Browsing by Author "Dowdall, Terence"

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    The effect of the DUSO guidance program on the intelligence and social behaviour of institutionalised mentally retarded children
    (1975) Bagg, Wendy Ann; Dowdall, Terence
    This study was designed to test the effects of the DUSO Guidance Program on institutionalised mentally retarded children. It was hypothesised that as a result of the social stimulation received from this enrichment program, the mental age (MA) and IQ of the children would increase and their social behaviour improve. The background to this study was discussed and involved the examination of relevant concepts in the fields of mental retardation, institutionalisation, general intelligence, social learning theory, and enrichment programs.
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    Guidelines for the development of an ethical code for clinical psychologists in South Africa
    (1983) Steere, Jane Amanda; Dowdall, Terence
    The aim of this thesis is to propose guidelines for the development of an ethical code for South African clinical psychologists. A discussion of the philosophical basis of ethical codes and a critical examination of the most developed and useful existing ethical code for psychologists - the APA code - serve as background information for identifying the essential elements of a code for clinical psychologists in this country. It is concluded that such a code should consist of three levels - an ethical theory, ethical principles and rules for specific situations. The application of this structure to practical situations in which the clinical psychologist functions is illustrated in the final section of the thesis with particular reference to psychotherapy, psychological assessment, research and professional conduct and relationships. The particular circumstances of South African society which may complicate ethical issues in these areas are considered, and procedural recommendations are made concerning the establishment of an ethical code which will have specific relevance to the practise of clinical psychology in South Africa.
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    A medico-legal examination of homosexual women and their children : ethical consideration and the role of the clinical psychologist
    (1986) Tucker, Cherón; Dowdall, Terence
    Past and present legal and medical proscriptions towards female homosexuality were reviewed, and the role of the women's movement and gay liberation organisations were considered in effecting social change. The legal predicaments of homosexual mothers seeking child custody was noted and the concerns of the court outlined and used to organise a comprehensive review of the literature on aetiology, personality adjustment, psychiatric status, life style and mothering capabilities of gay women. The effects on children raised by a homosexual mother were evaluated and it was noted that this experience cannot be separated from the child's experience of the effects of divorce and absent fathering amongst other things. A case study was presented, and the concerns of the court were found to be generally unwarranted and most difficulties experienced by the child seemed to be secondary problems relating to social prejudice and stigmatization. Ethical considerations were documented concerning the role of the psychologist in terms of social reform, research, community involvement, modes of therapy, legal reform and child custody disputes. Future directions were considered.
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    The role of the mental health practitioner in divorce and custody litigation
    (1983) Landman, Mireille M F J; Dowdall, Terence
    Two elements have been isolated as having a profound effect on the adjustment of children and families to post-divorce life. These are the hostility expressed and experienced before, during and after the divorce, and the losses experienced as a result of the final settlement terms. Based on a review of the historical development of family law and the more recent reforms adopted throughout the Western World, the present shortfalls of the South African system of family law in providing for the needs of children and families in divorce have been identified. A model of dissolution is presented which aims primarily at the reduction of the hostility and loss thus experienced. This includes the evaluation and updating of the 'best interests' standard used by the courts for arriving at custody/access settlements and a detailed discussion of the role played by the mental health professional at each stage of the dissolution process. The roles explored here include that of counsellor and facilitator in the pre-divorce, mediation and post-divorce stages; and the role of investigator/consultant and expert witness in the court process.