The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether adolescents make use of an ethical decision–making framework when they make choices in relation to sexual activities and the elements that make up this ethical decision–making framework. The adolescent stage of development is characterized by physical and cognitive changes, of which the development of sexual characteristics and morality are only parts. Both these developments are discussed at length within the context of adolescent sexual activity, and cognitive and moral development. Different influences on the morality of adolescents were identified, of which the faith community of adolescents were one. These elements also influence the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents on sexual activity. The influence of the religious community on the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents was also investigated on the basis of the faith community's message about sexual activities and the perceptual influence of the religious community on the morality of adolescents. The sexual activity of adolescents, adolescents? perceptions about these sexual activities as well as the messages and sources of information that are available to adolescents with regard to sex was identified by making use of Participant Observation Research. A small group of participants and observers used the PIRASH program to identify the above–mentioned information. The participants also identified the obstacles that adolescents must overcome to establish a healthy sexual life, and what their definition of a healthy sexual life is. Participants in this study agreed that their faith community did not provide enough information to adolescents about sex and sexual activities. Participants indicated this lack of information as their reason for using other sources of information about sexual activities. These messages conveyed by other sources, including those of the media, friends and parents vary from those the faith community has about sex. Adolescents have easier access to these other sources; therefore there is a difference between the faith community's view on sexual activity and that of the adolescents who form part of the faith community. It is concluded that it is necessary, almost urgently, for faith communities to establish the actual view of adolescents who form part of the community, on sexual activity, and to have a stronger influence on the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents. The ethical decision–making framework of adolescents can only be influenced if the faith communities speak more comfortably and more extensively with their adolescents about sex and sexual activities. Postmodern adolescents have access to a variety of sources with a variety of messages about sex and the importance of moral messages from the faith community cannot be underestimated. A secondary outcome of this study was to explore the possibility of Participant Observation Research as research methodology within Theological Ethics. / Thesis (M.A. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

There is widespread concern for the mental well–being of adolescents. Various studies have indicated the deleterious consequences of bullying for both victims and bullies, implying the serious need for interventions to lower the incidence of bullying in schools. Descriptive data must inform the development of intervention programmes. The present study aimed to provide such data and to add to existing research on bullying in South African schools. This quantitative study investigated bullying behaviour in a parallel–medium, multi–racial high school in the North–West Province. The specific research aims were to examine the total incidence of bullying experiences and, specifically, frequency levels of being bullied according to age group and race group. Furthermore, gender differences in frequency levels of individual and group bullying, as well as gender–specific frequency levels of use of direct and indirect bullying tactics were examined. A one–shot cross–sectional survey design was employed. A randomly selected representative sample of 635 learners, comprising 274 boys and 361 girls, completed a self–report survey instrument, the Peer Relation Questionnaire (Neser, Ladikos and Prinsloo 2004), with regard to their bullying experiences. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to calculate frequencies, cross–tabulations and chi–square statistical tests. Results indicated that 52% of participants reported to have been the victims of bullying. A significant difference in distribution of bullying frequency was indicated for race groups, but not for age groups. Black and coloured learners in this school experienced a higher frequency of bullying than white learners, which indicates that racial dynamics has an important impact on bullying behaviour in this school. Bullying frequency in this high school is not significantly lower in senior secondary learners (learners 16 years and older) than in junior secondary learners (learners between 13 and 15 years), as was predicted by literature. In terms of gender differences, boys in this school were found to bully significantly more than girls. Furthermore, group bullying was found to be more prevalent than individual bullying in both genders. In this school boys and surprisingly girls too were shown to favour direct verbal bullying tactics (unpleasant teasing) and direct physical bullying tactics (hitting, kicking or pushing). This finding is a cause for concern as it is contradicted by literature which describes girls as preferring indirect bullying tactics (isolating the victim or threatening harm) to direct physical tactics, indicating that girls in this school use higher levels of physical aggression in bullying than the findings of other literature. The found high incidence levels of being bullied and bullying behaviour trends indicate a need for an anti–bullying intervention in this school, which includes learners of all age and race groups. The study's findings imply that such an intervention should include a focus on bullying of black and coloured learners and address racial dynamics in bullying. Furthermore intervention should address group and individual bullying, as well as the use of direct bullying tactics among both boys and girls, particularly direct physical tactics. Altough these findings are not generalisable to other South African schools, the need for further South African research to investigate unique trends in bullying behaviour is stressed. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether adolescents make use of an ethical decision–making framework when they make choices in relation to sexual activities and the elements that make up this ethical decision–making framework. The adolescent stage of development is characterized by physical and cognitive changes, of which the development of sexual characteristics and morality are only parts. Both these developments are discussed at length within the context of adolescent sexual activity, and cognitive and moral development. Different influences on the morality of adolescents were identified, of which the faith community of adolescents were one. These elements also influence the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents on sexual activity. The influence of the religious community on the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents was also investigated on the basis of the faith community's message about sexual activities and the perceptual influence of the religious community on the morality of adolescents. The sexual activity of adolescents, adolescents? perceptions about these sexual activities as well as the messages and sources of information that are available to adolescents with regard to sex was identified by making use of Participant Observation Research. A small group of participants and observers used the PIRASH program to identify the above–mentioned information. The participants also identified the obstacles that adolescents must overcome to establish a healthy sexual life, and what their definition of a healthy sexual life is. Participants in this study agreed that their faith community did not provide enough information to adolescents about sex and sexual activities. Participants indicated this lack of information as their reason for using other sources of information about sexual activities. These messages conveyed by other sources, including those of the media, friends and parents vary from those the faith community has about sex. Adolescents have easier access to these other sources; therefore there is a difference between the faith community's view on sexual activity and that of the adolescents who form part of the faith community. It is concluded that it is necessary, almost urgently, for faith communities to establish the actual view of adolescents who form part of the community, on sexual activity, and to have a stronger influence on the ethical decision–making framework of adolescents. The ethical decision–making framework of adolescents can only be influenced if the faith communities speak more comfortably and more extensively with their adolescents about sex and sexual activities. Postmodern adolescents have access to a variety of sources with a variety of messages about sex and the importance of moral messages from the faith community cannot be underestimated. A secondary outcome of this study was to explore the possibility of Participant Observation Research as research methodology within Theological Ethics. / Thesis (M.A. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Please read the abstract in the 00front of this dissertation. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Psychology / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: Die navorsing handel oor die effek van SHIP® (Spontaneheling Intrasistemiese Proses) by adolessente tennisspelers en die waarde daarvan ten opsigte van die ontwikkeling van sielkundige potensiaal van spelers. Tradisioneel word Sportsielkunde vanaf ‘n kliniese konteks gevoed. Dit is ‘n dinamiese veld wat voordurend op soek is na nog verdere tegnologiese ontwikkeling. Die waarde van die studie is dat dit die eerste keer is dat ‘n hele kliniese intervensieprogram suiwer in ‘n sportkonteks toegepas word. Die doel van die studie is om te bepaal wat die moontlike sielkundige bydrae van SHIP® op die sielkunde van die tennisspeler is. Die intervensie SHIP® het tussen vier tot ses maande geduur met ‘n gemiddeld van tien sessies per speler waar ‘n sessie een uur lank duur. ‘n Totaal van tien adolessente tennisspelers wat verbonde is aan ‘n tennisskool is vir die studie gebruik. Die spelers wat aan die studie deelgeneem het bestaan uit vier manlike en ses vroulike tennisspelers. Die eksperimentele groep bestaan uit ses tennisspelers (twee manlik en vier vroulik) wat ‘n reeks psigometriese toetse afgelê het en deur SHIP® behandel is. Die kontrole groep bestaan uit vier tennisspelers (twee manlik en twee vroulik) wat nie deur SHIP® behandel is nie, maar wel die psigometriese toetse afgelê het. Die studie maak gebruik van ‘n tradisionele eksperimentele ontwerp wat van ‘n eksperimentele en kontrole groep gebruik maak. Verder leen die studie aspekte van Pieterse (2004) se enkelproefpersoonnavorsingsontwerp. Die ontwerp behels onderhoude wat met al die spelers gevoer is, voor die intervensie. Die onderhoude handel oor die spelers se sterkpunte, swakpunte en belewenis van angs en stres tydens tenniswedstryde. Na die intervensie is daar onderhoude met die afrigters en drie spelers gevoer om te bepaal of daar enige verandering by die spelers plaasgevind het. Die resultate van die studie toon ‘n afname in kognitiewe en liggaamlike angs van die eksperimentele groep met geen beduidende veranderinge by die kontrole groep nie. Al hierdie veranderinge is beduidend op die 5% peil van betekenis. Ten opsigte van selfvertroue het beide groepe ‘n statisties beduidende verandering getoon op die 10% peil van betekenis. Die eksperimentele groep het egter ‘n beduidende toename getoon terwyl die kontrole groep se tellings op die subskaal beduidend afgeneem het. Die spanning-angs toetstellings van die kontrole groepe was beduidend hoër as die eksperimentele groep. Hierdie verskil was beduidend op die 10% peil van betekenis. Die depressie en woede-vyandigheid toetstellings van die kontrole groep was ook statisties hoër as die eksperimentele groep na die intervensie. Hierdie verskille was beduidend op die 5% peil van betekenis. Die resultate van die analise binne groepe, toon dat die vigortellings van die eksperimentele groep beduidend toegeneem het, terwyl die afname in die kontrole groep se tellings nie beduidend was nie. Hierdie statisties beduidende veranderinge in die eksperimentele groep was beduidend op die 5% peil van betekenis. Die afgematheid telling van die eksperimentele groep het beduidend afgeneem oor die tyd met geen beduidende verandering in die kontrole groep nie. Hierdie verandering was beduidend op die 10% peil van betekenis. Die verwarringtellings van die eksperimentele groep het beduidend afgeneem, met geen beduidende veranderings in die kontrole groep nie. Die verandering was beduidend op die 5% peil van betekenis. Die outonomiteitssubskaaltelling van die eksperimentele groep het statisties beduidend toegeneem. Die verandering was beduidend op die 10% peil van betekenis. Geen beduidende verandering het ten opsigte van hierdie subskaal by die kontrole groep plaasgevind nie. Die kontrole groepe het ‘n statisties beduidende afname in die positiewe verhoudingssubskaal getoon. Ten opsigte van entiteitsingesteldheid het die kontrole groep ‘n beduidende toename in die tellings getoon. Hierdie toename was beduidend op die 10% peil van betekenis alhoewel die eksperimentele groep se tellings ook toegeneem het, was dit nie statisties beduidend nie. Uit die onderhoude met die spelers en afrigters na die intervensie is dit duidelik dat die eksperimentele groep gegroei het ten opsigte van aandag en konsentrasiebeheer, die hantering van stres en angs en genot tydens tenniswedstryde. ENGLISH: This study examines the effect of SHIP® (Spontaneous Healing Intrasystemic Process) on adolescent tennis players and its advantages in accordance with the development of the players’ potential. Traditionally Sport Psychology has evolved from a clinical context. It is a dynamic field that is always open to further technological development. The value of the study lies in the fact that it is the first time that an entire clinical intervention programme is applied in a purely sports context. The goal of the study is to determine the possible psychological effects that SHIP® might have on the psychology of tennis players. The SHIP® intervention lasted between four to six months, with an average of ten sessions per player, and each session lasting one hour. A total of ten adolescent tennis players who attend a tennis school participated in the study. Of these players, four were male and six female. The experimental group consisted of six tennis players (two male and four female) who completed a battery of psychometric tests and went through SHIP®. The control group consisted of four tennis players (two male and two female) who completed the psychometric tests, but were not put through SHIP® . The study made use of a traditional experimental design, consisting of an experimental and a control group. In addition, the study also employed aspects of Pieterse’s (2004) single subject design. Specific aspects of this design that were applied, include interviews conducted with all the players prior to the intervention. The interviews focused on the players’ strong points, weak points and their experience of anxiety and stress during tennis matches. Follow-up interviews were conducted with three players and their coaches after the intervention, to determine if the players had experienced any change. The results of the study point toward a decrease in the cognitive and physical anxiety of the experimental group, with no significant changes manifesting in the control group. All these changes are significant on the 5%-level of significance. With regard to self-confidence, both groups showed a statistically meaningful change on the 10%-level of significance. The experimental group scores showed a significant increase, while the control group scores on this subscale decreased significantly. The stress-anxiety test scores of the control group were significantly higher than those of the experimental group. This difference was meaningful on the 10%-level of significance. The depression and anger test scores of the control group were statistically higher than those of the experimental group after the intervention. These changes were meaningful on the 5%-level of significance. The results of the analysis within groups, showed that the vigor scores of the experimental group had increased significantly, while the decrease in the control group scores was of no significance. These statistical changes in the experimental group were meaningful on the 5%-level of significance. The fatigue scores of the experimental group decreased significantly over time, with no significant changes in the control group. These changes were meaningful on the 10%-level of significance. The confusion scores of the experimental group decreased significantly, with no significant changes in the control group. This change was meaningful on the 5%-level of significance. The autonomy subscale scores of the experimental group increased statistically significantly. This change was meaningful on the 10%-level of significance. No significant change occurred in the control group with regard to this subscale. The control group showed a statistically significant decrease in the positive relationship subscale. This change was meaningful on the 10%-level of significance. The experimental group showed no significant change with regard to this scale. With regard to the entity mindset, the control group showed a significant increase in scores. This increase was meaningful on the 10%-level of significance. Although the experimental group scores also increased, the scores were not statistically significant. From the interviews with the players and coaches after the intervention, it became clear that the experimental group had grown in terms of attention and concentration control, coping with stress and anxiety, and pleasure experienced during tennis matches. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

This study set out to review and analyse aspects of antidepressant prescribing in children and adolescents in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. The research was conducted in two phases, namely a literature review and an empirical investigation. The aim of the literature review was to provide background to the study by conceptualising antidepressants. The empirical review followed a retrospective, descriptive, observational design. The data employed in the study was obtained from the medicine claims database of a South African Pharmaceutical Benefit Management (PBM) company. The study population consisted of 3 611 children and adolescents receiving ≥1 antidepressants from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. Basic descriptive statistics, such as frequency, prevalence, average, weighted average, standard deviation, weighted standard deviation, median, effect sizes, prescribed daily dosages and DU95% methodology were used to characterise the study sample, and were calculated using the Statistical Analysis System SAS® for Windows 9.3® program. The data were used to determine the prescribing patterns of antidepressants with regard to age, gender, geographic area, type of prescriber, the comparison of prescribed daily dosages vs. recommended daily dosages, and the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions. Potential drug-drug interactions were identified and compiled by using various interaction compendia, whereas recommended daily dosages were identified by cross-referencing various dosage compendia. The study population consisted of 1 850 girls and 1 761 boys. The mean age of girls was 13.7 ± 3.9 years, vs. 12.3 ± 3.8 years for boys (d = 0.4). A total of 11 735 prescriptions containing 12 272 antidepressants were documented in 2010. Results of the study furthermore showed that the average number of prescriptions claimed per patient increased with age, from an average of 1.0 ± 0.28 among those up to the age of 2 years, to an average of 3.4 ± 3.21 among those 16 to 18 years of age. Prescribing with regard to age groups differed, rising gradually from birth and peaking at middle childhood for boys, whereas antidepressant use in girls increased from birth up to 6 years of age, reaching a plateau and increases again from age 13 and onward. Approximately 25% (n = 12 272) of antidepressants prescribed were either not indicated in children, or the dosages were deemed too high. More than 50% (n = 12 272) of antidepressants prescribed were in the Gauteng province. The SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) and the TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) were the most prescribed antidepressants in both gender groups. The male-to-female ratio for the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors was 0.9, compared to 1.2 for the tricyclic antidepressants. The top three antidepressants prescribed were imipramine (21.8%), citalopram (15.3%) and escitalopram (14.7%, n = 12 272). Potential DDIs were observed on 284 (2.4%) (n = 11 743) prescriptions. The drug pairs with potential drug-drug interactions prescribed most, were imipramine with methylphenidate [43 cases (15.1%)] and valproic acid [38 cases (13.4%)], and followed by methylphenidate in combination with fluoxetine and sertraline [both documenting 32 cases (11.3%), respectively. The TCAs accounted for 182 (64.1%) cases of possible DDIs (drug-drug interactions), whereas combination therapy of SSRIs and TCAs accounted for 21.4% of potential DDIs. In conclusion, this study determined that there were a number of differences with regard to antidepressant prescribing in children and adolescents. Recommendations for future studies were made. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Obesity and physical inactivity (PI) are major health problems world-wide, and leading contributors to the high incidence of overweight, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in children both globally and in South Africa in particular. Despite the importance of physical activity (PA), health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and body composition to health, very few studies have investigated the longitudinal relationship between these variables in children. Three articles based on this research were written in which a total of 283 adolescent learners (111 boys and 172 girls) with a mean age of 14.90±0.72 years from the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) participated. The students’ physical characteristics were measured using the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK); the EUROFIT test protocol and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess the children’s HRPF and PA levels, respectively. In the first article, the results showed that girls had a slightly higher significant BMI (21.43±4.37 kg/m²) than the boys (20.01±3.71kg/m²) (p=0.002), and were substantially more overweight (32.4%) and fatter (%body fat=26.01±8.51) than the boys (17.1%)). A total of 85 (30%), 78 (27.5%) and 88 (31.1%) of the students had low, moderate and high PA involvement. It was concluded that girls were more overweight and less active than boys. The second article examined the relationships between body composition, health-related fitness and PA. Inverse relationships were found between BMI and the health-related fitness items of SBJ and BAH. Furthermore, BMI negatively associated with SAR and endurance performance, especially in girls. Percentage body fat was negatively related to SBJ, BAH, SAR and endurance performance. The aim of the third article was to evaluate the longitudinal development of HRPF, anthropometry and body composition status among the children. Regression coefficients showed that changes in BMI were inversely associated with those in health-related physical fitness. The changes in %BF were negatively associated with SBJ, BAH and aerobic capacity (VO2max) in the boys and girls. The results also yielded a low significantly positive association between changes in WHtR and SBJ in both genders, while low inverse associations were found between WHtR and BAH in girls, and VO2max in both genders. It is concluded that the incidence of overweight and PI was especially high in girls and excessive fatness negatively affected the girls’ fitness performances. Changes in BMI, % body fat and WHtR were negatively related with the children’s strength and running performances, especially among the girls in which the relative increase in overweight negatively affected their endurance running and static strength performances. In view of the health implications of the findings, it is necessary to create an enabling environment and opportunities to promote physically active lifestyles and develop life-long positive attitudes towards PA among students. Community-based strategies targeted at facilitating sustainable PA intervention programmes in schools are recommended. / PhD (Human Movement Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study set out to review and analyse aspects of antidepressant prescribing in children and adolescents in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. The research was conducted in two phases, namely a literature review and an empirical investigation. The aim of the literature review was to provide background to the study by conceptualising antidepressants. The empirical review followed a retrospective, descriptive, observational design. The data employed in the study was obtained from the medicine claims database of a South African Pharmaceutical Benefit Management (PBM) company. The study population consisted of 3 611 children and adolescents receiving ≥1 antidepressants from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. Basic descriptive statistics, such as frequency, prevalence, average, weighted average, standard deviation, weighted standard deviation, median, effect sizes, prescribed daily dosages and DU95% methodology were used to characterise the study sample, and were calculated using the Statistical Analysis System SAS® for Windows 9.3® program. The data were used to determine the prescribing patterns of antidepressants with regard to age, gender, geographic area, type of prescriber, the comparison of prescribed daily dosages vs. recommended daily dosages, and the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions. Potential drug-drug interactions were identified and compiled by using various interaction compendia, whereas recommended daily dosages were identified by cross-referencing various dosage compendia. The study population consisted of 1 850 girls and 1 761 boys. The mean age of girls was 13.7 ± 3.9 years, vs. 12.3 ± 3.8 years for boys (d = 0.4). A total of 11 735 prescriptions containing 12 272 antidepressants were documented in 2010. Results of the study furthermore showed that the average number of prescriptions claimed per patient increased with age, from an average of 1.0 ± 0.28 among those up to the age of 2 years, to an average of 3.4 ± 3.21 among those 16 to 18 years of age. Prescribing with regard to age groups differed, rising gradually from birth and peaking at middle childhood for boys, whereas antidepressant use in girls increased from birth up to 6 years of age, reaching a plateau and increases again from age 13 and onward. Approximately 25% (n = 12 272) of antidepressants prescribed were either not indicated in children, or the dosages were deemed too high. More than 50% (n = 12 272) of antidepressants prescribed were in the Gauteng province. The SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) and the TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) were the most prescribed antidepressants in both gender groups. The male-to-female ratio for the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors was 0.9, compared to 1.2 for the tricyclic antidepressants. The top three antidepressants prescribed were imipramine (21.8%), citalopram (15.3%) and escitalopram (14.7%, n = 12 272). Potential DDIs were observed on 284 (2.4%) (n = 11 743) prescriptions. The drug pairs with potential drug-drug interactions prescribed most, were imipramine with methylphenidate [43 cases (15.1%)] and valproic acid [38 cases (13.4%)], and followed by methylphenidate in combination with fluoxetine and sertraline [both documenting 32 cases (11.3%), respectively. The TCAs accounted for 182 (64.1%) cases of possible DDIs (drug-drug interactions), whereas combination therapy of SSRIs and TCAs accounted for 21.4% of potential DDIs. In conclusion, this study determined that there were a number of differences with regard to antidepressant prescribing in children and adolescents. Recommendations for future studies were made. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Obesity and physical inactivity (PI) are major health problems world-wide, and leading contributors to the high incidence of overweight, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in children both globally and in South Africa in particular. Despite the importance of physical activity (PA), health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and body composition to health, very few studies have investigated the longitudinal relationship between these variables in children. Three articles based on this research were written in which a total of 283 adolescent learners (111 boys and 172 girls) with a mean age of 14.90±0.72 years from the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) participated. The students’ physical characteristics were measured using the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK); the EUROFIT test protocol and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess the children’s HRPF and PA levels, respectively. In the first article, the results showed that girls had a slightly higher significant BMI (21.43±4.37 kg/m²) than the boys (20.01±3.71kg/m²) (p=0.002), and were substantially more overweight (32.4%) and fatter (%body fat=26.01±8.51) than the boys (17.1%)). A total of 85 (30%), 78 (27.5%) and 88 (31.1%) of the students had low, moderate and high PA involvement. It was concluded that girls were more overweight and less active than boys. The second article examined the relationships between body composition, health-related fitness and PA. Inverse relationships were found between BMI and the health-related fitness items of SBJ and BAH. Furthermore, BMI negatively associated with SAR and endurance performance, especially in girls. Percentage body fat was negatively related to SBJ, BAH, SAR and endurance performance. The aim of the third article was to evaluate the longitudinal development of HRPF, anthropometry and body composition status among the children. Regression coefficients showed that changes in BMI were inversely associated with those in health-related physical fitness. The changes in %BF were negatively associated with SBJ, BAH and aerobic capacity (VO2max) in the boys and girls. The results also yielded a low significantly positive association between changes in WHtR and SBJ in both genders, while low inverse associations were found between WHtR and BAH in girls, and VO2max in both genders. It is concluded that the incidence of overweight and PI was especially high in girls and excessive fatness negatively affected the girls’ fitness performances. Changes in BMI, % body fat and WHtR were negatively related with the children’s strength and running performances, especially among the girls in which the relative increase in overweight negatively affected their endurance running and static strength performances. In view of the health implications of the findings, it is necessary to create an enabling environment and opportunities to promote physically active lifestyles and develop life-long positive attitudes towards PA among students. Community-based strategies targeted at facilitating sustainable PA intervention programmes in schools are recommended. / PhD (Human Movement Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This research involves the exploration of the potential, as well as the problems, of early adolescents’ relationships in the context of the school-and-home in a high-risk community in South Africa. Although researchers indicate that school performance and academic success is of key importance concerning positive youth development (You & Nguen, 2011), many South African adolescents are still part of the high incidence of repeating greades and drop-out statictics in this country (Louw, Bayat & Eigelaar-Meets, 2011). This study highlights one of the factors for school success, namely, the involvement of primary care givers in the school community. There is a need to explore adolescents’ perceptions of their primary care givers’ involvement in the school community, within the context of a high-risk South African community, since research within Positive Psychology also explores those resources which promote wellbeing and resilient coping. This study made use of the qualitative method and the results have been presented in an article format, as part of the dissertation. The aim of the article was to explore early adolescents’ perceptions of their primary care-givers’ involvement in the school community in a high-risk community. Participants (N=12) between the ages of twelve to fourteen years, from one school in the Delft Community, Cape Peninsula, were chosen in an un-biased fashion. The Delft community is one of the twenty identified high-risk communities in South Africa. Demographic information shows that the majority of the participants’ care-givers are not the biological parents. The findings indicate that early adolescents percieve their primary caregivers’ involvement in the school community, in a high-risk community, in the following ways: The meeting of basic needs, such as the provision of food, clothing and a home is essential for the adolescent’s school career; the emotional colour of the involvement of care givers is mostly negative, since school visitations involve the handling of problems, or the prevention of further problems; the early adolescent’s understanding of school success greatly matches that of his/her primary care- givers and is seen mostly in terms of either “pass” or “fail”; and early adolescents’ school careers and primary care-givers’ involvement within the context of a high-risk community involve experiences such as the exposure to continued poverty with various implications such as hunger, walking to school in an unsafe environment, as well as gang-violence, crime and substance abuse. This study shows that, besides the challenges that are associated with the adolescent life-phase, early adolescents also have to deal with various other problems that emanate from a high-risk community. These problems are generally matters of survival, and it is clear that these risks further strain well-being and the development thereof. Poor involvement of primary caregivers in the school community is one of the realities which early adolescents in a high-risk community have to deal with, and this poor involvement is indicative of not providing life essentials, as well as personal interest and encouragement. It is further the experience of negative emotions, such as fear in general and the “scared-ness” indicates adolescents’ fear for their own safety, as well as that of their friends and family. The participants in this study have all been affected directly and/or indirectly by the trauma of gang violence and the untimely death of a family member. In the midst of these challenges, the primary caregivers are mostly uninvolved in these vulnerable adolescents’ lives. Primary care-givers visit the school community mainly when they are summoned to handle “problems”. Primary care-givers generally have a negative association with the school community. The less negative experience of emotions indicates the absence of serious problems, such as the not-completion of school work. The scarce occurrence of positive emotions, such as primary care-givers that show compassion with early adolescents when they experience disappointment, is actually part of the participants’ experiences. The primary care- givers’ active helping with the early adolescents’ school tasks is uncommon and it is mostly focused on the prevention of the repetition of school grades. The presence of a family member (extended family) with school meetings has great value for the early adolescents’ perception of family as a protective factor for the well-being of the young person. This study presents an important contribution to Positive Psychology, as valuable information is presented to understand the early adolescent’s well-being and the context thereof. The specific descriptions of early adolescents’ perceptions of the involvement of their primary care-givers in the school community provide a description of the potential which can be unlocked in school-and-life choices. Findings have implications for policies regarding the promotion of well-being. Recommendations for further study are given. Possibilities for application includes the importance of the ecological impact and of partnerships, so that problems and the development of well-being can be addressed by primary care givers, school communities, faith communities, NGOs and universities. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014