bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Exposure to Political Violence on Children: Does Violence Beget Violence?
Authors: Gibson Kerry
Published: March 2013

Concerns have been expressed about the effects of years of exposure to political violence on South Africa's children. In particular there are fears that children have been dehumanized and that they believe that violence is an acceptable way of resolving differences. In spite of the common-sense status of this idea there is considerable disagreement about it within the international research literature on the psychological effects of violence. In this article it is argued that much of this disagreement arises out of the lack of clarity about what is meant by the question ‘does violence beget violence?’. The author critically evaluates the different theoretical perspectives within which the question might be posed and their relative usefulness in understanding the effects of political violence in South Africa. It is also argued that the most useful way of understanding the relationship between the experience of violence and subsequent violent behaviour is not in terms of direct causality but rather in terms of the more complex interrelationships between intrapsychic and social factors. In this process the question is shifted out of the prior simplistic form within which it is most often understood and reconstructed within the more sophisticated explanatory paradigm of psychoanalysis.
The Psychology of Satanic Worship
Authors: Ivey Gavin
Published: March 2013

A significant amount of media attention has recently been focused on allegations of widespread Satanic activity in South Africa. However, little social scientific research has been forthcoming on the nature, incidence, activities, and psychological dynamics associated with Satanism. In this article I attempt to address this lacuna by examining the definition, history, social context, and ideology of Satanism. ‘Satanism is defined as a specific religious cult, characterized by the inversion of Christian norms and ideology. It is argued that the apparent increase in Satanic activity is related to a socio-economic context of radical cultural change, turmoil, and social instability. Contemporary white adolescents, feeling alienated, anxious, and powerless, are attracted to Satanism as a means of obtaining magical power and control over their destiny. Satanism, in addition, meets specific psychological needs which are not met by other forms of religious worship. In the article I consider the psychological factors which predispose individuals to Satanic activities, and concludes by examining the diagnostic status of demonic possession in clinical psychology.
Contact and the Alteration of Racial Attitudes in South Africa
Authors: Bradnum Mandy , Nieuwoudt Johann , Tredoux Colin
Published: March 2013

Two generations of social psychologists have described a remarkably consistent pattern of racial attitudes in South Africa. Whites exhibit determinedly negative attitudes towards other ‘race’ groups (Afrikaans speakers more so than English speakers), and blacks, on the other hand, show a much lower degree of ethnocentrism, especially toward English-speaking whites. This ‘lop-sided colour bar’ is a consistent finding, both historically and across different attitudinal measures. We report results here that indicate that this pattern may be changing, in at least one part of the country. In addition, we examine the attitudes of school pupils in integrated and segregated schools, both in South Africa and in Zimbabwe, for evidence that inter-racial contact improves attitudinal dispositions. Our findings here offer little evidence in favour of the proposition: they appear instead to suggest the dependency of the effects of contact on cultural and normative factors.
First Evaluation of a Stereotype Reduction Workshop
Authors: Kamfer Louis , Venter Daniel J.L.
Published: March 2013

In this study the authors attempt to evaluate a stereotype reduction workshop conducted with students from three South African universities. Pre- and post-measures in the form of the stereotypes produced for salient outgroups, and responses on a scale designed to measure constructs related to the aims of the workshop, were gathered from an experimental and a control group. Results were encouraging. The experimental group produced significantly fewer negative stereotypes for one of the outgroups after attending the intervention than they did before the intervention, while the control group's pre-intervention negative stereotypes still existed afterwards. Significant differences in the ratio of negative to total outgroup stereotypes produced before and after the intervention were also found between the experimental and the control groups. On the scale that was used, the post-scores for the experimental group were significantly higher than for the control group, but only at the 90% confidence level. Weaknesses in the design are indicated, and suggestions for further research are made.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and the Personal Construction of Self
Authors: Weinberg Mark , Louw Johann , Schomer Helgo
Published: March 2013

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has attracted a great deal of media attention in recent years, much of it unfavourable. Despite increasing evidence that ME may have a viral, immunological, or neurological aetiology, this publicity has led to people with ME experiencing negative reactions from many medical doctors and lay-people, who have regarded them as depressed at best and malingerers at worst. Two questions are examined in this article: What is the effect of such negative reaction on the self-concepts of sufferers? Does diagnosis of ME improve self-concept? A rating-style repertory grid was drawn up following semi-structured interviews with a sample of 15 diagnosed ME sufferers. This was administered to a sample of 50 people with ME. The results indicated that a change in self-concept had indeed occurred since contracting ME, but that diagnosis had no effect on this change. ME sufferers actually identified themselves in the same negative terms as they perceived their unfavourable public stereotype.
Sexual Aggression: A Discriminant Analysis of Predictors in a Non-Forensic Sample
Authors: Collings Steven J.
Published: March 2013

The prevalence of sexual aggression was examined in a non-forensic sample of 393 university males. A history of sexually abusive behaviour was reported by 25% of respondents, with six per cent reporting an act of sexual aggresssion that met the legal definition of rape or attempted rape. The results of a discriminant analysis indicated a significant relationship between sexually abusive behaviour and attitudes supportive of sexual dominance and aggression. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for research and primary prevention.
Health Belief Model Interpretation of Compliance Factors in a Weight Loss and Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme
Authors: Frewen Sharon , Schomer Helgo , Dunne Tim
Published: March 2013

The aim of the research was to establish the common and/or different factors associated with compliance or noncompliance in either a weight loss or a cardiac rehabilitation programme. A questionnaire was designed from a revised formulation of the original Health Belief Model and a pilot study was run on 22 weight loss and 13 cardiac subjects. The modified questionnaire was then completed by 37 compliers and 19 noncompliers with a weight loss programme and 11 compliers and 19 noncompliers with a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Compliance was associated with exercise enjoyment, self-motivation, and the need to stay on the programme. The major reasons for noncompliance were the complexity of the required behaviour changes, inconvenience, time constraints, and the ability to cope independently of the programmes. Particularly regarding the weight loss programme, noncompliance arising from the required simultaneous changes to eating and exercise patterns could be reduced by teaching alternative coping skills and realistic goal setting. Cardiac patients are faced with the life-threatening nature of their disease, but there is a lack of overt disease symptoms among weight loss subjects. This results in a need to inform obese subjects, preferably using a multi-disciplinary approach, about the health risks resulting from noncompliance.
Die Toepassing Van Die Self-Directed Search op 'n Groep Swart Adolessente
Authors: Brand H.J. , van Noordwyk J.S.J. , Hanekom J.D.M.
Published: March 2013

In die huidige ondersoek is die aard van die verband tussen die resultate op die Self-Directed Search (SDS) en die Beroepsbelangstellingsvraelys (BBV) ten opsigte van 'n groep swart adolessente in die Oos-Kaap ondersoek. Die primêre doel met die studie was om te bepaal met watter mate van doeltreffendheid Holland se SDS op 'n nie-westerse kultuurgroep toegepas kan word. Die Beroepsbelangstellingsvraelys is in 1973 deur die Raad vir Geesteswetenskaplike Navorsing (RGN) vir swart skoliere in Suid-Afrika gestandaardiseer. Die vraelys is tot 1987 algemeen gebruik vir die meting van belangstellings van swart leerlinge in Suid-Afrika. Gedurende 1987 is besluit om die SDS in swart skole toe te pas. Die SDS het heelwat voordele gebied aangesien dit 'n self-toepassingsvraelys is, met ander woorde 'n toetsling is in staat om sy voltooide antwoord-blad self na te sien asook die subskaaltellings te bereken, terwyl dit in die geval van die BBV onmoontlik is. Behalwe die tydsekonomiese voordeel kan SDS-resultate ook sinvol met die beroepsinligting soos vervat in die Holland Occupational Codes geïintegreer word. Daar was egter nie veel bekend oor die geskiktheid van hierdie vraelys vir swart leerlinge in die RSA nie. Die korrelasies tussen al die veranderlikes van die SDS en die BBV volgens die Bravais-Pearson metode is vir 'n steekproef van 983 swart adolessente bepaal. Daarna is bepaal watter velde van die BBV elke afsonderlike veld van die SDS die beste kon voorspel. Dit is gedoen deur eers 'n meervoudige korrelasie te bereken om die beste voorspellers van die BBV vir elke afsonderlike veld van die SDS te bepaal en daarna 'n stapsgewyse regressie-analise van die beste voorspellers van die BBV uit te voer. Kanoniese korrelasies tussen al die veranderlikes van die SDS en die BBV is ook bereken. In die algemeen het die resultate daarop gedui dat 'n beduidende positiewe verband tussen die SDS en die BBV bestaan. Hieruit is die afleiding gemaak dat die SDS in hierdie studie wel met 'n groot mate van sukses op 'n nie-westerse kultuurgroep toegepas kon word; 'n afleiding wat steun bied aan die standpunt van Holland dat sy teorie en die SDS op die meeste kulture van toepassing is.
Die rol van Tipe-A-gedrag en sigaretrook by die voorspelling van koronêre hartsiektes
Authors: Huysamen G.K.
Published: March 2013

Sedert Friedman en Rosenman in 1959 die begrip van die Tipe A-gedragspatroon (TAG) as potensiële voorspeller van koronêre hartsiektes (KHS) bekendgestel het, is uitgebreide dog teenstrydige navorsingsbevindings oor hierdie onderwerp gerapporteer. In 1981 het die Review Panel on Coronary Prone Behavior and Coronary Heart Disease van die Amerikaanse National Institutes of Health tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die verhoogde risiko van KHS as gevolg van TAG hoër is as dié wat onder meer deur rook verteenwoordig word. Die bevindings aangaande TAG as voorspeller van KHS is nie konsekwent deur ander ondersoeke ondersteun nie en gedurende die tagtigerjare het belangstelling in hierdie onderwerp gedaal. Die doel met die onderhawige navorsing was om die rol van die volgende in die voorspelling van KHS-status (pasiënte vs. nie-pasiënte) te ondersoek: TAG, vyandigheid, angs, die modererende uitwerking van emosionele uitdrukkingsvermoë, en die mediërende vs. modererende effek van sigaretrookgedrag op TAG. Ses-en-dertig wit, middeljarige mans wat 'n miokardiale infarksie (MI) binne die voorafgaande 24 maande gehad het sowel as 36 mans met 'n vergelykbare ouderdom, beroep en sosio-ekonomiese agtergrond maar met geen tekens van hartsiektes nie, het vraelyste van TAG, emosionele uitdrukkingsvermoë, vyandigheid en angs voltooi. 'n Diskriminantontleding wat op die persoonlikheidsvraelyste alleen uitgevoer is, het 'n diskriminantfunksie opgelewer wat deur slegs TAG gedefinieer is en wat 56,9% van die proefpersone korrek as óf MI-pasiënt of nie-pasiënt geklassifiseer het. Met die insluiting van gerapporteerde sigaretrookgedrag as bykomende veranderlike, het hierdie veranderlike TAG in die diskriminantfunksie vervang wat 'n persentasie van korrekte klassifikasies van 73,6 opgelewer het. Nóg die interaksie tussen TAG en emosionele uitdrukkingsvermoë, nog dié tussen TAG en gerapporteerde sigaretrookgedrag was beduidend. Die gestandaardiseerde parsiële regressiekoëffisient vir die voorspelling van KHS op grond van sigaretrook was egter 0,46 terwyl dié vir TAG slegs 0,10 was. Hierdie bevinding suggereer dat sigaretrook beskou moet word as 'n mediator, in plaas van 'n moderator, van TAG in die statistiese voorspelling van KHS.
Die rol van die aantrekkingsbeginsel vir optimale taakgerigtheid in sport
Authors: Steyn B.J.M. , Goslin A.E.
Published: March 2013

Die wetenskap van die Sportsielkunde is voortdurend opsoek na voorwaardes en sleutels wat die potensiaal van die sportdeelnemer kan ontsluit en optimaliseer. Die Sportsielkunde as jong deeldissipline van die siel-kundeveld het die afgelope paar jaar op die voorgrond getree as gevolg van die feit dat die belofte tot internasionale deelname stelselmatig verwerklik is. Die aantrekkingsbeginsel wat in hierdie artikel behandel word, is 'n saak wat spontaan na vore getree het in drie aparte sportsielkundige navorsingsprojekte. Wat gemeenskaplik in al drie navorsingsprojekte is, is die feit dat al drie kwalitatiewe studies is wat die belewingswêreld van die deelnemer nagevors het aan die hand van die fenomenologiese metode wat deur Wertz ontwikkel is. In al drie navorsingsprojekte is daar in die onderhoude aan die subjekte gevra om hoogtepunt- en laagtepuntbelewinge van hul sport te gee. Die aantrekkingsbeginsel het spontaan in al drie navorsingsprojekte sterk na vore getree as 'n soort van verskuilde sleutel wat te vanselfsprekend is om raak te sien. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om die rol van die aantrekkingsbeginsel vir optimale taakgerigtheid in sport te belig en te verduidelik. Indien die rol van die aantrekkingsbeginsel verstaan kan word, kan dit besondere implikasies vir sportsielkundige praktyke hê. Op grond van die besondere aard van die aantrekkingsverskynsel is daar hoofsaaklik in hierdie sportsielkundige navorsing op die gestaltterapie en fenomenologiese paradigmas gesteun.
Problem-Solving Appraisal, Social Support and Stress-Depression Relationship
Authors: Pretorius T.B. , Diedricks M.
Published: March 2013

In this paper the authors report on a study that focused on the interactive effects of social support and appraisal of problem solving on the stress-depression relationship. The findings suggest a health-sustaining role (direct effects) for social support for both self-appraised effective and ineffective problem solvers. A stress-reducing function (buffering effect) for social support, however, seems to apply only to self-appraised effective problem solvers. In addition, an analysis of the interaction between stress and social support for self-appraised effective problem solvers seems to indicate that the expected moderating function of support operates only in the case of satisfaction with supports. In the case of number of supports, increased network size is related to an increase rather than a decrease in depression.
Life after Death Row: Post Traumatic Stress and the Story of Philip Takedi
Authors: Vogelman Lloyd , Lewis Sharon , Segal Lauren
Published: March 2013

Historically, South Africa has had one of the highest rates of judicial executions in the world. In February 1990, President F.W. de Klerk announced a moratorium on all executions, and three months later, the Death Penalty Act was passed. At present, there is a de facto moratorium on executions, although the death sentence continues to be passed. Philip Takedi is a former death row prisoner, whose sentence was overturned. His experience of having lived on death row has had profound effects which have prevailed long after his release. This article explores the long-term effects of being sentenced to death, incarcerated on death row, and then released. Takedi's particular experience and response are illustrative of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and they also highlight the effects of the conditions and experiences of death row.
Interpretation and Misinterpretation of the South African Wechsler-Bellevue Adult Intelligence Scale: A History and a Prospectus
Authors: Nell Victor
Published: March 2013

The South African Wechsler is based on the 1939 Wechsler-Bellevue Adult Intelligence Scale. However, the name under which it was published by the National Institute of Personnel Research in 1969, the ‘South African Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale’, has led a generation of South African psychologists to believe that this instrument is a local verson of the 1955 WAIS, a fundamentally revised and renormed Wechsler-Bellevue. It is argued that the continued use of the South African Wechsler-Bellevue, with its outdated norms and unknown statistical properties, is not in the public interest, and that diagnostic conclusions based on this instrument may be misleading. It is then argued that if a new adult intelligence scale is to be developed, this should be based on the 1981 revision of the Wechsler (WAIS-R), rather than the local scale now under development by the Human Sciences Research Council; and finally, that in psychology, South Africa is not a beggar at the world's door, and that the capability exists for the development of an innovative and culturally appropriate ability assessment device. One such possibility is described.
The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in the Work Stress-Marital Interaction Relationship
Authors: Widrich Lynne , Ortlepp Karen
Published: March 2013

The present study examined the relationship between work stress and a specific aspect of marital functioning, namely, marital interaction. An interactionist model of stress was adopted, with three role stresses, namely, role ambiguity, role conflict and role overload, being used as indicators of work stress. Despite the abundance of studies investigating the link between employment and family functioning over the past decade, the causal link between the two domains remains unclear. As previous research has indicated that the relationship between work and family is neither simple nor linear, the present study aimed to investigate the role of job satisfaction in the relationship. The final sample of the study consisted of 80 married men employed in a large financial organization. Data were gathered in the form of self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis, using a longitudinal path analytic research design, did not support the proposed mediational model, that is, job satisfaction was not found to mediate the relationship between work stress and marital functioning.
Differential Correlates of Components of Type a Behaviour
Authors: Northam Sarah , Bluen Stephen D.
Published: March 2013

Although early research linked Type A behaviour to coronary disease, recent findings have been equivocal. The inconsistencies may be attributable, to the traditional conceptualization of Type A as a unidimensional construct. Spence, Helmreich and Pred (1987) identified two Type A components, Achievement Strivings (AS) and Impatience-Irritability (II), and differentially related these to academic results and health problems, respectively. The present study extends the AS/II dichotomy to encompass a more comprehensive model of Type A components, including AS, II, anger, hostility and competitiveness. These components were differentially related to health problems, depression and academic results in a sample of 236 South African first-year psychology students. Specifically, AS was positively related to performance, negatively related to depression, and not related to ill health. II and anger predicted ill health, while anger was related to depression. The multivariate model of Type A components was thus partially supported. Results are discussed in terms of the literature.
Die belewenis van selfmutilasie by pasiënte met grenspersoonlikheidsversteuring
Authors: Scholtz Jonathan G. , Fiedeldey André C.
Published: March 2013

In hierdie studie stel die outeurs ondersoek in na die belewenis van selfmutilasie by drie persone wat met grenspersoonlikheidsversteuring gediagnoseer is. 'n Oorsig van die literatuur toon dat skrywers verdeeld staan ten opsigte van verskeie aspekte van die verskynsel. Die objekverhoudingsperspektiewe van Kernberg word aangebied as teoretiese fundering vir die studie. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode, gegrond op die fenomenologiese beginsels van Giorgi, met 'n integrasie van beginsels soos toegepas deur Wertz en Fiedeldey, is geselekteer. Veertien sentrale temas aangaande respondente se belewenis van mutilasie is geïdentifiseer in die studie. Die resultate dui daarop dat interpersoonlike konflik sentraal staan in respondente se belewenis van mutilasie en dat respondente groot kommunikatiewe waarde heg aan selfmutilasie. Gevestigde, negatiewe selfpersepsies is teenwoordig by die respondente en hewige ambivalensie kom voor in hul verhoudings met hul liggame. Aanbevelings word gemaak ten opsigte van die algemene hantering van persone wat gediagnoseer is met grenspersoonlikheidsversteuring en wat selfmutileer.
Using the Bender Gestalt in South Africa: Some Normative Data for Zulu-speaking Children
Authors: Viljoen Gary , Levett Ann , Tredoux Colin , Anderson Stuart
Published: March 2013

In this study the authors investigated the use of the Bender Gestalt test within the South African context by evaluating the applicability of the existing norms (Koppitz) and by exploring how the variables age, sex, educational level, and geographical area affect test performance in Zulu-speaking school children. Zulu-speaking subjects ( N = 882) ranging in age from 6–18 years, completed the test. The test was administered in group form and independently scored. The study sample's performance was compared to Koppitz's norms and some significant discrepancies were apparent, suggesting that these foreign norms are inappropriate for use with Zulu-speaking children. Further exploration revealed that age was very strongly related to performance, accounting for 31% of the variance. Sex and geographical area were also significantly related to performance but their respective effect sizes were small. Initial normative data are presented for Zulu-speaking children. The implications of these findings for further clinical use of the Bender Gestalt are considered.
A Neuropsychological Examination of Multiple Sclerosis and its Impact upon Higher Mental Functions
Authors: Shannon Brad C. , Tollman Shirley G.
Published: March 2013

In view of the debate regarding the behavioural sequelae accompanying multiple sclerosis (MS), this study aimed to identify the deficits underlying observed behavioural performance difficulties in 24 MS sufferers. Qualitative and quantitative assessment instruments were employed, that is, Christensen's formalization of Luria's Neuropsychological Investigation, the Trail Making Test and Rey's Complex Figure Test. Results were analysed using syndrome analysis, which proceeded according to a hypothetico-deductive process, based on the principle of double dissociation of function. Five underlying factors were identified, namely: fatigability; information overload; disturbed fine control and integration of skilled motor movements; disturbed attention, concentration and tracking; and, disturbed executive control. Subjects divided into two subgroups. Those in subgroup 1 displayed fatigability, information overload and disturbed fine control and integration of skilled motor movement. In addition to these, subjects in subgroup 2 displayed disturbed attention, concentration and tracking, and disturbed executive skills. The identification of two subgroups may assist in explaining why controversy still surrounds the question of cognitive deficits in MS. It was concluded that the five underlying factors gave rise to a specific pattern of neuropsychological dysfunctioning in subjects consistent with a subcortical syndrome.
The South African Street Child: Developmental Implications
Authors: Donald David , Swart-Kruger Jill
Published: March 2013

Given the nature and the extent of the problem, the psychological and developmental implications of the street child phenomenon in South Africa needs to be more closely examined. Current research on street children presents us with a paradox — with evidence of developmental risk and vulnerability on the one hand and of resourcefulness, adaptability and coping on the other. This paradoxical evidence is reviewed from the perspective of physical, emotional, social and cognitive/educational development. Implications for intervention are explored. In particular, the issue of what defines developmental vulnerability or resilience in more specific terms is identified as a research necessity if more focused intervention priorities are to be determined.
Diabetes Mellitus: Experiencing a Chronic Illness
Authors: Cleaver Glenda , Pallourios Helen
Published: March 2013

Diabetes is a chronic, complex disease involving numerous pathophysiological features. There is a paucity of studies relating to psychological factors. The available research is not conclusive and in addition is largely quantitative in nature. The aim of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the life-world of people with diabetes and to acquire insight into the demanding aspects of their lives. The research procedure involved interviewing subjects who suffer from diabetes. A pilot study was conducted in order to test a number of open-ended questions. On the basis of these results, a set of semi-structured questions was formulated for the main study. The main study involved interviews with 13 subjects aged between 20 and 45 years who belonged to a diabetic organization and who volunteered for the investigation. The interviews were recorded on audiotape and later transcribed. Five of the protocols obtained were analyzed according to the method outlined by Giorgi and they produced an encompassing description of the life-world of a diabetic. The themes which emerged included the appearance of the first symptoms and their effect on people with diabetes, the impact of the diagnosis, the emerging pattern of the life-world of people with diabetes and the prospects for the future. The phenomenological approach proved valuable in highlighting many aspects of diabetes. Recommendations are made which may be of benefit to people with diabetes and their families.
A Review of Three Approaches to Cognitive Assessment, and a Proposed Integrated Approach Based on a Unifying Theoretical Framework
Authors: Taylor Terence R.
Published: March 2013

In this article, the author reviews three traditions of cognitive assessment: the structural approach (based on factor analytic research), the information-processing approach, and the dynamic approach (based on learning theory). The theoretical background of each assessment approach is sketched and the advantages and disadvantages of each discussed. The author then proposes an integrated two-factor cognitive theory which accommodates all three traditions. Using this theory as a basis, he proposes a design for a test battery which would be appropriate for use in a multicultural context and would identify individuals likely to benefit from developmental opportunities.
Exploring Predictors of Academic Success in Psychology I at Wits University as an Important Component of Fair Student Selection
Authors: Nunns Christopher , Ortlepp Karen
Published: March 2013

The aim of the present research is to explore empirical predictors of students' performance in the Psychology I course at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), within the context of procedural, distributive and interactional fairness. The research is divided into two studies: the first is an archival study examining the use of individual school subject results and the Arts Faculty Ratings (based on school results) as predictors. The second study focuses on the predictive validity of the Arts Faculty Ratings as well as that of various psychometric aptitude tests. In both studies the sample was divided into two groups whereby Group I consisted of primarily white students who had attended private or government schools and were not regarded as educationally disadvantaged; Group 2 comprised of black students who attended Department of Education and Training (DET) schools and were regarded as educationally disadvantaged. Results from both studies show that the Arts Faculty Ratings consistently provide a statistically significant predictor of academic performance in the Wits Psychology I course for educationally non-disadvantaged students. A far less clear picture emerged for the educationally disadvantaged group. The Arts Faculty Rating correlated significantly with overall success in first-year Psychology in the first study, while the Conceptual Reasoning Test was found to be the best predictor for this group in the second study. The implications of the studies for student selection are discussed within a social justice paradigm and future research directions are suggested.
The Moderator Effect of Cognitive Modifiability on a Traditional Undergraduate Admissions Test for Disadvantaged Black Students in South Africa
Authors: Shochet Ian M.
Published: March 2013

Universities in South Africa are faced with the problem of finding admissions criteria, other than high school grades, that are both fair and valid for black applicants severely disadvantaged by an inferior school education. The use of traditional intellectual assessments and aptitude tests (such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test) for disadvantaged and minority students remains controversial as a fair assessment, in that these tests do not take account of potential for change. In this study, therefore, a measure of students' cognitive modifiability, assessed by means of an Interactive Assessment model, was added as a moderator of the traditional intellectual assessment in predicting first-year university success. Cognitive modifiability significantly moderated the predictive validity of the traditional intellectual assessment for a sample of disadvantaged black students enrolled in the first year Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. The higher the level of cognitive modifiability, the less effective were traditional methods for predicting academic success and vice versa. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The AIDS Crisis: Review of Psychological Issues and Implications, with Special Reference to the South African Situation
Authors: Lindegger Graham , Wood Greg
Published: March 2013

AIDS represents a major challenge to the health care industry. The behavioural sciences, especially psychology, have important contributions to make to various aspects of AIDS and its prevention. This article reviews the stages in the development of AIDS, examining the psychological issues and implications at each stage. Special attention is given to the unique South African situation with respect to AIDS. The article concludes by examining the present and prospective position of psychology in SA with respect to AIDS.
Whose Epidemic is it? Reviewing the Literature on Women and AIDS
Authors: Strebel Anna
Published: March 2013

AIDS is widely presented as a critical problem for women, which raises special issues of prevention and care. Although it is suggested that women are particularly vulnerable physiologically to HIV infection, biomedical research into treatment and prevention options specifically for women has been limited. Considerable social science research at both the theoretical and applied level has been documented. While analyses have tended to highlight broad structural factors, interventions have often been at individual/group level. The literature demonstrates the dilemma of AIDS being seen as women's responsibility, although they lack the power and means to implement safe sex. Gender imbalances in depictions of and responses to AIDS need to be attended to if the epidemic is to be effectively addressed.
AIDS Education for Health Professionals
Authors: Eagle Gillian T. , Brouard Pierre W.
Published: March 2013

The effectiveness of a three-day AIDS education course conducted for health workers was assessed by means of change scores measured on a Knowledge and Attitudes scale. A control group design was used and a follow-up was conducted one month after completion of the course. The results indicated that the course was effective in producing significant change on the dimensions of ‘Attitudes to Homosexuals' and ‘Attitudes to black Sexuality’. There was no significant change in ‘Attitudes to AIDS’ or ‘Knowledge of AIDS’. These results were confirmed at the one-month follow-up. The results suggest that time-limited education programmes can be effective in producing attitude change in health professionals in relation to AIDS-associated patients and groups.
Stress, Social Support and Biopsychosocial Dynamics in HIV-AIDS
Authors: Schlebusch Lourens , Cassidy Michael J.
Published: March 2013

Research trends in psychosocial aspects of HIV-AIDS are reviewed, exploring the role of psychosocial cofactors in disease progression. This is undertaken within a biopsychosocial model and gives cognisance to the role of psychosocial stress, social support, and emotional adjustment. Research data from a study of biopsychosocial interrelationships in a sample of HIV-positive patients show a significant correlation between social support and emotional adjustment and that social support exerts a mediatory, stress-buffering effect in these patients. Some observations are made on aspects of the social conditions of South Africans with HIV-AIDS.
Kritieke toestand van wiskunde-onderwys in swart skole in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika
Authors: Maree J.G.
Published: March 2013

Leerlinge uit alle rassegroepe ervaar van tyd tot tyd onderrig- en leerprobleme in wiskunde. Dit geld in 'n veel groter opsig vir swart leerlinge as vir leerlinge uit ander bevolkingsgroepe. Verskeie moontlike redes vir hierdie verskynsel kan geïdentifiseer word, waaronder die feit dat swart leerlinge histories gesproke 'n beduidende ekonomiese en sosiale agterstand ten opsigte van ander leerlinge het. Faktore wat swart leerlinge se leer en onderrig van wiskunde inhibeer, word onder meer in hierdie artikel bespreek. Indien daar werklik erns gemaak word met die soeke na 'n Suid-Afrika waarin elke persoon sy regmatige plek op die beroeps-, ekonomiese, sosiale en politieke terrein moet inneem, behoort die kwessie van swart leerlinge se onderprestasie in wiskunde as een van die dringendste sake op enige toekomstige onderwysagenda geplaas te word. In hierdie artikel word enkele moontlike terreine van navorsing bespreek en word voorstelle ter verbetering van die situasie gemaak. Nie eers die heel beste pogings tot regstellende aksie kan waarskynlik vergoed vir die outentieke opheffing van swartes op hierdie terrein nie.
Use of the SAWAIS Digit Symbol Test of Incidental Recall
Authors: Shuttleworth-Jordan Ann B. , Bode Sandra G.
Published: March 2013

The neuropsychological literature has described a method for extending the standard administration of the WAIS Digit Symbol subtest in order to create a measure of non-verbal short-term recall. This Incidental Recall test, which is a sensitive indicator in the differential diagnosis of dementia, is being used by South African psychologists with the SAWAIS. The SAWAIS Digit Symbol format, however, differs substantially in length from the WAIS-R format on which the method of the Incidental Recall test was originally based. This is a point which psychologists using the test may not realize, and which affects the administration, the amount of practice, and therefore the outcome on the test. Recommendations are made concerning the method of test administration and the use of the norms considering the variation in the SAWAIS Digit Symbol test format.
The Origins of Health and Strength: From ‘Salutogenesis’ to ‘Fortigenesis’
Authors: Strümpfer D.J.W.
Published: March 2013

It is argued that Antonovsky's concept of ‘salutogenesis’, referring to the origins of health, should be broadened to ‘fortigenesis’, which refers to the origins of psychological strength in general. The argument is based on his own writings. A number of related constructs are referred to in which the metaphor of strength is also inherent. Research on the development of psychological strength through appropriate work experiences, through military and combat experience, and through work force participation in the case of homemakers is reviewed.
Conceptions of legitimacy as a variable mediating the relationship between relative deprivation and militancy
Authors: Durrheim Kevin , Foster Don , Tredoux Colin
Published: March 2013

The role of relative deprivation and authoritarianism in predicting militancy and the potential for political protest form the backdrop of this study. The influence of conceptions of regime legitimacy as a variable mediating this relationship was investigated by means of a factorial design, employing a white student sample ( N = 135). Conceptions of legitimacy were manipulated by dividing the sample into left- and right-wing subsamples. The left- and right-wing samples were found to demonstrate different conceptions of relative intergroup status between blacks and whites under the regimes which they considered to be their ‘least legitimate political parties’. The left-wing associated illegitimacy with increased status advantages, and were prepared to employ militant strategies under this hypothesized regime in response to these unfair status advantages. Anti-authoritarianism was associated with potential militancy for the whole sample. Results are discussed in terms of the possibility of non-violent social transformation.
Maternal perceptions of family environment in intact, widowed and divorced families amongst Indian South Africans
Authors: Mahabeer M.
Published: March 2013

Indian mothers from intact, widowed and divorced low socio-economic status families participated in a study to investigate maternal perceptions of family environment on the dimensions of cohesion, conflict, expressiveness, organization, and moral-religious emphasis. Divorced mothers perceived their families as being significantly lower on cohesion than intact and widowed families. They perceived their families as having significantly higher conflict than married mothers. The degree of organization was significantly higher for intact versus widowed and divorced groups. For the intact group, the extended families were higher on moral-religious emphasis than were the nuclear families. However, in both father-absent households, this was higher for the nuclear, compared to extended families. The study supports the view that maternal perceptions of family environment is more positive in intact versus father-absent (widowed and divorced) families.
Die ontwerp van 'n instrument om verandering in houdings van wit en swart kinders te meet
Authors: Taylor Cedric A. , Fourie Roelof J. , Koorts Albertus S.
Published: March 2013

'n Kurrikulum is ontwikkel om houdings tussen wit en swart kinders positief te verander. Om die effek van die kurrikulum te bepaal word 'n instrument benodig wat verandering (voor- en natoets) in houdings meet. Hierdie artikel beskryf hoe sodanige instrument ontwerp is. Houdingskale wat plaaslik en in die buiteland beskikbaar is om houdings tussen kinders van verskillende rasse- of etniese groepe te meet, is deur 'n literatuurstudie identifiseer. 'n Evaluering van hierdie skale het getoon dat die skale nie onveranderd met kinders in Suid-Afrika gebruik kan word nie. Sommige kon wel as voorbeeld dien van die tipe skale wat in 'n houdingsinstrument opgeneem kan word. 'n Houdingsinstrument is ontwerp wat bestaan uit'n biografiese vraelys, twee semantiese differensiaalskale, 'n meningsvraelys en 'n sosiale afstandskaal. Die instrument is ontwerp om te meet of enige verskuiwing in etniese houding, vooroordeel en gedrags-intensies as gevolg van 'n bepaalde intervensie plaasgevind het. Inhoudsgeldigheid van die instrument berus daarop dat die skale en items ontwerp is om die houdingskontinuum wat ter sprake is, te dek en dat sekere prosedures gevolg is om te verseker dat standerd sewe leerlinge die items verstaan. Die instrument is op 'n steekproef van respondente van verskillende skole in Oos-Kaapland toegepas ( n = 150). Resultate het positief met ander geldige veranderlikes gekorreleer wat op konstrukgeldigheid dui. Cronbach se alfa interne konsistensie betroubaarheidskoliffisignt is bereken en die waardes wat verkry is dui op interne konsistensie van die instrument.
Setting the Frame: Gender and Psychology
Authors: Finchilescu Gillian
Published: March 2013

The invisibility and marginality of women within psychology has been at the centre of considerable disaffection with the discipline. The desire to address this invisibility and replace women and gender within the discipline has resulted in a fertile source of theorizing and research. This article presents an outline of the causes of the disaffection, and discusses some of the current trends and debates in the work on gender and psychology.
How do students perceive sexual harassment? An investigation on the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus
Authors: Braine Julia D. , Bless Claire , Fox Penny M.C.
Published: March 2013

In this article the authors focus on definitions, incidence, perceptions and reactions to sexual harassment as analysed in various tertiary education institutions, including selected overseas universities, some South African universities, and most specifically in depth at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg (UNP). Data were obtained from 1082 students on the UNP campus who responded to a questionnaire. It was found that sexual harassment in varying degrees of severity is widespread on the UNP campus and that gender and cultural differences played a part in the perception of sexual harassment and its incidence. It was also found that students are dissatisfied with the preventive actions of authorities and are ready themselves to take part in action for curbing sexual harassment on campus. The relevance of this study has been clearly demonstrated by making authorities and students aware of, for instance, circumstances conducive to sexual harassment (e.g. Rag Week, parties, weekends), and the impact of the type of accommodation on the students' experience of sexual harassment (e.g. ‘digs’ compared to parents or university residences). Based on the findings a number of recommendations for actions are made.
The Reproduction of Masculinity: A Discourse Analysis of Men's Drinking Talk
Authors: Kaminer Debra , Dixon John
Published: March 2013

Groups of male ex-university students' discourse about drinking was examined to identify the interpretative repertoires that they used to construct real-seeming versions of masculinity. Two repertoires were identified: An essentialist account and a normative masculinity account. These repertoires, though riven with contradictions, were deployed to construct stable and universal gender differences and to marginalize ‘deviant’ masculinities. Their functions both within the micro-context of the group discussion and within the wider ideological context of gender relations are explored.
Talking about Wolf-Whistles: Negotiating Gender Positions in Conversation
Authors: Kottler Amanda , Swartz Sally
Published: March 2013

In this article we analyse a conversation between a man and a woman discussing the effect of wolf-whistles on women. In an attempt to reach consensus both participants appear to change their views. By blending elements of discourse and conversation analysis, the article examines the conversational outcome and the effects of gender and power on the discourse positions taken up by the participants. Wolf-whistling is a gendered activity and the implications of this become clear in the contradictory positions drawn on by each as they try to reach consensus. This makes it difficult for them to ‘share’ the conversation and the outcome, although collaborative, misrepresents the complexity of the negotiations which preceded it.
Gender Differences in Mathematics: A Discourse Analysis
Authors: Macleod Catriona
Published: March 2013

Perspectives dealing with the study of gender and mathematics have failed generally to move beyond the individual/society divide. The contradictory nature of subjectivity and the operation and interpenetration of power and knowledge have not been taken into account. This article is based on the post-structuralist framework. The work of Walkerdine, which highlights the processes within the classroom which allow girls to succeed in mathematics but never actually be successful, is of interest. The methodology used is that of discourse analysis which makes clear both the positionings available to the participants as well as the power relations formed. The sample was drawn from a top-achieving Std 8 Higher Grade class in an affluent Model C school. This represents a theoretically salient sample as the literature points to ‘gender differences’ being most pronounced in the upper levels of mathematics education. The analysis clearly highlights the double-bind within which girls find themselves in the mathematics classroom. The apparent equality of opportunity and non-sexism is counteracted by the positioning of girls as hard working but without natural flair in mathematics. The characteristics that make it possible to achieve in mathematics are ascribed to males. The resistance to this powerful ‘disciplinary technology’ is the invoking of the feminist discourse.
The Empirical Relationship between the Constructs of Traditional and Symbolic Racism
Authors: Lea Susan J. , Bokhorst Frank D. , Colenso Jeremy
Published: March 2013

The theory of symbolic racism contends that white resistance to social policies such as affirmative action is rooted in prejudiced attitudes towards black people, and represents a more sophisticated form of racism than traditional or rednecked racism. However, the notion of symbolic racism has been severely criticized on theoretical and empirical grounds. The present study sought to clarify the nature of the empirical relationship between symbolic and traditional racism. The Subtle Racism Scale (Duckitt, 1991) and Heaven and Moerdyk's adaptation of Ray's anti-black scale were administered to 150 school-children. The findings revealed no significant difference in mean scores obtained on the measures of symbolic and traditional racism. A series of factor analyses consistently yielded four factors, accounting for 54% of the variance, suggesting that racism involves hitherto unaccounted for components in addition to traditional and subtle expressions of racial prejudice.
Planting Pumpkins: Socialization and the Role of Local Knowledge in Rural South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Andrew , van Vlaenderen Hilde , Nkwinti Gugile
Published: March 2013

It is argued that socialization is a contradictory process of continuity and transformation. In times of rapid social change and when people have limited access to resources to embrace the change, the contradictions are particularly pronounced. Such circumstances exist for parents and care-givers in rural South Africa. Drawing on the idea of local knowledge — the presuppositions used to interpret immediate experience borne out of action in the local environment — the experiences of black parents living in two different rural scenarios, white farms and rural villages, are examined. Three dilemmas facing parents, emerging from the interpretation of case studies, are identified: maintaining the home and intact family life; providing ontinuity between the past and future; and setting boundaries for children's action. Strategies followed by parents in dealing with these dilemmas are explored. Like the vine of the pumpkin, the local knowledge of parents provides the thread of continuity for bringing up a child in a changing world.