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2008

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Cognitive Theories Of Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Do They Impact Children's Ability To Learn In Education Settings? ; Coming Home: Exploring The Experiences Of Mothers Home Educating Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Theresa Kidd Jan 2008

Cognitive Theories Of Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Do They Impact Children's Ability To Learn In Education Settings? ; Coming Home: Exploring The Experiences Of Mothers Home Educating Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Theresa Kidd

Theses : Honours

Despite the increasing number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attending mainstream school, the process of facilitating their learning and participation remains a complex and poorly understood area of education (Simpson, de Boer, & Smith-Myles, 2003). Three key cognitive theories (theory of mind, theory of weak central coherence and theory of executive function) have been posited to provide the most complete understanding of the disorder (Baron-Cohen, 1989). Presently however, the developmental effects of these cognitive theories have been largely overlooked (Happe, 1994). Through examining how these models may affect cognitive processing in children with ASD, the learning and educational …

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A Parental Perspective: The Role Of Companion Animals For Children During Separation And Divorce, Jessica Michel Jan 2008

A Parental Perspective: The Role Of Companion Animals For Children During Separation And Divorce, Jessica Michel

Theses : Honours

Children grow up in interdependent family systems, where transitions affect all members. A prevalent transition in Australian families is divorce. When divorce occurs children are exposed to significant risk factors that have the potential of affecting many developmental outcomes. However, certain protective factors may reduce the impact of life stressors and a pivotal protective factor is social support. Companion animals have been recognised as beneficial to adults and children alike for many years, however, recent research has highlighted the fact that pets may also serve as sources of social support. The current paper will review relevant literature to determine the …

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Understanding Seychelles Students' Social, Academic And Cultural Experiences During Transition To University, Sophia A. Harryba Jan 2008

Understanding Seychelles Students' Social, Academic And Cultural Experiences During Transition To University, Sophia A. Harryba

Theses : Honours

University transition is a form of change from the familiar to unfamiliar (Hellsten, 2002). According to a literature review, international students (IS) go through both positive and negative experiences due to cross- cultural learning (Grey, 2002). Findings from previous research can be broadly categorised into academic and/or socio-cultural difficulties. Academic issues included getting used to a different learning and teaching environment, a heavier study load coupled with language barriers and academic procedures (Mcinnis, 2001). Socio-cultural issues included culture shock (Townsend & Wan, 2007), language difficulties (Cannon, 2002), discrimination (Poyrazli & Lopez, 2007) and financial issues (Forbes- Mewett et al., 2007). …

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The Effects Of An Offender's Ethnicity As Well As The Type Of Crime Committed, On Public Perceptions Regarding Seriousness, And The Sentencing Principles Seen As Most Appropriate, Andrea Kysely Jan 2008

The Effects Of An Offender's Ethnicity As Well As The Type Of Crime Committed, On Public Perceptions Regarding Seriousness, And The Sentencing Principles Seen As Most Appropriate, Andrea Kysely

Theses : Honours

Public opinion has been evidenced as exerting significant influence over the development of, and alteration to, policies dealing with offenders (Roberts, 1992). Research suggests that an offender's ethnicity, as well as the seriousness of a crime, have a significant effect on public opinion regarding the appropriateness of an imposed sentence, and the goals of sentencing seen as most important (Herzog & Rattner, 2003). However whilst research in the United States and Europe has continued to expand, there is a significant lack of research directly related to the Australian context. The significant over-representation of Indigenous Australians in Australian prisons, potentially reflects …

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Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou Jan 2008

Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou

Theses : Honours

This Honours thesis explored the highly debated construct of Quality of Life and in particular, how this concept was perceived amongst a small cohort of aged clients from Community Vision, a peak Non-Government Organisation operating in the northern suburbs of Perth, W A. The Analytical Framework utilised in this Honours study consisted of two phases; an analysis of existing academic literature and the development of a new qualitative inquiry. Semi-structured interviews and electronic surveys were conducted with a group of aged clients, staff and managers from Community Vision and key informants representing three peak W A aged care service providers. …

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Dancing On The Edge Of Silence : Steps Towards Articulating The Experience Of Childhood Rape, Brenda Joy Downing Jan 2008

Dancing On The Edge Of Silence : Steps Towards Articulating The Experience Of Childhood Rape, Brenda Joy Downing

Theses : Honours

The experience and aftermath of male sexual violence is a lived reality for many girls and women. This qualitative study explores the subjective experience of childhood rape and its long-term impact focusing in particular on the implications of the silencing that continues to surround what is a deeply-felt and traumatic experience with profound life-altering consequences. The study thematically and theoretically reads the subjective experience of childhood rape within current feminist understandings of rape as a crime of violence and form of social control through the use of evocative autoethnographic writing and an exegesis.

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Factors That Influence Perception Of Seriousness Of Crime : The Application Of Race, Type Of Offence And Dispositional Empathy To An Australian Context, Giselle Larkins Jan 2008

Factors That Influence Perception Of Seriousness Of Crime : The Application Of Race, Type Of Offence And Dispositional Empathy To An Australian Context, Giselle Larkins

Theses : Honours

The perception of seriousness of crime may be altered by numerous extra-legal factors within the criminal justice system. It is of significant importance to understand the ways in which various factors contribute to the differential treatment of defendants. Prejudicial attitudes towards Indigenous people pervade all areas of Australian society, including the criminal justice system (Paradies, 2005). For instance, although Indigenous people form approximately 2.4% of the general Australian population, they contribute to 24% of the total prison population (ABS, 2007; Paradies). Despite this, few studies have actively sought to better understand the factors that may contribute to varied perceptions of …

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Exploring Young Adult Conflict Management Skill Development, Pauline Marcoux Jan 2008

Exploring Young Adult Conflict Management Skill Development, Pauline Marcoux

Theses : Honours

This paper explores conflict management skill development of young adults. Although conflict management is a life-span issue, conflict management skills are of particular importance to young adults as they develop their identity and explore romantic relationships. The study of conflict management skills is complex and is underpinned by different theoretical approaches. These complexities and theories are presented. Findings from childhood to young adulthood are reviewed and summarised. Marital conflict, parent-child interactions, family-of-origin characteristics and attachment orientation are all factors that influence the development of conflict management skills. The family-of-origin characteristics seem to provide the most meaningful results in relation to …

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An Exploration Of The Perceptions Domestic Groundwater Users Hold In Relation To Perth's Groundwater Resources, Beverley Drayton-Witty Jan 2008

An Exploration Of The Perceptions Domestic Groundwater Users Hold In Relation To Perth's Groundwater Resources, Beverley Drayton-Witty

Theses : Honours

Australia's water resources over the next few decades, and most likely beyond, will be under increasing pressures as populations enlarge and as the amount of water per person becomes more limited from a decline in rainfall across much of the continent. Perth is considered lucky among most Australian cities when it comes to water resources, in that we have an extensive groundwater network that is readily accessible both for both private (wells and bores) and public (scheme water) supplies. However, this resource has also seen substantial declines over the last few decades resulting from declining rainfall and increased use. Although …

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Knowledge And Perceptions About Hepatitis C Among Police Undertaking Training At The Western Australia Police Academy, Cerissa Papanastasiou Jan 2008

Knowledge And Perceptions About Hepatitis C Among Police Undertaking Training At The Western Australia Police Academy, Cerissa Papanastasiou

Theses : Honours

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant health issue in Australia with approximately 90% of new cases attributed to injecting drug use (IDU). With no vaccination for this infection it is important that preventive methods are utilised to reduce the likelihood of it being transmitted from the IDU community into the wider community. Research has suggested that people's beliefs, which are influenced by the knowledge they have, play an important role in influencing the action people take in protecting and promoting their health. While there are numerous studies which have measured the HCV-related knowledge and perceptions of other professions in the …

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Factor Structure Of The Life Orientation Test And Life Orientation Test- Revised: The Influence Of Item Framing, Jamie Moore Jan 2008

Factor Structure Of The Life Orientation Test And Life Orientation Test- Revised: The Influence Of Item Framing, Jamie Moore

Theses : Honours

Historically psychological scales have used a mix of positively keyed and negatively keyed items (balanced scales) to control for the effects of response sets. While it has been established that the use of balanced scales does effectively control for response sets such as acquiescence, issues relating to the psychometric properties of these scales emerge. The following review investigated issues surrounding the reliability, validity and factor structure of balanced scales by considering whether these issues were caused by positively and negatively keyed items measuring different aspects of a construct or whether they emerged simply due to measurement error. Both these positions …

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Evaluation Of A Community Radio Station In Tulikup, Bali: Indonesia, Dane Anthony Waters Jan 2008

Evaluation Of A Community Radio Station In Tulikup, Bali: Indonesia, Dane Anthony Waters

Theses : Honours

Community-oriented radio can be a valuable tool to mobilise communities and contribute to making positive social changes throughout the world (Dagron, 2001). Heartline Bali FM is a community-oriented radio station, which since development, has sought to positively impact the people within the community it serves. Located in the rural Balinese village of Tulikup, Indonesia, the station has responded practically to the health and social needs of the community through radio and other social development strategies since its establishment in 2003. In 2004, a base-line needs assessment was conducted within the village to help inform the radio station of the health …

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Educating Secondary School Students With Learning Difficulties: The Teacher's Perspective, Christine Potter Jan 2008

Educating Secondary School Students With Learning Difficulties: The Teacher's Perspective, Christine Potter

Theses : Honours

Educating students with learning difficulties in mainstream classrooms has been a major concern for educators (Elkins, 2007). This paper reviews the research relating to the issues teachers' experience when teaching students with learning difficulties (LD) in secondary schools. The review initially provides an overview of the definition of LD and the academic, social, and behavioural characteristics experienced by students with LD. The review explores student, teacher, and school environment factors that impact on the teachers' role when students with LD are educated in mainstream classrooms. The analysis of the research in this area showed that teacher's attitudes, views, and concerns …

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Cross-Cultural Transition, Coping, And Social Support: Relationships Among Psychological Outcomes Among British Migrants In Australia, Samantha Shooter Jan 2008

Cross-Cultural Transition, Coping, And Social Support: Relationships Among Psychological Outcomes Among British Migrants In Australia, Samantha Shooter

Theses : Honours

This review examines the relationships among coping strategies, social support, and migrant adjustment. Research suggests that due to losses of the homeland, such as loss of family, friends and community, and adjustment difficulties in the new country, migration can be a difficult experience. Several key findings in the literature however, revealed that particular coping strategies and social support are two key factors that can ameliorate the negative effects of migration. Research has typically found an association between coping strategies and psychological outcomes, such that, problem-focused or active coping strategies, whereby migrants take direct action to solve the problem, are typically …

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The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray Jan 2008

The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray

Theses : Honours

Pets are shown to enhance quality of life through support and companionship. Midlife is a time where pets may be most valuable, since it is a time that involves critical changes to intimate relationships, roles and status. In this article a critical review of the literature on midlife development and demographic trends was carried out. Further, the psychological literature on human-pet relationships was reviewed and integrated with midlife research. Evidence for the psychological and physical benefits of pets is examined and the implications and potential benefits for middle aged adults are discussed. Findings suggest that pets may help to reduce …

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An Examination Of The Influence Of Gender In Juvenile Offending, Patterns Of Crime, Sentencing And Public Opinion. An Exploratory Study Of Public Opinion On The Sentencing Of Male And Female Juvenile Offenders And An Examination Of The Respondents Gender, Sarah J. Welch Jan 2008

An Examination Of The Influence Of Gender In Juvenile Offending, Patterns Of Crime, Sentencing And Public Opinion. An Exploratory Study Of Public Opinion On The Sentencing Of Male And Female Juvenile Offenders And An Examination Of The Respondents Gender, Sarah J. Welch

Theses : Honours

The aim of this literature review was to examine public perception of juvenile crimes, laws and sentencing practices to address whether the public were content with current punishments. It also observed the methodological issues with public opinion survey research to see whether these may influence the belief that the laws and sentencing practices were inconsistent with how the public wanted juveniles to be punished. The review also examined whether the gender of the juvenile offender influenced the types of crimes committed and the types of punishments sanctioned by the courts. Additionally, it observed whether the demographics of the respondent, victim …

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What Role Can Indigenous Child Care Training Play In Ameliorating Disadvantage For Indigenous People?, Susan Teather Jan 2008

What Role Can Indigenous Child Care Training Play In Ameliorating Disadvantage For Indigenous People?, Susan Teather

Theses : Honours

The early years of children's lives are vitally important to their long term outcomes. Yet, in Australian, not all children have access to the same opportunities to enhance their development and achieve their fullest potential, as Australian Indigenous children experience considerable disadvantage in comparison to other Australian children. The multifaceted approach required to eliminate this disadvantage, and the associated oppression, has education central to it. Emancipatory education is powerful as it assists learners to develop skills and, within the context of the educational philosopher Freire, also develop their ability to confront their oppression. This research paper explores Indigenous child care …

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Experiencing Pet Loss As A Child: A Parental Perspective, Sarah Jayne Parkin Jan 2008

Experiencing Pet Loss As A Child: A Parental Perspective, Sarah Jayne Parkin

Theses : Honours

Due to the positive contributions many companion animals make to the lives of others, it is common for individuals to build strong emotional attachments to their pets. Individuals who have strong relationships with their pets are likely to experience an equally strong grief reaction following their death. Although the grief process is highly idiosyncratic, theory suggests common stages or tasks that adults progress through during grief. However, research indicates that the grief process for children may vary from that of adults. The developmental capability of a child at the time of a loss will determine their level of understanding about …

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An Exploration Of Generation Y'S Experiences Of Offshore Fly-In/Fly-Out (Fifo) Employment, Tayla Carter Jan 2008

An Exploration Of Generation Y'S Experiences Of Offshore Fly-In/Fly-Out (Fifo) Employment, Tayla Carter

Theses : Honours

Australia is currently experiencing an ageing of its population, which has the potential to significantly impact on society, namely, employment. With the entry of Generation Y (Gen Y), the Australian workforce consists of four generations who are working increasingly longer hours. Extended working hours has been recognised as a risk factor for several undesirable consequences and is distinctive of fly in/fly out (FIFO) employment. The purpose of the review is to explore the literature which addresses the impact of FIFO employment with a following emphasis on issues surrounding Gen Y. A range of published work was incorporated from the fields …

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Performing Le Merle Nair: An Investigation Into The Performance Issues In The Music Of Olivier Messiaen, Kirsten Smith Jan 2008

Performing Le Merle Nair: An Investigation Into The Performance Issues In The Music Of Olivier Messiaen, Kirsten Smith

Theses : Honours

This paper investigates certain performance issues associated with Messiaen's 1951 chamber work, Le Merle Noir. This paper can be seen as a practical guide to performers wishing to gain a deeper perspective on the interpretational issues associated with performing this work. It is ·written from the vantage point of a performer and should be seen to complement a number of already existing analytical studies of this piece. The paper can also be read as an exemplar of the research a performer makes when developing a coherent and truthful interpretation of a music work.

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Protean Careers And The Performing Arts: Antecedents For Intrinsic Motivation, Sophie Fernandes Jan 2008

Protean Careers And The Performing Arts: Antecedents For Intrinsic Motivation, Sophie Fernandes

Theses : Honours

The professional performing arts industry is typified by a high number of personnel employed on either a short-term or casual basis. Work is often unstable and wages are generally below the average, however, artists receive intrinsic rewards from their work, and this is why they choose to be employed in this field. Artists tend to manage their own careers, and have what is called a "protean career", whereby employment choices are made based on previous experiences and the resulting work is meaningful to the employee. The present study set out to explore three independent variables, namely organisational commitment, organisational identification …

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Democratic Pr? : Relationship-Building Between Members Of Parliament And Their Constituents, Andrea Urbinati Jan 2008

Democratic Pr? : Relationship-Building Between Members Of Parliament And Their Constituents, Andrea Urbinati

Theses : Honours

This paper puts forward the proposition that relationship-building public relations could facilitate a more genuine engagement between Members of Parliament and their constituents. Much has been written about Grunig and Hunt's (1984) two-way symmetric public relations and its role in establishing, building and maintaining a sense of community between an organisation and its publics. Previous work has extended the relationship management paradigm to various sub contexts such as the non-for profit sector. However, the majority of literature provides an organisation-centric perspective. This paper takes the Grunigian notion of symbiotic relationship building and applies it to the political context. This study …

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Pr For Pollutant Corporations : Does Ethical Environmental Pr Exist And Could It Make A Difference?, Chloe Holland Jan 2008

Pr For Pollutant Corporations : Does Ethical Environmental Pr Exist And Could It Make A Difference?, Chloe Holland

Theses : Honours

Environmental issues have regained a prominent place on the public agenda in Australia over the past 18 months because of extensive media coverage and the growing trends of environmentalism and communitarianism. The public's protest for pollutant corporations to be held environmentally accountable has become vocal. They are now regularly inclined to seek out media attention to expose or highlight pollutant corporations' unethical practices. Pollutant corporations now have the choice of cleaning up their act and ensuring they become more ethical in communications with their publics or be constantly attacked by activist groups and the media, lose stakeholder and community support …

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Visualising The Transient Self: An Examination Of The Intangible In Creative Work, Jaqueline Monks Jan 2008

Visualising The Transient Self: An Examination Of The Intangible In Creative Work, Jaqueline Monks

Theses : Honours

The aim of this research is to visually explore the intangible human condition of the transient self via the methodology of creative practice, specifically through the medium of video projection. A praxis will be developed between the creative research and the theoretical perspective, which will be grounded in the key ideas of the philosopher Slajov Zizek, as espoused by Zizek (2000; 2006), Catherine Belsey (2005) and Tony Myers (2003). Specifically, Zizek's notions of the Self and the Subject in relation to the Real and the Symbolic Order respectively will form the centre of the theoretical base. Key terms include the …

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The Relationship Between Normative Beliefs And Tobacco Smoking : A Social Psychological Perspective, Wendy Cannon Jan 2008

The Relationship Between Normative Beliefs And Tobacco Smoking : A Social Psychological Perspective, Wendy Cannon

Theses : Honours

Tobacco smoking has been classified as the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. It has been estimated that 19,000 Australians die each year as a result of smoking tobacco. The highest level of smoking prevalence in Australia is among young adults aged between 20 and 29 years. While the pleasurable short-term effects of nicotine help to reinforce smoking behaviour, the long-term effects of the harmful chemicals in tobacco pose significant health hazards. This review provides background information on the effects of smoking and nicotine dependence, and discusses the individual and social costs related to tobacco smoking. …

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Is Dance Good For The Body Or Not? : An Examination Of Body Awareness And Injury Prevention For Specialised Tertiary Dance Students, Kylie Murray Jan 2008

Is Dance Good For The Body Or Not? : An Examination Of Body Awareness And Injury Prevention For Specialised Tertiary Dance Students, Kylie Murray

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this research paper is to discover more about tertiary dance and the effects that dance has on the body. I will discuss the pressures that dance places on the body, looking specifically at the years during full time study as a tertiary student. I will address dance issues such as common injuries, the reasons these injuries occur, prevention strategies, the effect that dance has on the mind and training conditions generally. Research into tertiary dance education programs, dance injuries, injury prevention, and general dance patterns will be supported by survey responses to come to some conclusions about …

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Steve Reich's 'Piano Phase' And David Cossin's 'Video Phase' : An Exploration Of David Cossin's Video Phase With Reference To Steve Reich's Original Work Piano Phase, Fiona Digney Jan 2008

Steve Reich's 'Piano Phase' And David Cossin's 'Video Phase' : An Exploration Of David Cossin's Video Phase With Reference To Steve Reich's Original Work Piano Phase, Fiona Digney

Theses : Honours

This paper will investigate Reich's 1967 composition Piano Phase, exploring the work's development from tape loops, the resultant patterns found in the work, the process involved, notation used, and also examples of phasing found in other works. Further, discussions will also take place with regards to both the author's, and David Cossin's adaptations of Piano Phase, including instrument choice and configuration, film and lighting requirements and rehearsal techniques. This project aims to present an adaptation of Piano Phase for solo percussion and multimedia, which provides an accurate visual representation of the process used in Piano Phase as well as taking …

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The Relationship Between Session Rate Of Perceived Exertion Measures And The Volume Load Of Resistance Training, Mirza Abdul Latif Jan 2008

The Relationship Between Session Rate Of Perceived Exertion Measures And The Volume Load Of Resistance Training, Mirza Abdul Latif

Theses : Honours

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between session rate of perceived exertion (RPE) measures and the volume load (VL) during resistance training (RT). Twelve male and eight female participants (24.3 ± 4.2 years) performed three RT sessions per week for a period of four weeks. The RT sessions during the week consisted of strength, hypertrophy and power protocols that included the same four resistance exercises (bench press, squat, shoulder press and bench row). The participants performed 3 sets of 3 repetitions per exercise at a load of 75-90% of their 1-RM with a rest period of …

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Understanding Children's Exposure To Domestic Violence: A Review Of The Literature; And, Situational-Contextual Factors That Mediate The Impact Of Exposure Of Domestic Violence On Children: A Retrospective Study Of Adult Women Residing In Perth, Kristy Lee O'Bryan Jan 2008

Understanding Children's Exposure To Domestic Violence: A Review Of The Literature; And, Situational-Contextual Factors That Mediate The Impact Of Exposure Of Domestic Violence On Children: A Retrospective Study Of Adult Women Residing In Perth, Kristy Lee O'Bryan

Theses : Honours

Based on the available theoretical and empirical research literature, this review examines the complexity of children's exposure to domestic violence. In addition to identifying numerous theories which have been used in the literature to help understand how exposure to domestic violence may affect children's adjustment and functioning, this review provides an in depth overview of the research investigating the short and long-term impact of domestic violence exposure on children and young people. Despite the consistent finding across studies that children's witnessing of domestic violence is associated with a host of psychological, social and behavioural problems, there is also evidence in …

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As The Owl Discreet: Essay Towards A Conversation And Carly's Dance A Novel, Vahri Mckenzie Jan 2008

As The Owl Discreet: Essay Towards A Conversation And Carly's Dance A Novel, Vahri Mckenzie

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis comprises a novel entitled Carly's Dance and an essay entitled As the Owl Discreet. Although separate works, a line runs through them that might be described as an urge to connect; each work, although self-contained, is concerned with the co-existence of opposites, or more precisely, apparent opposites. The essay's title is ironic, borrowed from Hillaire Belloc's perverse verses collected as Cautionary Tales. Discretion is exactly what the thesis tests the bounds of, as do the characters in my novel. And so do I, in using family history to motivate my research.

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