This study focused on the success stories of students after academic probation in order to explore, understand and describe their personal perceptions, perspectives and the meanings they ascribed to academic probation. I also hoped to gain insight into the success factors that enabled the students success after academic probation. Through these insights I hoped to add to our understanding of supporting students on academic probation. The conceptual framework for my study was based on the strength-based approach and Bean and Eaton’s psychological model of college student retention. I also explored literature on the experiences of students who encountered academic failure as part of framing and understanding of the students’ experiences. For the purposes of the aforementioned objectives I followed a qualitative research approach, anchored in an interpretivist paradigm. I collected data through a focus group interview with three participants. The participants were purposively selected on the basis that they themselves were placed on academic probation. With the permission of the participants the interview was tape-recorded, the recording was supported by a research field journal. Three core themes in the data were identified namely Psychological Processes, Institutional Support Structures and Personal Support Systems. These core themes were integrated with literature and further linked to sub-themes and related themes. The results of my study found that students were enabled by four psychological processes namely attitudes and behaviours, coping behaviours, an internal locus of control and high self-efficacy beliefs to succeed. Institutional structures, including the policy on academic probation, played a crucial role in supporting the students to succeed, and it was because of personal support structures such as family and friends that students had the courage to return to their studies and make a good effort at succeeding. As a conclusion, this study suggested that it is possible for students to rise above academic probation and persist towards academic achievement and to have positive experiences which enable them to complete their studies. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lk2014 / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

It is important for organisations to develop their employees. However, organisations will not be able to keep a competitive advantage by merely focussing on the development of their employees’ weaknesses. Employees should also be provided with sufficient job resources and opportunities to develop and/or use their strengths, as this could lead to positive work-home interaction (WHI), and work engagement. The general objective of this research study was to test a structural model of job resources, an organisational strength-based approach (SBA), individual strength-oriented behaviour (SOB), and work engagement, and to investigate if positive WHI mediates between job resources, organisational SBA, individual SOB, and work engagement among South African employees. This study was conducted in order to gain more knowledge and a better understanding of the outcomes of following a SBA, both from an organisational and the employees’ standpoint within the South African context. A cross-sectional research approach was used. An availability sample (N = 699) of employees from various occupational groups in South Africa was used. Structural equation modelling was used to test the structural model and to determine the indirect effect of positive WHI. The results confirmed that there exists a significant relationship between the job resources that are provided by the organisation and the employees experiencing increased work engagement levels. Furthermore, the results indicated that there is a significant relationship between following an organisational SBA and more employee work engagement. The results showed that there is also a significant relationship between the employees’ applying individual SOB and work engagement. The results confirmed that there is a significant relationship between the job resources that are provided by the organisation and positive WHI. However, the results showed that there was not a significant relationship between following an organisational SBA and positive WHI. Furthermore, the results indicated that there exists a significant relationship between the employees’ applying individual SOB and positive WHI. The results indicated that positive WHI was only a mediator in the relationship between information and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,11 (p < 0,00; 95% CI [0,07, 0,14]), and in the relationship between colleague relationships and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,04 (p < 0,01; 95% CI [0,01, 0,07]). The results also confirmed that positive WHI was a mediator in the relationship between individual SOB and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,05 (p < 0,00; 95% CI [0,02, 0,08]). The knowledge gained from following a SBA will assist individuals in becoming aware of their talents, and of developing them into strengths. This study will also assist organisations in gaining a better understanding of an organisational SBA, and this variable’s relationship with positive WHI and work engagement. This study adds value to the field of positive psychology; more specifically, to the limited research on following a SBA, and possible outcomes within the South African context. Recommendations were made to be applied in practice, as well as for future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

It is important for organisations to develop their employees. However, organisations will not be able to keep a competitive advantage by merely focussing on the development of their employees’ weaknesses. Employees should also be provided with sufficient job resources and opportunities to develop and/or use their strengths, as this could lead to positive work-home interaction (WHI), and work engagement. The general objective of this research study was to test a structural model of job resources, an organisational strength-based approach (SBA), individual strength-oriented behaviour (SOB), and work engagement, and to investigate if positive WHI mediates between job resources, organisational SBA, individual SOB, and work engagement among South African employees. This study was conducted in order to gain more knowledge and a better understanding of the outcomes of following a SBA, both from an organisational and the employees’ standpoint within the South African context. A cross-sectional research approach was used. An availability sample (N = 699) of employees from various occupational groups in South Africa was used. Structural equation modelling was used to test the structural model and to determine the indirect effect of positive WHI. The results confirmed that there exists a significant relationship between the job resources that are provided by the organisation and the employees experiencing increased work engagement levels. Furthermore, the results indicated that there is a significant relationship between following an organisational SBA and more employee work engagement. The results showed that there is also a significant relationship between the employees’ applying individual SOB and work engagement. The results confirmed that there is a significant relationship between the job resources that are provided by the organisation and positive WHI. However, the results showed that there was not a significant relationship between following an organisational SBA and positive WHI. Furthermore, the results indicated that there exists a significant relationship between the employees’ applying individual SOB and positive WHI. The results indicated that positive WHI was only a mediator in the relationship between information and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,11 (p < 0,00; 95% CI [0,07, 0,14]), and in the relationship between colleague relationships and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,04 (p < 0,01; 95% CI [0,01, 0,07]). The results also confirmed that positive WHI was a mediator in the relationship between individual SOB and work engagement, with an indirect effect of 0,05 (p < 0,00; 95% CI [0,02, 0,08]). The knowledge gained from following a SBA will assist individuals in becoming aware of their talents, and of developing them into strengths. This study will also assist organisations in gaining a better understanding of an organisational SBA, and this variable’s relationship with positive WHI and work engagement. This study adds value to the field of positive psychology; more specifically, to the limited research on following a SBA, and possible outcomes within the South African context. Recommendations were made to be applied in practice, as well as for future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

To stay competitive organisations need to harness and develop their human potential. Traditionally, a deficiency-based approach (DBA) was followed i.e. the focus was set on the development of employees’ deficiencies and weaknesses. However, focusing on an employee’s weaknesses and deficiencies was not sufficient. Consequently, a positive approach was developed that focuses on an individual’s strengths and talents. Unfortunately, exclusively focusing on only strengths or on weaknesses is not sufficient for optimum human functioning. Therefore, it is suggested that South African organisations make use of a balanced approach (i.e. a balanced focus on both the development and use of strengths and weaknesses). This will assist employees to be more positive and engaged in terms of their work. However, there seems to be a lack of research regarding the use of a balanced approach in organisations. The general objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between job resources, a strength-based approach (SBA), a DBA, occupational self-efficacy (OSE), and work engagement. This study was further aimed at determining whether OSE mediated the relationship between these variables among South African employees. An availability sample (N = 699) was taken from various South African organisations. This study made use of a quantitative, cross-sectional design to collect data; a biographical questionnaire; a job resources questionnaire (VBBA); an organisational SBA and DBA questionnaire; a OSE questionnaire and a work engagement questionnaire (UWES). Structural equation modelling was chosen as the method to test the hypothesised model. Mediating effects were tested by using the bootstrapping method. The research results have indicated that there is a positive correlation between autonomy, SBA, DBA, OSE and work engagement. This research found that no correlations existed between relationship with supervisor, information sharing and participation in decision-making and work engagement. There seems to be a significant relationship between autonomy, relationship with colleagues and OSE. From the results OSE can only be seen as the mediator between autonomy and work engagement. From this one can assume that using SBA and DBA in a balanced approach can lead to higher work engagement. Recommendations were made for the organisation and future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

To stay competitive organisations need to harness and develop their human potential. Traditionally, a deficiency-based approach (DBA) was followed i.e. the focus was set on the development of employees’ deficiencies and weaknesses. However, focusing on an employee’s weaknesses and deficiencies was not sufficient. Consequently, a positive approach was developed that focuses on an individual’s strengths and talents. Unfortunately, exclusively focusing on only strengths or on weaknesses is not sufficient for optimum human functioning. Therefore, it is suggested that South African organisations make use of a balanced approach (i.e. a balanced focus on both the development and use of strengths and weaknesses). This will assist employees to be more positive and engaged in terms of their work. However, there seems to be a lack of research regarding the use of a balanced approach in organisations. The general objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between job resources, a strength-based approach (SBA), a DBA, occupational self-efficacy (OSE), and work engagement. This study was further aimed at determining whether OSE mediated the relationship between these variables among South African employees. An availability sample (N = 699) was taken from various South African organisations. This study made use of a quantitative, cross-sectional design to collect data; a biographical questionnaire; a job resources questionnaire (VBBA); an organisational SBA and DBA questionnaire; a OSE questionnaire and a work engagement questionnaire (UWES). Structural equation modelling was chosen as the method to test the hypothesised model. Mediating effects were tested by using the bootstrapping method. The research results have indicated that there is a positive correlation between autonomy, SBA, DBA, OSE and work engagement. This research found that no correlations existed between relationship with supervisor, information sharing and participation in decision-making and work engagement. There seems to be a significant relationship between autonomy, relationship with colleagues and OSE. From the results OSE can only be seen as the mediator between autonomy and work engagement. From this one can assume that using SBA and DBA in a balanced approach can lead to higher work engagement. Recommendations were made for the organisation and future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Young people who are homeless experience adversity, but many are able to overcome the challenges of street life and transition back into housing. This exploratory, qualitative research draws on the narratives from interviews and focus groups with 35 young people who have experienced homelessness, as well as interviews and focus groups with 30 service providers working in youth shelters and a youth drop-in centre. Exploring themes of victimization, criminal offending, police involvement, and interactions with community services, this research highlights the capacities of young people to navigate around obstacles and negotiate to meet their needs. Integrating symbolic interactionism and social constructivist perspectives, this research explores the importance of micro-level interactions and perceptions, as well as the contexts that frame the decision-making processes of young people passing through homelessness. The implications of these perspectives are discussed within the framework of resilience discourse.

Young people who are homeless experience adversity, but many are able to overcome the challenges of street life and transition back into housing. This exploratory, qualitative research draws on the narratives from interviews and focus groups with 35 young people who have experienced homelessness, as well as interviews and focus groups with 30 service providers working in youth shelters and a youth drop-in centre. Exploring themes of victimization, criminal offending, police involvement, and interactions with community services, this research highlights the capacities of young people to navigate around obstacles and negotiate to meet their needs. Integrating symbolic interactionism and social constructivist perspectives, this research explores the importance of micro-level interactions and perceptions, as well as the contexts that frame the decision-making processes of young people passing through homelessness. The implications of these perspectives are discussed within the framework of resilience discourse.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Serious emotional disturbance, including disruptive disorders (i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder), affects large numbers of adolescents, with costly and tragic consequences. Adolescents with disruptive disorders are likely to be arrested, drop out of school, and have poor treatment outcomes. There is an urgent need to identify strengths-based factors associated with improvement in adolescents’ behavioral and social functioning to help them achieve their full potential. The purpose of this study was to determine whether change in adolescent personal strengths and change in family functioning over 12 months predicted changes in behavioral and social functioning for adolescents with disruptive disorders who participated in a System of Care (SOC) program and if findings varied by race. De-identified data from 179 adolescents, aged 12-17 years, with disruptive disorders and their caregivers were included in this secondary analysis. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate multiple regressions. Upon admission to the program, caregiver ratings indicated that African American adolescents had greater personal strengths (p = .001), fewer behavior problems (p < .001), and less functional impairment (p < .001) compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Girls had more behavior problems (p = .05) and fewer personal strengths than boys (p < .001). Increase in caregiver-rated adolescent personal strengths was significantly associated with improvement in caregiver-rated adolescent behavioral and social functioning (p < .001). Change in caregiver-rated family functioning was not significantly associated with change in caregiver-rated adolescent behavioral and social functioning (p = .171). The strength and direction of predictors did not vary by race. The adolescents in the study participated in a SOC program that emphasized their strengths versus, primarily, focusing on their deficits. Change in caregiver ratings of adolescent personal strengths was a significant predictor of change in adolescent behavioral and social functioning over a 12 months period. Findings provide evidence for psychiatric mental health professionals to focus on enhancing adolescent personal strengths to improve behavioral and social functioning in adolescents with disruptive disorders. Future research is needed to understand the impact of family variables on adolescents’ treatment outcomes.