http://hdl.handle.net/10386/41 2013-06-19T23:05:30Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/873 Title: Incomplete sex re-assignment surgery and psychosocial functioning : a preliminary study Authors: MaseTshaba, Musa Description: Thesis (MSc (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2010. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/872 Title: The effects of demographic factors and social support on depression among high school teenage mothers in the Mankweng area Authors: Mothapo, Patrick Maredi Abstract: Adolescent motherhood is a major problem in many societies throughout the world. One of the problems these young mothers have to deal with is depression. Depression often results in the disengagement of mother-child interaction. Adolescent mothers who are identified as depressed are more at increased risk of future psychopathology, with additional effects on their future and infants‟ lives. The aim of this study investigates the influence of demographic factors (age and marital status) and social support on depression among high school teenage mothers in the Mankweng area in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Two hundred adolescent mothers took part in the study. One hundred of participants were mothers while the others were non-mothers. Their ages ranged between 15 and 19. A quantitative research design and methodology was employed. Correlation analysis method was also used to associate lack of social support with depression. Correlation analysis indicates that lack of social support was a significant factor negatively affecting teenage mothers‟ disposition to depression (r = -0.609, p < 0.01). T-test analysis which was used to compare the experience of depression among teenage mother base on different age group, indicates that age does not play a significant role for teenage mothers to experience depression (t = 1.409, df = 98; p > 0.05). T-test analysis was also used to compare the experience of depression on married teenage mother and unmarried teenage mothers, and indicates that teenage mothers experience depression irrespective of marital status (t = 1.091, df = 98; p > 0.05). It is recommended that professional counseling be provided to teenage mothers before they return to the school system after giving birth. Support from social welfare and family members are also key support system for the young mothers so that these bring psychological and social stability in their lives. Description: Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) --University of Limpopo, 2011 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/839 Title: Identity status development in the South African context : Relations with defenses, narcissism, parental attachment and ego strengths Authors: Mashegoane, Solomon Abstract: The identity status paradigm (ISP) is probably the most common theoretical model used to study identity development. It originates from Erikson’s (1950/1977) psychosocial theory, which, in turn, is historically rooted in the psychoanalytic perspective. The ISP postulates predictable relationships between each of the identity status categories and various intrapersonal and contextual variables. The applicability of the ISP in the South African context is tested in this study. A student sample was drawn from a predominantly African university, and was assessed for identity development over a period of three consecutive years (Ns = 394, 96 & 60, for years one, two and three, in that order). Participants were initially classified into the four identity status categories of Achievement, Moratorium, Foreclosure and Diffusion. The impact of gender and age on identity status development was investigated. The association between defenses and the identity statuses was also determined. Thereafter, identity statuses, in conjunction with defenses, narcissism, and parental attachment, were related to the ego strengths of Fidelity and Love. The results suggest that generally there is no relationship between the sets of variables in this particular sample. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature, and the issue of the appropriateness of the theory and/or the measures in the present sample is raised. Key terms: defense, ego strength, identity status, narcissism, parental attachment Description: Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/838 Title: Characteristics of persons with mental retardation presenting at Polokwane / Makweng Hospital Complex : An Archival Study Authors: Poopedi, Molepo Hope Abstract: The aim of this study was to profile the characteristics of children with mental retardation presenting at the Clinical Psychology Unit of Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex over a period of five years. A descriptive methodological approach was chosen as a study design for the purpose of data collection and subsequent data analysis. Using the archival data method, the clinical files of all children presenting with mental retardation at this facility were retrieved and studied. A total of 326 (male = 169; female = 157) files covering the period under review were retrieved. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Categorical data were analysed by using frequency tables, descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. The study showed that 314 cases (96.3%) were reflected as Black, whilst the remaining 12 cases (3.7%) were reflected as White (2.15%); Indian (1.23%); and Other (0.30%). Several clinical methods that included clinical interviews, psychometric tests, clinical observations and collateral information sources were used by the psychologists for the purpose of making a diagnosis. The study further revealed that a huge number of cases (35.6%) were diagnosed with mental retardation. It was also found that 45.4% of the cases were diagnosed to have comorbid clinical conditions such as epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, visual problems etc. The majority of the persons were referred to the Clinical Psychology Unit to be assessed for school placement (50%) and disability grant (38.7%).With regard to interventions, psychologists who saw these persons tended to frequently refer them to special schools and other health professionals. Psychotherapy was the least utilised intervention method used by the psychologists. The findings of the present study reinforce the importance of and value of high quality management and treatment of mental retardation and related comorbid conditions. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more efforts be made to strengthen the working relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the respective special schools where these persons that are diagnosed with mental retardation are referred to. It is further recommended that consideration be given to strengthening the relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the social security agency so as to obviate any potential problems that could be associated with the allocation of the disability grants to persons with mental retardation. Description: Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z