Thesis (M.A.) (Clinical Psychology) --University of Limpopo, 2009. / Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the psychological impact, coping strategies and social support structures among female survivors of domestic violence. Participants: 112 female survivors of domestic violence who came to a trauma centre in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province to seek help were selected as participants of the study. The participants in this study came from around Thohoyandou in the Thulamela Municipality district. The participants’ ages ranged from 15 to 65 years. Instruments: The questionnaire used was consisted of the following: 6 items covering the demographic variables of the participants such as age, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of years married, number of children; 37 items dealing with assessing the psychological problems i.e. depression and post-traumatic stress disorder; and 42 items dealing with seeking social support and coping strategies. Results: A significant number of the physically abused women were suffering from depression (z=2.8434, p<0.05). The results further revealed that a significant number of physically abused women had PTSD (z=15.31, p<0.05). The findings of this study showed that physically abused women tend to seek help from informal social support rather than formal social support (t=-8.572, df=104, p<0.05 with Mean score=1.99, SD= 1.236 for informal support and Mean score= .78, SD = .951 for formal support). This study further shown a significant difference on the use of escape-avoidance coping strategies compared to the use of many other coping strategies such as problem solving strategy (t= 4.065, df= 110, p<0.05 ); confrontive coping strategy (t= -.42232, df=111 , p<0,05), seeking support strategy (t= -8.740, df= 111, p<0.05) and self –control coping strategy (t= -5.451, df= 111, p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the use of escape-avoidance coping strategy and the use of distance coping strategy (t=.03348, df=111, p>0.05) and responsibility coping strategy (t=-.842, df=111, p>0.05). 11 • Conclusion: This study provides data that can be used to motivate the implementation of intervention programmes to address domestic violence against women. Such programmes must include the implementation of cost-effective intervention aimed at reducing the psychological harm caused by physical abuse. The study also highlighted the need for psychological treatment services. These services must present an important venue to identify and manage depression and PTSD amongst physically abused women. Intervention strategies must include imparting physically abused women with help seeking and coping skills. / Not listed

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The purpose of this integrated review of literature was to explore the relationship between and among females in abusive relationships, self-esteem, and positive self-talk. Various models are discussed that provide possible explanations in the understanding of the complex social and psychological nature of cyclic abuse. These models are: learned helplessness, psychological entrapment, self-verification theory, and feminist theory. It is suggested that positive self-talk statements used by the female survivor as a basis for cognitive restructuring can act as a self-esteem building technique, thus promoting healthier cognitions over time. Furthermore, it is argued that self-esteem enhancement can assist females in developing strengths necessary to abandon abusive relationships. In summary, a review of the literature suggests that self-esteem is an important construct in understanding how individuals evaluate and ultimately determine their own sense of competency, self-worth, and success.

Text in English / This study examined the effects of childhood sexual abuse on the emotional functioning of adult female survivors and the impact on their relationships with their spouse I partner and child I children. Literature reveals that sexual abuse has negative long-term effects on adult survivors, including psychological impairments. To study this phenomenon, a psycho-educational perspective was utilised. A clinical, judgmental sample of sixteen adult female survivors who attributed their current difficulties and problems to their childhood sexual experience was selected and an in-depth qualitative study was undertaken. The Emotions Profile Index Personality Test, a Questionnaire and an Interview were used to determine the present emotional functioning of the survivors and the impact on their relationships. The conclusions reached were that childhood sexual abuse had a detrimental effect on the emotional functioning of survivors and this impacted negatively on their relationships with their spouse I partner and child I children. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education, with specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)

Text in English / This study examined the effects of childhood sexual abuse on the emotional functioning of adult female survivors and the impact on their relationships with their spouse I partner and child I children. Literature reveals that sexual abuse has negative long-term effects on adult survivors, including psychological impairments. To study this phenomenon, a psycho-educational perspective was utilised. A clinical, judgmental sample of sixteen adult female survivors who attributed their current difficulties and problems to their childhood sexual experience was selected and an in-depth qualitative study was undertaken. The Emotions Profile Index Personality Test, a Questionnaire and an Interview were used to determine the present emotional functioning of the survivors and the impact on their relationships. The conclusions reached were that childhood sexual abuse had a detrimental effect on the emotional functioning of survivors and this impacted negatively on their relationships with their spouse I partner and child I children. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education, with specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)