Browsing by Author "Van der Hoorn, Svea"
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- ItemOpen AccessThe assessment of the impact of desegregated schooling on young children, utilizing their drawings(1991) Cowley, Brenda Barbara; Van der Hoorn, SveaThis study concerns the assessment of the racial awareness and attitudes (intra- and interpersonal) of a small group of Sub A children in a recently racially desegregated school in Cape Town in 1991. This issue was seen to be of importance in South Africa because of changes within the educational sector whereby many schools were in the process of becoming racially desegregated. A case study design and methodology was used in both the pilot and main studies. Three drawings together with collateral information were obtained from each of the twenty-five children. The measurement instruments used were the Human Figure Drawing (HFD), the Kinetic School Drawing (KSD) and an instrument which was devised by the researcher during the pilot study, namely the Peer Group Drawing. Data analysis involved each drawing being analysed separately according to the analysis systems of Klepsch and Logie (1982), and Koppitz (1968), and further informed by Burns (1982) and Furth (1988). Within subject comparisons were undertaken which resulted in the data being clustered into four groups. The grouped data was then analysed and interpreted in terms of the aim of the study. Findings generally concurred with the literature: the children were found to be racially aware and held definite racial attitudes, and these were related to socio-cognitive and affective development. More than half of the subjects were found to be experiencing difficulties which in some cases could be clearly linked to adjusting to classroom desegregation. A central recommendation was for active mediation by educators and psychologists in the process of transition from desegregation to integration.
- ItemOpen AccessA demographic study of adolescent in-patients at Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital 1986-1990 : implications for policy and intervention(1993) Wallis, Jennifer Mary; Van der Hoorn, SveaThe aim of the proposed study is to evaluate demographic factors and treatment characteristics contained in the historical records of those treated as in-patients at the Sonstraal Adolescent unit of Lentegeur Hospital, during the period 1986 to 1990. This demographic study details the following aspects of the adolescent in-patients: size, that is, numbers of those admitted to the unit; composition, including age, sex and area. Treatment characteristics such as reasons for admission, diagnosis of psychopathology, referral agent on admission and discharge and length of stay in the unit are considered. The data for the study have been extracted from the clinical records contained at Sonstraal, namely , the 'Clinical Summary on Discharge' form. This form is completed by the therapist of each adolescent attending the unit. The EpiInfo computer programmes have been utilised to create a database and to select the appropriate procedures and statistics which form the basis for data analysis and interpretation. Data interpretation includes an analysis of the emerging trends and details the implications for policy issues, unit staffing and treatment options. Analysis of the trends and comparisons with literature findings have facilitated the generation of hypotheses which could be tested in future studies. This study therefore provides a working document for future prioritising and planning of in-patient, out-patient and community mental health services to adolescents, their families and communities. This involves recommendations for intervention and community involvement. In addition, the study provides a basis for future research into adolescent mental health care.
- ItemOpen AccessNarrative therapy in the South African context : a case study(1993) Yule, Heather; Van der Hoorn, SveaThe Narrative Therapy approach has been developed in Australia, and is therefore refreshingly southern hemispheric in contrast to most psychological theories which have originated in northern hemisphere countries. However, its application has mostly been in first-world, white, middle- class, English-speaking contexts. Questions therefore arise as to the appropriateness and applicability of this approach with people from working-class, politically disempowered, and multi-language contexts. The context for this study is the broader African culture which has traditionally privileged the oral tradition in the sense of the shared telling of stories. A narrative or story approach to therapy recognises the client's story as a story and privileges the telling of it. The respect for the other and their story, implicit in the narrative approach, greatly facilitates cross-cultural exchange. This research illuminates the process and appropriateness of applying Narrative Therapy in order to facilitate the client's preferred, alternative story of her life and her relationships in a South African setting of racial, cultural and economic refraction and ,diversity. Light is shed on the cross-cultural sensitivity of the narrative approach and on restraints inherent in the author-therapist's and the client's contexts and in the site of study, namely a South African university. The story of co-authoring a client's life and relationships is presented via a qualitative, exploratory design and single case study methodology. Data was collected from the author- therapist's session notes and transcripts of audio tape recordings. Data processing analysis and interpretation were informed by the characteristics and concepts of Narrative Therapy theory. Summarizing statements and recommendations suggest modifications to and extensions of the Narrative Therapy approach in the specified context. These include suggestions for cross-cultural training in the context of peer-group supervision, generation of a thesaurus of modified questions by practitioners for use in multi-language settings, and further research with regard to application of the narrative approach to groups and families in settings which are similar to that of this study. Exchange across the spectrum of human sciences and social services is recommended to enlighten and enliven the narrative conversation in South Africa in order to move forward with regard to empowering and just practices.
- ItemOpen AccessPrimary school children at academic risk : a qualitative study of an educational psychology schools-based indirect service delivery strategy(1994) Duncan, Barry Donald; Van der Hoorn, SveaThis study aims to locally contextualize and critically evaluate a PARENT COUNSELLOR ASSISTANCE (PCA) programme implemented in a local primary school. The programme investigated the possibility of providing an appropriate schools-based indirect service in the form of a consultation and counsellor assistance programme. This included reflecting on a consultative role of the educational psychologist as being a more appropriate role in keeping with the demands for a new unitary educational dispensation in South Africa. The design and methodology of the study was informed by the C.I.P.P (Context, Input, Process and Product) evaluation model (Stufflebeam, 1971) employed to assist in the evaluation of educational programmes. It focussed on using systematic early detection and screening procedures to identify children academically at risk. Parent Counsellor Assistants trained in non-directive play therapy were then matched individually with these children and worked with them on a weekly basis over a period of seven months. The educational psychologist acted as consultant to the programme in line with an indirect service delivery strategy. Data was collected through recorded observations of meetings, discussions, feedback sessions, consultations, questionnaires and informal contacts. Connors Behaviour Rating Scales were periodically completed by various participants and the Parent Counsellor Assistants maintained diaries of play therapy sessions. Children's drawings were also used where possible, to reflect on any positive developmental indicators emerging. Data analysis attempted to document the autopoetic development of the programme as it unfolded within the structure of the CIPP model, and within essentially a systemic perspective. The findings were that the PCA programme was successfully implemented as an indirect service delivery strategy. Parents working in partnership with teachers, supervised by a consulting educational psychologist, were able to assist primary school children at academic risk in coping more adequately with their school life. The programme was written for educators and allied groups interested in finding new strategies to service the needs of a rapidly changing educational system in South Africa, specifically in respect of special education services. Parent based indirect service delivery models using educational psychologists as consultants seems an appropriate strategy to service these needs.
- ItemOpen AccessReconstructing educational psychology in the South African context : school systems consultation as a dimension of service delivery(1996) Moolla, Nadeen; Van der Hoorn, Svea; De Jong, TerryThis study aims to illustrate, explore and argue for school systems consultation as a dimension of educational psychology service deli very which is appropriate in the South African context. It connects with the principles which guide policy development in education, and particularly, education support services in the country. A qualitative inquiry approach was adopted, in which case study methodology was employed to illuminate systems analysis and intervention at a special school in Cape Town. The participants included all adults who were employed in the school, with focus on the management, teachers and teacher-assistants. A variety of methods were used including interviews, observation, role-play and facilitation of group process. A qualitative, thematic approach was employed in the analysis and interpretation of data, extrapolating patterns, themes and relations around communication, beliefs, change and power.