Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Psychodynamic theory'

The focus of this study is on how counselling psychologists and other therapists interpret psychodynamic ideas. There is a dearth of qualitative work addressing this issue, particularly from the practitioner perspective. This study adopted a social constructionist version of Grounded Theory. Twelve volunteer therapist participants were interviewed (six counselling psychologists and six therapists accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)). Therapists had a wide range of experience but all had at least one year of training in psychodynamic theory. The analysis produced a grounded theory that suggests a tension between realist and social constructionist epistemological stances to psychodynamic theories. An unquestioning use of psychodynamic ideas persisted whereby these theories remained uncontested and were spoken about as if they were indicative of reality. This alternated with a reflective use of psychodynamic ideas where a theory was seen as one explanation among many. A tension was apparent as therapists spoke from these epistemologically opposed stances. This tension was expressed through the demonstration of being drawn to use psychodynamic ideas unquestioningly as they seem to abate anxiety and provide a sense of professionalism and expertise. The benefits of thinking objectively about psychodynamic ideas draw therapists into speaking of them in this way, even when this approach was not in line with the their epistemological stance at other points in time. The tension seems to result from societal demands and contextual pressures as well as the inter-relational discourse with the researcher. It is suggested that practitioners in the field of counselling psychology as well as by practitioners accredited with the UKCP and BACP experience this phenomenon. Length of experience in practice did not play a significant factor in how therapists conceptualise psychodynamic ideas. A discussion of the implication of these findings and the potential for future research is also explored.

Section 1: Literature Review Literature on psychodynamics in schools, particularly transference and countertransference, is reviewed. Benefits to teachers, in exploring psychodynamics and transferential relationships, are discussed. There is little research into these unconscious dynamics that moves beyond vignettes and theoretical discussion, with only nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria: highlighting the need for more credible methods and methodology to be employed in future research. Section 2: Research Report Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three teachers to explore their experiences of what they perceive as negative pupil behaviour. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings highlighted convergence and divergence between participants, indicating that teacher life experiences, beliefs, personal attributes and relationships underpinned many of their responses to behaviour, how they made sense of behaviour and how they processed their emotions. Psychodynamic theory was used to further explore the teacher-pupil dynamic, illustrating transferential relationships. Implications for educational psychologists are discussed, particularly the need to explore teacher emotions and provide support and advice during consultation meetings. Future research possibilities are explored. Section 3: Critical Appraisal A critique of the methodology used in the research report is discussed, including research limitations. Personal and professional reflections on the research process are explored. Section 4: Service Evaluation Principals of all 130 schools in Barbados were emailed an online survey to explore the nature of psychological input to their school over an academic year, eliciting a 20% response rate. The 62% of schools that received input from a psychologist generally found it useful. Responses are discussed in relation to the importance of psychologists working with the eco-system around the child, particularly in collaboration with teachers and parents within the school setting. Suggestions for psychological input to schools in the future are explored. A critique of the study is provided, alongside obstacles encountered during the research.

This thesis explores psychodynamic group music therapy with institutionalised, profoundly learning disabled residents, while introducing a novel way of including carers in the music therapy sessions. It is based on a detailed analysis of one case-study consisting of three residents, four carers and myself as the music therapist. Based upon theories from psychoanalysis, the dissertation firstly explores the inner world of learning disabled people and how this is affected by a traumatic early environment and institutionalised care. It then discusses the musical and psychological concepts that delimit this work. The particular way in which the carers participated in the music therapy treatment is then analysed, drawing from the theories of attachment and object relations. The case-study that follows is a detailed analysis of sessions or extracts from sessions spanning a period of three-and-a-half years. The thesis studies the methodologies and techniques that facilitated the following development in the group: a) Though at the beginning the patients functioned within an autistic type of isolation, they evolved into individuals who expressed their needs for human intimacy, creative exploration and autonomy; b) The carers shifted from being emotionally unresponsive to functioning as auxiliary music therapists; c) The music therapy setting became the ground for the evolution of life attachment bonds between the patients and the carers of the group. This music therapy setting included a particular way of perceiving, understanding and responding to the patients' sounds, based on the principle that any sound or non-verbal signal is meaningful and forms part of a patient's unconscious association to the phenomena in the group.

Studiens syfte var att undersöka hur musikterapeuters arbete fungerar inom barncancersjukvård. Hur kan musikterapi påverka cancersjuka barn och vilka resultat man kan se. Undersökningen genomfördes med intervjuer med tre verksamma musikterapeuter. I metoden tillämpades en hermeneutisk tolkningsansats med kvalitativa forskningsintervjuer och med en narrativ forskningsmetod. Musikterapi är evidensbaserad inom forskning, ett akademiskt ämne och ett professionellt yrke. Kan även definieras som en konstnärlig terapiform, som bygger på musikupplevelse, musikaliskt skapande och uttryck, kommunikation och samspel som erbjuds i relation mellan patient och terapeut. Resultatet belyser musikterapeuters uppdrag, vilket är ett mycket varierande och flexibelt arbete. Via musikens verktyg och redskap; skapa kontakt, bygga relation, utveckla kommunikation, icke-verbalt, improvisera, se och bekräfta, stärka och dela tillsammans. Musikterapi grundar sig på den psykodynamiska inriktningen inom utvecklingspsykologin, att observera och forska om ett barn i relation till dess omgivning. Musikterapiuppdraget fungerar som en kompletterande behandlingsform inom barncancersjukvård. Musikens förmåga och egenskaper kan bidra till att förstärka en patients egna personliga resurser, skapa utrymme och ge möjlighet till känslomässiga uttryck, hantering och bearbetning av ett barns svåra cancersjukdom och dess sjukhusvistelse. Utifrån intervjuerna av musikterapeuterna och deras berättelser har både signifikanta och positiva resultat har kunnat belysas i denna studie.
The purpose of this study was to examine how music therapists work with children who have cancer. How does music therapy affect the children, and what are the results. The study was made by interviewing three active music therapists. The method I used was a hermeneutic interpretation with qualitative research interviews and with a narrative method. Music therapy is evidence based in research, an academic major and profession. It can also be defined as an artistic form of therapy, where music is used as a mean for experience, creativity, expression and communication between patient and therapist. The result highlights the mission for the therapist, which is very flexible and varying, where flexibility and responsiveness is of great importance; by the tools of music create a sense of contact and communication, nonverbal, improvise, watch and confirm, strengthen and sharing. Music therapy is based on the psychodynamic alignment within developmental psychology, to observe and do research about a child relation to his or her environment. Music therapy also works as an addition to regular medical treatment within cancer care for children. The ability and characteristics of music contributes to strengthen a patient own resources, opens up ways for emotional expression in the process of working with a child with cancer disease and his or her hospitalization. Based on the interviews of the music therapists and their stories, both significant and positive results are illustrated in this study.

The process and outcome of psychoanalytic psychotherapy have been studied for a long time. However, the experiences of patients, particularly in therapies where goals were not met, have not yet been the target of extensive research. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy with young adults might face particular challenges. The overall aim of this thesis was to explore the experiences of young adults in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, with a particular focus on differences between suboptimal therapies and therapies with generally good outcome. The setting was naturalistic, and perspectives of the patient, therapist and observer were combined. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Study I explored experiences of psychotherapy process and outcome among seven patients in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, who expressed dissatisfaction. Interviews at termination and 18 months later were analysed using grounded theory and compared to therapist experiences. Patients experienced abandonment with their problems in and after therapy, since therapy according to the patients lacked connections to daily life, as well as flexibility, activity and understanding from the therapist. Therapists presented a different picture of the same therapies, mainly focused on the difficulties of the patients. Study II analysed the experiences of 20 non-improved or deteriorated young adult psychotherapy patients at termination of therapy and 36 months later. Non-improvement and deterioration were calculated based on the reliable change index on self-rating scores. The grounded theory analysis of interviews established spinning one’s wheels as a core category. The relationship to the therapist was described as artificial, although at times helpful. Participants experienced their own activity in life and active components of therapy as helpful, but thought focus in therapy was too much on past experiences. Study III explored the experiences of 17 young adult patients, in psychoanalytic individual or group therapy, overcoming depression. The analysis of interviews from therapy termination and 18 months later indicated that finding an identity and a place in life were perceived as intertwined with symptom relief. Negative experiences included difficulties to change oneself, fear of change, and problems in therapy, such as too little activity on the therapist’s part. The results were discussed in relation to young adulthood, therapeutic alliance, mentalization, and attachment. The conclusion was expressed in a comprehensive process model of suboptimal therapy with young adults, with suggested ways to prevent such a development. The therapist’s meta-communication and correct assessment of the patient’s mentalization capacity from moment to moment are proposed as crucial. Regarding clinical implications, therapists of young adult patients need to establish meta-communication on therapy progress, as even experienced therapists might be unaware of dissatisfaction or deterioration. Meta-communication could be considered part of the treatment itself, as it may foster mentalization and good outcome. Further, the period of young adulthood entails decisions and developing an adult life, and therapists need to make room for this by active interventions.

The overall aim of this thesis was to explore therapeutic action in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from different perspectives (patient, therapist, observer), using different methodological approaches (qualitative and quantitative). Study I explores patients’ views of therapeutic action with grounded theory methodology. The results indicated that talking openly in a safe therapeutic relationship led to new relational experiences and expanding self-awareness. Hindering factors included difficulties “opening up” and experiencing something missing in treatment. Study II investigates experienced therapists’ views of therapeutic action. The development of a close and trusting relationship was perceived as the core curative factor. Patients’ fear of closeness hindered treatment from the therapists’ perspective. Study III involves the development and psychometric examination of a new rating scale for patient-therapist attachment (Patient Attachment to Therapist Rating Scale; PAT-RS). Inter-rater reliability was good for three of the subscales (Security, Deactivation, Disorganization), but poor for one (Hyperactivation). Patterns of correlations with other measures suggest construct validity for the reliable subscales. Study IV examines the relationships between secure attachment to therapist, alliance, and outcome. Linear mixed-effects models, controlling for therapist effects, treatment length and patient-rated alliance, indicated that secure attachment to therapist relates to outcome. Further, the unique variance associated with secure attachment to therapist predicted continued gains in functioning during follow-up. The results of this thesis suggest that the development of a secure attachment to the therapist is a central mechanism of therapeutic change. The results are discussed in relation to established notions of therapeutic action in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Two tentative process models that may be useful for clinical practice and future research are proposed.

At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Epub ahead of print.

Systems Psychodynamics is unique as an approach to consulting to organisations in the way it integrates three theory streams: psychoanalysis; group relations and open systems theory. Consultants who work in this way focus on the many layers of interactions and exchanges taking place both within organisations and at the interface between an organisation and its external environment. The territory for collaborative exploration with clients extends from interpersonal and group dynamics to service and product- related systems and processes. It is a holistic approach that creates opportunities for transformational learning at every level of the organisation. As a practice, consulting with a systems psychodynamics approach is complex and difficult to master. Arguably, the most challenging dimension of this work for consultants is developing a capacity to think within a psychoanalytic conceptual framework: to discern and hypothesise about unconscious processes in organisations. But what precisely does this mean and what is this experience like for the consultants? This research project was designed to explore and describe the experience of working with a systems psychodynamic approach from the consultants' perspectives within the Australian context. To this end, 20 consultants who self-selected as working with a systems psychodynamic approach were involved in this research. From the data created in this process, what is documented in this thesis is the first detailed description of the experience of 'working in this way' taken from the combined perspectives of these 20 consultants. Further, a systems psychodynamic approach to research is defined and applied in this thesis. In this way, the systems psychodynamics within the temporary 'system' created by the research was part of the territory under investigation. This process led to an important discovery. 18 of 20 consultants strongly asserted the importance of working with colleagues in pairs or teams when adopting a systems psychodynamic approach. However, at the time of interviewing, all 20 consultants were working alone and only 3 had immediate plans to work with others. An exploration of the reasons for this gap between beliefs about best practice and actual practice became the focus for the analysis of the data. What is discovered through this analysis is that the reasons why consultants are predominantly choosing to work alone are likely to be complex and irreducible. An exploration of the issues that working together can surface for consultants who apply a systems psychodynamic approach is presented under four sub-topics: system domain issues; theory-related issues; interpersonal issues and intrapsychic issues. In this detailed analysis, what is revealed is an absence of 'good enough' containment for the anxieties that are likely to be aroused when consultants work together. To this end, four 'containers' are proposed: organisation/brand-as-container; management-as-container; supervision-as-container and theory/praxis-as container. This research has uncovered some important challenges facing the community of practitioners in Australia. It is the contention in this thesis that they need to be addressed if the practice of consulting with a systems psychodynamic approach is to flourish and continue to grow.

Submitted by Alexandre Muniz (alexandre.muniz@gmail.com) on 2018-01-15T13:13:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_AMUNIZ_FC_FINAL.pdf: 4559786 bytes, checksum: d3eb5436b8591d936a83e3e00737e5eb (MD5)
Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2018-01-15T13:17:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_AMUNIZ_FC_FINAL.pdf: 4559786 bytes, checksum: d3eb5436b8591d936a83e3e00737e5eb (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2018-01-17T11:55:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_AMUNIZ_FC_FINAL.pdf: 4559786 bytes, checksum: d3eb5436b8591d936a83e3e00737e5eb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-27
This study aims to evaluate the extent to which a gossip in the workenvironment is a source of suffering, and it is proposed to investigate its associationwith the findings of the psychodynamic theory of work. A mixed method was applied, and a qualitative research was initiallycarried out to understand some aspects about the phenomenon of gossip in Brazil,obtaining testimony from 25 professionals, which allowed the delineation ofinvestigation categories through the analysis of content. A quantitative study wascarried out to evaluate the mediating impact of gossip on the pathogenic suffering, itsrelationship with physical, social and psychological damages of individuals at work, aswell as to validate the causal relations proposed by the work psychodynamics in Brazil.Through a questionnaire answered by 372 professionals, the categories were modeledinto factors through structural equations.The research results pointed out that gossip in the workplace increases theeffect of the work context on pathogenic suffering. He also revealed that individualswith lower the education level have more difficulty in dealing with rigid organizationalenvironments. In turn, the premises of work psychodynamics were confirmed,especially the conclusions of the Brazilian school, elucidating the high psychologicalimpact resulting from the work.The study did not focus on the relationship between gossipand subjective mobilization, to draw a parallel with individuals' strategy for dealing withthe harmful environment. This perspective can be explored in future studies. This study contributes to the debate on the topic of gossipand suffering in organizations, considering the incipient academic production.Social Implications - Elucidating the impacts of harmful phenomena that affect healthand people's lives, this study contributes to overcoming degraded work environments. This is the first study done in Brazil about gossip and suffering withoutwork.
Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar em que medida a fofoca no ambiente de trabalho é fonte de sofrimento, propondo-se investigar a sua associação com os achados da teoria psicodinâmica do trabalho. Utilizou-se um método misto, sendo inicialmente realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, com o intuito de compreender alguns aspectos sobre o fenômeno da fofoca no Brasil, obtendo-se depoimentos de 25 profissionais, o que possibilitou delinear categorias de investigação, por via da análise de conteúdo. A seguir, realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, para avaliar o impacto mediador da fofoca no sofrimento patogênico, sua relação com danos físicos, sociais e psicológicos de indivíduos no trabalho, bem como validar as relações causais propostas pela psicodinâmica do trabalho no Brasil. Através de um questionário respondido por 372 profissionais, modelou-se as categorias em fatores através de equações estruturais. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que a fofoca no ambiente de trabalho aumenta o efeito do contexto do trabalho sobre o sofrimento patogênico. Revelou também que quanto menor é a escolaridade maior é a dificuldade do indivíduo em lidar com ambientes organizacionais rígidos. Por sua vez, confirmaram-se as premissas da psicodinâmica do trabalho, em especial as conclusões da escola brasileira, elucidando o elevado impacto psicológico resultante do trabalho. O estudo não enfocou a relação da fofoca com o constructo mobilização subjetiva, de forma a traçar um paralelo com as estratégias dos indivíduos para lidar com ambiente nocivos. Esta perspectiva poderá ser explorada em estudos futuros. Este estudo contribui para o debate sobre o tema da fofoca e do sofrimento nas organizações, cuja produção acadêmica é ainda incipiente. Elucidar os impactos de fenômenos nocivos que afetam sobremaneira a saúde e a vida das pessoas, contribui para a superação ambientes de trabalho degradados. Trata-se do primeiro estudo feito no Brasil sobre fofoca e sofrimento no trabalho.

D.Com. (Marketing Management)
The reality is that the advertising industry has not yet achieved this kind of effectiveness - in fact, it will be argued in this chapter that the advertising industry is in trouble because there is considerable doubt as to how effective advertising works and whether it works at all. There is therefore an urgency in the advertising and marketing industries to find ways of making advertising more effective, and to develop methods of measuring the effectiveness of advertising. This study will deal with this subject, and will demonstrate that a micro approach to consumer behaviour, including an understanding of human values -and the motivation that drives behaviour, will contribute to making advertising more effective. This study will show that by enabling consumers to experience self related values which will create or reinforce a favourable disposition towards the brand, the effectiveness of marketing communications can be improved. When a market is very competitive with many similar brand offerings - as is the case with the luxury car market in South Africa - consumers are likely to choose between brands on the basis of value-expressive considerations (Reynolds & Gutman, 1984 : 27-37). Parity perceptions will increase the likelihood that consumers will choose a luxury car brand that they think has an image most consistent with their values. Values have been used successfully in the car market to help segment the market, or to help predict buying behaviour in this market. (Thekey findings of some of these studies are discussed in Chapter 5). A study ofvalues is therefore very relevant to the car market. A research study in the car market, particularly the medium/large sedan market, has for this reason been chosen to illustrate how a micro approach to consumer behaviour, including an understanding of values, could make the advertising for a brand in this market more effective.

碩士
國立政治大學
心理學系
104
Objective: When attachment comes to assessment, many clinicians would utilize self-report inventories to gather information. However, different attachment styles, in fact, represent diverse behavior patterns; thus, using instruments adopting multi-rating techniques such as the Rorschach would be ideal. Based on Fonagy’s psychodynamic theory and past Rorschach results, we predict participants with different attachment styles will have different pattern in Rorschach task. Methods: We conducted a double-blind research design and recruited 302 volunteers. All participants were required to fill out the Experiences in Close Relationship - Relationship Structure inventory, a measurement used to classify the adult attachment styles. The top 7% of highest scoring participants on the Anxiety Dimension were assigned to the Anxiety Group(ANG), and the same strategy was applied to those in the Avoidance Group(AVG). The Control Group(CG) consisted of 7% of the randomly-selected individuals who scored below the means of both Anxiety and Avoidance Dimensions. Participants in these three groups were invited and encouraged to take the Rorschach test according to the R-PAS. Results: Current research collected 39 participants Rorschach protocols (n = 12 for both the ANG and ACG; n = 15 for the CG). Results shows that both ANG and AVG have higher F% then CG, and ANG have lower Complexity, Sy, Blend, M, W%, MC, SumH and H then CG. ANG have higher V then AVG and CG. Conclusion: Current results partially supported Fonagy’s psychodynamic theory. Results also support using multi-rating tasks to increase assessment validity when evaluating different attachment styles in clinical settings.

Text in Afrikaans
This research dealt with the contribution of psychodynamic group interventions to organisational development (OD). The research consists of a qualitative investigation and was based on a case-study design with the use of multiple cases. Three different cases were presented, namely where a psychodynamic group intervention was used together with another intervention, where obstacles in a group were to be solved and as an in-house working conference. Random sampling was also done within the cases. Three interventions were done, data was gathered and analysed by means of content analysis, and the results were reported. It was found in all three cases that a unique contribution was made. Regarding the first case, the intervention was the beginning of a process of change whereby the participants were enabled to develop their identity as a group, from a family business to a company. Participants became aware of underlying conflict, started to own their roles in it, and to take responsibility for addressing the dynamics themselves. In the context in which the intervention was used, the contribution was, however, restricted because its value was only experienced after the intervention. Regarding the second case, the obstacles influencing the functioning of the team were addressed efficiently after the intervention. Participants were authorised to manage their boundaries more efficiently and to address role differentiation, leading to more open communication and a better work climate. Regarding the third case, it was found suitable especially for learning diagnostic competencies from a psychodynamic paradigm. Learning occurred on a personal level resulted in the ability of participants to identify dynamics in their organisation and to present similar interventions in their work place. Recommendations were made for the use of psychodynamic group interventions from a qualitative paradigm, as well as regarding the necessary competencies and a training programme for presenting psychodynamic group interventions.
Hierdie navorsing hande! oor die bydrae van psigodinamiese groepintervensies tot organisasie-ontwikkeiing (00). Die behoefte om onbewuste dinamika in organisasies aan te spreek, hettot hierdie navorsing aanleiding gegee. Die navorsing is in die vorm van 'n kwalitatiewe ondersoek en is gebaseer op 'n gevallestudie-navorsingsontwerp waarin daar van meervoudige gevalle gebruik gemaak is. Drieverskillendegevalleisaangebied, naamlikwaar'n psigodinamiese groepintervensie saam met 'n ander intervensie gebruik is, waar blokkasies in 'n groep opgelos moes word en as 'n in-huise werkskonferensie. Daar is ook van ewekansige steekproefneming binne elke geval gebruik gemaak. Drie intervensies is uitgevoer, data is ingesamel en deur middel van inhoudsontleding ontleed. Daar is bevind dat al drie gevaiie 'n unieke bydrae gelewer het. Ten opsigte van die eerste geval was die intervensie die begin van 'n veranderingsproses waardeur die deelnemers in staat gestel is om vanuit 'n familiebesigheid hu! identiteit as 'n maatskappy te ontwikkel. Deelnemers het bewus geword van onderliggende konflik, begin om hulle rolle daarin te eien, en verantwoordelikheid te aanvaar om die dinamika self aan te spreek. In die konteks waarin die intervensie gebruik was, was die bydrae egter beperk omdat die waarde daarvan eers na afloop van die intervensie ervaar is. Ten opsigte van die tweede geval is die blokkasie wat die funksionering van die span bei'nvloed het na afloop van die intervensie doeltreffend aangespreek. Deelnemers is bemagtig om hul grense meer doeltreffend te bestuur en roldifferensiasie aan te spreek, wat tot meer openlike kommunikasie en 'n beter werksklimaat aanleiding gegee het. Ten opsigte van die derde geval is bevind dat dit veral geskik was vir die aanleer van diagnostiesebevoegdhedevanuit'n psigodinamiese paradigma.Leerwatoppersoonlike vlak plaasgevind het, het tot gevolg gehad dat deelnemers in staatwas om die dinamika in hul organisasie te identifiseeren om self soortgelyke intervensies in hul werkplek aan te bied. Aanbevelings virdiegebruikvanpsigodinamiesegroepintervensiesvanuit'nkwaiitatiewe benadering tot 0 0 is gemaak, sowel as aanbevelings oordie noodsaaklike bevoegdhede en 'n opleidingsprogram vir die aanbied van psigodinamiese groepintervensies deur bedryfsielkundiges.
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
D.Admin. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Pistorius (1996) was the first individual to introduce research on serial murder in the South African context with her psychodynamic approach to the phenomenon. Since then, others have followed, namely Labuschagne (1998, 2001) with his search for interactional and communication connections; Du Plessis (1998) from a grounded theory approach; and Hodgskiss (2001) with his assessment of South African offender characteristics and behaviours. Four more studies have been conducted, namely Hook’s post-structural deconstruction of narratives of a person who committed serial murder (2003); De Wet’s psychosocial perspective (2005); Barkhuizen’s intrapsychic object relations approach (2006); and Del Fabbro’s exploration of the phenomenon from a family systems paradigm (2006). To date, no attempt has been made to review these research endeavors. In this article, these studies are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses with regard to theory, methodology and research findings debated. The author concludes with several recommendations for future research on the phenomenon of serial murder: greater communication between various disciplines (e.g. psychology, criminology, law) investigating serial murder; expansion of Hodgskiss’ research (2001) on offence characteristics for profiling purposes; and the relationship between psychopathology and serial murder.
Dissertation (MA (Clinical Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Psychology
MA
unrestricted

High-quality group psychotherapy training is considered more important than ever in the current mental health care environment. With the need for ongoing education and development in the field of group psychotherapy, concern has been raised regarding the lack of group psychotherapy training guidelines for trainee psychologists. Findings from numerous empirical studies show that at present, most training courses often maintain a rather unstructured format for fostering an experiential group process. The literature suggests that without standardized course objectives, students are vulnerable to harm, they are ill equipped to meet professional demands, and trainers are not provided with adequate guidelines for instruction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the relevant literature in order to describe the principles of group psychotherapy as they manifest in group interaction, and to compare the subjective experiences of trainee group psychotherapists with the findings from the literature. The aim of this investigation was to generate hypotheses about the effectiveness of the use of an experiential group as a training medium, in group psychotherapy. Further objectives included exploring the merits of an experiential approach to training in group psychotherapy, and identifying factors that could potentially aid/hinder trainee development. In order to adhere to the objectives of the investigation, a qualitative, exploratory research design was used. Data for the study was gathered by means of a client-centered interview conducted with five group psychotherapy trainees who received training in a Clinical Psychology Masters program. In addition, these trainees were also required to complete a semi-structured questionnaire. The interview focused on how the trainees' subjective, affective experiences influenced their perceptions of the qualitative aspects of group life, while the questionnaire was designed to elicit information about the ways in which trainees cognitively conceptualized their understanding of group process, group dynamics and group facilitation skills. The results of the study were analysed through the qualitative method of content analysis. Results showed that, while trainees may have perceived that they gained tremendous benefits through exposure to the experiential group, an analysis of their interaction patterns highlighted certain areas which can be considered problematic. For example, it was found that trainees did not have a theoretical understanding of group process and group dynamics, and were therefore, not equipped with the necessary skills required to facilitate groups. This is further substantiated by the finding that the group facilitator had a pervasive influence on the development of the individual trainee and on the development of the group as a whole. Furthermore, results obtained raised certain concerns regarding the suitability and adequacy of using an experiential group as a tool for training, in group psychotherapy. The research findings suggest that, while the experiential group may provide the trainee with an invaluable experience, it alone is insufficient as a training method, in group psychotherapy. This study also raises questions about the ethics of such a training program in its current form. One of the major conclusions of this investigation is that there is a need for ongoing research and evaluation of the training programs. Finally, recommendations are made for improving the group psychotherapy training experience. These recommendations are based on the evaluation of the trainees' subjective experiences
Psychology
(M.A.(Clinical Psychology))

The problem statement of this research is, "What is the· basis of the intergroup relations that potentially lead to ineffective work behaviour, and how does it manifest in groups within a specific consulting organisation, in terms of the premises of the Tavistock model of group relations?" The psychodynamic approach, psychoanalytic technique, open systems theory and object relations theory were used. The unstructured interview and hermeneutic approach were used for collection of data, and analysis and interpretation. The results of the research indicate that groups, in interaction with other groups, may install defences against anxieties which could undermine the success of their work efforts .. Issues of ' . ' nonclarity of task, group boundary and identity issues, authority issues and reactions of projection seemed prevalent. Various hypotheses were developed which could be used as a basis for further research.
Industrial and Organisation Psychology
M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

This study explored the Object Relations of a sample of 45 subjects who were using alcohol and were diagnosed with co-morbid Depressive or Bipolar disorders and/or Personality disorders. All subjects were receiving treatment at a government psychiatric hospital in South Africa. The similarities and differences in the Object Relations of these individuals were identified. A biographical questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorder Test (AUDIT), which was used as a screening measure, and the Bells Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI) were administered to obtain information from a purposive sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the results of the assessment measures. Analysis of the BORRTI data indicated a high rate of depressive and personality disorders within this sample. Results of the sub-sample (n=29) whose scores were included in the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient analysis indicate that higher levels of alcohol consumption result in increased levels of hallucinations and delusions. Other correlations were identified between high levels of alcohol consumption and heightened levels of reality distortions and more uncertainty in the perceptions of these individuals. Significant differences in the scores of the male and female participants were identified. With the female participants, the higher the level of alcohol consumption, the lower the individuals scored in terms of pathological levels of egocentricity, uncertain perceptions, insecure attachments, alienation, social incompetence as well as hallucinations and delusions. Alternatively, in the male sample, higher levels of alcohol consumption result in increased hallucinations and delusions, reality distortions, uncertainty in perceptions, alienation, social incompetence and egocentricity.
Psychology
M.A. (Research Psychology)

This study investigated the relationship between leadership style and group processes and dynamics with due consideration of the role of related systems in the context of organisational change. The theoretical assumptions and practical implications of the full range model of leadership were discussed. This model emphasises the transactional-transformational paradigm. In addition, approaches to studying and working with groups were covered, focusing specifically on group processes and group dynamics. In the case of the latter, the systems psychodynamic perspective was emphasised. The present study was conducted in a plant of a South African production organisation that had been experiencing transformation. An intervention was done at management level to identify behavioural and operational issues and to sensitise the members of the management team in terms of individual and group functioning. The conceptualisation of leadership styles in terms of the full range model of leadership was largely supported by means of associations with certain personality traits and behaviours. The latter also provided a profile of desired characteristics, especially in terms of interpersonal styles and work and social ethics. The theory on group processes and dynamics was used to explore group and organisational functioning. The context of change and the related insecurity resulted in efforts to deal with anxiety by means of excessive reliance on structure. Centralised leadership and a dynamic of control and dependency characterised all levels of the organisation. Cooperation in an interdependent manner was therefore problematic and there was also a struggle in terms of interrelatedness in and between systems. The unconscious defence strategy was related to the general reliance on transactional behaviours and the lack of authorisation of leadership in terms of transformational behaviours. Despite the successful application of theory in the present study and the contribution made by the results, it was concluded that the uniqueness and the realities of each situation need to be explored and provided for, and a system should be allowed to determine the progression in the system.
Psychology
D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

This thesis constitutes a narrative description of the evolution of my therapeutic self during my training as a clinical psychologist. During the telling of this story, I review the ways in which I was perturbed by the mix between the various theories and the various contexts visited during the years of my post-graduate training. I have described and critically compared my responses to the following models: psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, first-order cybernetic, and secondorder cybernetic (covering the first, second and third movements). Throughout, I have attempted to track the development of a congruent, personal therapeutic self while simultaneously assuming that this self is constantly coming-into-being.
Psychology
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)