M.A. (Psychology) / The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the effect that Human Modelling in a group therapeutic setting, has on the mental health or personal integration of prisoners. The General Systems Theory, principles of Cybernetics and Botes' (1987) integrated model of mental health are used as a meta theoretic point of departure. From the literature study it transpires that it is important to explain and treat the prisoner in totality in order to make treatment more effective. An attempt is thus made to formulate an integrated model for the explanation of the crime phenomenon by virtue of already existing models. Furthermore the personal functioning (intra- and interpersonal) - as index of mental health of the criminal is surveyed. A short comparison is done between the traits of a mentally healthy person (Botes, 1987) and the personal functioning of the criminal or prisoner. From this it appears that the criminal has certain deficiencies in this regard and hence cannot be described as an integrated person once the traits are unbalanced. He thus requires guidance towards a higher degree of personal integration, which should lead to a change in traits and accordingly balance is restored. From the literature study it is evident that treatment of prisoners is to a large extent unsuccessful. The reasons for this are pointed out. Human Modelling in a group therapeutic setting however, has the potential to lead the prisoner towards a higher degree of personal integration, due to it's metaphoric and synthetic nature, and to make treatment more successful. The potential that Human Modelling as a metaphor holds for the therapist and mental health of the prisoner, is pointed out and described...
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:4508 |
| Date | 26 March 2014 |
| Creators | Schulze-Moormann, Birgit Beatrice |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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