Thesis (PhD)--Macquarie University, Division of Linguistics & Psychology, Department of Psychology, 2004. / Bibliography: p. 478-485. / Overview of introductory chapters -- Loevinger's conception of ego development -- How might ego stage change happen? -- Theories of sudden change -- Summary of introductory theory -- Aims of the study -- Method -- Preliminary results -- Stages 1-2: analysis of themes in stories of moments of insight -- Stage 3: analysis of story themes by ego level -- Stage 4: examining stories for evidence of ego level change -- Looking for signs of ego level change in case studies -- Case study 1: Sarah -- Case study 2: Louise -- Case study 3: Kasandra -- Case study counter example: Philip -- Revisiting three theoretical tenets of ego development -- Discussion. / Moments of insight - dramatic shifts in perspective in how a person sees him or herself or the world - may provide us with glimpses of how accelerated change might happen in Loevinger's (1976) stages of ego development. Identifying moments of insight as potentially being structural phenomena, and the marrying of them into ego development theory is original to this thesis. -- Ego development proceeds in successive stages that Loevinger described as "self-paradigms", somewhat like Kuhn's (1962) view of paradigms. If this metaphor holds, then at least sometimes, people would be expected to experience sudden, revolutionary paradigm-style changes in their stage of ego development. However only one substantial theory exists as to how stage-changes happen, and that is a theory of gradual change (Kegan, 1979), which is likely the most common form of change. A theory of sudden, revolutionary, paradigm-style change, then, would seem to address a theoretical gap in the concept of how ego development proceeds. This thesis seeks to address that gap. -- A total of 80 participants were tested in regard to their ego development level and a range of secondary measures, and invited to tell stories of their moments of insight: 15 through the medium of interviews (3 of whom became "case studies" and a fourth, a "counter example"), while 65 wrote their stories in questionnaires. -- Analysis was conducted through theoretical argument, through qualitative analysis backed by evidence from story data, and by quantitative analysis of the common themes apparent in the moment of insight stories. Criteria were developed from the data for identifying prototypical examples of moment of insight stories, and criteria for judging ego level change in transcripts were Loevinger's (1976) empirically derived stage descriptions. -- It was shown that these prototypical experiences were those most readily linked with, and potentially indicative of the connection between moments of insight and ego level advancement. The counter example case study also powerfully revealed the conflict felt, even at a high ego level, when there is no "crystallisation of integration" afforded by a moment of insight experience. -- The evidence suggests that moments of insight may indeed be times of sudden ego development change. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / xiii, 485 p

Thesis (PhD)--Macquarie University, Division of Linguistics & Psychology, Department of Psychology, 2004. / Bibliography: p. 478-485.

AFRIKAANS: Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n sensitiseringshulpmiddel oor gesonde persoonlikheidsfunksionering te ontwikkel. Dit kan dien as 'n hulpmiddel vir opvoeders wat dit kan aanwend as deel van hul opvoedkundige kennis. Die vaardighede wat hierdie hulpmiddel onderskryf, is daarop gerig om gesonde persoonlikheidsfunksionering te bevorder. Die denkraamwerk van waaruit die navorsers gewerk het, was idealisties interpreterend met realisasie in die sisteemteorie. Die keuse van die denkraamwerk was gebaseer op die feit dat persoonlikheidsfunksionering oor die algemeen as multi-dimensioneel beskou word, asook dat persone voortdurend in interaksie is met ander persone. Mense funksioneer ook in veranderlike situasies en kontekste. Twee persoonlikheidskonstrukte naamlik Lokus van Kontrole en Egosterkte is akademies ontleed en die resultate hiervan is geïntegreer. Alhoewel die keuse van die twee konstrukte arbitrêr was, was dit geregverdig op grond van praktykondervinding, uitgesproke behoeftes van ander opvoeders en die klem wat tans akademies op die twee konstrukte geplaas word. Die totale studie soos uiteengesit in twee volumes (Deel I en Deel II) soos onderskeidelik gefinaliseer deur die navorsers, 1. De Beer en R. Nel, was deurlopend gerig deur drie vlakke van data-ontleding. Op die eerste-orde-ontledingsvlak is die bestaande literatuur oor die twee konstrukte geëkstrapoleer. Die inligting is geïntegreer en 'n konsephulpmiddel is hieruit ontwikkel. Hierdie ontwikkeling het plaasgevind deur patroonkategorieë te skep met behulp van tweede-orde-ontleding. Die konsephulpmiddel het bestaan uit 'n gestruktureerde deel (vyf-puntskaal) en 'n semi-gestruktureerde deel (bydraes wat respondente spontaan moes genereer). Die konsephulpmiddel is aangebied aan 'n geselekteerde steekproef van 32 opvoeders naamlik ouers, onderwysers en sielkundiges. Die opvoeders het die hulpmiddel geëvalueer en ook hulle eie idees weergegee. Inligting wat hieruit verkry is, is in fokusgroepsessies bespreek en verfyn. Die data wat hieruit verkry is, is kwalitatief ontleed, statisties verwerk, geïntegreer en as 'n konsephulpmiddel ontwikkel. Die konsephulpmiddel is deur opvoeders in die praktyk geëvalueer. Die finale hulpmiddel is in gebruikersvriendelike taal en vorm saamgestel. Hierna is die hulpmiddel teruggekoppel na die oorspronklike konstrukte waaruit dit ontwikkel is. Laastens is die studie en die hulpmiddel konseptueel in terme van die huidige stand van die sielkunde, asook binne die groter konteks van Suid-Afrika bespreek. Verskeie aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing is gemaak, soos byvoorbeeld om 'n werkboek saam te stel wat voorsiening maak vir die meting van die doeltreffendheid van die hulpmiddel, asook om die hulpmiddel vir groepe met unieke behoeftes toepasbaar te maak. ENGLISH: The aim of this study was to develop a sensitisation aid for healthy personality functioning. It can be used as an aid by educators who can utilize it as part of their educational knowledge. The skills that this aid underwrites are aimed at promoting healthy personality functioning. The frame of reference used by the researchers was idealistic interpretation with realisation in the systems approach. The choice of the reference framework was based on the fact that personality functioning is in general, considered to be multi-dimensional and that people are continually interacting with others. People also function in variable situations and contexts. Two personality constructs namely Locus of Control and Ego Strength were academically analysed and the results were integrated. Although the choice of constructs was arbitrary, they were justified on the grounds of experience obtained in practices, expressed needs from other educators and the emphasis currently placed on the two constructs by academics. The completed study as explained in two volumes (Part I and II) and finalized by the researchers I. De Beer and R. Nel respectively, was conducted at three levels of data analysis. In the first-order analytical level, the existing literature on the constructs was extrapolated. This information was integrated and a concept aid was developed hereafter. This development was done by the creation of pattern categories with the aid of second¬ order analysis. The concept aid consisted of a structured section (a five point scale) and a semi-structured section (inputs that had to be generated spontaneously by respondents). The concept aid was presented to a selected sample of 32 educators namely parents, teachers and psychologists. The educators evaluated the aid and also included their own ideas. The information gathered from this process was discussed and refined in focus groups. The data that was acquired was quantitatively analysed and statistically processed and re¬integrated as a concept aid. The concept aid was evaluated in practice by educators. The final aid was compiled in an user friendly language and format. Hereafter the researchers re-coupled the aid back to the original constructs from which it was derived. To conclude with, the study and the aid were discussed conceptually in terms of the current state in psychology as well as within the broader context of South Africa. Numerous recommendations for further research were made. Examples of these are the compilation of a workbook that provides for the measurement of the effectiveness of the aid and the adaptation of the aid to meet the requirements of groups with unique needs. / Thesis (D Phil (Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Psychology / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n sensitiseringshulpmiddel oor gesonde persoonlikheidsfunksionering te ontwikkel. Dit kan dien as 'n hulpmiddel vir opvoeders wat dit kan aanwend as deel van hul opvoedkundige kennis. Die vaardighede wat hierdie hulpmiddel onderskryf, is daarop gerig om gesonde persoonlikheidsfunksionering te bevorder. Die denkraamwerk van waaruit die navorsers gewerk het, was idealisties interpreterend met realisasie in die sisteemteorie. Die keuse van die denkraamwerk was gebaseer op die feit dat persoonlikheidsfunksionering oor die algemeen as multi-dimensioneel beskou word, asook dat persone voortdurend in interaksie is met ander persone. Mense funksioneer ook in veranderlike situasies en kontekste. Twee persoonlikheidskonstrukte naamlik Lokus van Kontrole en Egosterkte is akademies ontleed en die resultate hiervan is geïntegreer. Alhoewel die keuse van die twee konstrukte arbitrêr was, was dit geregverdig op grond van praktykondervinding, uitgesproke behoeftes van ander opvoeders en die klem wat tans akademies op die twee konstrukte geplaas word. Die totale studie soos uiteengesit in twee volumes (Deel I en Deel II) soos onderskeidelik gefinaliseer deur die navorsers, I. De Beer en R. Nel, was deurlopend gerig deur drie vlakke van data-ontleding. Op die eerste-orde-ontledingsvlak is die bestaande literatuur oor die twee konstrukte geëkstrapoleer. Die inligting is geïntegreer en 'n konsephulpmiddel is hieruit ontwikkel. Hierdie ontwikkeling het plaasgevind deur patroonkategorieë te skep met behulp van tweede-orde-ontleding. Die konsephulpmiddel het bestaan uit 'n gestruktureerde deel (vyf-puntskaal) en 'n semi-gestruktureerde deel (bydraes wat respondente spontaan moes genereer). Die konsephulpmiddel is aangebied aan 'n geselekteerde steekproef van 32 opvoeders naamlik ouers, onderwysers en sielkundiges. Die opvoeders het die hulpmiddel geëvalueer en ook hulle eie idees weergegee. Inligting wat hieruit verkry is, is in fokusgroepsessies bespreek en verfyn. Die data wat hieruit verkry is, is kwalitatief ontleed, statisties verwerk, geïntegreer en as 'n konsephulpmiddel ontwikkel. Die konsephulpmiddel is deur opvoeders in die praktyk geëvalueer. Die finale hulpmiddel is in gebruikersvriendelike taal en vorm saamgestel. Hierna is die hulpmiddel teruggekoppel na die oorspronklike konstrukte waaruit dit ontwikkel is. Laastens is die studie en die hulpmiddel konseptueel in terme van die huidige stand van die sielkunde, asook binne die groter konteks van Suid-Afrika bespreek. Verskeie aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing is gemaak, soos byvoorbeeld om 'n werkboek saam te stel wat voorsiening maak vir die meting van die doeltreffendheid van die hulpmiddel, asook om die hulpmiddel vir groepe met unieke behoeftes toepasbaar te maak. ENGLISH: The aIm of this study was to develop a sensitisation aid for healthy personality functioning. It can be used as an aid by educators who can utilize it as part of their educational knowledge. The skills that this aid underwrites are aimed at promoting healthy personality functioning. The frame of reference used by the researchers was idealistic interpretation with realisation in the systems approach. The choice of the reference framework was based on the fact that personality functioning is in general, considered to be multi-dimensional and that people are continually interacting with others. People also function in variable situations and contexts. Two personality constructs namely Locus of Control and Ego Strength were academically analysed and the results were integrated. Although the choice of constructs was arbitrary, they were justified on the grounds of experience obtained in practices, expressed needs from other educators and the emphasis currently placed on the two constructs by academics. The completed study as explained in two volumes (Part I and II) and finalized by the researchers I. De Beer and R. Nel respectively, was conducted at three levels of data analysis. In the first-order analytical level, the existing literature on the constructs was extrapolated. This information was integrated and a concept aid was developed hereafter. This development was done by the creation of pattern categories with the aid of second-¬order analysis. The concept aid consisted of a structured section (a five point scale) and a semi-structured section (inputs that had to be generated spontaneously by respondents). The concept aid was presented to a selected sample of 32 educators namely parents, teachers and psychologists. The educators evaluated the aid and also included their own ideas. The information gathered from this process was discussed and refined in focus groups. The data that was acquired was quantitatively analysed and statistically processed and re¬integrated as a concept aid. The concept aid was evaluated in practice by educators. The final aid was compiled in an user friendly language and format. Hereafter the researchers re-coupled the aid back to the original constructs from which it was derived. To conclude with, the study and the aid were discussed conceptually in terms of the current state in psychology as well as within the broader context of South Africa. Numerous recommendations for further research were made. Examples of these are the compilation of a workbook that provides for the measurement of the effectiveness of the aid and the adaptation of the aid to meet the requirements of groups with unique needs. / Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Psychology / unrestricted

This dissertation consists of two projects. Project 1 is comprised of two systematic review studies in which self-report measures of adult characterological resilience were identified and summarized. In Study 1, 51 personality-based instruments across five personality-based resilience constructs (ego-strength, grit, hardiness, mental toughness, and resilience) were identified. Information for each measure inclusive of measure title, construct, item count, factors, response scale and items, scoring method, and score range was summarized. In Study 2, 1,322 articles were identified that described 1,193 studies and 1,351 participant samples who completed between one and four of these resilience measures. Measure use frequency and contextual use information related to study and sample attributes are summarized. Project 2 is a series of meta-analyses that were conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of scores on the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) reported in 149 studies of adult participants. Reliability generalization methods are used to summarize 86 observations of internal consistency (mean Cronbach’s α = .86) and validity generalization methods are used to summarize eight observations of convergent validity (Mr = .61). Concurrent validity is also investigated via validity generalization methods for the most frequently observed mental health correlates of BRS scores. For each set of mental health measures, an estimated summary effect was calculated (anxiety, Mr = -.47; depression, Mr = -.49; optimism, Mr = .44; social support, Mr = .24; and stress, Mr = -.53). Of the significant moderators conducted for concurrent validity estimates, the largest was sample category (accounting for 100% of the variance in the observed correlations between the BRS and measures of social support). Geographic location and participant age, accounted for 55%, and 24%, of the variation in the observed correlations between the BRS and significantly moderated the relation between the BRS and perceived stress. Discussion for both projects include how the obtained relate to resilience theory, and the potential broader implications of these findings. Also based upon these reviews and meta-analyses, the challenges of resilience measure use are discussed and observations/recommendations are provided.

Subjects' reported dream recall frequency, dream content and vividness or recall were discussed and examined in relation to sex of the subject and MMPI Conscious Anxiety, Conscious Repression and Ego-strength scores. Fifty-three Utah State University students, who volunteered to participate in a study of dreaming behavior, were administered the MMPI and asked to complete a dream log diary. The dream log required a daily recording of total number of dreams recalled, the number of vividly and vaguely recalled dreams and a rating of each dream in one of four dream content-process categories. Content-process categories included pleasurable, working, conflict and disorganized/frightening dreams. Relationships and possible interaction effects for the variables measured were tested for significance. No significant relationship was found between Conscious Anxiety, Conscious Repression or Ego-strength and dream recall frequency, sex of the subject, percentage of vivid dreams recalled, or percent of dreams recalled in the positive (pleasurable and working dreams) versus negative (conflict and disorganized/frightening) categories. Several significant differences were found, however, between the percentage of dreams reported in dream content-process categories for male subjects when analyzed according to higher-lower MMPI scale score categories and higher-lower dream recall level. Results of subcategory analysis tended to support an interaction between anxiety, repression and dream process consistent with the continuity and adaptive theories of dreaming. Male subjects with higher Conscious Anxiety reported a significantly greater percent of disorganized/frightening dreams. Higher anxiety tended to produce a higher percentage of working dreams as long as repression of threatening material was low enough to permit the recall of more emotion-laden dream processes. There was also a significant interaction between reported precent of pleasurable dreams, recall level and repression, which was explained as possibly indicating that pleasurable dreams may serve as an escape of integrating process for high repression male subjects. Results of analysis for female subjects indicated that higher recall subjects reported a significantly higher percent of disorganized dreams, which is consistent with the salience theory of recall. Recalled dream processes seemed to be not as strongly tied to personality variables for female subjects. Contentless dreams have been proposed in previous research to reflect repression by the subject. Results showed no significant difference between higher and lower repression subjects on the number of contentless dreams reported.

Text in Afrikaans / In this study the researcher explored and described the use of Gestalt play therapy with specific focus on self-support with the child in middle childhood years. A literature study was undertaken to examine the concepts of child, Gestalt play therapy, self-support and the play therapy process. This literature study forms the theoretical frame in which this study was done. After the completion of the literature study, the empirical study was conducted. The researcher made use of unstructured interviews within a intrinsic single case study in order to compile research data. During the empirical study ten therapy sessions were conducted with the participant which was explored within the framework of qualitative research methodology. The researcher was able to use ample Gestalt play therapy concepts and principles during the description of the case study in order to explore self-support within the child during middle childhood. These concepts and principles will be discussed in depth within this study. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Spelterapie-rigting)

Text in Afrikaans / In this study the researcher explored and described the use of Gestalt play therapy with specific focus on self-support with the child in middle childhood years. A literature study was undertaken to examine the concepts of child, Gestalt play therapy, self-support and the play therapy process. This literature study forms the theoretical frame in which this study was done. After the completion of the literature study, the empirical study was conducted. The researcher made use of unstructured interviews within a intrinsic single case study in order to compile research data. During the empirical study ten therapy sessions were conducted with the participant which was explored within the framework of qualitative research methodology. The researcher was able to use ample Gestalt play therapy concepts and principles during the description of the case study in order to explore self-support within the child during middle childhood. These concepts and principles will be discussed in depth within this study. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Spelterapie-rigting)

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) is highly stressful for couples, since comorbid anxiety and depression are most commonly reported and hence most researched pre- and postoperative emotional states. Thus, patients' psychological well-being may contribute more to the level of disability than their physical impairment. Despite this extremely stressful process, psychological preparation is ironically often neglected in CABS couples. The primary aim of the study was to examine the feasibility of hypnotherapeutic ego strengthening (HES) to enhance the ability of CABS couples' to cope with psychological distress associated with hospitalisation and surgery. Secondary aims were to determine the contribution of HES in reducing anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing and maintaining ego strength, quality of life and dispositional optimism in CABS patients and spouses. An overview of coronary heart disease (CHD), risk factors involved, psychological aspects concomitant to CABS (specifically anxiety and depression) and a conceptualisation of HES according to the relevant literature, preceded the empirical study. The experimental design consisted of a two-group, pre-post-follow-up assessment design. A sample of fifty married, male patients admitted to Unitas Hospital in Pretoria with a first, uncomplicated CABS was randomly assigned, together with their spouses, to an experimental- (n = 25) and control group (n = 25). Informed consent was obtained for all project participants. Thus, both groups consisted of twenty-five patients and spouses. To test the hypotheses, experimental patients and spouses were required to participate in the HES intervention. Respondents completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1995). Profile of Mood States (POMS) (McNair, Lorr & Doppleman, 1992), Epstein and O'Brien Ego Strength Scale (1982), Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) (Frisch, 1994) as well as the Life Orientation Test (LOT) (Scheier & Carver, 1985). Test administration of couples occurred preoperatively, on the day of discharge, and at six-week follow-up. Before commencing the intervention, group comparability was confirmed by means of the t-test for independent groups. At programme completion the significance of differences within and between groups was determined by means of t-tests. Statistically significant p-values were subjected to Cohen's d statistic to determine the practical significance of the findings. A confidence interval of 99% determined the values of the differences between the postoperative and follow-up findings. Results confirmed that the HES intervention significantly reduced postoperative anxiety and depression levels in experimental CABS patients and spouses, which was maintained at follow-up. No change was observed among control group patients and spouses. Moreover, the HES intervention significantly improved and maintained postoperative ego strength, quality of life and dispositional optimism in experimental CABS couples. The overall outcome of the control patients and spouses revealed a decreasing trend with regard to dispositional optimism and quality of life. Qualitative responses largely confirmed quantitative indications of reduced comorbidity and enhanced psychological well-being among experimental participants. Despite design limitations, the results confirmed that HES enhanced CABS couples' inner resources and attenuated concomitant negative mood states. Thus, it was concluded that HES played a meaningful role in the preparation and care of CABS couples by reducing comorbidity and improving their psychological well-being. Finally, recommendations for further studies were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) is highly stressful for couples, since comorbid anxiety and depression are most commonly reported and hence most researched pre- and postoperative emotional states. Thus, patients' psychological well-being may contribute more to the level of disability than their physical impairment. Despite this extremely stressful process, psychological preparation is ironically often neglected in CABS couples. The primary aim of the study was to examine the feasibility of hypnotherapeutic ego strengthening (HES) to enhance the ability of CABS couples' to cope with psychological distress associated with hospitalisation and surgery. Secondary aims were to determine the contribution of HES in reducing anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing and maintaining ego strength, quality of life and dispositional optimism in CABS patients and spouses. An overview of coronary heart disease (CHD), risk factors involved, psychological aspects concomitant to CABS (specifically anxiety and depression) and a conceptualisation of HES according to the relevant literature, preceded the empirical study. The experimental design consisted of a two-group, pre-post-follow-up assessment design. A sample of fifty married, male patients admitted to Unitas Hospital in Pretoria with a first, uncomplicated CABS was randomly assigned, together with their spouses, to an experimental- (n = 25) and control group (n = 25). Informed consent was obtained for all project participants. Thus, both groups consisted of twenty-five patients and spouses. To test the hypotheses, experimental patients and spouses were required to participate in the HES intervention. Respondents completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1995). Profile of Mood States (POMS) (McNair, Lorr & Doppleman, 1992), Epstein and O'Brien Ego Strength Scale (1982), Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) (Frisch, 1994) as well as the Life Orientation Test (LOT) (Scheier & Carver, 1985). Test administration of couples occurred preoperatively, on the day of discharge, and at six-week follow-up. Before commencing the intervention, group comparability was confirmed by means of the t-test for independent groups. At programme completion the significance of differences within and between groups was determined by means of t-tests. Statistically significant p-values were subjected to Cohen's d statistic to determine the practical significance of the findings. A confidence interval of 99% determined the values of the differences between the postoperative and follow-up findings. Results confirmed that the HES intervention significantly reduced postoperative anxiety and depression levels in experimental CABS patients and spouses, which was maintained at follow-up. No change was observed among control group patients and spouses. Moreover, the HES intervention significantly improved and maintained postoperative ego strength, quality of life and dispositional optimism in experimental CABS couples. The overall outcome of the control patients and spouses revealed a decreasing trend with regard to dispositional optimism and quality of life. Qualitative responses largely confirmed quantitative indications of reduced comorbidity and enhanced psychological well-being among experimental participants. Despite design limitations, the results confirmed that HES enhanced CABS couples' inner resources and attenuated concomitant negative mood states. Thus, it was concluded that HES played a meaningful role in the preparation and care of CABS couples by reducing comorbidity and improving their psychological well-being. Finally, recommendations for further studies were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.