Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

The construct of self-regulation has been well researched, however, no comprehensive approach is available for promoting self-regulation as a strength operating in an integrated process, and, furthermore, current research gives limited consideration regarding the role of creativity in the self-regulation process. The objective of this study was to explore the relation between self-regulation and creativity, and to promote self-regulation as a psychological strength by means of a creativity programme in the field of painting in a group of individuals. Self-regulation is described in the literature as a skill that is acquired through an interaction of neurological and environmental factors that enables a person to intentionally accept agency of his or her actions. Creative self-regulation is conceptualised as the ability to generate original, novel and appropriate behaviour while constantly adjusting and adapting behaviour with a view to attain goals and promoting psychological well-being. A qualitative, interpretative design was used in the initial empirical inquiry to explore the subjective experience of 14 established painters in terms of their creativity as a self-regulatory process during the practice of their art. Data was obtained from a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Thematic data analysis supported the findings of the literature regarding the crucial similarities between self-regulation and creativity, and particular themes concerning the self-regulatory aspects of creativity, such as intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-control, and mindfulness were identified. Additionally, creativity appeared to strongly favour assimilation, which was ascribed to perseverance and a strong identification with goals. Based on the findings of the first two phases of the study, a painting programme was developed with a view to promote self- regulation as an adaptive life skill through the facilitation of creativity. Relevant guidelines for effective programme development have been incorporated into this programme. In the subsequent empirical study the painting programme was assessed, by means of a mixed experimental control group consisting of 18 patients in a private psychiatric clinic. Pre- and post-testing were conducted by means of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (General) (BPNS-Gen); the 14 item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), as well as the Shortened Self Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) to determine whether any improvement in self-regulation occurred within the group. Quantitative data provided information on differences within and between the experimental and control groups, while an additional qualitative m South African children are exposed to an enormous amount of risk factors to their development and adjustment. Research reveals that, in all probability, they do not have sufficient protective factors at their disposal to cope with such stressors. The resilience (in other words the exposure to risk factors and the presence of protective factors) of a group of children, Grade R to Grade 2, in the Klerksdorp area, was analysed by means of focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups were conducted with 14 teachers and the questionnaires were completed by 30 parents. The study reveals that the children in this group do not exhibit adequate resilience. The results identified themes such as self-esteem, creativity, assertiveness, emotional expression, emotional regulation, impulsivity, self-motivation, social responsibility and empathy. A programme (based on the Alvord-Baker model of social skills), focusing these themes, was developed in order to facilitate resilience. The Alvord-Baker model of social skills focuses on a pro-active orientation. The Resilience programme consists of eight sessions of one hour duration. During the sessions, music, dance and art activities are presented by way of groups. The themes of the sessions were intrapersonal factors (for example self-esteem and assertiveness), interpersonal factors (for example empathy and social responsibilty), stressmanagement (for example emotional expression and emotional regulation, as well as impulse control), general mood (for example self-motivation) and problem solving (for example creativity and emotional creativity). To determine the effectiveness of the compound programme, quantitative dominated, mixed methods were used. This means that, even though a quantitative research design was used (namely a two group, pre-test, post-test design), a qualitative procedure (namely a focusgroup and interviews), was used in addition. The selected group consisted of 22 children (Grade R=7, Grade 1=7, Grade 2=8), of whom 11 were male and 11 female. The participants were selected systematically from two schools (School1=12, School 2=10). The experimental (n=10) and control (n=12) groups underwent pre- and post-testing (30 days after completion of the intervention). The Resilience programme was only presented to the experimental group. The battery of tests that was compiled to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resilience programme consisted of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1974) and the Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale-BERS (Epstein & Sharma, 19980. In addition, focus groups with the teachers involved were used, as well as interviews with the parents of the children from the experimental group. The experimental group showed improvement in certain aspects of resilience, for example intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, affective trengths, school functioning, family involvement, verbal fluancy, flexibility and originality, as well as figurative fluancy, flexibility and originality. The differences between the experimental and control groups were smaller than expected. It can be stated, however, that the Resilience programme was effective in facilitating resilience in the group of children. A limitation of the study was that the practical significance was small and only statistically significant in a few cases. The parents and teachers could have been involved more actively in the process. Furthermore, it seems as if that future resilience programmes should be of longer duration in order for participants to have more opportunity to internalise and generalise the acquired skills. It is recommended that resilience programmes should form part of the school curriculum in learning areas such as Life orientation. ethod was used for examining the progress of the experimental group during the course of the programme. The results indicated that the programme brought about a significant positive change in self-regulation among the experimental group. Certain self-regulation factors, especially mindfulness, but also autonomy, decision-making, and self-evaluation appeared to have improved to a practically significant degree, whilst perseverance showed a lesser improvement of medium effect. This study therefore concluded that creativity appears to equip a person with specific skills that play a crucial role in the facilitation of self- regulation in all the phases of goal-directed behaviour. The limitations of this study were discussed and recommendations for further research and practical implementation were made. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The construct of self-regulation has been well researched, however, no comprehensive approach is available for promoting self-regulation as a strength operating in an integrated process, and, furthermore, current research gives limited consideration regarding the role of creativity in the self-regulation process. The objective of this study was to explore the relation between self-regulation and creativity, and to promote self-regulation as a psychological strength by means of a creativity programme in the field of painting in a group of individuals. Self-regulation is described in the literature as a skill that is acquired through an interaction of neurological and environmental factors that enables a person to intentionally accept agency of his or her actions. Creative self-regulation is conceptualised as the ability to generate original, novel and appropriate behaviour while constantly adjusting and adapting behaviour with a view to attain goals and promoting psychological well-being. A qualitative, interpretative design was used in the initial empirical inquiry to explore the subjective experience of 14 established painters in terms of their creativity as a self-regulatory process during the practice of their art. Data was obtained from a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Thematic data analysis supported the findings of the literature regarding the crucial similarities between self-regulation and creativity, and particular themes concerning the self-regulatory aspects of creativity, such as intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-control, and mindfulness were identified. Additionally, creativity appeared to strongly favour assimilation, which was ascribed to perseverance and a strong identification with goals. Based on the findings of the first two phases of the study, a painting programme was developed with a view to promote self- regulation as an adaptive life skill through the facilitation of creativity. Relevant guidelines for effective programme development have been incorporated into this programme. In the subsequent empirical study the painting programme was assessed, by means of a mixed experimental control group consisting of 18 patients in a private psychiatric clinic. Pre- and post-testing were conducted by means of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (General) (BPNS-Gen); the 14 item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), as well as the Shortened Self Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) to determine whether any improvement in self-regulation occurred within the group. Quantitative data provided information on differences within and between the experimental and control groups, while an additional qualitative m South African children are exposed to an enormous amount of risk factors to their development and adjustment. Research reveals that, in all probability, they do not have sufficient protective factors at their disposal to cope with such stressors. The resilience (in other words the exposure to risk factors and the presence of protective factors) of a group of children, Grade R to Grade 2, in the Klerksdorp area, was analysed by means of focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups were conducted with 14 teachers and the questionnaires were completed by 30 parents. The study reveals that the children in this group do not exhibit adequate resilience. The results identified themes such as self-esteem, creativity, assertiveness, emotional expression, emotional regulation, impulsivity, self-motivation, social responsibility and empathy. A programme (based on the Alvord-Baker model of social skills), focusing these themes, was developed in order to facilitate resilience. The Alvord-Baker model of social skills focuses on a pro-active orientation. The Resilience programme consists of eight sessions of one hour duration. During the sessions, music, dance and art activities are presented by way of groups. The themes of the sessions were intrapersonal factors (for example self-esteem and assertiveness), interpersonal factors (for example empathy and social responsibilty), stressmanagement (for example emotional expression and emotional regulation, as well as impulse control), general mood (for example self-motivation) and problem solving (for example creativity and emotional creativity). To determine the effectiveness of the compound programme, quantitative dominated, mixed methods were used. This means that, even though a quantitative research design was used (namely a two group, pre-test, post-test design), a qualitative procedure (namely a focusgroup and interviews), was used in addition. The selected group consisted of 22 children (Grade R=7, Grade 1=7, Grade 2=8), of whom 11 were male and 11 female. The participants were selected systematically from two schools (School1=12, School 2=10). The experimental (n=10) and control (n=12) groups underwent pre- and post-testing (30 days after completion of the intervention). The Resilience programme was only presented to the experimental group. The battery of tests that was compiled to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resilience programme consisted of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1974) and the Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale-BERS (Epstein & Sharma, 19980. In addition, focus groups with the teachers involved were used, as well as interviews with the parents of the children from the experimental group. The experimental group showed improvement in certain aspects of resilience, for example intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, affective trengths, school functioning, family involvement, verbal fluancy, flexibility and originality, as well as figurative fluancy, flexibility and originality. The differences between the experimental and control groups were smaller than expected. It can be stated, however, that the Resilience programme was effective in facilitating resilience in the group of children. A limitation of the study was that the practical significance was small and only statistically significant in a few cases. The parents and teachers could have been involved more actively in the process. Furthermore, it seems as if that future resilience programmes should be of longer duration in order for participants to have more opportunity to internalise and generalise the acquired skills. It is recommended that resilience programmes should form part of the school curriculum in learning areas such as Life orientation. ethod was used for examining the progress of the experimental group during the course of the programme. The results indicated that the programme brought about a significant positive change in self-regulation among the experimental group. Certain self-regulation factors, especially mindfulness, but also autonomy, decision-making, and self-evaluation appeared to have improved to a practically significant degree, whilst perseverance showed a lesser improvement of medium effect. This study therefore concluded that creativity appears to equip a person with specific skills that play a crucial role in the facilitation of self- regulation in all the phases of goal-directed behaviour. The limitations of this study were discussed and recommendations for further research and practical implementation were made. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Worldwide. adolescents are at risk of dcvdoping eating disorders since they tire in a process of negot ia( ing important developmental tasks and are thus vulnerable to the internalisation of the thin ideal (Polivy 8: Herman, 2002). Body dissatisfaction, bulimia nnd drive for thinness haw been identified as the primary risk factors related to developing eating disorders (Garner, 2004). Despite the heightened vulnerability during adolescence and societal pressures to be thin. some adolescents are happy with their bodies and arc not body dismtisfied nor have a drive for thinness. Since adolesccnce is associated with negotiating an identity. Berzonsky's (1999) socialcognitive model of identity formation is instrumental in exploring the relationship betn~ccn identity style and factors associated with eating disorders. Furthermore. Berzonsky's (1999) informational identity style (11s) as well as the normative identity style (N IS) are positively correlated LO psychological well-being (PWB) whcreas the diffuse-avoidant identity style (DAIS) is negatively correlated to PWB. Consensus has not been reached with regard to this (Adams et al.. 2001), thus this investigation may provide impomn~ information with regard to the application of identity styles and iii Ryffs (1995) six dimensions of PWB in Suture preventive programmes. This study aimed to investigate thc relalionship between idcnrity styles. the primary eating disorder risk factors, psychological traits associated with eating disorders and the six dimensions of psychological well-being (PWB). Furthermore. it aimed to investigate wllcther the three groups of identity styles diflered significantly in terms of the primary eating disorder risk Faclors, psychological traits associaied with eating disorders and the six dimensions of PWB. Lastly. it aimed to investigate whether different age and race groups of adolescent girls differed significantly in identity style. primary eating disorder risk factors, psychological traits associated \vith eating disorders and PWB. A one-shot cross-sectional survey design was used in which an availability and multicultural sample of adolescent females(n=290) ranging from 13- to 17-year old in grades 9 to 11 attending an English high school in the Gauteng Province was used. They completed the Eating Disorder Inventory3 (EDI-3) (Gamer, 2004). Identity Style Inventory ( E l ) (Berzonsky, 1992). Scales of Psychological Well- Being (SPWB) (Ryff, 1989a). a self-designed biographical qucstiomaire and their b d y Mass Indcx (BMI) was recorded. Significant negative cor~lationsw erc fbund between the dimensions of PWB, eating disorder risk factors and associated psychological traits. Self-acceptance. enviro~unental mastery and positive relations appeared to be key dimensions negatively associated with the prinlary eating disorder risk factors and associated psychological traits. Identity styles did not direr significantly with regard to the primary eating disorder risk factors. however relationships were found between identity styles and some psycl~ologicat traits associated with eating disorders. These included the positive correlalion betwecn the IIS and perfectionism. the negative correlation betwecn the NIS versus personal alienation and interpersonal alienation and the positive correlation between [he DAIS and introceptive delicits. Comparisons between the rhret. identity styles and each of the six dimensions of PWB validarcd that femalc adolescents using an [IS and NIS experience greater levels of P%JB than compared lo their DAIS counterparts. Although age did not impact on the in~plementaliono f identity styles nor the primary eating disorder risk factors and associated psychcllogical traits. the 17-year-old age group experienced greater levels of PWB with regard to autonomy, environmental mastery and personal growth. Furt hcrmore, no significant di fferenccs were found with regard to race, identity styles. the primary eating disorder risk factors and PWB. Black female adolcscents experienced more interpersonal insecurity and maturity fears than the White female adolescents in this study. These findings encourage the development of a regression model identifying protective factors in future research as wcll as constructing an effective preventive programme against eating disorders in female adolescents. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:44:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5849.pdf: 1061693 bytes, checksum: 88926ff22d4e1191409542e3b320cf8c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-25 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / The Neonatal ICUs are designed for newborns at high risk, as in the case of premature infants.The environment in the NICU is a protective factor for life, but may prove to be inappropriate for the neurological development of preterm, specifically in relation to visual aspects. The aim of this study was to develop and propose a protocol for evaluating the context of the NICU, as a checklist to identify the risk and protective factors visual development of premature infants. Moreover , had the following specific objectives : Map and describe the national and international scientific literature on the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in respect of related visual development of premature variables ; Identify the risk factors and protection to the visual development of premature newborns present in neonatal intensive care units , expressed in the literature. The methodology was based on bibliometric analysis of papers retrieved on the basis of national and international data: VHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Bibliometric indicators analyzed under the classification into two categories were produced: Category 1 - Primary Issue (TP) and Category 2 - Issue Secondary (TS). Since the focus of this study lies in the studies classified into Primary Issue , were analyzed and categorized into the following themes : " Retinopathy of Prematurity Risk Factors , Incidence, Prevalence , Screening and Prevention " , " Retinopathy of Prematurity Treatment " , " Normal Development " , " Retinopathy of Prematurity Instrument " , " Environment and Retinopathy of Prematurity " Retinopathy of Prematurity Theory " . These studies the risk factors and protection to the visual development of preterm infants were identified. These factors allowed the construction of check list (initially with partial version and then the final version ). As most of the studies ( 97.7 % ) address on the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) , the instrument will help identify risk and protective for the development of ROP in premature infants in the NICU context factors . It is intended in the future instruments available to professionals in neonatal ICUs, thereby preventing ROP in premature and thereby reduce the incidence and progression of disease. / As UTIs Neonatais são destinadas aos recém-nascidos de alto risco, como no caso dos prematuros. O ambiente na UTI Neonatal é um fator de proteção à vida, mas pode vir a ser inapropriado para o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor do prematuro, especificamente em relação aos aspectos visuais. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi elaborar e propor um protocolo de avaliação do contexto da UTI Neonatal, na forma de um check list, para identificação de fatores de risco e proteção ao desenvolvimento visual dos prematuros. Além disso, teve como objetivos específicos: Mapear e descrever a produção científica nacional e internacional sobre as Unidades de Terapia Intensivas Neonatais em relação às variáveis relacionadas ao desenvolvimento visual dos prematuros; Identificar os fatores de risco e proteção ao desenvolvimento visual de recém-nascidos prematuros presentes em unidades de terapia intensivas neonatais, expressos na literatura. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise bibliométrica dos trabalhos recuperados nas bases de dados nacionais e internacionais: BVS, ScienceDirect e Scopus. Foram produzidos indicadores bibliométricos analisados sob a classificação em duas categorias: Categoria 1- Temáticas Primárias (TP) e Categoria 2- Temáticas Secundárias (TS). Como o foco deste estudo recai nos estudos classificados em Temáticas Primárias, foram analisados e categorizados nos seguintes temas: Retinopatia da Prematuridade Fatores de Risco, Incidência, Prevalência, Triagem e Prevenção , Retinopatia da Prematuridade Tratamento , Desenvolvimento Normal , Retinopatia da Prematuridade Instrumento , Retinopatia da Prematuridade Ambiente e Retinopatia da Prematuridade Teoria . Foram identificados nestes estudos os fatores de risco e proteção ao desenvolvimento visual dos prematuros. Estes fatores permitiram a construção do check list (inicialmente com a versão parcial e depois a versão final). Como a maioria dos estudos (97,7%) abordam sobre a Retinopatia da Prematuridade (ROP), o instrumento irá auxiliar na identificação dos fatores de risco e proteção ao desenvolvimento da ROP nos prematuros no contexto da UTI Neonatal. Pretende-se no futuro disponibilizar o instrumento aos profissionais que atuam em UTIs Neonatais, para assim prevenir a ROP em prematuros e com isso diminuir a incidência e progressão da doença.

O objetivo geral foi investigar, transversalmente e longitudinalmente, o uso de drogas entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, identificando padrões de uso e fatores de risco e proteção. No Estudo I, foram entrevistados, em instituições abertas, 216 participantes entre 10 e 18 anos. No Estudo II, um ano após a coleta inicial, foram entrevistados novamente 68 participantes. No Estudo III, foram entrevistados 10 funcionários das instituições sobre os participantes não encontrados na etapa longitudinal. Observou-se elevado uso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas. Longitudinalmente, identificou-se um aumento significativo no uso de álcool, tabaco, solventes, maconha e cocaína/crack. As variáveis “Não morar com a família”, “Passar mais de oito horas na rua” e “Estar há mais de cinco anos na rua” foram preditoras do uso de drogas ilícitas no último mês e do início de uso de crack no último ano. Subsídios para intervenção em nível primário e secundário são discutidos. / The aim of this study was to investigate, transversally and longitudinally, drug use among street children and adolescents, and identify patterns of drug use, risk factors and protective factors. In the first study, 216 participants aged between 10 and 18 years were interviewed in open service centers. One year later, 68 participants were reinterviewed in a second study. In the third study, 10 employees from the service centers were interviewed about the participants not found in the longitudinal study. It was found that the use of licit and illicit drug was high. On the longitudinal study, it was found a significant increase of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana and crack/cocaine use. The variables “not living with family”, “spend more than eight hours on the street on a daily basis” and “being more than five years on the street” were identified as predictors of illicit drug use on the last month and initiation of crack use on the last year. Elements for primary and secondary interventions are discussed.

A presente tese buscou caracterizar diferentes perfis de trajetórias de vida de crianças e adolescentes (11-18 anos) que vivem em situação de vulnerabilidade social (um grupo em situação de rua - G1 e um grupo que vive com sua família - G2). No Estudo I, G1 e G2 (N = 98) foram caracterizados quanto ao risco (eventos estressores), proteção (rede de apoio social e afetiva) e ajustamento (sintomas físicos, uso de drogas, comportamento sexual de risco, comportamento suicida, afeto positivo e afeto negativo) e análises comparativas entre os grupos foram realizadas. A associação dos eventos estressores e da rede de apoio social com o mau ajustamento foi testada, assim como o efeito moderador da rede de apoio. No Estudo II, realizaram-se estudos de casos múltiplos acerca dos perfis dos quatro participantes que obtiveram os piores e melhores escores de ajustamento no Estudo I. O Estudo III apresentou a visão que técnicas da rede de assistência possuíam acerca de aspectos relevantes da trajetória de vida dos participantes do estudo II. O Estudo I mostrou que G1 apresentou maior número de eventos estressores e piores indicadores de ajustamento (à exceção da variável afeto positivo) que G2. Apenas o número de eventos estressores esteve associado ao mau ajustamento e o fator de proximidade na família funcionou como fator de proteção (buffer). O Estudo II mostrou diferentes perfis de ajustamento, os quais se diferiam no número de eventos estressores, indicador de ajustamento e grau de vinculação familiar, com a escola, com a rua e com a instituição. O Estudo III mostrou características comuns à trajetória dos quatro adolescentes, sobretudo com relação à dinâmica familiar e ao papel da rede de apoio. Os resultados sugerem: a idéia de um continuum de vulnerabilidade social; a noção de vinculação processual com a rua e de diferentes perfis e trajetórias de vinculação com a rua; e a necessidade de que maior visibilidade seja dada para a infância/adolescência que vive diferentes situações de vulnerabilidade social, não apenas a situação de rua. Por fim, são discutidas as características de medidas preventivas que sejam anteriores à vinda para a rua e de medidas que atendam crianças e adolescentes que já estão na rua. / The present work aimed to characterize different profiles of children and adolescents (11- 18 years old) who live in situations of social vulnerability (one group of street children and adolescents - G1 and one group living with their families - G2). In Study I, G1 and G2 (N = 98) were characterized according to risk (stressful events), protection (social and emotional support network) and adjustment (physical health symptoms, drug use, sexual risk taking behavior, suicidal behavior and positive/negative affect) and comparative analysis between the groups were conducted. The association of stressful events and social support networks with maladjustment was tested, as well as the moderator effect of support networks. In Study II, multiple case studies were developed to examine the profiles of the four participants who had the worst and best adjustment scores in Study I. Study III examined the perspectives of social service providers regarding relevant aspects of the path of life of participants in Study II. Study I showed that G1 experienced a larger number of stressful events and worse indicators of adjustment (with the exception of positive affect) than G2. Only the number of stressful events was independently associated with maladjustment, and proximity to the family worked as a protective factor (buffer). Study II showed different profiles of adjustment, which differed from one another in number of stressful events, indicators of adjustment and strength of ties to the family, school, street and institution. Study III showed common characteristics in the path of the four adolescents; mainly concerning the family dynamic and the role of social support. The results suggest the following: the idea of a continuum of social vulnerability; the notion of a procedural linking with the street and of different paths of linking with the street; and the necessity of paying greater attention to childhood and adolescents who experience situations of social vulnerability other than (or in addition to) homelessness. In conclusion, characteristics of preventive programs whose goal is to prevent children's arrival on the street, and programs that attend children and adolescents who are already on the street, are discussed.

xv, 238 p. : ill. / This dissertation study is an examination of childhood contextual factors that contributed to adolescent resilient outcomes among children who experienced interparental violence (IPV). More specifically, the study examined the degree to which verbal ability, temperament, behavior problems, parenting quality, parent-child conflict, IPV, and parent's perceived support in childhood account for variance in behavioral problems, self-efficacy, and parenting received in adolescence. The present study addresses gaps in IPV and resilience literature in the following ways: (a) Few studies have focused on adaptive outcomes of children who experienced IPV; (b) little is known about which contextual factors are most important in facilitating resilient outcomes for this population; (c) factors beyond the microsystem were included as predictors; and (d) little is known about the early predictors of general self-efficacy (a defining attribute of resilience) and parenting (a protective factor that facilitates resilience) for the present population. The sample was derived from an existing data set from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. This is a longitudinal data set using a nonclinical, randomly selected sample. Using regression models to test whether childhood ecological factors could predict adolescent outcomes, the study had four primary findings. First, childhood (Wave 1) emotionality temperament predicted childhood internalizing problems, which predicted adolescent (Wave 3) internalizing problems. Second, childhood emotionality and parenting quality predicted childhood externalizing problems, which predicted adolescent externalizing problems. Third, none of the childhood variables were strong predictors of adolescent general self-efficacy. Lastly, parenting quality in childhood predicted parental monitoring in adolescence; however, none of the study variables were strong predictors of parenting quality in childhood. Results are discussed in the context of varying adolescent outcomes and the larger literature on IPV. The study highlights directions for future research, including the need to further examine protective processes among children survivors of IPV. / Committee in charge: Dr. Krista M. Chronister, Chair; Dr. Ellen H. McWhirter, Member; Dr. Jeffrey L. Todahl, Member; Dr. Philip A. Fisher, Outside Member

This study focuses on the concept of resilience, and seeks to determine the nature, and role, of personal attributes in adolescents' ability to bounce back from life's blows, and continue determinedly along the path of self-actualisation. The personal attributes impacting on the ability to surmount life's challenges are delineated by an empirical study focussing on twenty learning-disabled adolescents, half of whom demonstrate resilience, and half of whom appear to have turned their backs on self-actualisation. The study aims to provide educational psychologists with an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of resilience, so that vulnerable youngsters might ultimately be therapeutically assisted to choose a more resilient attitude and behaviour. The results of the study delineate nine definite personal attributes which anchor resilience and promote self-actualisation, despite obstacle-ridden circumstances. Furthermore, results suggest that personal choice underlies resilience, implying that intervention targeted at inculcating resilience may well be a worthwhile exercise. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed.(Guidance and Counselling)

O objetivo geral foi investigar, transversalmente e longitudinalmente, o uso de drogas entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, identificando padrões de uso e fatores de risco e proteção. No Estudo I, foram entrevistados, em instituições abertas, 216 participantes entre 10 e 18 anos. No Estudo II, um ano após a coleta inicial, foram entrevistados novamente 68 participantes. No Estudo III, foram entrevistados 10 funcionários das instituições sobre os participantes não encontrados na etapa longitudinal. Observou-se elevado uso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas. Longitudinalmente, identificou-se um aumento significativo no uso de álcool, tabaco, solventes, maconha e cocaína/crack. As variáveis “Não morar com a família”, “Passar mais de oito horas na rua” e “Estar há mais de cinco anos na rua” foram preditoras do uso de drogas ilícitas no último mês e do início de uso de crack no último ano. Subsídios para intervenção em nível primário e secundário são discutidos. / The aim of this study was to investigate, transversally and longitudinally, drug use among street children and adolescents, and identify patterns of drug use, risk factors and protective factors. In the first study, 216 participants aged between 10 and 18 years were interviewed in open service centers. One year later, 68 participants were reinterviewed in a second study. In the third study, 10 employees from the service centers were interviewed about the participants not found in the longitudinal study. It was found that the use of licit and illicit drug was high. On the longitudinal study, it was found a significant increase of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana and crack/cocaine use. The variables “not living with family”, “spend more than eight hours on the street on a daily basis” and “being more than five years on the street” were identified as predictors of illicit drug use on the last month and initiation of crack use on the last year. Elements for primary and secondary interventions are discussed.