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Electroconvulsive Therapy : An Assessment Of Experience, Knowledge, And Attitudes Of Clinical Psychologists In Western Australia, Dawn A. Barrett Jan 2004

Electroconvulsive Therapy : An Assessment Of Experience, Knowledge, And Attitudes Of Clinical Psychologists In Western Australia, Dawn A. Barrett

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Introduced to modern psychiatry in 1938, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the application of an electrical current to the brain, administered under a general anaesthetic and with the use of muscle relaxants. The procedure is primarily used for psychiatric disorders and remains a controversial intervention. Issues of contention centre on claims of efficacy, safety and the validity of “informed” consent. Prominent side effects include memory loss with psychological sequelae reported to include fear, grief and loss. Previous studies of mental health professionals report experience of working in a ECT environment increases knowledge and promotes a positive attitude. Very few studies have …


Early Education : Experiences And Perceptions Of Minority Group Parents And Young Children, Judith Candy Jan 2004

Early Education : Experiences And Perceptions Of Minority Group Parents And Young Children, Judith Candy

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In Australia there has been little research into the experiences and perceptions of education of parents from different minority groups whose young children attend school in this country. This study investigated the experiences that overseas born parents from non-English speaking backgrounds have of their own and their children's education in countries outside Australia, experiences of their children's early education in Australia, as well as those of their young children between 6 and 9 years of age attending school in this country. Despite marked differences in educational policies and practices operating in the participants' countries of origin, almost all parents in …


A Study Of 1st And 2nd Year Catholic University Students' Perceptions Of Their Senior Religious Education Classes In Catholic Schools In Western Australia, Leslie G. Saker Jan 2004

A Study Of 1st And 2nd Year Catholic University Students' Perceptions Of Their Senior Religious Education Classes In Catholic Schools In Western Australia, Leslie G. Saker

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of 1st and 2nd year university students of their years eleven and twelve religious education classes at a Catholic school. A secondary purpose was to understand students’ acceptance or non-acceptance of official Catholic Church doctrine/dogma and why. Four research questions were asked to direct the study. 1. Are Catholic schools in Western Australia carrying out the mandate for their existence, that is, the Catholic education of their students? 2. Did students perceive their religious education classes as aiding their religious development? 3. Are students accepting or rejecting important doctrinal …


A Longitudinal Study Exploring The Impact Of Moderate Or Severe Traumatic Head Injuries On Family Caregivers, Chayanit Luevanich Jan 2004

A Longitudinal Study Exploring The Impact Of Moderate Or Severe Traumatic Head Injuries On Family Caregivers, Chayanit Luevanich

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: This longitudinal study explored the impact on the family caregivers caring for a victim of a moderate or severe traumatic head injury (THI). The study used both quantitative and qualitative method and involved data calculation at three times points: one-month post injury, six months post injury, and one year later. Study Population: The study population comprised 45 family caregivers aged 21 to 72 years old. Thirty-four of the same caregivers were followed at six months and twenty five one year respectively. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess the family caregivers. The quantitative dimension comprised the …


Decorator Or Narrator: A Contextualisation Of Slavic And Australian Pattern Making And Its Relationship To My Painting Practice, Iliana H. Jordanov Jan 2004

Decorator Or Narrator: A Contextualisation Of Slavic And Australian Pattern Making And Its Relationship To My Painting Practice, Iliana H. Jordanov

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In this thesis, I will examine pattern making in art practice from two cultural perceptions, Slavic and Australian. Existing differences between the two cultural backgrounds will be used to debate how pattern is understood by the viewer or practiced by an artist in a particular chosen environment. The central argument focuses on pattern as a decorator and/or a narrator. I will examine the outcomes and changes in narrative pattern according to cultural context and exchange. By introducing Slavic pattern into contemporary (Australian) art practice, I examine how traditional cultural values and functions change. In discussing the processes of changes that …


Occupational Awareness Of Singapore Primary School Children, Joy S. Ang Jan 2004

Occupational Awareness Of Singapore Primary School Children, Joy S. Ang

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The introduction of career guidance programmes in Singapore schools had tended to predominantly focus on secondary pupils. The lack of proactive career guidance programmes for the primary school had been due to the misguided belief that children in the primary school still have an extremely long way to go before they enter the workforce, and that their career development had not yet begun. Studies have shown that children have a natural tendency to form firm impressions of occupations early in life. This has resulted in their adopting certain occupations and discarding others before they have fully explored and understood the …


Skill Acquisition And Transfer In A Simple Algebraic Task, Charan J. Singh Jan 2004

Skill Acquisition And Transfer In A Simple Algebraic Task, Charan J. Singh

Theses : Honours

Speelman's (\999) finding that performance of a skill is based to some extent on the conter.t in which it is performed, rather than simply on the acquired skill itself, is not accounted for by the basic skill acquisition theories like ACT -R Theory or Instance Theory. The purpose of the current experiment was to examine whether the degree of change in context influences the degree of reduction in transfer. Forty participants were trained on an algebraic task and then tested in two different transfer conditions. Condition one included one new item and condition two included two new items in the …


The Alternative Vote : In Theory And Practice, Vanessa Beckingham Jan 2004

The Alternative Vote : In Theory And Practice, Vanessa Beckingham

Theses : Honours

The idea of choosing political representatives through elections has its origins in ancient times. More recently, democratic values have been united with the concept of elected representative government. This then places a great deal of importance on the system used to elect these representatives, since this system must satisfy an impressive range of democratic values, as well as being effective and simple enough for the voter to understand. The electoral system chosen will reflect those values and outcomes which those who introduce the system wish to bring about. Sometimes this may be proportional representation, which means seats allocated in direct …


Teachers' Experiences Of Teaching Children With Learning Difficulties, Michelle Francis Jan 2004

Teachers' Experiences Of Teaching Children With Learning Difficulties, Michelle Francis

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this review is to present some of the issues involved in teaching children with learning difficulties (LD}. Approximately one in five children within mainstream classrooms will experience LD. Many of these children will also exhibit social, emotional or behavioural problems (for example, withdrawal, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder). Teachers' perceptions and judgments about LD and their self-efficacy influence their teaching practice of students with LD. It is recognized that teachers cannot manage the needs of LD students alone and need support in their teaching from specialist consultants and also for their own psychological well-being. …


Men's Strengths In The Transition To Fatherhood, Dawson C. Cooke Jan 2004

Men's Strengths In The Transition To Fatherhood, Dawson C. Cooke

Theses : Honours

This paper considers the ways men succeed or grow stronger (strengths perspectives) in the transition to fatherhood. Becoming a father is a normative life event for a man that presents a unique opportunity for developmental growth. This aspect of fatherhood has rarely been addressed in psychological literature despite the growing interest in fatherhood and strengths perspectives. An overview is given of fathering literature with attention to the transition to fatherhood, positive outcomes and strengths, and recent Australian studies. Models and classifications of strengths are introduced, including findings from the positive psychology movement (C. Peterson & M. E. P. Seligman, 2004) …


Exploring Women's Experiences Of A Medically Necessary Caesarean, Michelle Cotterell Jan 2004

Exploring Women's Experiences Of A Medically Necessary Caesarean, Michelle Cotterell

Theses : Honours

Caesarean delivery accounts for approximately one in four births both in Australia and on a global level. Examination of the experience of caesarean delivery is limited, although as caesarean delivery rates are increasing, a practical understanding of the constructs surrounding surgical birth needs to be gained. This review aims to present an overview of the current literature exploring the mother's experience of caesarean delivery. The different modes of medically necessary caesarean delivery, both unplanned and planned are defined. Societal views of caesarean birth as an easier and convenient mode of delivery in comparison to vaginal birth are described and it …


Does An Intervention Need To Be Personalised To Be More Effective In Changing Intentions, Motivations, Attitudes And Fear Arousal Towards Sun Protection?, Kellie Jones Jan 2004

Does An Intervention Need To Be Personalised To Be More Effective In Changing Intentions, Motivations, Attitudes And Fear Arousal Towards Sun Protection?, Kellie Jones

Theses : Honours

Previous health campaigns promoting sun-safe practices have not been as successful as would have been hoped in reducing the incidences of skin cancer in Australia. In the past, health-based and education-based messages have been used in these interventions to try to reduce the rate of intentional sun exposure. The present literature review concludes that health-based and education-based campaigns have been successful in increasing knowledge regarding the negative consequences of excessive sun exposure, however, what all these campaigns fail to take into consideration is the primary reason behind intentional tanning, which is the fact that people tan because they think it …


Under The Thumb : The Role Of Sms In The Forming And Maintenance Of Adolescent Dating Relationships, Jason Noble Jan 2004

Under The Thumb : The Role Of Sms In The Forming And Maintenance Of Adolescent Dating Relationships, Jason Noble

Theses : Honours

The use of the mobile phone is a ubiquitous feature of many an individual's social life within contemporary society. Given this, it is somewhat surprising that little academic research has been undertaken into its effects on the social and cultural lives of key user populations. In particular, the Short Message Service- SMS texting- is a mobile phone application that has transformed the lives of large numbers of adolescent city dwellers. Moreover, teenagers and young adults, who represent the adolescent population, have adopted this mobile phone application and subsequently applied it to their social lives in ways that never would have …


Students' Perception Of Their First Experience Of The Sacrament Of Penance Within The Archdiocese Of Perth, Western Australia, Janine Sanzone Jan 2004

Students' Perception Of Their First Experience Of The Sacrament Of Penance Within The Archdiocese Of Perth, Western Australia, Janine Sanzone

Theses : Honours

This study examined the perceptions of year three children of their first experience of the Sacrament of Penance within the Archdiocese of Perth in light of contemporary developmental research. In the Archdiocese of Perth, the Catholic Church's present practice is to prepare students to receive Penance in Year 3 when they have reached the "age of reason' (7 years). The theology behind the Catholic Church's decision to administer Penance at the age of reason is also investigated. The work of developmental psychologists, particularly Kohlberg and Fowler, underpins this investigation of the cognitive, moral and spiritual development of the sample population. …


Substance Using Women : The Social Meaning Of Substance Use For Using Women And The Negotiation Of Identities, H. Suzanne Mackeith Jan 2004

Substance Using Women : The Social Meaning Of Substance Use For Using Women And The Negotiation Of Identities, H. Suzanne Mackeith

Theses : Honours

This thesis is framed as an inquiry into the attitudes and experiences of women to their use of psychoactive substances and the contribution that use makes to their construction of gendered identities and meanings they derive from their use. The thesis also explores how these meanings relate to, and contrast or concur with, wider social attitudes relating to ‘feminine’ identity, issues of resistance and control, self control, happiness, independence and dependence, social roles and relationships, risk-taking and safety. The thesis aims to contribute to feminist understandings concerning substance use and to add a feminist interpretative voice to the alcohol, tobacco …


Social Competence : An Exploration Of Children's Experiences Within The Home Environment, Mandie B. Shean Jan 2004

Social Competence : An Exploration Of Children's Experiences Within The Home Environment, Mandie B. Shean

Theses : Honours

The acquisition of social competence is an important developmental task for children. This review examines how child effects and environmental effects contribute to children's achievement of social competence. Environmental factors are addressed through Bronfenbrenner's (1999) ecological systems model of the microsystem, mesosystem and exosystem, The microsystem includes the home environment with parent-parent, parent-child and sibling relationships. The mesosystem includes the school environment with peer and teacher relationships. Finally, the exosystem incorporates indirect environments such as parent work, economic status and the media. Issues of reciprocal effects are addressed and the suggestion is made that social competence is the result of …


Construction Of Male Identity : The Relationship Between Cancer Support Groups And Identity For Men Who Are Living With Cancer, Kathryn M. Chegwidden Jan 2004

Construction Of Male Identity : The Relationship Between Cancer Support Groups And Identity For Men Who Are Living With Cancer, Kathryn M. Chegwidden

Theses : Honours

A diagnosis of cancer may have many meanings for a man in terms of the impact that cancer has on various aspects of his life, including his identity as a man. Subsequent membership of a cancer support group may support men negotiating their changing identity. A review of the relevant literature examines the impact of cancer and its treatments for men, and the various changes resulting from men's experiences with cancer and cancer treatments. An overview of support groups, their function, composition, and benefits is provided with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of professional and member facilitated cancer …


The Abject In The Technological Other, Alex Bradley Jan 2004

The Abject In The Technological Other, Alex Bradley

Theses : Honours

A photographic project and exegesis demonstrating artificial intelligence and artificial life as occurrences of the abject. In the photographic project '0=2', the technologies of artificial intelligence and artificial life are examined in relation to identity, via an elaboration of the psychoanalytic concert of the 'abject'. An exegesis of the creative project contains an investigation of computer technologies in regard to identity, an analysis of the basic concepts and paradigms of the sciences of artificial intelligence and artificial life, and an elaboration of the psychoanalytic concept of the abject - demonstrating A.l. and a-life as cultural instantiations of abjection. In addition, …


Towards An Understanding Of The Grey Nomad Consumer, Mandy Pickering Jan 2004

Towards An Understanding Of The Grey Nomad Consumer, Mandy Pickering

Theses : Honours

This exploratory study applied a grounded approach to the collection and analysis of data. The study investigated the consumption behaviours utilised by a sample of Grey Nomads who subscribed to an eco·camping philosophy and who occupied their own caravans for accommodation whilst travelling. The aim was to examine the growing phenomenon of Grey Nomads who travelled in Western Australia in order to obtain insight into the group as consumers. Thirty nine informants (n=39) were interviewed where an understanding of the primary concerns of informants could be achieved. Informants were recruited who were over 60 years of age, travelled for a …


Communicative Art Through A Critique Of Instrumental Reason, Sussi Porsborg Conlin Jan 2004

Communicative Art Through A Critique Of Instrumental Reason, Sussi Porsborg Conlin

Theses : Honours

No abstract provided.


Using Modelling For Teaching Social Skills To Children With Autism: A Literature Review &, Effects Of Video-Modelling On The Acquisition And Generalisation Of Play Behaviour In Children With Autism, Claire R. Paterson Jan 2004

Using Modelling For Teaching Social Skills To Children With Autism: A Literature Review &, Effects Of Video-Modelling On The Acquisition And Generalisation Of Play Behaviour In Children With Autism, Claire R. Paterson

Theses : Honours

Impaired social functioning is a characteristic feature of autistic spectrum disorder. Various interventions have been developed to address social dysfunction in children with autism. The purpose of this paper is to review studies that have examined the efficacy of using modelling procedures to teach children with autism social skills. Modelling involves observing a model performing a target behaviour intended for the observer to imitate. Modelling techniques have effectively incorporated a range of models including adults, peers, and target children by observing videotapes of themselves. Peer-mediated strategies have been shown to substantially increase social behaviour in children with autism, however generalisation …


Examination Of Multiple Fatigue Models During Prolonged Cycling In Hot Versus Cold Climates, Chris Abbiss Jan 2004

Examination Of Multiple Fatigue Models During Prolonged Cycling In Hot Versus Cold Climates, Chris Abbiss

Theses : Honours

Much of the previous research into understanding fatigue during prolonged cycling has found that endurance performance may be limited by numerous physiological, biomechanical, environmental, mechanical, and psychological factors. From the literature presently available, fatigue would appear to be task- and condition- specific. Studies demonstrating this, however, are limited. The purpose of this thesis, therefore, was to examine variables from multiple fatigue models concurrently to determine which variables were best related to fatigue during prolonged endurance exercise in hot versus cold conditions. Following a 100-km familiarization time trial (22°C) , nine endurance trained male cyclists ( VO2max = 62.1 ± …


Clutch, Claire Canham Jan 2004

Clutch, Claire Canham

Theses : Honours

The research encompasses an analysis of Paradigms of practice, material as content, historical precedents, social and political conditions relative to the project themes and corresponding theoretical discourse. It reflects issues of domesticity and familial relationships, memory, narrative and the use of specific materials and methods sympathetic to these concerns. Aspects of the practices of Eva Hesse and Marcel Duchamp have been considered to contextualise and differentiate the creative work. The research also attempts to define and position the artworks through relative critical evaluation of contemporary art practices.


Uses, Motivations And Community Attachment Of Social Internet Users, Laura Price Jan 2004

Uses, Motivations And Community Attachment Of Social Internet Users, Laura Price

Theses : Honours

The ability of the Internet to connect users across diverse locations has resulted in the use of the Internet for social purposes, such as to communicate and interact with others online. This has created the need to study the impact of the Internet on community attachment. Motivated by conflicting views relating to the impact of the Internet on community attachment, this study addresses the relationship from a social perspective, in order to investigate the motivations for social Internet use and to assess the impact of social Internet use community attachment. A quantitative design was utilised and a self administered questionnaire …


An Exploration Of The Impact Of The Family Court Process On 'Invisible' Stepparents, Natalie Gately Jan 2004

An Exploration Of The Impact Of The Family Court Process On 'Invisible' Stepparents, Natalie Gately

Theses : Honours

The increase of divorce in Australia is creating a social phenomenon for family researchers. Many families resolve disputes regarding children in the Family Courts, however due to the protracted litigation process many partners will have repartnered. Little is understood about how bureaucratic systems impact upon the experience of stepparents. These decisions might very well impact on the stepparents own new lifestyle and relationship, placing an additional burden on themselves and the stepfamily. The purpose of this review is to explore the literature pertaining to the issues surrounding repartnering and the Family Court process in order to illustrate how this invisibility …


Images Of Confinement : Power Relations, Cultural Industries And The Individual, Sohan Ariel Hayes Jan 2004

Images Of Confinement : Power Relations, Cultural Industries And The Individual, Sohan Ariel Hayes

Theses : Honours

No abstract provided.


Exploring The Experience Of Fatherhood For Men Over 40 Years Of Age, Jan Henderson Jan 2004

Exploring The Experience Of Fatherhood For Men Over 40 Years Of Age, Jan Henderson

Theses : Honours

Fathering literature from the past 30 years was explored to firstly, gain an understanding of how fathering roles have changed over this time, and secondly, to explore predictors of fathering involvement. The major changes in fathering appear to originate in gender ideology, resulting from a growing rejection of male gender role constraints concerning how men relate to their children. Further issues explored include post-war societal change; personality; work roles; relationship quality, and gatekeeping, where the child's mother is believed influence her partners fathering involvement to suit her own needs. Comparisons with past research revealed that recent studies are more likely …


Women's Perceptions Of Safety : Cctv In An Inner City Setting, Kate Hancock Jan 2004

Women's Perceptions Of Safety : Cctv In An Inner City Setting, Kate Hancock

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

To date, most research on closed circuit television (CCTV) has come out of the United Kingdom (UK) where the growth of CCTV has reached immense proportions with wide support and funding from the Home Office. There are 33 systems operating in Australia, with the focus of this research on the first system installed in Perth, Western Australia in 1991. There is a dearth of information on CCTV in Australia, and little research looking at the link between CCTV, women’s safety and fear of crime. The literature on fear of crime shows that women are more fearful than men even though …


An Exploratory Examination Of The Relationship Between Substance Use And Suicidal Ideation, David Felton Jan 2004

An Exploratory Examination Of The Relationship Between Substance Use And Suicidal Ideation, David Felton

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Drug use has long been considered a risk factor when assessing the likelihood of an individual committing suicide (Weiss & Hufford, 1999). The research to date is primarily correlative and provides little guidance to the clinician when assessing the role that drug use plays in influencing the risk of suicide for a given individual. Clinical observations within the literature (Downey, 1991; Motto, 1999) report that alcohol or other drug (AOD) use may provide the means to regulate emotional distress. No published studies were found that examined the proposition that AOD use may have a range of positive as well as …


The Sources And Nature Of Social Representations In A Multicultural Peer Group : Implications For Friendship And Inter-Group Relationships, Christina Callow Jan 2004

The Sources And Nature Of Social Representations In A Multicultural Peer Group : Implications For Friendship And Inter-Group Relationships, Christina Callow

Theses : Honours

The historical, political and social nature of Australian society provides a backdrop for the ways in which exclusion and inclusion are perpetuated. It is from within this context adolescent identity development and relationship formation occurs. While there is a wealth of literature focussing on inter-group relationships and adolescent development, very little research has focussed on the implications of the wider context on everyday social knowledge, or social representations, held by adolescents in a multicultural peer group. Using social representation theory, this study investigated the social representations adolescents held in relation to ethnic, cultural and national identity. It also investigated the …