This research focuses on the experiences of adolescents dealing with parental loss through death, irrespective of the age of the child at the time of loss. Through an increased understanding of this phenomenon, the researcher highlights the need for supporting and guiding adolescents who are dealing with parental loss. Role players are identified and insight into the task of assisting adolescents who are dealing with parental loss through death, is developed. A qualitative approach was followed in order to gain in-depth data regarding the experiences of adolescents dealing with parental loss through death. The general orientation to the research methodology is discussed in chapter one. The first objective of the study was to build a theoretical frame of reference regarding the field of adolescence as well as the influence of parental loss and the grief process, on this developmental stage. This objective is achieved in chapters two and three The second objective was to conduct an empirical study on the experiences of adolescents who were dealing with parental loss through death. The researcher conducted interviews at the school in which she works. Play techniques were implemented by the researcher to assist in exploring the adolescents’ experiences and therefore facilitate the research process. Themes and sub-themes were identified during the data collecting and analyzing processes. The findings are discussed in chapter four. The main themes, relating to the experiences of adolescents dealing with parental loss, identified in this study, are: <ul> <li> Emotions and needs vary and are linked to both the process of grieving and the development of a separate identity. <li> Although many possible support systems exist, insufficient guidance and support, both formal and informal, are being offered. <li> The adolescents’ focus on the past, present and future is affected by parental loss. <li> The relationship with the parents, both deceased and surviving, affects the adolescents’ functioning in the present. <li> Secondary implications of parental loss affect the adolescents’ experience of the loss. <li> Identity formation is affected by the bereavement process. <li> Risk and protection factors include present relationships and support systems; being offered the opportunity to grieve; spiritual beliefs and the adolescents’ behaviour. <li> Physical effects of dealing with parental loss though death included symptoms of depression.</li> </ul> The final objective of the research was to provide conclusions and recommendations and receives attention in chapter five. Recommendations are made to the South African Government, Department of Education and schools and include proposed strategies and policies for offering support to adolescents dealing with parental loss within the school systems. Recommendations to social workers and other professional support structures include bereavement training, flexible service delivery options and the developing and empowering of community-based structures. Knowledge of the experiences of adolescents dealing with parental loss through death is increased and the need for offering support and guidance to this vulnerable group in our society receives attention through this research. / Dissertation (MSD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The problem with which this study is concerned is to determine whether or not differences exist in the achievement of student development tasks by college student athletes and non-athletes. The investigation also tested for differences in the achievement of developmental tasks between athletes and non-athletes based on the variables of race (black or white), classification, and interpersonal behavior orientation. The sample was composed of 276 male students (201 non-athletes and 75 athletes) who attend a large private university in Texas. Each participant completed both a student developmental task inventory questionnaire, which measures individual achievement of the tasks of developing autonomy, purpose, and mature interpersonal relationships, and an interpersonal relationship orientation-behavior instrument, which measures an individual's orientation to others on the scales of inclusion, control, and affection.

RESUME The times based on one individual's decision about which school to study to be able to choose further continuous and smooth career path has been over. As a result of current global and local social changes everybody should be prepared to the every possible change in career. Nevertheless the first choice of career is still an important milestone and can direct the individual career, but it is not the only key milestone, that determines the individual career once and for ever. People in contemporary world should be able to respond quickly to constant changes, evaluate new situations and be able to make the right decisions. The widespread myth is that success means to raise money as quickly as possible to guarantee the freedom and happiness. But a real success is a contented life, which is a long way over such values as for example certainty that we are doing the work that we like and which fills us with satisfaction. Individual goal is to focus on the abilities and skills so that the decision directs to such a career path where one will be able to optimally exploit one's potential in a future career. In the beginning of a career path a family as a primary socializing agent and the closest partner institution in the life of the pupil should fulfil its role in close cooperation with the school that...