This study was an integral constituent of a multidisciplinary research project by
the School of Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences: Psychology and the School for
Bio-kinetics, Recreation and Sport Sciences of the Northwest University
(Potchefstroom Campus). Previous research has found that children diagnosed
with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) manifest with motor
impairments and psychological impediments, such as a poor self-concept
(Henderson, May & Umney, 1989; Losse et a/., 1991 ; Skinner & Piek, 2001). The
purpose of this multidisciplinary research project was thus to intervene holistically
in the lives of these children, by presenting a motor-based and psychosocial
programme. The aims of this study were to compile a self-concept programme
and to determine whether it would affect the self- concept, emotional intelligence
and anxiety of the participants. It was a quantitative study, which was conducted
using a three-group pre- and post-test design. The child kinetics researcher
confirmed the DCD state of the participants (n=67), through the use of the
Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Participants were randomly
divided into four groups and allocated to an intervention method. Participants
were pre-tested with the Tennessee Self- Concept Scale (TSCS), Bar-On
Emotional Intelligence Scale (EQ-i:YV) and the Children's Anxiety Scale (CAS).
Intervention took place as follows: experimental group 1 (motor-based
intervention programme), experimental group 2 (psychological intervention
programme), experimental group 3 (integrated psycho-motor intervention
programme) and control group 4 (no intervention). For the purpose of this study,
all four groups were taken into consideration, but were discussed only as 3
groups. After the intervention, one month was allowed before the post-testing of
the subjects took place. Measuring instruments used were: TSCS, EQ-i:YV, CAS
as well as the MABC. Findings were as follow: children who participated in the
motor-based programme showed significant improvements in their motor
proficiencies. Children who participated in the self-concept programme, showed
significant improvements in their intrapersonal abilities, adaptability and total
emotional intelligence and tendencies towards improvement in the following
domains: identity, mood, behaviour, academics and their perception of self in
relation to family. In conclusion, children diagnosed with DCD benefit from
intervention such as this self- concept programme. Literature (Braet, Mervielde &
Vandereycken, 1997; O'Dea & Abraham, 1999; Pierce & Wardle, 1997) however,
emphasize that self-concept is not a dimension in isolation, but is also influenced
by a child's physical performance and appearance. Therefore, the self-concept
programme should preferably be combined with a motor-based intervention
programme. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/854 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Hugo, Lucille |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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