OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Levett, Ann"

Browsing by Author "Levett, Ann"

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Accounting for child sexual abuse : male discourses
(1990) Sterling, Carolyn Dawn; Levett, Ann
This study explores discourses which relate to child sexual abuse and which seek to excuse or justify it. It is hypothesized that these discourses are wide-spread and are not held simply by a small minority of offenders. Similar discourses emerged in two very different groups of male subjects. The first comprised 45 male second year University of Cape Town students in the Department of Psychology in 1986, who enrolled for a gender socialization course credit option. The second consists of 26 alleged child sexual abusers admitted to Valkenberg Hospital for psychiatric observation in 1988/9. A discourse analysis methodology is used to analyse essays written by the students and transcripts of audiotaped groups in which they participated, as well as accounts of the alleged offence contained in the clinical records of the observation cases. Ten discoqrse1;i, relating to excuses or justifications for child sexual abuse, were identified by their repeated occurrence in the research material. Identified justifications of child sexual abuse are victim blaming, the belief that men are unable to control their sexual drive, the assertion of power, perceived rights over women, and doubting the evidence of girls and women. Illustrations of these discourses, which are present in both students' essays and groups, as well as in the alleged offenders' accounts, are discussed. These five discourses appear to be pervasive and may be indicative of generally held beliefs which relate to the different positions in which men and women are placed in society.
Open Access
Aspects of translation in psychological and psychiatric cross-cultural research
(1992) Drennan, Gerard; Levett, Ann
This study investigates the process of translating English-language questionnaires and interview formats into Black African languages. The details of translation are invariably glossed in reports and publications on the use of translated psychological and psychiatric instruments. This results in a lack of clarity on how these translated instruments are produced and what difficulties are encountered in their development and use, suggesting the need for a detailed examination of the translation process. Researchers working in South Africa were interviewed with a semi-structured format in 1989. Extracts of the data gathered in eleven interviews is presented here with a focus on two aspects of the translation process. Firstly, problems in the evaluation of translation quality and the interpretation of the successful use of a translation are identified. It appears that theoretical confusion results in the under-utilisation of the opportunity for translation quality evaluation presented by translation strategies. An additional exploration of discourses tacit in the use of translated instruments with interpreters, and a consideration of the role of power and resistance in these contexts is undertaken. Secondly, a rationale for researchers' use of different types of translators is presented. Unexamined assumptions about cultural expertise implicit in the decision-making process associated with translation are identified. Recommendations are made as to areas that require further research and clarification.
Open Access
Assessment for psychotherapy within local psychiatric training units : some guidelines
(1983) Dickman, Beverley Jo; Levett, Ann
Assessment for psychotherapy is an area of crucial importance for positive outcome of therapy and hence should be an integral part of the training of intern psychologists. This thesis attempts to develop guidelines for the assessment of patients for psychotherapy in the local hospital setting, and is informed by a survey of the circumstances in the various training units. Quantitative work on psychotherapy outcome is reviewed in an attempt to derive such guidelines. The review is highly selective, focusing on areas relevant to the local context. Although some useful pointers emerged, at the present time this body of work is somewhat disparate, and hence not particularly helpful in the development of an integrated set of guidelines. Therefore, greater reliance was placed on literature based on work in the clinical tradition. The focus is on short-term forms of intervention. The approaches included within this rubric are categorised into reconstructive, reeducative and supportive modes (Walberg, 1977), and selection criteria were presented for each of these. Perhaps the most complex area is the assessment of ego function, which is given detailed attention. The literature on assessment of ego function derives mainly from the reconstructive tradition, but has relevance for reeducative and supportive approaches as well. It is argued that comprehensive assessment, particularly for reconstructive forms of intervention, is a complex process requiring considerable skill. Although guidelines have an important role to play, the process of assessment, like all aspects of psychotherapy, can only be learned through practice under careful supervision. The implications for training in the local psychiatric units are discussed.
Open Access
Authoritarianism revisited: a study among Afrikaans and English middle-class women
(1993) Van den Berg, Rika; Levett, Ann
This study explored the concept of authoritarianism from a social group perspective. It was argued that authoritarian social attitudes are derived from social categorisations (underpinned by ideological beliefs) which maintain imbalances in power and authoritarian social structures and practices. Historical analyses have found ideologies of nationalism, militarism, conspiracy and patriarchy operative among Afrikaans-speakers. It was argued that these ideologies underpin Altemeyer's (1981) Right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) scale, and that Afrikaans-speakers would therefore score significantly higher than English-speakers on the RWA scale. Exploratory investigations compared a group of 97 white, Afrikaans-speaking, middle-class women in the age group 30-45, with a matched sample of 101 English-speaking women, on the RWA scale. It was argued that among Afrikaners, the mentioned ideologies are legitimated by a religious discourse. A measure of Christian Orthodoxy (SCO) was therefore included. A correlation between RWA and Racism, as measured by Duckitt's (1990) Subtle racism (SR) scale was demonstrated in previous research. This finding was investigated in the study. The Washington University Sentence Completion test (WUSCT) served as a control measure of adherence to social norms. Afrikaans women were expected to score significantly higher on the RWA, SCO and SR measures, and to show less variability in their responses to these scales, and to the WUSCT. This hypothesis was confirmed, suggesting that Afrikaans-speakers adhere to group ideologies more than English-speakers do. SR and RWA correlated significantly in combined and group data sets, supporting the findings in past research. SR and SCO, and RWA and SCO correlated in the combined data set. The RWA, SR and SCO scales demonstrated validity and reliability.
Open Access
Confession, surveillance and subjectivity : a discourse analytic approach to advice columns
(1994) Wilbraham, Lindy Anne; Levett, Ann
This dissertation applies the theoretical ideas of Michel Foucault -viz. confession, surveillance and subjectivity - to advice columns from three South African women's magazines. An interpretative analysis effects of discourse, renders salient the relationship between knowledges, discursive practices, power and institutions. Using, as a standing point, Wendy Hollway's work on subject positioning of women in discourses concerning heterosexual relationship practice, the ways in which women are impelled to ""work"" in psychologized and medicalized ways to effect normalization in ""crises"" of ""physical attractiveness"" and ""monogamy"" are examined in advice texts. These technologies and practices produce rewards of power for Subjection, and these powers are critically discussed in terms of (a) ""liberal"" / ""humanist"", ''feminist'' and ""Foucauldian"" strategies of women's empowerment, and (b) the formal dynamics and constraints of advice columns.
Open Access
Considerations in the provision of adequate psychological care for the sexually assaulted woman
(1981) Levett, Ann
In providing a guide for the use of lay counsellors or professional helpers in assisting the sexually assaulted woman, the importance of understanding the social context in which the assault occurs is emphasised as fundamental in aiding the woman to recover with minimal after-effects in a relatively brief time. The subjective experience of the woman is described, attention being paid to the wide range of sexually assaultive experiences which can occur, with varying effects. The two main elements involved are intimidation (or violence) and bodily intrusions with sexual connotations, in varying combinations. Using the crisis intervention model as framework, because of its accessibility to a wide range of helpers, and its relevance to the acute stress reaction following assault, the psychological effects and practical issues which affect the woman and her important social support networks are outlined. The therapeutic intervention is described, paying attention to helper-related issues, the problems of the woman herself and the likely problems for her significant others. The aim is to facilitate the woman's resumption of pre-crisis levels of psychosocial functioning by providing appropriate supportive understanding, anticipatory guidance and practical information, and facilitating the woman's own adaptive strategies, making use of all available resources, to maximise her recovery potential. Situations in which crisis intervention strategies are inadequate are described to enable the helper to make decisions regarding referral of the woman for more skilled and intensive therapeutic intervention; this too, must take cognisance of the social context of sexual assault. Recommendations are made regarding further research, and the development of existing, and of new facilities to aid the sexually assaulted woman and to reduce the incidence and traumatic after-effects of these encounters. Finally, case material is appended to illustrate the themes discussed.
Open Access
Discourse analysis of interviews with manic patients
(1984) Swartz, Sally Grace; Levett, Ann
This thesis analyses the discourse of two manic patients, interviewed at an acute stage of their illness. The analysis has two aims: to begin a comprehensive analysis of manic discourse, a task which has not been undertaken in other work; and to describe and refine a methodology suited to the purpose of analysing discourse taken from unstructured interviews with psychotic patients. The aims of this study are set in the context of broader aims for research in the area of language and psychopathology. A selective review of the relevant literature is given. This is followed by a brief over- view of those disciplines from which concepts informing the analysis have been drawn. These disciplines include pragmatics, social psychology and sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and linguistics and semiotics. The analysis is divided into two parts; micro-analysis and macro- analysis. The micro-analysis consists of tone-unit analysis, which examines the process by which the speaker segments utterances into message blocks; and cohesion analysis, which examines the way in which words are selected, and combined to form cohesive utterances. The macro- analysis includes exchange structure analysis, an examination of the interchanges between patient and interviewer; and analysis of topic structure. This addresses itself to the movement from one topic to another as well as to the well-formedness of single topic sequences. The thesis concludes with an appraisal of the findings, an evaluation of the methodology and suggestions for further research.
Open Access
An Evaluation of the Grover-Counter Test for use in the Assessment of Black South African Township Children with Mental Handicaps
(1994) Dickman, Beverley Jo; Levett, Ann
The Grover-Counter Test (GCT) is evaluated for use with a group that has been neglected in terms of legislative provisions and services, as well as assessment procedures. Non-handicapped black scholars in racially segregated schools underperformed after the age of 7 years, and this finding is examined in detail. A construct validity study was conducted on a sample of mentally handicapped children using the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development (Griffiths) and the Draw-A-Man (DAM) test. Mental age scores and IQ range scores were used in the correlations with the GCT. The GCT was found to correlate most highly with the expected subscales on the Griffiths; other significant correlations also support the construct validity of the GCT. No difference in performance was found between children with and without language deficits on the GCT; the group with language deficits performed significantly lower on all the Griffiths subscales. Significant correlations were found between the GCT and the DAM. A criterion validity study found that the GCT predicted the level of functioning within the school. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability was high. Detailed discussion is provided of the ethical issues raised by this research. Material from the clinical aspects of the research is presented, as very little documentation of clinical work with this group exists.
Open Access
An exploration of accounts of lesbian identities : using Q methodology
(1989) Blyth, Susan; Levett, Ann
Most of what little research has been done on South African lesbians has been based on a clinical perspective. This study is based on Kitzinger's (1987) British research on the social construction of lesbianism, which includes an analysis of seven accounts of lesbian identities elicited using Q methodology. The major aim of this research was to find the accounts of lesbian identities presented by some South African lesbians, as the first stage in examining the ways in which these identities are constructed. Auxiliary aims were to examine the accounts of the natures and roles of women and men in society (rather than having the women identify their feminist and non-feminist orientations) and to attempt to link these two sets of accounts. One hundred and six self-identified lesbians, located largely in the major urban areas, volunteered, and sixty participated fully in the research. The participants ranged in age from 17 to 58, with a mean of 30.4 years. The majority were in managerial and professional positions (50%) or students (23.3%); and roost had completed a minimum of Standard 10. Fifty-five are classified "white", three "black African", one "Asian" and one "coloured". A Q-sample (1) of 65 statements, using Kitzinger's broad definition of lesbianism as a guideline, was developed from various sources including correspondence with participants. A second Q-sample (2) was developed from feminist and non-feminist perspectives on women, men and society presented in this thesis. Volunteers were sent a demographic questionnaire, and all those who returned this were sent the Q-samples and a standard set of instructions for completing the Q-sorts. The principal components factor analytic technique, with varimax rotation, was used to analyse the completed Q-sorts. Fourteen factors were extracted for Q-sample 1, and accounts were developed from the resulting factor Q-sorts. Two accounts were discarded. The following twelve accounts of lesbian identities are presented: "born lesbian; and happy"; "feminist and happy"; "woman-loving-woman"; woman-choosing-woman"; "definitely lesbian, but no different from heterosexuals"; "no strong sense of lesbian identity"; "certainly lesbian, but not really happy"; "lesbian as fairly happy gay person"; "wanting to be a man"; "bisexuality: lesbianism as sexual identity"; "lesbianism as sexual rejection of men"; and "sinful and sorry". Thirteen factors were extracted from the analysis of Q-sample 2, and one of the resulting accounts was discarded. These accounts can generally be characterised as moderate, with some support for feminist propositions and a strong rejection of both conservative views about women and controversial feminist propositions. Attempts to link the two sets of accounts were unsuccessful for a number of reasons which are discussed. The research fulfils one criterion for feminist research in that many participants found the process of completing the Q-sorts valuable. The need for a post Q-sort interview to clarify accounts is stressed. Suggestions are made for research into the way these identities are constructed; and for investigations into the experiences of "black" lesbians.
Open Access
An exploratory study investigating a group of South African children's economic socialization and understanding : a comparison between two social classes
(1990) Potgieter, Cheryl-Ann; Levett, Ann
The purpose of this study was to collect data pertaining to South African children's economic socialization. A paucity of systematic and comprehensive work exists in this field in general, and as regards South African research, the only attempt to investigate children's economic socialization is an unpublished honours thesis (Robinson, 1983). For this reason broad aims and exploratory research hypotheses were formulated. A total of 108 children took part in this study. (Fifty-four were from a working class background and 54 were from a middle class background). An equal number of children were selected from the following age groups: 4-4 years and 11 months; 5-5 years and 11 months; 6-6 years and 11 months; 7-7 years and 11 months; 10-10 years and 11 months; and 11-11 years and 11 months. As regards the school going children an equal number were selected from the above average, average and below average level of schooling achievement. Children were classified into one of the latter three categories on the basis of their performances in their two most recent school examinations.
Open Access
Guidelines towards the design and implementation of an inpatient treatment program for bulimics : a cognitive behavioural approach
(1984) Adamson, Lynette; Levett, Ann
Bulimia nervosa, which is characterised by binge eating followed by vomiting and/or purging, and a morbid fear of becoming fat (Russell, 1979) has only recently been identified and accepted as a discrete clinical syndrome (DSM III classification, 307.51), separate from the other major eating disorder classified in the DSM III, anorexia nervosa (307.10). This has important implications for management; what is most appropriate for anorexics is not necessarily appropriate for bulimics as was previously assumed. This thesis begins with a review of the literature on bulimia nervosa, focusing particularly on clinical features, aetiology and current management strategies. In the light of this, the inpatient treatment program for bulimic patients currently implemented by a local teaching hospital is reviewed and assessed, and recommendations for adjustments are made. It is argued that a cognitive behavioural model is very suitable when planning intervention.
Open Access
The impact of exposure to civil
(1988) Rabinowitz, Sharon RenÃ©; Levett, Ann
The investigation aims at examining the effects of exposure to civil. violence on 304 'black' and 'white' children's evaluations of violence whilst controlling for gender and socio-economic status differences. The study tests the hypothesis that children exposed to civil violence tend to accept the use of violence towards all authority figures. The rationale behind comparing black and white children lies in the phenomenon that civil "unrest" has been. concentrated in black areas in Greater Cape Town and media,restrictions have further insulated whites from this violent reality. The instrument employed to measure these children's evaluations of violence describes 8 incidents, each involving the use of violence either by an authority figure against a child or vice-versa. The authority figures include a policeman, soldier, parent and teacher. A ninth incident involves the use of violence by a husband to a wife. The children were requested to rate each scenario according to its degree of 'wrongness'. Data were analysed by statistical procedures. No differences between gender or socio-economic status were yielded. Comparisons across race were inconclusive although black children were significantly more accepting of a child's violence to a soldier, a finding attributed to the role of the SADF in the "unrest". In general most children in the sample condemned the use of violence, but condoned the use of physical force by teachers and mothers. An overwhelmingly high frequency of corporal punishment in the classrooms was evident, with children generally accepting this. While no definite findings regarding the influence of civil "unrest" on children's evaluations of violence emerged, the politicisation of children was evident in some findings. Violence and evaluations thereof emerged as context-bound, involving the ideological and political views of the respondent. Findings raised doubt around the validity of traditional tools, such as the instrument employed in this study, as measures of ideologically bound concepts such as violence.
Open Access
An investigation into the use of the Trail Making Test with children aged 10-15 years
(1987) Rosin, Jonathan Grant; Levett, Ann
A critical evaluation of research investigating the uses of the Trail Making Test (TMT) with children and adults was undertaken. Uses of the TMT in neuropsychological and other clinical settings, as well as the relationship of TMT performance to subject and experimenter variables were considered. A shortened version of the TMT developed for children was administered to 260 normal children, between the ages of 10 years and 14 years 11 months, to examine the relationship of TMT performance to age, full scale intelligence quotient and' gender variables. Comparisons of descriptive data relating to TMT performance were made between the present study and previous research of a analysis (multivariate analysis analysis) showed increasing age performance on Part A and Part findings for further clinical similar nature. Further statistical of variance and multiple regression and FSIQ to be associated with quicker B of the TMT. The implications of these use with the TMT, were considered. Limitations of the present study, in conjunction with suggestions for further research, were discussed.
Open Access
Learning therapy : some reflections on the constraints and dilemmas involved : a case study
(1991) Kottler, Amanda; Levett, Ann
This dissertation reviews the process of learning psychotherapy. It focuses on the second year of a two-year course work degree at the University of Cape Town, the M.A. in Clinical Psychology. In problematizing the method of teaching psychotherapy, Steiner's (1984) three essential elements for training psychotherapists are introduced (i.e. a personal therapy, abundant clinical experience with supervision and a study of theory). These are used as a structure in which to consider the training programme outlined. A suggestion is made that the learning process necessitates a difficult intellectual and emotional rite of passage, a theme referred to throughout the study. The personal process of 'growing' into a Kleinian I Object Relations orientation is described. Some theoretical concepts central to this framework are introduced. Clinical case material (derived from therapy notes collected over a period of 47 weeks) is used to demonstrate a developing understanding of these concepts. Some of the dilemmas of a trainee therapist grappling with the process are described. The constraints of learning therapy within the context described, i.e. within a course which is not focussed exclusively on therapy training are highlighted. In concluding that trainers are ambivalent about the psychotherapy component of the programme described. the study offers some useful insights for trainers, supervisors and trainees.
Open Access
Lesbianism : a post-structural/post-modernist critique of selected theories relevant to clinical practice
(1991) Ensink, Karin; Levett, Ann
This paper aims to provide a critical framework from which to review the major trends in psychiatry and psychoanalysis pertaining to lesbianism and relevant to clinical practice. The post-structuralist/post-modernist framework employed considers lesbianism as a category constructed in a particular socio-historical context and involving particular power relations. The role of psychiatry and psychoanalysis in this process of categorisation and the production and reproduction of lesbianism as pathology relative to a heterosexual norm will also be examined. On the other hand, challenges to the lesbianism as pathology thesis, drawing on more radical psychoanalytic concepts, influencing and also influenced by post-structuralist/post-modernist theories will be discussed. Various suggestions flowing from a post-structuralist/post-modernist analysis and which may be useful in a clinical context will also be presented.
Open Access
Neuropsychological assessment of Zulu-speaking school children : some normative data
(1992) Viljoen, Gary; Levett, Ann
This study investigates the Bender Gestalt and the Draw-a-Bicycle tests in South Africa by evaluating the applicability of the existing norms (Koppitz, 1975; Kolb & Whishaw, 1985) and by exploring the variables age, sex, educational level, and geographical area as they affect test performances in Zulu-speaking school children. Zulu-speaking subjects (N = 882), ranging in age from 6 - 18 years, completed both tests. Tests were administered in group form and independently scored. The study sample's performances on both tests were compared to the respective foreign norms and some significant discrepancies were apparent in each case, thereby confirming the hypothesis that these foreign norms are inappropriate for use with Zulu-speaking children. Initial normative data 'are presented for both tests for Zulu-speaking children. Results indicated that age accounted for most of the variance in both. tests. For the Bender Gestalt test, sex and geographical area were also significantly correlated to performance but their respective effect sizes were small enough to warrant excluding them as significant variables from the normative data. For the Draw-A-Bicycle test, sex was highly correlated to performance, and was therefore included in the normative data, with geographical area's small effect size warranting exclusion. Performances per age group, on both tests were found to correlate highly, suggesting inter-test reliability. The implications of these findings for further clinical use of the Bender Gestalt and the Draw-a-Bicycle tests, are considered. Limitations of the present study, in conjunction with suggestions for further research, are discussed.
Open Access
Perceptions of self-help groups for child sexual abuse survivors : an exploratory study amongst mental health workers
(1993) Leon, Natalie H; Levett, Ann
This explorative, qualitative study examines the perceptions of mental health workers about self-help groups with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Given limited formal mental health services in South Africa, self-help represents one informal alternative which could supplement mental health service provision. The study thus arises from a perspective which values self-help groups and is informed by the urgency of community needs in this area, and takes seriously the idea that it is possible and desirable for mental health care workers to facilitate and foster community support systems. Twenty-two indepth interviews were conducted with a sample of convenience which included eleven clinical psychologists, five psychiatrists, three social workers and three non-professionals and included interviewees from organizations currently engaged in issues relating to child sexual abuse. A semi-structured interview schedule was used and interviews were audio-taped. Interview responses were systematically analysed and common themes extracted around awareness of self-help, perceived benefits and problems of survivor self-help groups and the role of professionals. Main themes have been illustrated by verbatim transcriptions from audiotaped material. Most participants have had limited exposure to self-help groups. Whilst there was openness towards self-help with survivors, caution was expressed about dangers to clients in survivor groups which are not monitored by formally trained and accredited professionals. Selfhelp was considered useful mainly as an adjunct to formal services. Limited knowledge of self-help groups is a major determining factor informing professional perceptions. Recommendations for education of professionals are made in order to promote self-help groups and collaborative professional attitudes.
Open Access
Psychological trauma : discourses of childhood sexual abuse
(1989) Levett, Ann; Foster, Don
There are difficulties with the ways in which childhood sexual abuse and its consequences have been conceptualised and studied. This thesis takes a critical and reflexive approach in examining conventional, dominant ideas about psychological trauma following the sexual abuse or molestation of girls. The empirical and clinical literature in this area is reviewed, to contextualize two studies in the first part of the thesis. Case studies of three women who disclosed childhood sexual abuse as a major problem area in psychotherapy are presented within a psychodynamic framework; the therapeutic issues which emerge are ones common among women. A prevalence study of child sexual abuse experiences among a sample of university women students is then presented and compared with North American studies; the prevalence figure of 44% is discussed in relation to the methodology used, which was informed by feminist conventions of a supportive, non-intrusive group setting, providing educational input as a therapeutic intervention. Given that childhood sexual abuse is a common experience for girls, a conceptual analysis of psychological trauma is developed. In Part II of the thesis the methodology is informed by the importance of linking current ideas about ideology with language and social practices, in an investigation of themes of power/knowledge in relation to the issues raised in Part I. Verbal and written texts gathered from a group of women were subjected to discourse analyses. In the third study presented it is shown that the professional discourse concerning the traumatic effects of child sexual abuse is pervasive in discursive themes elicited from lay women. This is interpreted as an example of the production and reproduction of knowledge which perpetuates existing power structures (lay /professional; female/male; child/adult); anomalous themes are understood as agentic strategies of resistance. In the fourth study presented, discourse analysis of spoken and written texts collected from women showed the extent to which fears and anxieties about childhood sexual abuse affects the lives of girls and women in a South African sample, and the forms these fears take. Interpreted as discourses of female control, every girl is placed and has to place herself in relation to these discourses, in which she invests in various ways. The conclusion is that the individualization of specific events of sexual abuse obscures the everyday discourses and discursive practices which govern the lives of girls and women, against which they may struggle. These constitute aspects of the interpellation of female gendered subjectivity. The conflict areas and problems which bring women to therapy are related to being female in a particular socio-historical context, rather than to experiences of childhood sexual abuse.
Open Access
Stigmatic effects of rape
(1991) Smith, Deborah; Levett, Ann
Some clinical and attitudinal issues of rape victim stigmatization are addressed in two studies. The clinical study provides figures for occurrence of sexual abuse and rape based on naturally occurring data obtained from the clinical records of 265 women admitted to two South African inpatient psychiatric units during 1987-1990. Of the total sample, 26.4% had a recorded history of sexual assault as children andfor adults. Analyses performed on subsamples (i.e., annual admissions to each unit) provided some higher figures, ranging from 29-37% in 1989 and 1990. Results are discussed in relation to prevalence findings reported elsewhere and to methodological issues. Representative extracts from the clinical records are presented to illustrate women's experiences of stigmatic effects of sexual assault. The attitudinal study utilised vignette methodology to investigate whether gender and previous sexual assault experience affected the degree to which stigmatizing attitudes towards rape victims were endorsed. A secondary objective was to examine psychometric evidence for a proposed three-dimensional model of stigma. Subjects were 100 young, white male and female South African university and teacher training college students. The vignette depicted an acquaintance rape scenario. The dependent variable was an 18-item Likert format stigma scale with items chosen to illustrate three dimensions of stigma: victim devaluation, social disruption and secrecy. The mean total stigma score for the sample was 70.94 which fell just outside the stigmatizing response range stigmatizing range= 72-108). (stigma scale range = 18-108, Eight of the eighteen stigma items elicited stigma-endorsing responses. There was no overall gender effect. Previous sexual assault experience had a weak but positive influence on the degree of victim stigmatization. The negative trend of the results was explained primarily in terms of sample variables and methodological issues. Psychometric data provided equivocal support for the scale's hypothesized dimensionality. Small sample size was a likely complicating factor. Clinically evident stigmatic effects are discussed in terms of their implications for levels of disclosure and help seeking, for the quality of care and understanding a rape victim can expect, and for her self-perception and self-esteem. Implications for clinical intervention with victims of rape are also considered.
Open Access
Sucking patterns and breastfeeding behaviour in asphyxiated and matched control neonates : an exploratory study
(1983) Edmonds, Bridget Marion; Levett, Ann
This study focuses on sucking patterns in the neonatal period, and their association with various mother-infant behaviours observed during breastfeeding. It uses as its framework the model of an active infant, whose behavioural repertoire influences the perceptions and actions of her/his caregiver, and is in turn modified by their responses. From a group of 193 neonates, assessed over a period of 9 months, the sucking patterns of 15 infants diagnosed as asphyxiated at birth, on the basis of an APGAR score of < 6 at 5 minutes, and a TSR of > 5 minutes, are presented. Various parameters of the sucking pattern are obtained from traces recorded by a suckometer, which simulates the breast-feeding situation as closely as possible. These are compared daily, from birth until the pattern stabilises, with 15 matched controls, who have uncomplicated birth histories. The behaviours of the mother-infant dyad during breastfeeding are then observed over 3 feeds, between 7 and 23 days after birth. It is argued on the basis of the sucking results, that the asphyxiated group of infants comprises two subgroups, whose sucking responses fall at either end of the normal burst pause spectrum. This separation appears to be substantiated by dissimilar behaviour trends during breastfeeding. The final picture which arises is that of a group of asphyxiated neonates who suck for long periods with few pauses, and do not actively interact with their mothers, who consequently stimulate them less and terminate breastfeeding earlier, than mothers in the second group. Infants in the latter show a sucking pattern characterised by short bursts and long intervals. Their mothers interact with them in ways which appear directed towards organising their erratic behaviours and over time their breastfeeding relations are observed to approximate those of their controls. It is concluded that discrepancies in early sucking patterns may reflect problems in integrative and adaptive mechanisms, which could continue to influence behaviour and relationships. While this can only be an exploratory study in terms of the numbers investigated, certain measures are suggested to support those mother-infant dyads who appear at risk for disengaged breastfeeding relationships. Finally, indications for further research are discussed.