white English-speaking and black English-learners, while it was more common between white Afrikaans and white/black English-speaking learners. Increased social contact between members of different social groups could reduce prejudice if these persons have an equal status. Exposure to aggression had emotional consequences, and some learners were prone to feelings of anger, fear, depression, being controlled and a loss of self-content. Behavioural responses included retaliation, pacifism, vandalism and suicide. Exposure to aggression (directly and indirectly) provoked several responses. These responses may be emotional or behavioural in nature. Emotions such as fear and anger and feeling overwhelmed, depressed and helpless may be elicited in response to aggression. Some learners may retaliate towards an aggressive incident through physical or verbal behaviour; others may withdraw and avoid social interactions. Learners may direct their aggression towards others (people and objects) or themselves. In the case of the latter, it may lead to depression, self-harm or even suicide. No single factor propels an adolescent to act aggressively. Instead, the causes of such behaviour are complex and multifaceted. Most participants in this research experienced aggression at school as unhealthy. Aggression may have emotional and behavioural consequences such as disruption, discomfort and disturbance of normal functioning. Although aggression seemed relatively under control at this particular school, there are signs of an increase in aggression and in the severity of some of the incidents, and of the possibility of desensitisation towards aggression, with the agonising possibility that aggression is serving as a form of entertainment for some learners. The need for learner involvement, school guidance programmes and life-skill training was prominent, accompanied by the need for school counsellors to assist in the management of aggression. Teachers must have better knowledge of the adolescent developmental phase so that they could understand and identify behavioural problems among learners. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

The primary goal of the study was to determine the tourism and leisure needs of high school learners in Potchefstroom. This goal was achieved by firstly conducting a literature study to analyse leisure and tourist behaviour as stated in books, articles and other sources. Secondly, the results of the empirical research were discussed followed by the conclusions and recommendations made with regard to further research. From the literature study, analysing leisure behaviour, the concepts leisure and recreation were clarified, the concept leisure behaviour was explained, reasons why people engage in leisure were identified, factors that influence leisure behaviour were discussed, theories concerning leisure behaviour were discussed, determinants as well as benefits of leisure were identified. In the second part of the literature study, analysing tourist behaviour, the concept tourist behaviour was clarified, models regarding tourist behaviour was explained, tourist motivation to travel was explained, reasons why people travel was discussed, the travel decision-making process was explained and benefits as well as negative tourism impacts were identified. The questionnaire for the survey was designed to determine the tourism, leisure and recreation needs of the high school learners in Potchefstroom. The questionnaire included questions regarding the high school learner's demographic profile and psychographic profile, the leisure and tourist needs and behaviour of the high school learners and questions to determine the relationship between different aspects. The survey included six high schools in Potchefstroom and 1036 questionnaires was used for further statistical analysis. The questionnaires was distributed after a meeting with the school's headmaster was arranged. The school was responsible for the distribution and collection of the questionnaires. After analysing the data it was clear that the high school learners are regularly bored in Potchefstroom and there is a need for more tourism, leisure and recreational activities in Potchefstroom. The high school learners are willing to support more activities financially. It was also evident that high school learners are more interested in leisure than in sport and do not have much leisure-time available. Their travelling patterns indicate that the majority of the learners go on holiday with their parents and they prefer the Western Cape as holiday destinations. A correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between gender and various aspects as well as the relationship between race and the same factors. The following factors were identified, namely: there is a strong relationship between gender and sport. As for the correlations between schools of different race and the same factors, the only correlation that was not strong, was the relationship between race and sport. The strong relationships existed between race and leisure preferences; race and travelling patterns and race and holiday company preferences. The results of the empirical research can firstly provide valuable information for researchers on the subjects of adolescence, leisure, tourism and recreation. Secondly the information can help the public and private sectors in the tourism, leisure and recreation industries to provide more activities, facilities and entertainment in Potchefstroom that will appeal to the high school market. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background Physical inactivity causes obesity, a condition which is related to insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome (MS). MS is the collective description of lifestyle diseases associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. MS has recently been observed in youth, and if left untreated could lead to cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity (PA) and exercise training appear to modify the independent risk factors for MS and cardiovascular diseases, and has a positive effect on waist circumference, blood pressure, body fat percentage, insulin sensitivity and arterial compliance. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and selective markers of the MS, and the extent to which a PA intervention programme will influence selective markers of the MS, body composition and markers of vascular function in black adolescents. Methods Grade 9 classes from two high schools, in a low socio-economic status area near Potchefstroom, participated as the experimental and control group respectively. The experimental group consisted of 194 participants and the control group of 57 participants. The experimental group participated in a 10-week P A intervention. Body mass index, stature, body mass, waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, plasma leptin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Windkessel arterial compliance (Cw), total peripheral resistance, Tannerstage and habitual physical activity were measured. The data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Pearson's correlation analyses and multiple regression models. HOMA-IR and leptin were log transformed before analyses because of the skewed distribution. The Statistica for Windows and SAS computer programmes were used to analyse the data according to the above-mentioned aims of the study. Results and conclusions Firstly, a significant positive association was found between body fat percentage and both SBP (p=O.02) and HOMA-IR (p=O.02) respectively. Girls with a high body fat percentage had higher SBP (p=O.004), DBP (p=O.03), plasma insulin (p=O.004) and HOMA-IR (p=O.004) than girls with normal body fat percentage. Secondly, a 10-week PA intervention led to a significant decrease in SBP (p=O.000061), a trend of decreasing HOMA-IR, and a trend of increasing Cw in black adolescents. Lastly, no significant differences were found in body composition and vascular function variables for the normal-and over-fat group in this study after the 10-week PA intervention. In conclusion, the results of this study showed firstly, that there was a positive association between body fat percentage and SBP and HOMA-IR respectively; and secondly, that PA had a positive effect on some MS markers, namely: SBP and HOMA-IR. Further research regarding PA intervention's influence on the MS in black adolescents should be conducted, as there is clearly a shortage of literature that focuses on this research theme within this South African ethnic group. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate pornography consumption and its relation to sexual experiences, lifestyles, health and perceptions of sexuality and pornography. One qualitative study (focus group discussions) and one prospective longitudinal quantitative study (baseline and follow-up questionnaires) are included. The core category emerging from the focus group discussions, among personnel working with adolescents, was “Conflicting messages about sexuality”. The participants’ stated that the message conveyed by pornography was contradictory to the message conveyed by national public health goals and laws. A professional approach was emphasized, and adequate methods and knowledge to improve sexuality and relationship education were requested (I). Participants at baseline in 2011 were 477 boys and 400 girls, aged 16 years. Almost all boys (96%) and 54% of the girls had watched pornography. The boys were categorized into frequent users (daily), average users (every week or a few times every month) and nonfrequent users (a few times a year, seldom or never) of pornography. A higher proportion of frequent users reported experience of sex with friends, the use of alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, peer-relationship problems and obesity. One-third watched more pornography than they actually wanted to (II). There were few differences between pornography-consuming girls and boys regarding fantasies about sexual acts, attempted sexual acts inspired by pornography and perceptions of pornography. Predictors for being sexually experienced included: being a girl, attending a vocational high school programme, stating that boys and girls are equally interested in sex, and having a positive perception of pornography. Boys were generally more positive towards pornography than girls (III). Participants at follow-up in 2013 were 224 boys (47%) and 238 girls (60%). Being male, attending a vocational high school programme and being a frequent user of pornography at baseline predicted frequent use at follow-up. Frequent use of pornography at baseline predicted psychosomatic symptoms to a higher extent at follow-up than depressive symptoms (IV). In conclusion, pornography has become a part of everyday life for many adolescents. Frequent users of pornography were mainly boys, and there were minor differences in sexual experiences between the male consumption groups. Frequent use was associated with lifestyle problems, such as the use of alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle to a higher extent than with sexual experiences and physical symptoms. In the longitudinal analyses frequent use of pornography was more associated to psychosomatic symptoms compared with depressive symptoms. Access to pornography will presumably remain unrestrained. It is therefore important to offer adolescents arenas for discussing pornography in order to counterbalance the fictional world presented in pornography, increase awareness regarding the stereotyped gender roles in pornography and address unhealthy lifestyles and ill health among adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to determine how and why students in grade six, in a suburban school division in Manitoba, make decisions regarding optional arts course choices for their grade seven year and their perceptions on these courses for grade seven. There was a particular focus on choice related to music courses. The researcher conducted interviews with students in grade seven who chose music as an option, students in grade seven who did not choose music as an option, and conducted focus group conversations with elementary music educators and middle years‟ music educators. The data indicated that the choice was difficult, that students felt that they should not have to choose and that, with parental support, students chose the option that expressed their passion.

The primary goal of the study was to determine the tourism and leisure needs of high school learners in Potchefstroom. This goal was achieved by firstly conducting a literature study to analyse leisure and tourist behaviour as stated in books, articles and other sources. Secondly, the results of the empirical research were discussed followed by the conclusions and recommendations made with regard to further research. From the literature study, analysing leisure behaviour, the concepts leisure and recreation were clarified, the concept leisure behaviour was explained, reasons why people engage in leisure were identified, factors that influence leisure behaviour were discussed, theories concerning leisure behaviour were discussed, determinants as well as benefits of leisure were identified. In the second part of the literature study, analysing tourist behaviour, the concept tourist behaviour was clarified, models regarding tourist behaviour was explained, tourist motivation to travel was explained, reasons why people travel was discussed, the travel decision-making process was explained and benefits as well as negative tourism impacts were identified. The questionnaire for the survey was designed to determine the tourism, leisure and recreation needs of the high school learners in Potchefstroom. The questionnaire included questions regarding the high school learner's demographic profile and psychographic profile, the leisure and tourist needs and behaviour of the high school learners and questions to determine the relationship between different aspects. The survey included six high schools in Potchefstroom and 1036 questionnaires was used for further statistical analysis. The questionnaires was distributed after a meeting with the school's headmaster was arranged. The school was responsible for the distribution and collection of the questionnaires. After analysing the data it was clear that the high school learners are regularly bored in Potchefstroom and there is a need for more tourism, leisure and recreational activities in Potchefstroom. The high school learners are willing to support more activities financially. It was also evident that high school learners are more interested in leisure than in sport and do not have much leisure-time available. Their travelling patterns indicate that the majority of the learners go on holiday with their parents and they prefer the Western Cape as holiday destinations. A correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between gender and various aspects as well as the relationship between race and the same factors. The following factors were identified, namely: there is a strong relationship between gender and sport. As for the correlations between schools of different race and the same factors, the only correlation that was not strong, was the relationship between race and sport. The strong relationships existed between race and leisure preferences; race and travelling patterns and race and holiday company preferences. The results of the empirical research can firstly provide valuable information for researchers on the subjects of adolescence, leisure, tourism and recreation. Secondly the information can help the public and private sectors in the tourism, leisure and recreation industries to provide more activities, facilities and entertainment in Potchefstroom that will appeal to the high school market. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background Physical inactivity causes obesity, a condition which is related to insulin resistance, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome (MS). MS is the collective description of lifestyle diseases associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. MS has recently been observed in youth, and if left untreated could lead to cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity (PA) and exercise training appear to modify the independent risk factors for MS and cardiovascular diseases, and has a positive effect on waist circumference, blood pressure, body fat percentage, insulin sensitivity and arterial compliance. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and selective markers of the MS, and the extent to which a PA intervention programme will influence selective markers of the MS, body composition and markers of vascular function in black adolescents. Methods Grade 9 classes from two high schools, in a low socio-economic status area near Potchefstroom, participated as the experimental and control group respectively. The experimental group consisted of 194 participants and the control group of 57 participants. The experimental group participated in a 10-week P A intervention. Body mass index, stature, body mass, waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, plasma leptin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Windkessel arterial compliance (Cw), total peripheral resistance, Tannerstage and habitual physical activity were measured. The data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Pearson's correlation analyses and multiple regression models. HOMA-IR and leptin were log transformed before analyses because of the skewed distribution. The Statistica for Windows and SAS computer programmes were used to analyse the data according to the above-mentioned aims of the study. Results and conclusions Firstly, a significant positive association was found between body fat percentage and both SBP (p=O.02) and HOMA-IR (p=O.02) respectively. Girls with a high body fat percentage had higher SBP (p=O.004), DBP (p=O.03), plasma insulin (p=O.004) and HOMA-IR (p=O.004) than girls with normal body fat percentage. Secondly, a 10-week PA intervention led to a significant decrease in SBP (p=O.000061), a trend of decreasing HOMA-IR, and a trend of increasing Cw in black adolescents. Lastly, no significant differences were found in body composition and vascular function variables for the normal-and over-fat group in this study after the 10-week PA intervention. In conclusion, the results of this study showed firstly, that there was a positive association between body fat percentage and SBP and HOMA-IR respectively; and secondly, that PA had a positive effect on some MS markers, namely: SBP and HOMA-IR. Further research regarding PA intervention's influence on the MS in black adolescents should be conducted, as there is clearly a shortage of literature that focuses on this research theme within this South African ethnic group. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The purpose of this research was to explore the process used by mental health nurses working with adolescents to ameliorate the experience of moral distress. Using grounded theory methodology, a substantive theory was developed to explain the process. All the incidents that lead to the experience of moral distress were related to safety and resulted in the nurse asking themselves the question, “Is this the best I can do?” Engaging in dialogue was the primary means nurses used to work through the experience of moral distress. Engaging in dialogue was an ongoing process and nurses sought out dialogue with a variety of people as they tried to make sense of their experience. Participants identified qualities of dialogue that were helpful or unhelpful as they sought to resolve their moral distress. Participants who had a positive experience of dialogue were able to answer the question, and continue working with adolescents with a renewed focus on the therapeutic relationship. Participants who have a negative experience of dialogue are unable to answer the question and either leave the unit or agency, or talk about leaving. / Graduate