Introdução: Os estudos clínicos promovem inovação no âmbito da saúde e podem proporcionar novos tratamentos e benefícios à população. Os estudos de intervenção com medicamentos são fundamentais para demonstrar a eficácia, a toxicidade e a segurança de novas terapias. O uso de medicamentos experimentais na assistência médica é uma realidade observada tanto na continuidade do tratamento pelos participantes após o término da pesquisa, como na possibilidade do uso assistencial destes medicamentos. A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulamenta, com base na RDC n. 38/2013, três Programas assistenciais com medicamentos experimentais: Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo e Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo. Mais recentemente, uma nova alternativa está em desenvolvimento no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, definida como Uso Assistencial Extraordinário. Objetivos: Propor fluxos e materiais informativos para orientar a prática e a condução de Programas de Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo, Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo e Uso Assistencial Extraordinário no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, assim como em outras instituições de saúde. Métodos: Foram revisadas as publicações acerca do assunto, analisados alguns fluxogramas existentes na condução dos Programas acima citados, bem como realizado questionário aos profissionais que atuam nesta área no CPC-HCPA. Resultados: Foram elaborados fluxos e materiais informativos para a condução destes distintos Programas, considerando as diretrizes éticas, regulatórias e de boas práticas, que visam auxiliar a prática e a educação dos profissionais envolvidos. / Introduction: Clinical research can provide valuable evidence to support to health care system in informed decision making. At the same time, from the patient perspective, trials can the way to gain access to more appropriate treatments. The main goal of intervention studies is to determine safety and efficacy of new therapies. The Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulates, based on RDC n° 38/2013, three care programs with experimental drugs: Expanded Access, Compassionate Use and Post-trial Access. Also, in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a new alternative program is being explored - defined as Extraordinary Care Use. Objectives: Propose guidelines to Expanded Access, Compassionate Use, Post-trial Access programs and Extraordinary Care Use in the format of flow sheets and informative leaflets at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and perhaps become a benchmarking project to other institutions. Methods: After review of literature and analysis of existing flow sheets on how to conduct the above mentioned programs, we administered a survey questionnaire on challenges encountered by investigators from clinical research center at our institution. Results: Flow sheets and informative materials were developed to support professionals their research groups in conducting clinical interventional initiatives, considering the ethical, regulatory and good practices guidelines.

As mucopolissacaridoses apresentam uma história natural progressiva, causada por defeitos no metabolismo dos glicosaminoglicanos. Frequentemente graves, as mucopolissacaridoses encurtam de forma considerável a expectativa de vida do paciente. Apesar de que em muitos casos a função intelectual é normal, morbidade neurológica considerável pode ser causada por compressão medular secundária ao acúmulo de glicosaminoglicanos nas meninges. O tratamento deste problema pode requerer a descompressão medular através de laminectomia cervical. A terapia de reposição enzimática endovenosa, para o tratamento de mucopolissacaridose, reduz o acúmulo lisossômico e alivia muitos dos sintomas da doença, porém não oferece benefício direto para o sistema nervoso central uma vez que não atravessa a barreira hemato-encefálica. Esta limitação da reposição enzimática endovenosa levou alguns pesquisadores a trabalhar com uma nova opção de via de liberação medicamentosa de alcance direto no sistema nervoso central, aproveitando o extenso contato que existe entre o líquido cefaloraquidiano e as meninges e com as granulações aracnoideas, para o tratamento de algumas doenças de depósito lisossomal. Estudos em modelos animais têm sido conduzidos e com resultados promissores. Este trabalho se propõe a estudar uma nova via de administração da enzima recombinante, diretamente no espaço liquórico que foi utilizada em dois pacientes com MPS I e em um paciente com MPS VI, com acesso a esta terapêutica através de uso compassivo individual aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética, no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Até então, apenas estudos animais haviam sido realizados abordando esta via de acesso em doenças de depósito lisossomal e estes pacientes foram os primeiros indivíduos com MPS no mundo a receber terapia de reposição intratecal para o tratamento de compressão medular sintomática por depósito de glicosaminoglicanos. Em 2005 um paciente adulto com MPS I apresentando compressão medular foi incluído em um protocolo de terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2006 uma menina com MPS I apresentando compressão cervical medular sintomática também recebeu terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2007 um menino com MPS VI e com compressão medular cervical também foi tratado através de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo neste mesmo hospital. / The mucopolysaccharidoses present a progressive natural course caused by defects on glycosaminoglycan degradation pathways. Usually severe, the mucopolysaccharidoses considerably shorten patient lifespan. Although in many cases the cognitive function is preserved, considerable neurological morbidity can be present due to spinal cord compression which is secondary to glycosaminoglycan storage in the meninges. Treatment for this complication usually requires surgical intervention with cervical laminectomy for thickened meninges removal. Enzyme replacement therapy used for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses reduces lysosomal storage and ameliorates many somatic symptoms but does not provide any direct benefit to central nervous system as the enzyme does not cross the blood-brain-barrier. Due to this limitation of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy some researchers have been working with an alternative option of enzyme delivery with direct action on central nervous system through the extensive close contact provided by cefalo-spinal fluid and meniniges and arachnoid villosities, to the treatment of some lysosomal disorders. Animal model studies have been conducted and some promising results have been achieved. This study intends to present an alternative route for the administration of a recombinant enzyme, directly in the cefalo-spinal fluid, which was used in two patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I and one patient with mucopolysaccharidois VI. These patients gained access to this therapy by individual compassionate use enrollment approved by local Ethics Board at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. So far, only animal model trials had been conducted with the use of this administration route in lysosomal storage diseases, and these were the first three patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and cord compression to receive intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the world. In 2005, an adult mucopolysaccharidosis I patient presenting cervical cord compression was enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2006, a girl with mucopolysaccharidosis I presenting spinal cord compression was also enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2007, a boy with mucopolysaccharidosis VI and cord compression was enrolled in compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the same hospital.

Compassionate care is a crucial component of patient care in nursing practice in the broad context of holistic care. However, it is seemingly difficult for nurses to identify what exactly comprises compassionate care and how to provide it to patients. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of professional nurses on how they provide compassionate patient care. A qualitative descriptive study design based on narrative analysis was used. Thirteen professional nurses (PNs) from a private hospital were purposefully recruited to participate. Data was collected using written stories and professional lifelines. Data was analysed using thematic and narrative analysis. The following themes were identified such as treating the patient as a whole, inadequate knowledge and skills, and barriers to providing compassionate care. Future research using quantitative approach and large samples was recommended. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Introdução: Os estudos clínicos promovem inovação no âmbito da saúde e podem proporcionar novos tratamentos e benefícios à população. Os estudos de intervenção com medicamentos são fundamentais para demonstrar a eficácia, a toxicidade e a segurança de novas terapias. O uso de medicamentos experimentais na assistência médica é uma realidade observada tanto na continuidade do tratamento pelos participantes após o término da pesquisa, como na possibilidade do uso assistencial destes medicamentos. A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulamenta, com base na RDC n. 38/2013, três Programas assistenciais com medicamentos experimentais: Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo e Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo. Mais recentemente, uma nova alternativa está em desenvolvimento no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, definida como Uso Assistencial Extraordinário. Objetivos: Propor fluxos e materiais informativos para orientar a prática e a condução de Programas de Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo, Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo e Uso Assistencial Extraordinário no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, assim como em outras instituições de saúde. Métodos: Foram revisadas as publicações acerca do assunto, analisados alguns fluxogramas existentes na condução dos Programas acima citados, bem como realizado questionário aos profissionais que atuam nesta área no CPC-HCPA. Resultados: Foram elaborados fluxos e materiais informativos para a condução destes distintos Programas, considerando as diretrizes éticas, regulatórias e de boas práticas, que visam auxiliar a prática e a educação dos profissionais envolvidos. / Introduction: Clinical research can provide valuable evidence to support to health care system in informed decision making. At the same time, from the patient perspective, trials can the way to gain access to more appropriate treatments. The main goal of intervention studies is to determine safety and efficacy of new therapies. The Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulates, based on RDC n° 38/2013, three care programs with experimental drugs: Expanded Access, Compassionate Use and Post-trial Access. Also, in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a new alternative program is being explored - defined as Extraordinary Care Use. Objectives: Propose guidelines to Expanded Access, Compassionate Use, Post-trial Access programs and Extraordinary Care Use in the format of flow sheets and informative leaflets at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and perhaps become a benchmarking project to other institutions. Methods: After review of literature and analysis of existing flow sheets on how to conduct the above mentioned programs, we administered a survey questionnaire on challenges encountered by investigators from clinical research center at our institution. Results: Flow sheets and informative materials were developed to support professionals their research groups in conducting clinical interventional initiatives, considering the ethical, regulatory and good practices guidelines.

As mucopolissacaridoses apresentam uma história natural progressiva, causada por defeitos no metabolismo dos glicosaminoglicanos. Frequentemente graves, as mucopolissacaridoses encurtam de forma considerável a expectativa de vida do paciente. Apesar de que em muitos casos a função intelectual é normal, morbidade neurológica considerável pode ser causada por compressão medular secundária ao acúmulo de glicosaminoglicanos nas meninges. O tratamento deste problema pode requerer a descompressão medular através de laminectomia cervical. A terapia de reposição enzimática endovenosa, para o tratamento de mucopolissacaridose, reduz o acúmulo lisossômico e alivia muitos dos sintomas da doença, porém não oferece benefício direto para o sistema nervoso central uma vez que não atravessa a barreira hemato-encefálica. Esta limitação da reposição enzimática endovenosa levou alguns pesquisadores a trabalhar com uma nova opção de via de liberação medicamentosa de alcance direto no sistema nervoso central, aproveitando o extenso contato que existe entre o líquido cefaloraquidiano e as meninges e com as granulações aracnoideas, para o tratamento de algumas doenças de depósito lisossomal. Estudos em modelos animais têm sido conduzidos e com resultados promissores. Este trabalho se propõe a estudar uma nova via de administração da enzima recombinante, diretamente no espaço liquórico que foi utilizada em dois pacientes com MPS I e em um paciente com MPS VI, com acesso a esta terapêutica através de uso compassivo individual aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética, no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Até então, apenas estudos animais haviam sido realizados abordando esta via de acesso em doenças de depósito lisossomal e estes pacientes foram os primeiros indivíduos com MPS no mundo a receber terapia de reposição intratecal para o tratamento de compressão medular sintomática por depósito de glicosaminoglicanos. Em 2005 um paciente adulto com MPS I apresentando compressão medular foi incluído em um protocolo de terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2006 uma menina com MPS I apresentando compressão cervical medular sintomática também recebeu terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2007 um menino com MPS VI e com compressão medular cervical também foi tratado através de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo neste mesmo hospital. / The mucopolysaccharidoses present a progressive natural course caused by defects on glycosaminoglycan degradation pathways. Usually severe, the mucopolysaccharidoses considerably shorten patient lifespan. Although in many cases the cognitive function is preserved, considerable neurological morbidity can be present due to spinal cord compression which is secondary to glycosaminoglycan storage in the meninges. Treatment for this complication usually requires surgical intervention with cervical laminectomy for thickened meninges removal. Enzyme replacement therapy used for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses reduces lysosomal storage and ameliorates many somatic symptoms but does not provide any direct benefit to central nervous system as the enzyme does not cross the blood-brain-barrier. Due to this limitation of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy some researchers have been working with an alternative option of enzyme delivery with direct action on central nervous system through the extensive close contact provided by cefalo-spinal fluid and meniniges and arachnoid villosities, to the treatment of some lysosomal disorders. Animal model studies have been conducted and some promising results have been achieved. This study intends to present an alternative route for the administration of a recombinant enzyme, directly in the cefalo-spinal fluid, which was used in two patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I and one patient with mucopolysaccharidois VI. These patients gained access to this therapy by individual compassionate use enrollment approved by local Ethics Board at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. So far, only animal model trials had been conducted with the use of this administration route in lysosomal storage diseases, and these were the first three patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and cord compression to receive intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the world. In 2005, an adult mucopolysaccharidosis I patient presenting cervical cord compression was enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2006, a girl with mucopolysaccharidosis I presenting spinal cord compression was also enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2007, a boy with mucopolysaccharidosis VI and cord compression was enrolled in compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the same hospital.

As mucopolissacaridoses apresentam uma história natural progressiva, causada por defeitos no metabolismo dos glicosaminoglicanos. Frequentemente graves, as mucopolissacaridoses encurtam de forma considerável a expectativa de vida do paciente. Apesar de que em muitos casos a função intelectual é normal, morbidade neurológica considerável pode ser causada por compressão medular secundária ao acúmulo de glicosaminoglicanos nas meninges. O tratamento deste problema pode requerer a descompressão medular através de laminectomia cervical. A terapia de reposição enzimática endovenosa, para o tratamento de mucopolissacaridose, reduz o acúmulo lisossômico e alivia muitos dos sintomas da doença, porém não oferece benefício direto para o sistema nervoso central uma vez que não atravessa a barreira hemato-encefálica. Esta limitação da reposição enzimática endovenosa levou alguns pesquisadores a trabalhar com uma nova opção de via de liberação medicamentosa de alcance direto no sistema nervoso central, aproveitando o extenso contato que existe entre o líquido cefaloraquidiano e as meninges e com as granulações aracnoideas, para o tratamento de algumas doenças de depósito lisossomal. Estudos em modelos animais têm sido conduzidos e com resultados promissores. Este trabalho se propõe a estudar uma nova via de administração da enzima recombinante, diretamente no espaço liquórico que foi utilizada em dois pacientes com MPS I e em um paciente com MPS VI, com acesso a esta terapêutica através de uso compassivo individual aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética, no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Até então, apenas estudos animais haviam sido realizados abordando esta via de acesso em doenças de depósito lisossomal e estes pacientes foram os primeiros indivíduos com MPS no mundo a receber terapia de reposição intratecal para o tratamento de compressão medular sintomática por depósito de glicosaminoglicanos. Em 2005 um paciente adulto com MPS I apresentando compressão medular foi incluído em um protocolo de terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2006 uma menina com MPS I apresentando compressão cervical medular sintomática também recebeu terapia de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Em 2007 um menino com MPS VI e com compressão medular cervical também foi tratado através de reposição enzimática intratecal por uso compassivo neste mesmo hospital. / The mucopolysaccharidoses present a progressive natural course caused by defects on glycosaminoglycan degradation pathways. Usually severe, the mucopolysaccharidoses considerably shorten patient lifespan. Although in many cases the cognitive function is preserved, considerable neurological morbidity can be present due to spinal cord compression which is secondary to glycosaminoglycan storage in the meninges. Treatment for this complication usually requires surgical intervention with cervical laminectomy for thickened meninges removal. Enzyme replacement therapy used for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses reduces lysosomal storage and ameliorates many somatic symptoms but does not provide any direct benefit to central nervous system as the enzyme does not cross the blood-brain-barrier. Due to this limitation of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy some researchers have been working with an alternative option of enzyme delivery with direct action on central nervous system through the extensive close contact provided by cefalo-spinal fluid and meniniges and arachnoid villosities, to the treatment of some lysosomal disorders. Animal model studies have been conducted and some promising results have been achieved. This study intends to present an alternative route for the administration of a recombinant enzyme, directly in the cefalo-spinal fluid, which was used in two patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I and one patient with mucopolysaccharidois VI. These patients gained access to this therapy by individual compassionate use enrollment approved by local Ethics Board at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. So far, only animal model trials had been conducted with the use of this administration route in lysosomal storage diseases, and these were the first three patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and cord compression to receive intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the world. In 2005, an adult mucopolysaccharidosis I patient presenting cervical cord compression was enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2006, a girl with mucopolysaccharidosis I presenting spinal cord compression was also enrolled in a compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In 2007, a boy with mucopolysaccharidosis VI and cord compression was enrolled in compassionate use trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy in the same hospital.

Introdução: Os estudos clínicos promovem inovação no âmbito da saúde e podem proporcionar novos tratamentos e benefícios à população. Os estudos de intervenção com medicamentos são fundamentais para demonstrar a eficácia, a toxicidade e a segurança de novas terapias. O uso de medicamentos experimentais na assistência médica é uma realidade observada tanto na continuidade do tratamento pelos participantes após o término da pesquisa, como na possibilidade do uso assistencial destes medicamentos. A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulamenta, com base na RDC n. 38/2013, três Programas assistenciais com medicamentos experimentais: Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo e Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo. Mais recentemente, uma nova alternativa está em desenvolvimento no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, definida como Uso Assistencial Extraordinário. Objetivos: Propor fluxos e materiais informativos para orientar a prática e a condução de Programas de Acesso Expandido, Uso Compassivo, Fornecimento de Medicamento Pós-Estudo e Uso Assistencial Extraordinário no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, assim como em outras instituições de saúde. Métodos: Foram revisadas as publicações acerca do assunto, analisados alguns fluxogramas existentes na condução dos Programas acima citados, bem como realizado questionário aos profissionais que atuam nesta área no CPC-HCPA. Resultados: Foram elaborados fluxos e materiais informativos para a condução destes distintos Programas, considerando as diretrizes éticas, regulatórias e de boas práticas, que visam auxiliar a prática e a educação dos profissionais envolvidos. / Introduction: Clinical research can provide valuable evidence to support to health care system in informed decision making. At the same time, from the patient perspective, trials can the way to gain access to more appropriate treatments. The main goal of intervention studies is to determine safety and efficacy of new therapies. The Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) regulates, based on RDC n° 38/2013, three care programs with experimental drugs: Expanded Access, Compassionate Use and Post-trial Access. Also, in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a new alternative program is being explored - defined as Extraordinary Care Use. Objectives: Propose guidelines to Expanded Access, Compassionate Use, Post-trial Access programs and Extraordinary Care Use in the format of flow sheets and informative leaflets at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and perhaps become a benchmarking project to other institutions. Methods: After review of literature and analysis of existing flow sheets on how to conduct the above mentioned programs, we administered a survey questionnaire on challenges encountered by investigators from clinical research center at our institution. Results: Flow sheets and informative materials were developed to support professionals their research groups in conducting clinical interventional initiatives, considering the ethical, regulatory and good practices guidelines.

This dissertation deals with the sensitive topic of h :,mosexuality. For the most part, the Judeo-Christian tradition regards homosexual practice as sin, and an unacceptable alternative lifestyle for Christians. We looked at the current evangelical ethical position in comparison to this tradition and a liberal approach. Homosexuality is the phenomenon of sexually desiring and having sex with people of the same sex. Evangelicals uphold the centrality of the Bible as God's Word and the supreme guide for faith and practice. Three different sets of questionnaires were completed by homosexuals, evangelical leaders and members respectively and the data analysed. Old and New Testament texts showed that homosexuality is biblically never accepted. Data from homosexuals showed that more than fifty percent homosexuals have had sex with people of the opposite sex, thus not 'exlusive'. Data from evangelicals in South Africa, showed that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle, especially for Christians. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic / M.Th. (Theological Ethics)

For many decades, Buddhism in the West has been conceived as an ‘other-worldly’ religion with very little or –at least—limited authority in the public arena. This partial view of the Buddhist path overlooks the potential of Buddhism to interpret reality and help establish new causes and conditions to improve it. This thesis is rooted in Buddhism and seeks to develop a Buddhist theology in order to understand how international relations, as part of the contingent reality, are subject to change. Thus there is the possibility of reconstructing reality through the sum of individual will expressed in social groups, institutions and states. This Theology of International Relations follows a methodology of causality rooted in the dependent origination found in Buddhist theology. Thus, relative reality is conceived as the result of the interaction of different causes and conditions; individuals, through their thoughts and actions, provide new conditions which will be crystallized in particular social arrangements through an inter-subjective consensus. This arrangement is highly influenced by the individual’s allegiance with the sacred, however this is conceived, and thus establishes an ethical guideline in the individual’s relationship with other sentient beings and the ultimate level of existence. This dependent construction of reality goes from the individual level of analysis to the social, state, interstate and global levels in a chain of contingent reality. Therefore I suggest that states, institutions and society are the reflection of shared ideas, beliefs, goals and perceptions of reality between individuals. The human capacity to shape reality is rooted in the premise that they face a relative reality, one that is contingent on several causes and conditions. In Buddhism, all sentient beings play a key role in shaping reality but human beings play a unique role because they can overcome suffering when they recognize the interdependent relation of causes and conditions in a relative reality. If this is achieved, then absolute reality can be experienced, wherein the individual goes beyond all conceptions and senses in a state of emptiness of the self. These core ideas of a contingent reality, its construction through an inter-subjective consensus and the need to experience an absolute reality are premises which Buddhist theology developed and which this thesis explores. In chapter one this thesis considers the basis of Buddhist theology and how it explains the experience of the sacred, the role of religion and the potential for the construction of a relative reality. This thesis argues that religion is at the core of human existence as a vessel of faith which follows a particular theological path toward a communion with the divine. The Buddhist path, aware of the interaction of different levels of reality—relative and absolute—also conceives inner development and social change as key elements of an interdependent transformation. The idea of ‘world peace through inner peace’ is one advocated by ‘engaged Buddhists’ and found in the ethical code of Buddha’s message. Chapter two examines how international relations became the arena where individuals, institutions and states converge and reflect the basic premises of their world-views, whether rooted in anger, hatred and ignorance of the interdependent nature of all phenomena, or based in compassion and awareness of a shared common good. In addition, it addresses the issue of the resurgence of religion in international relations and how it is present or absent from political science theories and policy making. Through this analysis, several established elements such as the concept of the state, secularism and religion as a source of war, are challenged in a new era of multi-agency and mutual influence through religious ideas, groups and communities. Following this inter-subjective construction of the world, the thesis presents two case studies which argue that religious leaders exercise political influence through their actions, ideas and beliefs. The first is the life and works of Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in chapter three and the second is the life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in chapter four. The former having suffered the violent occupation of Tibet and the continuous attacks on Tibetan culture that led him into exile, and the latter having faced the policies of hatred under apartheid, the Dalai Lama and Tutu managed to suggest a world where forgiveness is rooted in compassion and were human beings share the responsibility of creating a compassionate reality. The final chapter develops a new approach to the study of religion and politics providing new variables of study and new categories to understand how international relations are influenced by religious ideas and movements. This thesis argues that there is a need to study and understand this interdependent relation between religious and secular actors through theoretical approaches in international relations and opens the discipline to new paradigms such as the Buddhist theological approach. The outcome of this partnership depends on the individual’s decision to engage, whether in negative causation that leads to violence, fear, terror and the perpetuation of suffering or in a positive one which opens the possibility of peace and liberation from suffering through compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation, recognizing our common humanity and shared universal responsibility.

The purpose of the study was to construct a psycho-social model for team cohesion at a financial institution. The financial institution had been in existence for 127 years, and had faced significant challenges throughout its history of acquisitions and mergers to establish working teams that would give it a competitive edge in global financial markets. The research objective was to develop a psycho-social model for team cohesion by investigating the interrelationships and overall relationships amongst the independent constructs (self-worth, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles) and the relevant outcome (team cohesion). Furthermore, the study also scientifically tested the possible moderating effect of the employees’ socio-demographic characteristics (race, gender, age, level of education, job level and tenure) on the fostering of team cohesiveness. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design approach was selected and applied to a simple probability sample (N = 463) using standardised, valid and reliable measuring instruments. The population consisted of permanent employees, and the results revealed significant relationships between the construct variables. The canonical correlation indicated a significant overall relationship between the contingencies of self-worth domains, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles, and the team cohesion-related dispositions of cohesiveness and engaged. The structured equation modelling indicated a good fit of the data between the individuals’ contingencies of self-worth domains (family support, God’s love, virtues, competition, work competence, physical appearance and pleasing others), the accommodating conflict resolution style, an extraversion personality preference, and team cohesion. Hierarchical moderated regression showed that race, age, educational level and job tenure significantly moderated the relationship between the participants’ psycho-social attributes and team cohesion. Tests for significant mean differences revealed significant differences in terms of the socio-biographical variables. On a theoretical level, the study deepened understanding of the antecedent constructs (self-worth, personality preferences and conflict resolution styles) and team cohesion construct. On an empirical level, the study produced an empirically tested psycho-social model for team cohesion. This study will add significant practical, valuable knowledge to the organisation in managing the future establishment and enhancement of team cohesion, and when integrating new team members to the environment during organisational restructuring and re-alignment after acquisitions and mergers, without negatively affecting organisational effectiveness. These findings invariably provided new insight in managing and understanding inherent interpersonal conflict among employees in the workplace and the enhancement of team cohesion practices, thus adding to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of Consulting Psychology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology, more specifically in financial organisations. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Consulting Psychology)