Magister Educationis - MEd / The study focuses on the administration procedure of Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS) to learners from a previously disadvantaged school in the Western Cape. ARCS is the Rorschach administration procedure developed by Moletsane-Kekae (2004) in her research study. The aim of the study was to determine the response rate of learners from a previously disadvantaged school when they were exposed to the Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS). The objectives are to determine the possible factors that can lead to high and low response rate when administering Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS). The main assumption that guides the study was that the responses of the administration of Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS) to the learners from a previously disadvantaged school in the Western Cape would yield more than 14 responses (R>14). The study adopted a qualitative approach, case study design, interpretivist paradigm. The Rorschach test, ARCS procedure, observation, interview, and Field notes were used as data collection techniques. The sample was made of six learners (3 girls and 3 boys) in Year 1 selected from a previously disadvantaged school in Cape Town. In order to analyze the data, the thematic analysis and interpretation procedures were used. The results revealed that the majority of the learners gave high responses, because the ARCS accommodated their cultures, believe and backgrounds. This study found out that language, seating arrangement, strategies using during the ARCS procedure were the factors that influenced the higher response rate. Furthermore, the study also found that the lack of previous exposure and experience of the psychological test was a factor that can lead to low response.

The study was exploratory in nature, with 62 adult participants participating in this research. The aim of the study was to determine the level of ego impairment, if any, among a group of patients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The data obtained from this sample was subjected to the Rorschach-based Ego Impairment Index-2 (EII-2). An in-depth analysis of the composite variables of this index was performed, allowing a comprehensive grasp of the implications of ego impairment in everyday functioning. The study was conducted in order to ascertain the nature of the psychological dynamics at play amongst this population group. The value of using the EII-2 is seen in its ability to establish various strengths and weaknesses in areas of ego functioning that are a core component of the personality, rather than behavioural manifestations that are sporadic and subject to change. Thus the results will reflect traits that are enduring and fundamental when considering the personality. In addition, the areas of psychological functioning that were determined were linked to the current conceptualisation of Bipolar Disorder, which, at present, is primarily conceived of as a biological disorder. The results of the EII-2 yielded from this sample indicated an overall moderate ego impairment falling within the moderate range, indicating that for this population, an impairment of ego was evident. Particularly, the domains of reality testing, cognitive functioning and object relatedness seemed to be most impaired. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Psychology / Unrestricted

L’objectif de cette recherche est : 1) de contribuer à la réduction du retard diagnostique quicaractérise le trouble bipolaire ; 2) identifier les marqueurs infra cliniques de la dépressionbipolaire ; 3) créer une constellation de différenciation de l’épisode dépressif majeur bipolaireet unipolaire au test de Rorschach (système intégratif).Méthode : Dans un premier temps, nous avons développé une constellation provisoire avec unpré-test auprès de 41 patients (20 bipolaires et 21 unipolaires). Dans un second temps, nousavons testé cette constellation sur un nouvel échantillon de 141 patients (71 bipolaires et 70unipolaires). La symptomatologie dépressive est contrôlée avec la MADRS, l’absence desymptomatologie maniaque et / ou hypomaniaque est contrôlée avec la MAS.Résultats : Il existe des différences infra cliniques, mises en avant par le test de Rorschach,entre les dépressions bipolaires et les dépressions unipolaires. 7 variables du test deRorschach diffèrent dans nos 2 groupes, nous les avons regroupées en un index. Ceregroupement en une constellation permet d’augmenter significativement sensibilité et laspécificité de cette distinction. / The aims of this study are 1) to contribute to reduce the diagnostic delay of bipolar disorder ; 2) identify infraclinical psychological markers of bipolar depression ; 3) build a bipolar depressive index in Rorschach test (comprehensive system).Method : A preliminary Rorschach index has been developed from a pre-test with 41 patients(20 bipolar and 21 unipolar). This preliminary index has been tested on another sample of 141 patients (71 bipolar and 70 unipolar). We used MADRS to rate the depressive symptomaticintensity and the MAS to rate the manic and / or hypomanic symptomatic intensity.Results : Some infraclinical dimensions of depressive episodes, assessed with the Rorschachtest, are different in unipolar and bipolar patients. 7 variables are different in the 2 groups. We put them together in an index. Grouping these variables in a constellation increases specificityand sensitivity of the differential diagnosis.

The diploma thesis at hand aims to find out to what extent Vojta method can stimulate child?s ability to receive and actively participate in other means of the comprehensive rehabilitation system. The diploma thesis observes application of Vojta method within the comprehensive system of rehabilitation provided in ARPIDA in České Budějovice. The diploma thesis is divided into two parts. The theoretical part deals with the current state of the issue in question, provides characteristics of individual means of the comprehensive system of rehabilitation, and acquaints the reader with the technique named reflex locomotion, which is referred to as the Vojta method. The practical part comprises of two chapters. The first chapter provides the reader with a description of the selected facility. The second chapter introduces case reports of the clients completed with analyses of interviews held with parents and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Using the mentioned materials, the author produced six case reports of selected clients of ARPIDA centre. Five out of six observed clients were diagnosed with infant cerebral palsy in different forms with combined defects. For the purposes of the diploma thesis, the author used the method of qualitative research. The practical part is based on analyses of medical records and personal documentations of selected clients of ARPIDA centre; author?s own direct observation; analyses of interviews held with parents and other members of the multidisciplinary team; and observations made by the author while performing her duties as a physiotherapist. Finally, it was concluded that application of Vojta method is necessary within the comprehensive system of rehabilitation which strives to reduce the effects of the disability and improve the quality of life in subjects with the said disability. The author?s own research was designed to verify the findings learned from the literature reviewed for the purposes of the theoretical part. The conclusion of the practical part contains a summary of results, assessment of accomplished goals; and research outcomes and recommendations. The thesis may be found useful by both experts and students who have professional interests in the issue; yet, it should also be made available to the members of the multidisciplinary team as a feedback.

Exploring the cycloid temperament has been attempted throughout the ages by various pioneers in psychiatry, psychology and psychoanalysis. Contemporary psychiatric approaches have estimated that cycloid pathology, most evident as Bipolar Disorder, accounts for more than 1% of the population and is seen as the sixth leading cause of all illnesses. Despite the latter it is remains a desperately understudied area psychologically. Theoretically, BD is known for (1) its complex epidemiology, (2) costly treatment, (3) occupational impairment; (4) its negative interpersonal implications, (5) negative domestic effects, (6) forensic consequences, (7) death due to suicide and accidents, (8) cost in treatment, and finally, and most importantly from a humanistic perspective, (9) BD's diminished quality of life. Given the various realities faced by those suffering from Bipolar disorder the current study aimed at describing, through the use of the Rorschach Comprehensive system (CS), the self and object-representations, as well as the affect experiences of fifty, predominantly Bipolar I inpatients. The patients were selected through opportunity sampling at two provincial psychiatric hospitals in South Africa and included Caucasian, African and Colored respondents. All protocols were administered and scored by trained CS clinicians and re-scored by both the author and supervisor. Fifteen protocols were thereafter randomly assigned to three inter-raters and a high level of inter-rater reliability seemed evident. Given various inherent limitations of the study, that is, (a) a study of limited scope, (b) the heterogeneous nature of the sample and the reliance on opportunity sampling, (c) the small sample size, (d) lack of a control group, and (d) the focus of the study as exploratory-descriptive in nature, basic descriptive statistic were relied upon. Despite the various limitations, the results obtained seemed to hint at the possibility of a Neglected Self, characterised by difficulties in modulating affect in moderation, lack of self-esteem and positive self-regard, difficulties in introspection and self-inspecting behaviour, a general lack of interpersonal comfort and feelings of threat, as well as affectional and representational constriction. The presence of impaired self-regulation and reflection, possible perceptual differences in sensory-affective reactivity and processing, as well as difficulties in representational elaboration and differentiation needs further research and comparison to other psychiatric disorders. Basic therapeutic inferences were also discussed that may support those who treat cycloid patients. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Psychology / unrestricted

In this study the original Rorschach test was administered to ten black South African adolescents, all fourteen years of age. Originally, the Rorschach’s test norms have been determined for an American sample. Using a qualitative research design in this study, the standard Rorschach test was administered in two phases, namely the pre-test and the post-test. Ten case studies were used as a format for research. During the pre-test the standard RCS procedures were strictly adhered to. The participants were never exposed to psychological tests before and reacted differently when presented with the Rorschach Inkblot cards for the first time. For instance, some of them were uncertain, nervous and reacted with shock. According to Exner&Weiner (1995:33) when less than 14 answers are given in response to the Rorschach test, the results cannot be interpreted. The participants were therefore required to give 14 or more answers. During the pre-test phase five out of 10 gave 14 and more responses whereas five gave less than 14 responses. The total responses of the 10 participants were 127 with an average of 12,7. The factors that inhibited the participants from giving 14 or more responses were identified and analysed. Adjusted or modified RCS procedures were then designed with the explicit aim of accommodating the participants’ culture, beliefs and background. The participants were re-tested with the adjusted RCS (ARCS) during the post-test phase. In this phase, eight participants gave 14 or more responses and only two participants gave less than 14 responses. The number of responses increased when the ARCS was administered. The total responses of the 10 participants were 161 with an average of 16,1. The results indicate an increase of 34 responses with an average increase of 3,4 responses for each participant. The research findings indicate that the ARCS was a more appropriate and effective administering test procedure when testing black South African adolescents as compared to the standard RCS. It is recommended that when administering the Rorschach Comprehensive System among non-western participants, that the factors that could prevent them from giving sufficient responses should be identified and analysed in order to modify the test procedures. The examiners could in this way minimise biases when administering psychological tests. / Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

En dépit de ses qualités, le Rorschach en Système Intégré présente des problèmes psychométriques substantiels que le nouveau système Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) ne permet pas de résoudre. Aussi, l’objectif principal de la thèse que nous défendons est de développer une approche psychométrique du Rorschach qui soit satisfaisante sur les plans statistique et clinique. Une Analyse Parallèle et Une Analyse en Composantes Principales réalisée sur un échantillon normatif de 695 participants Belges, Français et Finlandais permet de définir un modèle du Rorschach en 12 Composantes. Si ces dimensions sont cohérentes avec les principes de cotation et les connaissances empiriques sur le Rorschach, elles font également apparaître certaines difficultés de cotation, des aspects du Rorschach qui ont été négligés dans la recherche, de même qu’elles remettent en question certains indices du Système Intégré. Ce modèle est appliqué à deux problèmes empiriques : l’expression de particularités culturelles au Rorschach et la capacité du test à identifier des stratégies de résolution de problème (qui est un aspect central du Système Intégré). Les normes américaines du Système Intégré ainsi que les normes internationales du R-PAS ne peuvent s’appliquer de manière universelle et il faut donc recourir à des valeurs de références nationales. De plus, le Rorschach ne permet pas d’identifier des stratégies de résolution de problème de manière fiable. Ces études montrent que certains principes fondamentaux du Système Intégré et du R-PAS sont à remettre en question et qu’il est nécessaire de développer un nouveau système d’interprétation du Rorschach selon une approche psychométrique. / In spite of its quailties, the Rorschach Comprehensive System (RCS) presents substantial psychometric issues which are not solved by the new Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS). Thus, the main objective of this dissertation is to develop a satisfying psychometrical approach of the Rorschach test. A Parallel Analysis and a Principal Component Analysis performed on a normative sample of 695 Belgian, French and Fins participants define a 12 Components model of the Rorschach. If these dimensions are coherent with scoring principles and empirical evidences for the Rorschach they also reveal some scoring issues, neglected aspects of the Rorschach in the research field as well as they question the validity of some indices of the RCS. This model was applied to two empirical problems : the cross-cultural study of the Rorschach and its ability to assess problem solving strategies (which is a key feature of the RCS). The american norms of the RCS and the international reference values of the R-PAS cannot be used universally and it is necessary to use national norms. Moreover, the Rorschach does not assess problem solving strategies in a satisfying manner. These studies demonstrate that some fondamental principles of the RCS and the R-PAS must be questionned and the necessity to develop a new interpretation system for the Rorschach based on a psychometrical approach.

This diploma thesis deals with the care of a child with combined handicaps in the family. I investigated how the lifestyle of a family caring for a child with combined handicaps is affected. A sub-task was to explore this issue in a family caring for a child with combined handicaps who is a client of a nongovernmental non-profit facility, the centre ARPIDA, o.s., in České Budějovice. I used qualitative research methods in my diploma thesis. The chosen technique was a semi standardized interview with the parents and siblings of children with combined handicaps in care at the centre ARPIDA, o.s. A content analysis of data from individual client documentation from the centre ARPIDA, o.s., was used as a complementary technique. Based on these materials, I created five case studies of clients with combined handicaps. The theoretical part describes the important concepts and situations that are related to this issue. Particular attention then focuses on individual means of a comprehensive rehabilitation system which offer a comprehensive interdisciplinary care to families caring for a child with disabilities. In the practical part, I analyse the interviews carried out with the parents of children with combined handicaps. In particular, I examined their views of the changes that they arose in connection with the birth and care of a child with disabilities. I also had interviews with the healthy siblings of the children with disabilities. Thanks to these interviews, I gained interesting insights on this issue from the perspective of other family members. In conclusion, I state that the lifestyle of the parents and siblings of a child with combined handicaps is significantly affected by the birth of a disabled child. The parents often lose the opportunity to follow their professional careers and there is sometimes a negative impact on their health. They feel insufficiently appreciated by the state for their burdensome care for a child with combined handicaps. Due to this fact, healthy siblings become more mature and more sensitive individuals who are aware of critical life values. Based on the research part of my thesis, I defined three hypotheses in the end. Hypothesis 1: The parents are adversely affected in their health due to long care for a child with combined handicaps. Hypothesis 2: The most important quality in the care of a child with disabilities is patience. Hypothesis 3: Nongovernmental non-profit organizations are an important source of assistance to families with a child with disabilities in its natural environment. The diploma thesis should highlight the importance and unsubstitutability of families caring for a child with combined handicaps. This thesis may serve to professionals and students focusing on this issue, but also the parents of children with combined handicaps as their feedback.

The current study describes the impact of trauma on the perceptual thinking processes of participants who have sustained repeated criminal victimisation in South Africa. Fifteen adult males, (mean age 40.73 years) participated voluntarily in this descriptive study. The Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM) is the psychometric instrument used to describe the participants and Exner’s Comprehensive System (CS) is the method of interpretation employed. The Perceptual Thinking Index (PTI) is the cluster of variables selected to describe each participant’s level of reality testing and perceptual functioning. Together with this, the D and Adjusted D Score variables are discussed to describe the participants’ overall and current coping capacities. From the research findings yielded in this study, it appears that the majority of these participants (73%) can be described as experiencing problems in terms of their perceptual thinking processes. They are also unable to appropriately engage in accurate reality testing. The results of the research study may serve as an incentive for further studies of this nature as according to the RIM, participants with this level of impaired reality testing generally present with psychotic features. However, these research results were found in participants who present with an absence of a psychotic or any schizophrenic type disorder diagnoses. Other researchers who used the RIM to assess trauma victims have found results similar to this. Furthermore, participants who present with this level of impaired reality testing, generally experience severe problems in coping with basic psychological aspects of daily functioning. This however, does not appear to be the case with this sample group, which was one of the motivating factors for conducting this research. A concluding suggestion is made for possible research into investigating how, and at what expense, other psychological features of functioning are employed, in order to manage in a seemingly well-adaptive manner. / Dissertation (MA (Clinical Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted

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