A series of systematic case studies on the treatment of rape-related PTSD in the South African context implications for practice and policy
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa -- Treatment Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients Case studies Rape victims -- Counseling of -- South Africa Psychic trauma -- Treatment Rape victims -- Counseling of Case studies Cognitive therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002544
- Description: In 2009, South African police statistics revealed that more than 68 332 women were raped in the country. The evidence from independent researchers has shown that SAPS statistics are highly susceptible to under-reporting and the actual figure is more than double this amount. One pervasive feature of the phenomenology of rape is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a highly debilitating condition with severe individual and societal costs. The condition takes a critical toll on occupational functioning, schooling and personal relationships and is associated with depression, suicide risk, self-harming behaviours and alcohol-abuse problems. The Ehlers and Clark (2000) cognitive model represents the most efficacious treatment for PTSD but the approach is severely under-utilised by South African practitioners working with sexual trauma. The reasons for such under-utilisation relate to a lack of exposure and training surrounding the model and concerns about the transportability of the treatment to a multi-cultural context. One method of addressing these barriers to treatment delivery is through systematic case-based research. Systematic case-based research offers a complementary means of refining theory and developing evidence-based practice in the context of a developing country. The method offers an intensive analysis and description of the particular phenomena under study within its real-life context. It allows the researcher to intensively examine and identify the specific aspects of the therapist’s responses and client’s reactions that contributed to significant change. Unlike efficacy studies, generalisability in case-study research is based on replication on a case-by-case basis and the creation of case law. This research study uses a systematic-case study approach to investigate the applicability of the Ehlers and Clark (2000) model in the treatment of rape-related PTSD in South Africa. The study aims to demonstrate the transportability of the model and develop a needed evidence base for service providers in the country. Seven women participated in the project and lent their treatment process to the research. The participants varied in terms of age, race, culture, socio-economic status and the nature of their sexual trauma. Through synoptic thematic analysis of their therapy process specific client-related personal aspects, client-related contextual factors and state-level factors were found to impede treatment delivery and implementation. The implications of these aspects for clinical practice and social policy are comprehensively discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa -- Treatment Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients Case studies Rape victims -- Counseling of -- South Africa Psychic trauma -- Treatment Rape victims -- Counseling of Case studies Cognitive therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002544
- Description: In 2009, South African police statistics revealed that more than 68 332 women were raped in the country. The evidence from independent researchers has shown that SAPS statistics are highly susceptible to under-reporting and the actual figure is more than double this amount. One pervasive feature of the phenomenology of rape is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a highly debilitating condition with severe individual and societal costs. The condition takes a critical toll on occupational functioning, schooling and personal relationships and is associated with depression, suicide risk, self-harming behaviours and alcohol-abuse problems. The Ehlers and Clark (2000) cognitive model represents the most efficacious treatment for PTSD but the approach is severely under-utilised by South African practitioners working with sexual trauma. The reasons for such under-utilisation relate to a lack of exposure and training surrounding the model and concerns about the transportability of the treatment to a multi-cultural context. One method of addressing these barriers to treatment delivery is through systematic case-based research. Systematic case-based research offers a complementary means of refining theory and developing evidence-based practice in the context of a developing country. The method offers an intensive analysis and description of the particular phenomena under study within its real-life context. It allows the researcher to intensively examine and identify the specific aspects of the therapist’s responses and client’s reactions that contributed to significant change. Unlike efficacy studies, generalisability in case-study research is based on replication on a case-by-case basis and the creation of case law. This research study uses a systematic-case study approach to investigate the applicability of the Ehlers and Clark (2000) model in the treatment of rape-related PTSD in South Africa. The study aims to demonstrate the transportability of the model and develop a needed evidence base for service providers in the country. Seven women participated in the project and lent their treatment process to the research. The participants varied in terms of age, race, culture, socio-economic status and the nature of their sexual trauma. Through synoptic thematic analysis of their therapy process specific client-related personal aspects, client-related contextual factors and state-level factors were found to impede treatment delivery and implementation. The implications of these aspects for clinical practice and social policy are comprehensively discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Imagery and the transformation of meaning in psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: a hermeneutic case study
- Authors: Karpelowsky, Belinda Jodi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002509 , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Description: This study discusses the assessment and treatment of a 21-year old male who had suffered multiple traumas, which had culminated in the death of his younger brother. He presented with Acute Stress Disorder. The literature review examines a diverse range of theorists and discourses, that have addressed the psychological consequences of trauma and highlights the complexity of the phenomena involved. The case study, located in the South African context, aims to sensitise the reader to the unique dilemmas facing each trauma survivor, and serves to highlight specifically those areas, which are pertinent and further more contribute significantly to the recovery process. The case narrative consists of a detailed synopsis of the therapy process, extracted from the session record notes documented at the time. Several other sources of information, including contributions from the participant, were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the data included. The narrative is written in a style that conveys the intensity of the nature of trauma work and the manner in which both patient and clinician are frequently confronted with very difficult emotional work. Finally the discussion examines the case narrative through the use of a set of carefully selected hermeneutic questions. These focused on (I) key concepts from the work of Robert Lifton who highlights the existential dimensions of the impact of trauma; (2) the role of the image in encapsulating the complex traumatic and post-traumatic experience of the survivor as well as facilitating the emotional processing of the trauma is examined; (3) the contribution to the process of therapy of aspects of the therapeutic relationship; and (4) the concept of recovery in relation to the question of what constitutes 'trauma work'. In conclusion, several meta-theoretical issues related to trauma, the strengths and weaknesses inherent to the research and relevant future areas of research are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Karpelowsky, Belinda Jodi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002509 , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Description: This study discusses the assessment and treatment of a 21-year old male who had suffered multiple traumas, which had culminated in the death of his younger brother. He presented with Acute Stress Disorder. The literature review examines a diverse range of theorists and discourses, that have addressed the psychological consequences of trauma and highlights the complexity of the phenomena involved. The case study, located in the South African context, aims to sensitise the reader to the unique dilemmas facing each trauma survivor, and serves to highlight specifically those areas, which are pertinent and further more contribute significantly to the recovery process. The case narrative consists of a detailed synopsis of the therapy process, extracted from the session record notes documented at the time. Several other sources of information, including contributions from the participant, were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the data included. The narrative is written in a style that conveys the intensity of the nature of trauma work and the manner in which both patient and clinician are frequently confronted with very difficult emotional work. Finally the discussion examines the case narrative through the use of a set of carefully selected hermeneutic questions. These focused on (I) key concepts from the work of Robert Lifton who highlights the existential dimensions of the impact of trauma; (2) the role of the image in encapsulating the complex traumatic and post-traumatic experience of the survivor as well as facilitating the emotional processing of the trauma is examined; (3) the contribution to the process of therapy of aspects of the therapeutic relationship; and (4) the concept of recovery in relation to the question of what constitutes 'trauma work'. In conclusion, several meta-theoretical issues related to trauma, the strengths and weaknesses inherent to the research and relevant future areas of research are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Testing Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals : a multiple case study
- Authors: Hajayiannis, Helen
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology, Pathological Eating disorders -- Case studies Guidano, V F Eating disorders -- Etiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008557
- Description: This thesis sets out to critically examine Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals . The literature review highlights the diverse etiological approaches that have been taken in understanding eating disorders. Guidano's model is presented as an alternative to traditional approaches . It is a developmental, unitary model of psychopathology, conceptualised within a systems/process-oriented approach to organised complexity. Within a qualitative framework, case study methodology is utilised to test the viability and limitations of Guidano's model. Four in-depth case histories are presented which offer appropriate material for the testing of the model. The data is analysed using the reading guide method and presented in terms of the four features of Guidano's model: (1) dysfunctional patterns of attachment; (2) sense of self; (3) major themes on systemic coherence; (4) common coping strategies. The findings of the research support Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals. The findings are: (1) attachment styles are ambiguous, "intrusive, and enmeshed; participants experience a disappointment in the preferential attachment relationship; (2) that participants' sense of self is blurred and wavering; (3) the major theme on systemic coherence is the oscillation between seeking and avoiding intimacy; (4) common coping strategies are: the seeking of supportive intimacy with minimal self-exposure; withdrawal into the self; perfectionism; the development of an eating disorder; continuous thoughts about food, eating, and weight which prevents participants from becoming aware of the real issues confronting them. An evaluation of Guidano's model in terms of its specific contribution to knowledge and research on the role of father in child and adolescent psychopathology, as well as how father effects evidence in eating disorders, demonstrates the model's value as an explanatory tool and raises implications for future treatment, theory, and research practices of eating-disordered individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Hajayiannis, Helen
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Psychology, Pathological Eating disorders -- Case studies Guidano, V F Eating disorders -- Etiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008557
- Description: This thesis sets out to critically examine Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals . The literature review highlights the diverse etiological approaches that have been taken in understanding eating disorders. Guidano's model is presented as an alternative to traditional approaches . It is a developmental, unitary model of psychopathology, conceptualised within a systems/process-oriented approach to organised complexity. Within a qualitative framework, case study methodology is utilised to test the viability and limitations of Guidano's model. Four in-depth case histories are presented which offer appropriate material for the testing of the model. The data is analysed using the reading guide method and presented in terms of the four features of Guidano's model: (1) dysfunctional patterns of attachment; (2) sense of self; (3) major themes on systemic coherence; (4) common coping strategies. The findings of the research support Guidano's model of psychopathology in eating-disordered individuals. The findings are: (1) attachment styles are ambiguous, "intrusive, and enmeshed; participants experience a disappointment in the preferential attachment relationship; (2) that participants' sense of self is blurred and wavering; (3) the major theme on systemic coherence is the oscillation between seeking and avoiding intimacy; (4) common coping strategies are: the seeking of supportive intimacy with minimal self-exposure; withdrawal into the self; perfectionism; the development of an eating disorder; continuous thoughts about food, eating, and weight which prevents participants from becoming aware of the real issues confronting them. An evaluation of Guidano's model in terms of its specific contribution to knowledge and research on the role of father in child and adolescent psychopathology, as well as how father effects evidence in eating disorders, demonstrates the model's value as an explanatory tool and raises implications for future treatment, theory, and research practices of eating-disordered individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Breaking the karmic complex: the role of transpersonal phenomena in psychotherapy with an adult survivor of child abuse : a clinical case study
- Authors: Oberholzer, Sofia Adriana
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: Transpersonal psychology Reincarnation Adult child abuse victims -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002543
- Description: This longitudinal study addresses the interface between the emerging paradigm of Transpersonal Psychology, which recognizes the transbiographical domain of consciousness, and the clinical area of child abuse. By using the transpersonal concept of the karmic complex, which was developed in the discourse of Roger Woolger, it explores the clinical value of past-life regressions and other transpersonal phenomena in the therapeutic process. The study provides an in-depth phenomenological description and a theoreticalheuristic explication of the experience of a single subject who was an adult survivor of physical and sexual abuse as well as early emotional deprivation in childhood, and who, over a four-year period of intensive psychotherapy, experienced a wide spectrum of transpersonal phenomena which included 123 past-life regressions. The therapeutic process could be clearly delineated into a biographical phase, which was dominated by biographical traumas, and a subsequ~nt transpersonal phase, during which the focus was almost exclusively on transpersonal material. This provided the opportunity to explore the therapeutic impact of trans personal mechanisms" of healing on an interlocking constellation of complexes in terms of achieving an integration of archetypal opposites in the psyche. The study provides strong support for transpersonal concepts about the nature of consciousness, as developed by Grof and Woolger. It affirms spirituality as an intrinsic property of the psyche, and verifies that the healing of psychological trauma is on a continuum with the process of spiritual purification and growth. The ,study establishes support for the clinical value of the karmic complex as a conceptual tool and provides a systematic, extended analysis of the multi levelled processes involved in the breaking of the complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Oberholzer, Sofia Adriana
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: Transpersonal psychology Reincarnation Adult child abuse victims -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002543
- Description: This longitudinal study addresses the interface between the emerging paradigm of Transpersonal Psychology, which recognizes the transbiographical domain of consciousness, and the clinical area of child abuse. By using the transpersonal concept of the karmic complex, which was developed in the discourse of Roger Woolger, it explores the clinical value of past-life regressions and other transpersonal phenomena in the therapeutic process. The study provides an in-depth phenomenological description and a theoreticalheuristic explication of the experience of a single subject who was an adult survivor of physical and sexual abuse as well as early emotional deprivation in childhood, and who, over a four-year period of intensive psychotherapy, experienced a wide spectrum of transpersonal phenomena which included 123 past-life regressions. The therapeutic process could be clearly delineated into a biographical phase, which was dominated by biographical traumas, and a subsequ~nt transpersonal phase, during which the focus was almost exclusively on transpersonal material. This provided the opportunity to explore the therapeutic impact of trans personal mechanisms" of healing on an interlocking constellation of complexes in terms of achieving an integration of archetypal opposites in the psyche. The study provides strong support for transpersonal concepts about the nature of consciousness, as developed by Grof and Woolger. It affirms spirituality as an intrinsic property of the psyche, and verifies that the healing of psychological trauma is on a continuum with the process of spiritual purification and growth. The ,study establishes support for the clinical value of the karmic complex as a conceptual tool and provides a systematic, extended analysis of the multi levelled processes involved in the breaking of the complex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
The psychological sequelae of involvement in combat: a preliminary investigation
- Authors: Hodgson, Shane Ralph Colin
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: War -- Psychological aspects , War victims -- Mental health , Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:2993 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002502 , War -- Psychological aspects , War victims -- Mental health , Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Description: The psychological sequelae of being involved in combat are only recently coming to be understood. Most of the available data are from research conducted on help-seeking Vietnam veterans in the United States, and very little work has been done in South Africa. There does not as yet appear to be any instrument designed specifically to detect combat-related psychopathologies amongst soldiers who are still in active service, either in the USA or in South Africa. Combat involvement has been shown to lead to a high incidence of combat stress reaction. This in turn has shown that it can predispose sufferers to the development of a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. It is thus expected that there would be significantly higher incidences of reported symptoms of stress disorders amongst soldiers exposed to high levels of combat as compared with a similar group of soldiers who had no combat involvement. This study used a self-reporting questionnaire, developed in the USA but adapted for use in South Africa, to allow the soldiers in the study to rate the severity of various symptoms derived from the DSM-III criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. A Beck Depression Inventory was also administered to eliminate any persons who nay have been exhibiting symptoms of depression, as this would have confounded the results. Both questionnaires were administered to serving members of the Permanent Force of the South African Defence Force, with one group being members of various high-combat units based in what was then South West Africa, and the other group being non-combat or Headquarters elements. As a precondition of the study, absolute confidentiality of the respondents and their units was maintained. The study found the expected higher scores in the high-combat group, and also showed that the Keane questionnaire has a good coefficient alpha in South Africa. The study closes with several recommendations for further research, especially in the light of the new PTSD criteria in the DSM-IIIR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Hodgson, Shane Ralph Colin
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: War -- Psychological aspects , War victims -- Mental health , Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:2993 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002502 , War -- Psychological aspects , War victims -- Mental health , Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Description: The psychological sequelae of being involved in combat are only recently coming to be understood. Most of the available data are from research conducted on help-seeking Vietnam veterans in the United States, and very little work has been done in South Africa. There does not as yet appear to be any instrument designed specifically to detect combat-related psychopathologies amongst soldiers who are still in active service, either in the USA or in South Africa. Combat involvement has been shown to lead to a high incidence of combat stress reaction. This in turn has shown that it can predispose sufferers to the development of a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. It is thus expected that there would be significantly higher incidences of reported symptoms of stress disorders amongst soldiers exposed to high levels of combat as compared with a similar group of soldiers who had no combat involvement. This study used a self-reporting questionnaire, developed in the USA but adapted for use in South Africa, to allow the soldiers in the study to rate the severity of various symptoms derived from the DSM-III criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. A Beck Depression Inventory was also administered to eliminate any persons who nay have been exhibiting symptoms of depression, as this would have confounded the results. Both questionnaires were administered to serving members of the Permanent Force of the South African Defence Force, with one group being members of various high-combat units based in what was then South West Africa, and the other group being non-combat or Headquarters elements. As a precondition of the study, absolute confidentiality of the respondents and their units was maintained. The study found the expected higher scores in the high-combat group, and also showed that the Keane questionnaire has a good coefficient alpha in South Africa. The study closes with several recommendations for further research, especially in the light of the new PTSD criteria in the DSM-IIIR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Cognitive-behavioural treatment of essential hypertension in an urban Xhosa woman: a case study
- Authors: Losinsky, Rory
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002519 , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Description: Essential hypertension has a complex and multiple biological, psychological and social aetiology and remains one of the most serious physical disorders affecting the Black population of South Africa today. Pharmacological treatment has been the predominant approach to blood pressure reduction, but considering that the greater part of essential hypertension has its origin in biobehavioural and cognitive functioning a non-pharmacological treatment approach to essential hypertension is receiving extensive interest both in research and therapeutic practice. This study attempted to implement a specific cognitive-behavioural treatment "package' which was tailored to the emergent aetiology in an urban Xhosa woman suffering from Mild hypertension who was on antihypertensive medication and to evaluate the treatment using a single case-study methodology. A combination of relaxation training and cognitive-behavioural modification was provided over a fifteen week period and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that a combination of over-weight, occupational stress and anger could have contributed and/or caused the patient's hypertension. The results also show a significant reduction in blood pressure during the treatment phase as well as a reduction in weight, experienced anxiety and angry emotion, and by the end of the study the patient's blood pressure had been reduced to normal levels. Finally the feasibility of using such a treatment approach is discussed in relation to the South African context and the case study method is evaluated as a research tool in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Losinsky, Rory
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002519 , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Description: Essential hypertension has a complex and multiple biological, psychological and social aetiology and remains one of the most serious physical disorders affecting the Black population of South Africa today. Pharmacological treatment has been the predominant approach to blood pressure reduction, but considering that the greater part of essential hypertension has its origin in biobehavioural and cognitive functioning a non-pharmacological treatment approach to essential hypertension is receiving extensive interest both in research and therapeutic practice. This study attempted to implement a specific cognitive-behavioural treatment "package' which was tailored to the emergent aetiology in an urban Xhosa woman suffering from Mild hypertension who was on antihypertensive medication and to evaluate the treatment using a single case-study methodology. A combination of relaxation training and cognitive-behavioural modification was provided over a fifteen week period and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that a combination of over-weight, occupational stress and anger could have contributed and/or caused the patient's hypertension. The results also show a significant reduction in blood pressure during the treatment phase as well as a reduction in weight, experienced anxiety and angry emotion, and by the end of the study the patient's blood pressure had been reduced to normal levels. Finally the feasibility of using such a treatment approach is discussed in relation to the South African context and the case study method is evaluated as a research tool in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Discovering the meaning of stress: a qualitative approach
- Authors: Crowley, Michelle Laureen
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002466 , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand the meaning of stress, and towards this end eleven individuals who claimed to have experienced the phenomenon during the six months prior to data collection were asked to describe their experience. These transcribed protocols were explicated in terms of a phenomenological praxis, and the emotional content of descriptions subjected to taxonomic analysis. In addition, a literature review for the purposes of tracing the development of contemporary stress models and related constructs was conducted. The latter critiqued current conceptualisations of stress, and attempted to highlight some important contributions. Explication in terms of phenomenological praxis identified seven central features associated with lived stress, namely, lived stress as : the perception of personal cost; a sense of entrapment; persistent coping efforts; learned helplessness; embodiment; and, poor social relations. In addition, the unfolding nature of the experience suggested stress as a continuous process of adjustment to worldly demands, and furthermore, highliJhted several variations of structure. The latter themes were used to develop a more inclusive model of lived stress as a dynamic and unfolding process. Dialogue with existing literature was able to confirm the self-world split proposed by the transactional approach to stress as legitimate, and furthermore, confirmed the primacy of cognition for the stress phenomenon. In addition, the link between stress and personality factors, psychopathological conditions and related fields of enquiry (such as anxiety and burnout) as well as more positive modes of being (such as creativity) were discussed. Furthermore, lived stress was shown to involve a threat to the individual's continued existence, both with respect to his/her the desired self and its unfolding and his/her physicality, while the presence of mutual hostility between self and world was also noted. The study concludes with reflection concerning the methodologies employed, and suggests that while qualitative and interpretive methods are both cumbersome and time consuming if rigorously applied, they do enrich the understanding of complex experiential phenomena. Finally, several suggestions are made for further research and refinement in the stress field, the most pertinent of which appears to be that of establishing the relationship between lived stress and the development of more debilitating psychopathological conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Crowley, Michelle Laureen
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002466 , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand the meaning of stress, and towards this end eleven individuals who claimed to have experienced the phenomenon during the six months prior to data collection were asked to describe their experience. These transcribed protocols were explicated in terms of a phenomenological praxis, and the emotional content of descriptions subjected to taxonomic analysis. In addition, a literature review for the purposes of tracing the development of contemporary stress models and related constructs was conducted. The latter critiqued current conceptualisations of stress, and attempted to highlight some important contributions. Explication in terms of phenomenological praxis identified seven central features associated with lived stress, namely, lived stress as : the perception of personal cost; a sense of entrapment; persistent coping efforts; learned helplessness; embodiment; and, poor social relations. In addition, the unfolding nature of the experience suggested stress as a continuous process of adjustment to worldly demands, and furthermore, highliJhted several variations of structure. The latter themes were used to develop a more inclusive model of lived stress as a dynamic and unfolding process. Dialogue with existing literature was able to confirm the self-world split proposed by the transactional approach to stress as legitimate, and furthermore, confirmed the primacy of cognition for the stress phenomenon. In addition, the link between stress and personality factors, psychopathological conditions and related fields of enquiry (such as anxiety and burnout) as well as more positive modes of being (such as creativity) were discussed. Furthermore, lived stress was shown to involve a threat to the individual's continued existence, both with respect to his/her the desired self and its unfolding and his/her physicality, while the presence of mutual hostility between self and world was also noted. The study concludes with reflection concerning the methodologies employed, and suggests that while qualitative and interpretive methods are both cumbersome and time consuming if rigorously applied, they do enrich the understanding of complex experiential phenomena. Finally, several suggestions are made for further research and refinement in the stress field, the most pertinent of which appears to be that of establishing the relationship between lived stress and the development of more debilitating psychopathological conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
A study of alienation and personality traits conducted among "Coloured" and white males in South Africa
- Shaw, Patrick Donovan Richard
- Authors: Shaw, Patrick Donovan Richard
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Alienation (Soclal psychology) Alienation (Social psychology) -- Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004928
- Description: A measure of four types and five contexts of alienation, as well as ten personality traits, was obtained via the ·application of the Alienation Test and Howarth's Personality Questionnaire. The sample (~= 195) comprised of both high school pupils and adults drawn from the local population of English and Afrikaans speaking Whites and "Coloureds" from a town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These six sample groups allowed for comparisons on the measures for factors such as race, age and cultural differences. The literature review showed repeated reference to the "alienation" of the "Coloured" people of South Africa in the political, social and cultural spheres. However, the research in this area has been sparse. The main object of the study, therefore, was to determine if "Coloureds" do feel alienated, as well as the contexts of this alienation, using Whites as a comparative group. possible differences in personality traits between "Coloureds" and Whites have been associated with the differences in behaviour exhibited by these two groups, but past research has failed to find many differences. The second objective of this study, therefore, was to determine if there are differences between the personality traits of "Coloureds" and Whites, and to extend the past research. Researchers have shown that there is a relationship between alienation and personality traits, but have not adequately addressed the nature of this relationship or its implications. Following from this, the third objective of the study was to examine the relationship between alienation and personality traits, as well as their ability to predict alienation. Results on the Alienation Test showed that "Coloureds" do differ significantly from Whites and exhibit far higher levels of alienation. These differences are most marked on those types and contexts of alienation reflecting a distance from the social and political environment. Results on the personality measure showed minimal differences in personality traits between the groups. Where they were evident, they could be attributed to environmental factors. Lastly, there was a relationship between alienation and certain personality traits, but these traits had limited power to predict alienation. Taking all findings of the study into account, it is evident that the social environment, and specifically a discriminatory social environment, affects feelings of alienation to a far greater extent than personality traits. In addition, the large differences in scores of the "Coloured" and White groups on the measure of alienation and the minimal differences on the measure of personality, provides evidence that what is measured by alienation and what is measured by personality traits, are two distinctly different constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: Shaw, Patrick Donovan Richard
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Alienation (Soclal psychology) Alienation (Social psychology) -- Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004928
- Description: A measure of four types and five contexts of alienation, as well as ten personality traits, was obtained via the ·application of the Alienation Test and Howarth's Personality Questionnaire. The sample (~= 195) comprised of both high school pupils and adults drawn from the local population of English and Afrikaans speaking Whites and "Coloureds" from a town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These six sample groups allowed for comparisons on the measures for factors such as race, age and cultural differences. The literature review showed repeated reference to the "alienation" of the "Coloured" people of South Africa in the political, social and cultural spheres. However, the research in this area has been sparse. The main object of the study, therefore, was to determine if "Coloureds" do feel alienated, as well as the contexts of this alienation, using Whites as a comparative group. possible differences in personality traits between "Coloureds" and Whites have been associated with the differences in behaviour exhibited by these two groups, but past research has failed to find many differences. The second objective of this study, therefore, was to determine if there are differences between the personality traits of "Coloureds" and Whites, and to extend the past research. Researchers have shown that there is a relationship between alienation and personality traits, but have not adequately addressed the nature of this relationship or its implications. Following from this, the third objective of the study was to examine the relationship between alienation and personality traits, as well as their ability to predict alienation. Results on the Alienation Test showed that "Coloureds" do differ significantly from Whites and exhibit far higher levels of alienation. These differences are most marked on those types and contexts of alienation reflecting a distance from the social and political environment. Results on the personality measure showed minimal differences in personality traits between the groups. Where they were evident, they could be attributed to environmental factors. Lastly, there was a relationship between alienation and certain personality traits, but these traits had limited power to predict alienation. Taking all findings of the study into account, it is evident that the social environment, and specifically a discriminatory social environment, affects feelings of alienation to a far greater extent than personality traits. In addition, the large differences in scores of the "Coloured" and White groups on the measure of alienation and the minimal differences on the measure of personality, provides evidence that what is measured by alienation and what is measured by personality traits, are two distinctly different constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Behavioural methods for the control of examination anxiety : an experimental investigation
- Authors: Norton, Gary Kenneth
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Anxiety , Test anxiety
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002081
- Description: In 1982, it was reported that one in every three students who fail at South African universities, do not pass because of experiences of excessive anxiety resulting from university examinations. A survey conducted amongst student counsellors and counselling services on all South African university campuses, revealed a deficiency of group and individual therapy for this phenomenon of examination anxiety. The cause of this deficiency, was found to be the already excessive demands made on the time of student counsellors. Noting a similar situation at Rhodes University, the present investigation was initiated, with the aim of developing an economical group counselling programme for test anxious students on Rhodes campus. Sixty-four Rhodes students (who identified themselves as test anxious) volunteered for this investigation. These Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four treatment programmes (each divided into two groups, where Group A, N=6 and Group B, N=7) and a wait-list control group (N=12). Three of the treatments featured multicomponent programmes, each offering a cluster of behavioural interventions centred around: Study Skills Training/Counselling; Systematic Desensitisation (Using individually-constructed anxiety hierarchies); Systematic Desensitisation (Using group-constructed anxiety hierarchies). Included in addition, was a single-component treatment, featuring cognitive modification: a component much favoured by local test anxiety counsellors. Given adverse reports concerning the efficacy of single component programmes, when contrasted with multi component treatments, the cognitive modification package was included as a placebo. A battery of measures was used to assess test anxiety and progress made by Subjects to assuage its debilitative effects . The measures included: (a) Six Self-report measures (including a treatment evaluation schedule and the maintenance of a diary of experience by each Subject); (b) Two measures of physiological reactivity, viz. pulse rate and finger sweat print; and (c) One 'observable' measure, that of academic performance. Using these measures, an assessment of the performance gains or losses by each of the Subjects, was made on three occasions: at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. In support of the a priori hypotheses, the systematic desensitisation and study skills multicomponent programmes, realised significant gains on all measures over both the placebo and control groups (with exception of the higher score achieved by placebo subjects over that of the study skills group, on the treatment evaluation schedule) . This finding confirmed the superiority of multicomponent programmes over those with only a single component. The systematic desensitisation programmes proved to be the most effective, as measured on self-report and physiological measures. The superiority of group-constructed anxiety hierarchies over those individually-constructed was established. Study skills training helped Subjects to realise and maintain gains on the academic performance measure, although it took many of these subjects six months, before they had fully incorporated the study techniques taught, in with their own study habits. In discussion of the findings, the evident need to match test anxious students to programmes which "best suit" their characteristics, is presented, and solutions proposed. Weaknesses evident in the measuring instruments and research design, are also highlighted for discussion. As part of this experimental investigation, a discussion on the nature of test anxiety and its links with anxiety theory is introduced, together with a review of problems in measuring test anxiety; popular behavioural treatments used to relieve test anxiety; and a survey of test anxiety counselling on South African campuses. Advice for the therapist/counsellor, the academic, and the researcher, are posited in conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Norton, Gary Kenneth
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Anxiety , Test anxiety
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002081
- Description: In 1982, it was reported that one in every three students who fail at South African universities, do not pass because of experiences of excessive anxiety resulting from university examinations. A survey conducted amongst student counsellors and counselling services on all South African university campuses, revealed a deficiency of group and individual therapy for this phenomenon of examination anxiety. The cause of this deficiency, was found to be the already excessive demands made on the time of student counsellors. Noting a similar situation at Rhodes University, the present investigation was initiated, with the aim of developing an economical group counselling programme for test anxious students on Rhodes campus. Sixty-four Rhodes students (who identified themselves as test anxious) volunteered for this investigation. These Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four treatment programmes (each divided into two groups, where Group A, N=6 and Group B, N=7) and a wait-list control group (N=12). Three of the treatments featured multicomponent programmes, each offering a cluster of behavioural interventions centred around: Study Skills Training/Counselling; Systematic Desensitisation (Using individually-constructed anxiety hierarchies); Systematic Desensitisation (Using group-constructed anxiety hierarchies). Included in addition, was a single-component treatment, featuring cognitive modification: a component much favoured by local test anxiety counsellors. Given adverse reports concerning the efficacy of single component programmes, when contrasted with multi component treatments, the cognitive modification package was included as a placebo. A battery of measures was used to assess test anxiety and progress made by Subjects to assuage its debilitative effects . The measures included: (a) Six Self-report measures (including a treatment evaluation schedule and the maintenance of a diary of experience by each Subject); (b) Two measures of physiological reactivity, viz. pulse rate and finger sweat print; and (c) One 'observable' measure, that of academic performance. Using these measures, an assessment of the performance gains or losses by each of the Subjects, was made on three occasions: at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. In support of the a priori hypotheses, the systematic desensitisation and study skills multicomponent programmes, realised significant gains on all measures over both the placebo and control groups (with exception of the higher score achieved by placebo subjects over that of the study skills group, on the treatment evaluation schedule) . This finding confirmed the superiority of multicomponent programmes over those with only a single component. The systematic desensitisation programmes proved to be the most effective, as measured on self-report and physiological measures. The superiority of group-constructed anxiety hierarchies over those individually-constructed was established. Study skills training helped Subjects to realise and maintain gains on the academic performance measure, although it took many of these subjects six months, before they had fully incorporated the study techniques taught, in with their own study habits. In discussion of the findings, the evident need to match test anxious students to programmes which "best suit" their characteristics, is presented, and solutions proposed. Weaknesses evident in the measuring instruments and research design, are also highlighted for discussion. As part of this experimental investigation, a discussion on the nature of test anxiety and its links with anxiety theory is introduced, together with a review of problems in measuring test anxiety; popular behavioural treatments used to relieve test anxiety; and a survey of test anxiety counselling on South African campuses. Advice for the therapist/counsellor, the academic, and the researcher, are posited in conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
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