bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance of Sheltering in the Lives of Four Women Affected by Abusive Relationships
Authors: Wright Ruth , Kiguwa Peace , Potter Charles
Published: March 2013

Domestic violence is recognised as a pervasive problem in South Africa. This study focused on the narratives of four abused women and attempted to establish the significance of sheltering in their lives. A qualitative research design was used based on semi-structured interviews, which were analysed thematically. The findings supported past research, indicating that although the women's experiences were diverse they contained many features similar to those reported in previous studies. Each of the four women was not a passive victim, having taken the decision to leave an abusive and violent relationship. Sheltering was found to provide the protected space necessary to move beyond the abuse, and in addition provided the structure and social support necessary to start to transcend the abuse. Sheltering was found to fill gaps created by a society in transition, in which abuse and violence are often tolerated or condoned within existing social and family structures.
The Contact Hypothesis and Intergroup Relations 50 Years on: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Tredoux Colin , Finchilescu Gillian
Published: March 2013

This article introduces the special issue on intergroup contact. We remind readers of the visit to South Africa, 50 years ago, of Gordon Allport and his associate, Thomas Pettigrew, and review work on one of Allport's central contributions to social psychology, the ‘contact hypothesis’. This hypothesis proposes that contact between groups will, under the right conditions, reduce prejudice and promote better intergroup relations. Although there is considerable support for the hypothesis, we note that much recent work in South Africa points to the infrequency of interracial contact, and the spontaneous self-segregation of interactants in conditions that are ostensibly optimal for intergroup contact. We discuss the contributions that individual articles in the special issue make to the wider question of intergroup contact, as well as to the specific questions of self-segregation and contact avoidance.
Negotiating the ‘Paranoiac Structure’ of Human Knowledge: Fowles's The Magus and Lacan
Authors: Olivier Bert
Published: March 2013

In this article, a reading is offered of John Fowles's novel, The Magus, in an attempt to show that the conception of human ‘knowledge’ put forward in the narrative is an instantiation and development of Lacan's claim that human knowledge is ‘paranoiac’ or delusional. Far from amounting to the claim that humans can and should do without it, though, Fowles, like Lacan, demonstrates in the unfolding story of his main character and narrator, Nicholas Urfe, that there is a veritable exigency for (or what Foucault has called a ‘will to’) ‘truth’ on the part of the human subject (what Lacan intimates, more appropriately, to be a will to ‘illusion’), even to the point of clinging to a presumed residual layer of ‘knowledge’ when everything around one has been systematically discredited as far as its veracity is concerned. In this way, I would like to show, one can learn a great deal from both Lacan's claims concerning human knowledge as ‘paranoiac’ and Fowles's insights concerning the epistemic demands of ‘healthy’ people, which may perhaps be said to bear a certain resemblance to the delusions of psychosis. In the end, both Lacan and Fowles offer different versions of an ambivalent insight, that ‘paranoiac’ expectations should be tempered with more modest claims regarding knowledge — what may be called ‘learned ignorance’.
Leadership Styles and Associated Personality Traits: Support for the Conceptualisation of Transactional and Transformational Leadership
Authors: van Eeden René , Cilliers Frans , van Deventer Vasi
Published: March 2013

The full range model of leadership includes laissez-faire behaviour, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership. The model conceptualises leadership in terms of the behaviours associated with various styles and this conceptualisation has been empirically supported. In this article the personality traits of managers exercising different leadership styles are explained in terms of, and add to, the description of these styles. Members of a management team were assessed in terms of their preferred leadership styles and two groups were identified. Some of the managers relied on both transformational behaviours and active transactional behaviours with an absence of behaviours associated with passive styles. The rest of the managers used behaviours associated with all the styles. An integrated personality profile was compiled for each manager. Definite trends were observed when comparing the profiles of the managers in the two leadership groups. Transformational leadership was defined in terms of the interpersonal more than the visionary aspect of leadership with interpersonal styles and work and social ethics being emphasised. Behaviours associated with transactional leadership as well as with more passive styles were also noted. The findings provide further support for the conceptualisation of leadership in terms of the full range model of leadership.
Enhancing Adolescents' Responses to Projection Plates through a Dynamic Assessment Technique of Questioning
Authors: Matthews Lizette , Bouwer Cecilia
Published: March 2013

The value of projected storying in assessment is widely recognised, perhaps nowhere more than when working with children and adolescents. Yet the technique has its pitfalls, including the way the stories produced may be influenced by digressing from standard instructions, using different methods of interpretation, and administering the instrument cross-culturally. Psychologists presenting projection plates to adolescent clients in South Africa frequently obtain little more than one-liners from standard procedures, raising doubts about viability and reliability of the technique. Questioning needs to be enhanced without compromising the projective value of responses. In this research we aimed to determine the effects of a dynamic assessment (DA) technique of questioning when using projection plates with adolescents in cross-cultural situations. Applying the test-mediate-retest principle of DA, the assessor explained to participants the relevance of her (strictly non-directive) verbal and non-verbal responses to their storying, as encouragement to elaborate on their responses. A multiple case-study was undertaken with three participants. Instrumentation consisted of two TAT plates and four non-standard plates, self-selected to accommodate possible cultural differences. Data-analysis and interpretation took two forms, projection analysis (using the Bellak TAT Analysis Blank and Haworth's analysis of defences) and structural analysis (with categories such as word-count, formulation, number of statements, prompts, hesitations, repetitions and increasing/deepening projection). Possible cross-cultural influences were considered. Results suggest a deepening and broadening of adolescents' projections in the form of richer stories when utilising a DA technique of questioning.
To Tell or not to Tell; The Childhood Cancer Conundrum: Parental Communication and Information-Seeking
Authors: Jithoo Vinitha
Published: March 2013

Information seeking and good communication have acquired increasing importance in aiding people to cope with cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate parents' perceptions of their knowledge-seeking behaviour, experience of the communication process and to identify what support and guidance they may have desired. In this study 100 parents of children (6 to 18 years of age) diagnosed with cancer were interviewed. Interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis Parents' narratives revealed the following themes: most did not want nor seek information beyond that volunteered; communicating about the illness was generally limited to physiological and medically related matters, with emotional issues being rarely articulated; parents felt overwhelmed by the emotional experience of their child's illness and expressed the need for psychosocial services. This study concludes that: (i) information is not in every instance a sought after resource; (ii) communication is complex and whilst open communication is generally advocated it is not always desired or required as there may be context related factors that may militate against it; and (iii) psychosocial support could facilitate understanding of the cognitive, social and emotive trajectory associated with childhood cancer.
Academic Psychobiography in South Africa: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Fouché Paul , van Niekerk Roelf
Published: March 2013

Our aim is to highlight the past, present and future state of affairs of South African psychobiography. Particular attention is given to the trends and the challenges faced by academic psycho-biographers in South Africa. Over the past decade psychobiography has evolved into an established research genre and has become a methodology used by various academics and post-graduate research scholars at South African universities. Psychobiography entails the study of historically significant and extraordinary individuals over their entire life spans with the aim to uncover and reconstruct their lives psychologically. These longitudinal case studies include the psychological study of personalities in diverse occupational fields such as architecture, arts and literature, business and entrepreneur-ship, politics, religion and spirituality, sport, science, as well as the popular biographies of celebrities. Psycho-biographical studies in South Africa have been nurtured in the departments of psychology at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Rhodes University, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of the Free State. Most of these biographical studies have been completed as postgraduate r research endeavours in master's and doctoral degree programmes in psychology where academic staff have initiated and grown psychobiography as a strategic research focus area within their faculties. Psycho-biographical research has considerable logistical and administrative value for postgraduate research and the supervision process, and is also of academic benefit to the theoretical development of South African psychology. In South Africa an array of exemplary personalities constitute a ‘hall of fame’. Their legendary lives are ideal case studies which may be used to develop and/or refute aspects of psychological theory and its applicability to human development over the span of an individual's life.
An Emic Perspective on the Dynamics of Non-Fatal Suicidal Behaviour in a Sample of South African Indian Women
Authors: Beekrum Rakhi , Valjee Sachet R. , Collings Steven J.
Published: March 2013

We aimed to obtain an emic perspective on the dynamics of non-fatal suicidal behaviour in a high risk population group in South African, viz. adolescent females of Indian origin. Interviews were conducted with 10 respondents admitted to a state hospital in the greater Durban area, following their intentional overdose of prescription medication. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed in an attempt to identify influences on suicidal behaviour. Intrapersonal influences on suicidal behaviour included poor communication and problem-solving skills. Interpersonal influences included family conflict, rigid and inflexible parental attitudes, a family history of attempted or completed suicide and high parental expectations. Socio-cultural influences related largely to conflicting social roles and values in the context of contemporary acculturation pressures. The study findings are discussed in terms of their implications for prevention and future research.
Narratives of Masculinity in the Daily Sun: Implications for HIV Risk and Prevention
Authors: Gibbs Andrew , Jobson Geoff
Published: March 2013

Dominant and hegemonic masculinities typically place women and men at risk of contracting HIV through reinforcing gender inequalities. Challenging these masculinities is increasingly seen as a precondition for tackling HIV&AIDS. Narratives of masculinity are the symbolic tools, which men draw upon to construct their social identities. Understanding the composition of these narratives of masculinity is central for understanding how narratives of masculinity may, or may not, shape HIV-related health behaviours. The media is a central space in which narratives of masculinity are produced and reproduced. We analyse five days' worth of the newspaper, the Daily Sun, in December 2008 to identify the different narratives of masculinity that circulate in the newspaper. Through thematic analysis we identify three different global-narratives: (i) Masculinity and work, (ii) Masculinity, violence and crime, and (iii) Masculinity and HIV. We explore each of these narratives and suggest how they may create contexts in which certain HIV-related health behaviours are more or less likely. We suggest that despite the variation in the narratives of masculinity circulating in the Daily Sun these narratives are limited and typically undermine HIV-related health behaviours by either sustaining a masculine ideal that is unachievable, emphasising a narrative of a disempowered masculinity, or by providing limited masculine narratives around HIV&AIDS. We emphasise how this undermines HIV prevention and suggest possible approaches to challenging these narratives.
Overnights and Overkill: Post-Divorce Contact for Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Strous Martin
Published: March 2013

In post-divorce and post-separation contexts, overnight visitation is being recommended with increasing frequency for non-resident parents. However, there is confusion as to whether sleepover access serves the best interests of young children. My purpose in this paper is to raise awareness and to encourage debate on children's needs regarding overnight contact during early developmental phases. I review available research and reflect critically on emerging trends with reference to attachment theory, practical experience, parental and gender rights, cultural considerations, and adversarial legal contexts. I suggest that insistence on overnight contact in highly contested matters may be a form of overkill that serves parental and legal demands more than the best interests of children, and conclude that individual cases should be assessed with reference to, amongst other things, processes of separation, reunion, and attachment.
The Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices: A Comparison of Relationships with Verbal Ability Tests
Authors: Cockcroft Kate , Israel Nicky
Published: March 2013

This study examined relationships between the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, the Similarities subtest of the South African Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales and an adaptation of the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test Reading Comprehension subtest. Comparisons between these relationships were drawn on the basis of home language and gender in a sample of 100 university students. Results indicated significant relationships between the Advanced Matrices and both verbal tests, with no significant differences between the correlations on the basis of either gender or home language. This suggests that convergent validity is supported across these groups, and provides impetus for future research about the suitability of the Advanced Matrices for use within cross-cultural, multi-lingual contexts such as South Africa.
A Cross-Sectional Exploration of the Relationship between Undergraduate Nursing Student Wellness and Academic Outcomes at a South African Higher Education Institution
Authors: van Lingen J.M. , van Douman D.L. , van Wannenburg I.
Published: March 2013

As a first step towards a more holistic approach to the development of undergraduate nursing science students at a South African Higher Education Institution, student wellness levels and their relationship to academic performance were explored. An exploratory, quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used to obtain convenience samples of students across academic year levels. Wellness assessment data were collected using a newly developed South African Wellness Questionnaire for Higher Education. Group differences in wellness mean scores as well as the relationship between wellness profiles and academic performance categories were explored using descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques. A clear pattern of highest and lowest wellness dimension scores was found. The wellness profile of students assessed revealed physical and environmental wellness as the weaker areas, while group strengths pertained to social, emotional and spiritual wellness. Although no direct relationship between wellness profiles and academic performance was found, there were tentative indicators that students with higher levels of wellness performed better academically than those with medium wellness levels.
Character Strengths and Psychological Type in University Peer Educators
Authors: Munro Nicholas , Chilimanzi Yvonne , O'Neill Viv
Published: March 2013

This study explores the relationships between character strengths and psychological type in a sample of university peer educators. As part of their training, 69 peer educators from the University of KwaZulu-Natal completed both the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The administration of these questionnaires was integrated into the peer educator training as a means of enhancing self- and other-awareness, and inducting the participants into their role as peer educators. Significant differences were found between five of the 24 VIA-IS character strengths and three of the four bipolar categories of MBTI type. In particular, when compared with introverts, extraverts reported significantly stronger scores for the character strengths of curiosity and humour, while the character strength of appreciation of beauty and excellence was significantly higher in the MBTI preference of intuition (when compared with sensing). Finally, the character strengths of capacity to love and be loved and gratitude were stronger for those with the MBTI category of feeling (when compared with those in the category thinking). Positioned within the framework of positive psychology and context of peer education in higher education, the implications of these results are considered from strengths and type perspectives.
Resilience in Remarried Families
Authors: Brown Ottilia , Robinson Juliet
Published: March 2013

We aimed to identify, explore and describe the resiliency factors that enable remarried families to adjust and adapt. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to conceptualize the factors that contribute to the families' adaptation process. Triangulation of method — with an exploratory, descriptive correlation design was used in this study. A biographical questionnaire with open-ended questions, in conjunction with a number of structured questionnaires, was used to gather the data. Non-probability purposive and snowball-sampling techniques were used to obtain the participants. Participants consisted of 19 parents and 16 adolescents, equalling a total of 35 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the biographical information. Correlation analysis was used to analyse the quantitative data; and content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Family hardiness, problem-solving communication, and family time and routines showed a positive correlation with the FACI8 for both adults and adolescents; while acquiring social support, a subscale of the F-COPES showed a positive correlation with the FACI8 for the adults, and social support as measured by the SSI showed a positive correlation for the adolescents. The results of the qualitative component of the study revealed that various common themes emerged between the adult and adolescent participants' responses. These themes included spirituality, boundaries, communication, flexibility, and tolerance.
Using “Informal” Hypnotherapy in Career Counselling: Blending Savickas and Erickson to “Free the Angel”
Authors: Maree J. G.
Published: March 2013

This article describes the concept “informal hypnotherapy” and the overlap between aspects of Ericksonian hypnotherapy and facets of the career construction interview. The participant was a purposefully selected white Afrikaans-speaking woman who had an Honours degree in Educational Psychology. A case study is discussed in which the three anecdotes technique was used to augment the career construction interviewing process during career construction counselling. The intervention incorporated postmodern career facilitation techniques to enhance the involvement of the participant in her career construction process and to facilitate co-constructive conversation. Following the intervention, the client revealed heightened self-awareness, was empowered to use her story to negotiate transitions and to serve as a holding environment whenever life imposed changes on her, and appeared ready to engage with the world more adaptively. The use of the career construction interview (in combination with the three anecdotes technique) together with the use of basic Ericksonian strategies presents psychologists with an innovative, exciting and non-intrusive way of administering informal hypnotherapy.
Enhancing Lives: A Positive Psychology Agenda for Hypnotherapy
Authors: Guse Tharina
Published: March 2013

Hypnotherapy is established as treatment modality for psychological distress, but it is also well-suited to facilitate well-being. Some hypnotherapeutic approaches value and utilize unconscious resources, and can therefore be aligned with positive psychology's focus on identifying, enhancing and utilizing psychological strengths. However, literature on integrating positive psychology principles in hypnotherapeutic practice is limited. The aim of this article is to elucidate the synergy between hypnotherapy and positive psychology by reviewing existing practices and research findings. Suggestions for integrating knowledge from positive psychology into hypnotherapeutic strategies are also offered, particularly as it relates to interventions aimed at enhancing psychological strengths and positive emotions. Finally, recommendations for research are proposed. To advance the theory and practice of hypnotherapy in the 21st century it is imperative to investigate the effectiveness of hypnotherapeutic strategies, informed by positive psychology, in the South African context. Research methodologies that offer insight into the unfolding of individual therapeutic change, as well as the subjective experience of clients and therapists, are particularly encouraged.
Evaluating the Construct Validity of the Kidscreen-52 Quality of Life Questionnaire within a South African Context
Authors: Taliep Naiema , Florence Maria
Published: March 2013

The absence of a suitable measure to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents in South Africa, led to the use of the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire, which was developed and standardised in Europe. The current study is part of a broader study conducted in the Western Cape, which used the KIDSCREEN-52 to explore the influence of exposure to community violence on the subjective HRQoL of a sample of South African adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the KIDSCREEN-52 in a South African context. The broader study employed stratified interval criterion sampling to select 565 Grade 9 learners, aged 14–18. Participants were selected from six public schools in areas specified by the South African government as comprising key nodal areas in terms of crime in the Western Cape. The dataset for the current study comprised all participants (N = 565) of the primary study. As the initial step in validation of the KIDSCREEN-52 in South Africa, the current study examined its factor structure by means of exploratory factor analysis, using principal component analysis with oblimin rotations. It also assessed the internal consistency reliability of each of the scales, using Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 10 factors as identified by previous studies, with some deviation in the loadings of the last three factors. Items of two scales (“Feelings” and “About Yourself”) divided into three scales, and “Bullying” items were not sufficiently presented in the factor solution. Internal consistency of the measure was shown to be acceptable to good, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 for the 10 scales.
The Rape Survivor with an Intellectual Disability vs. the Court
Authors: Pillay Anthony L.
Published: March 2013

Crimes of sexual violence are known to result in rather difficult court experiences for survivors, and the conviction rates are also disappointingly low. These issues, however, are compounded when the rape survivor has an intellectual disability. Courts seem to require more of them than they do from non-disabled survivors. The paper discusses the hurdles faced by intellectually disabled complainants when attempting to give evidence against those accused of assaulting them. Their competency as witnesses is questioned, as is their ability to take the oath, and their understanding of such abstract concepts as ‘truth’ and ‘lie’ are interrogated. The paper also examines some of the international perspectives on this matter, although there is little research done specifically on intellectually disabled adult rape survivors. The extent to which current approaches are fair, and in line with basic human rights, is raised since access to the courts ought to be made easier, rather than more difficult for those with intellectual disabilities.
Ethnocentrism, Authoritarianism and Conservatism among Two South African Student Samples: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Mynhardt J.C. , Plug C. , Tyson G.A. , Viljoen H.G.
Published: March 2013

Measurements of ethnocentrism (E-scale), authoritarianism (the 29 item F-scale of Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswik, Levinson & Sanford) and conservatism (Wilson & Patterson's C-scale) were obtained on groups of English (N = 29) and Afrikaans (N = 23) speaking students during 1975 and 1977. Significantly lower F and E scores for the Afrikaans-speaking subjects and C, F and E scores for the English-speaking subjects were found at the end of the two-year period. While the scores for Afrikaans-speaking subjects became more variable, those of English-speaking subjects became more homogeneous. Despite these changes, the Afrikaans-speaking subjects remained the more conservative, authoritarian and ethnocentric group.
Image of Behaviour Modification: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Barling Julian
Published: March 2013

Behaviour modification has not been favourably received either in the lay or professional communities, and this article examines critically some of the factors which may predispose a negative attitude to the use of behaviour modification techniques. Specifically, the apprehension regarding behavioural control, the conception of a deterministic/mechanistic model of man, the presentation of behaviour modification programmes, the increasing specialization and isolation within behaviour modification, and finally, misconceptions and misinformation regarding behaviour modification are identified as five principal determinants of a negative bias against behaviour modification. Finally, it is suggested that adherence to a social learning theory paradigm, together with an increased concentration on the self-regulation of behaviour might facilitate a more positive attitude towards, and greater acceptance of, behaviour modification techniques in general.
Hanteringsmeganismes tydens ruimtelike oorbesetting
Authors: van Staden F.J. , Viljoen H.G.
Published: March 2013

Coping mechanisms in spatial crowding This study focused on the importance of the coping process in crowding. It was predicted that the induction of a coping mechanism such as situation-redefinition would alleviate the experience of stress during crowding. The results support this hypothesis. It was found that situation-redefinition has a strong effect on interpersonal behaviour and subjects' experience of the physical conditions in the experimental situation. It was concluded that subjects respond to crowding with coping behaviour which serves to alleviate the stressful effects of such conditions. These findings were applied to some theories of crowding. Implications of these findings are briefly discussed.
Die identifisering van terapeutiese potensiaal
Authors: Van Wyk J.D.
Published: March 2013

Die doel van die ondersoek was die formulering van 'n geldige, betroubare en ekonomiese indeks van terapeutiese potensiaal wat gebruik kan word vir keuringsdoeleindes. Die volgende veranderlikes is in die eksperimentele ontwerp ingesluit: self-aktualisering; twee empatiemetings, onderskeidelik gebaseer op Carkhuff se kommunikasie-indeks en Goodman se ‘Group Assessment of Interpersonal Traits’; intelligensie; toetspunte in Sielkunde. 'n Baie hoě en beduidende verband is gevind tussen die kriteriumklassifikasie en die klassifikasie gebaseer op die keuringsindekse. Twee groepe terapeute wat volgens die keuringsindekse geklassifiseer is as onderskeidelik persone met goeie en swak terapeutiese vermoë, se onderhoude het beduidend verskil wat betref empatiese begrip en self-eksplorasie.
Psychology in South Africa Belongs to the Colonial Era. Arrogance or Ignorance?
Authors: Holdstock T.L.
Published: March 2013

Psychology grew out of the European and North American soil, which, according to several African authors, is impoverished in soul and poor in spirit. It is to such psychology that we in South Africa bow our heads. In doing so we do ourselves a disservice, for there is in sub-Sahara Africa a psychological dimension which has a great deal to offer the rest of the world. Southern Africa's psychological potential is especially apparent with respect to the holistic principle — the importance of the majority of her people attach to the physical, spiritual and interpersonal dimensions of being.

In contrast to Africa's holistic approach the framework of ‘bigoted rationalism and fanatic adherence to outer physical reality’, characteristic of western society, has created a dehumanized psychology, particularly apparent in South Africa. Not only is there no understanding or need to understand and know about the psychological principles underlying life in Africa, but psychology seems to be oblivious to the immense human drama being enacted within the borders of our country. The psychological profession fails to facilitate communication between the races and develop the empathic ability of white people.

In the light of the present political climate, an interesting feature of South African psychology is the fact that Afrikaans speaking departments at universities are generally adhering closer to the ‘more’ human ‘Rogerian’ than the ‘less’ human ‘Skinnerian’ approach to therapy. Yet Rogers' concern for the dignity and worth of each individual is not implemented in the larger social context. Most of the English medium departments, adhering to a politically more liberal policy which claims to acknowledge the human rights of all citizens, paradoxically pay very little attention to the Rogerian approach.
Narcissistic Collusion in the Treatment of Adolescent Conduct Disorders Who Present with Parasuicide
Authors: Schlebusch L.
Published: March 2013

Conduct disorders are among the most prevalent disorders currently seen in adolescents and children. In addition there appears to be a sharp increase in parasuicide of all ages, but particularly among adolescents. It has been suggested that there may be a significant relationship between conduct disorders, adolescent parasuicides and our modern technocratic society. Recent research has also shown that a number of clinical sub-types of conduct disorders may be identified which enhance more effective treatment. The characterologically-determined sub-type, however, has always proven itself prognostically dubious in terms of establishing a therapeutic relationship for purposes of treatment. A modified psychotherapeutic technique is presented for establishing such a therapeutic relationship with characterologically-determined adolescent conduct disorders who have attempted suicide and who were seen in an acute therapeutic unit in a general hospital.
The Promise and Challenge of Behaviour Therapy
Authors: O'Leary K. Daniel
Published: March 2013

Three promises of behaviour therapy noted by Skinner, Eysenck, and Wolpe were discussed, namely, that behaviour problems could be treated as problems in their own right, that therapy procedures could be formulated in a testable fashion, and that treatment could be effective in months. These promises were discussed in the context of child behaviour therapy and the effectiveness of behavioural treatments was reviewed for developmental disabilities, aggression, hyperactivity, enuresis, and delinquency. Behavioural treatments were found to be demonstrably effective with these problems but not necessarily better than alternative treatments. Challenges for behaviour therapists were then proffered such as the need for more heuristic and/or theoretical concepts, the need to see the social network of clinical problems, the need for longer treatments, and the need for prevention and community intervention.
Women's Achievement Motivation: A Multi-Dimensional Construct
Authors: Erwee Ronel , Boshoff A.B.
Published: March 2013

The research group consisted of 121 adolescent women students in a military training unit. Seven questionnaires, constructed to measure cognitive dimensions of achievement motivation, were administered in January and December of the same year. Principal axis factor analysis with Varimax rotation of the data gathered in January, yielded five factors, viz. (a) a rigid value system; (b) attitude regarding causality; (c) need for dependence on others versus independence of others; (d) orientation to socially acceptable norms; and (e) attitude regarding feedback from the environment.

The factorial structure extracted from the data gathered in December again yielded the first three factors but also included a new unique factor viz. autonomous and social achievement values. These results supported the hypothesis that the achievement motivation construct as manifested by the research group, is multidimensional. Significant coefficients of congruence between the factorial structures obtained in January and December supported the hypothesis that the achievement motivation construct remained stable over a period of one year.
The Body: Focal Point of 20th Century Cultural Contradictions
Authors: Giorgi Amedeo
Published: March 2013

The article claims that the changes taking place both factually and attitudinally with respect to the body in the 20th century can be used to exemplify the cultural contradictions that many contemporary critics have been emphasizing. Eight dimensions indicative of these changes in relation to the body are discussed: world (environment), space, time, sexuality, health and sickness, limits of existence (birth and death), growth and aging, and philosophy. An analysis shows that all of the contradictions emerged in part, at least, because of the presence of a technological attitude and its achievements which emphasize (a) a fragmentation of wholes, (b) a manipulative attitude, (c) isolation and explicitness, (d) statistical communities and a quantitative perspective, (e) a refusal of limits and (f) reductionism. The pervasiveness of the attitude that supports such characteristics sharpens all the more clearly that how to study human phenomena in a human way is the crisis of the 20th century.
Patterns of Information Search among Semi-Durable Goods Buyers
Authors: Rousseau Deon
Published: March 2013

Consumers acquire information from a variety of out-of-store and in-store sources. Sources differ in their abilities to convey different kinds of information. This paper examines the implications of these sources for designing effective marketing strategies by comparing search behaviour of hypermarket shoppers for two product classes. Data were obtained from two samples, 250 buyers of small electrical appliances and 250 buyers of car accessories and hardware equipment by means of in-store observations and on the spot post-purchase interviews to detect out-of-store information search. The study revealed that 69,5% of shoppers of the combined sample visited only one store prior to purchase. This finding is in accordance with results obtained from an earlier study and with that of other researchers working in the field. Results further indicate that consumer-dominated sources (influence of relatives, friends or neighbours) were consulted more frequently than were market-dominated sources (printed and audio-visual advertising, in-store promotions, displays and personal selling), prior to purchase. Differences in search patterns emerged from the two subject samples which may be ascribed to product class attributes. More research, however, is needed to verify these tentative findings.
Action Research in an Educational Setting
Authors: Lazarus Sandra
Published: March 2013

The author entered a small community of black students who had dropped out of the South African education system and who were participating in the development of an alternative education programme. The purpose of the investigation was to identify (a) the factors believed to have played a major role in fostering alienation in the traditional school setting, and (b) the factors that played a part in the development of a psychological awareness of power in these students, during the 1976 Soweto riots and 1980 school boycotts, and during the alternative education programme. The findings of a multimethod measurement procedure were used as a basis for evaluating and developing the alternative programme in which the students participated, and for identifying educational practices aimed at enabling individuals to achieve a sense of personal power, thereby enhancing their social and psychological well-being.
The Role of Lexical Phonology in Reading
Authors: Christowitz Joan , Doctor Estelle A. , Saling Michael M.
Published: March 2013

In this study we examined phonological encoding during reading by investigating whether different types of verbal and nonverbal material and an articulatory suppression task interfered with reading comprehension and with a nonword rhyme judgment task. Neither the presence of an auditory interference task nor the articulatory suppression task had any effect on accuracy of comprehension or on judging if nonwords rhymed. It took longer to read prose passages simultaneously with verbal auditory interference and under conditions of articulatory suppression, but not with simultaneous nonverbal auditory interference. There was a significant difference in reading speed between passages read simultaneously with syntactically and semantically complex verbal material, presented aurally, and passages read while the subject simultaneously performed an articulatory suppression task. We argue that an auditory interference task is more suitable than an articulatory suppression task for investigations of phonological encoding during reading. The results were interpreted within a neuro-cognitive model.
Brief-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Contradiction in Terms?
Authors: Straker Gillian
Published: March 2013

Brief-term psychotherapy and the idea of doing psychodynamic psychotherapy are usually seen as contradictory. This article explores the principles which underpin psychodynamic psychotherapy. Special attention is paid to the concepts of transference and interpretation. The potential for and limits of applying psychodynamic principles in a time-limited way are explored. It is concluded that it is possible to apply psychodynamic principles in a time-limited way and that real dynamic change is possible following brief-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Black Managers and Their Work Colleagues: A Study of Perceptions
Authors: Watts Jane C.
Published: March 2013

South African black managers are experiencing numerous problems as pioneers in the white-dominated managerial world. Management and research studies have usually concentrated on black managers' behaviour without considering their perceptions. Investigations have also typically examined the viewpoints of either black managers or white employees without exploring both groups' perspectives and perceptual differences. The present investigation attempted to redress this by examining the perceptions of 34 black managers, and of selected work colleagues (a boss, peer and subordinate, if available) in regard to the black manager and black job advancement issues. In-depth, focused interviews were conducted. Fundamental interpersonal perceptual discrepancies emerged between the black managers and their work associates. The black managers tended to attribute their work problems and behaviour to external, situational factors. By contrast, their work colleagues often ascribed them to personal dispositions of the black manager. Euclidean distance analyses revealed that the largest interpersonal perceptual differences existed between black manager—boss dyads. This was followed by black manager—peer dyads, boss—peer dyads and black manager—subordinate dyads. The black managers' perceptions diverged significantly from those of their white bosses, whose perceptions were closer to those of the white peers.
Die verband tussen enkele persoonlikheidsfaktore en botsingsrisiko
Authors: Booysen Annie E. , Erasmus J.A.K.
Published: March 2013

The relationship between some personality factors and accident risk. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between personality and accident-risk driving behaviour in order to make recommendations for the selection of professional drivers. A test battery comprising a biographical and an opinion questionnaire, the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, the Picture Situation Test, an attitude scale to measure aggression and an information-processing test was administered to 199 coloured bus drivers. The test group was divided into three subgroups according to involvement in and degree of seriousness of the accidents. By means of step-wise multiple regression analyses a formula was developed according to which accident risk could be predicted on the basis of certain personality traits. These traits, when combined with an aggressive attitude in a road safety situation, were dominance, carefreeness, emotional sensitivity and shrewdness.
Science and Social Accountability: Issues Related to South African Developmental Psychology
Authors: Liddell Christine , Kvalsvig Jane
Published: March 2013

In the light of similar publications by Dawes (1985) and Biesheuvel (1987) the issue of social accountability in local psychology is examined, with particular reference to the research and practice of developmental psychology. Discussion focuses first on the notion of scientific neutrality which, it is argued, is not an option for South African developmental psychology. Consideration is then given to the issue of whether apartheid should comprise the prime focus in debate regarding social accountability. Here, areas of common ground in the publications by Dawes and Biesheuvel are suggested, the implication being that their disagreement on the issue of social accountability might be more apparent than real. The article ends with an appeal to fellow psychologists to contribute to this important debate.
Analysis of Themes and Statistical Techniques: A Review of the past Decade of the South African Journal of Psychology
Authors: van Staden Fred , Visser Deléne
Published: March 2013

This review of articles published in the South African Journal of Psychology over the past 10 years includes analyses of themes, theoretical versus review contributions, and statistical techniques used in research articles. It was found that a fair range of themes was covered, with topics relating to clinical/counselling psychology, developmental psychology and personality psychology receiving most attention. Comparatively few articles dealt with theory development. In research contributions the use of basic statistical techniques was clearly favoured above more sophisticated methods of data analysis. No significant changes in the use of statistical techniques occurred over the past 10 years. The results were compared with similar analyses of American journals and general implications of the findings are discussed.
The Increasing Demand for Clinical Psychological Consultations in the Smaller General Hospital
Authors: Pillay Anthony L.
Published: March 2013

With the increasing knowledge and understanding of psychological disorders as well as the psychological concommitants of physical disease, the need for general hospital clinical psychological services is growing. These primary care centres serve mainly patients from the lower socioeconomic group who are unable to afford private psychological consultation. Many of these patients are also unaware of the psychological nature of their illness. It is certainly necessary for these patients to have access to psychological services (other than that in psychiatric hospitals), and the general hospital could serve this function. The establishment of a part-time clinical psychological service at a local general hospital is discussed together with referral rates and types. It is clear that part-time services are insufficient and that more resident psychological services are necessary.
A Critical Appraisal of the Theoretical Validity of the Mednick Remote Association Test
Authors: Ochse R. , van Lill B.
Published: March 2013

The validity of Mednick's Remote Associates Test (the RAT) is critically evaluated. First, Mednick's theoretical conceptualization of creativity and his explanation of the derivation of the RAT are briefly reviewed. Thereafter, the theoretical, predictive, convergent and discriminant validity of the RAT are critically examined in the light of both theory and empirical findings.
A Comparative-Developmental Approach to Behaviour
Authors: Cowley J.J.
Published: March 2013

The comparative study of behaviour may well be a necessary requirement for our understanding of human individual differences. The theme is illustrated with reference to two areas of research, the effect of undernourishing animals early in life and the part played by pheromones in modifying behaviour. The research raises questions about the relationship between psychology and other sciences and particularly its position within the neurosciences. The spectacular achievements in biological sciences over the last 50 years are regarded as providing psychology with a strong base from which it can draw and yet be differentiated from biology where interest focuses on species rather than the study of individual differences. Ethology has broadened our awareness of the complexity of behaviour in a wide range of species and directed attention to the constraints needed in the traditional explanations of behaviour proffered by psychologists. Sociobiology has also provided a quantitative element to the study of interactions between animals that we had hitherto lacked. Genetic and social factors act throughout development. Research on undernutrition and on pheromones emphasizes that there are sensitive periods during which the underlying neural, hormonal and metabolic states differ as between groups and individuals. These need to be examined in relation to both short- and long-term behavioural changes.