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    Therapist's experience of, and attitudes towards, barriers to the completion of therapeutic homework tasks in children, adolescents and families : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Shinkfield, Gregg
    Homework is a widely used therapeutic tool, employed by clinicians from a range of training backgrounds and across a variety of theoretical orientations. Theoretical and empirical support suggests that homework is an effective component of treatment for clients from a variety of populations presenting with a host of different disorders. Yet despite support for these assignments, few studies have directly investigated factors that may potentially interfere with the process of completing homework assignments. The present thesis aimed to address this gap in our knowledge by gathering survey data from a sample of 144 Marriage and Family Therapist regarding their attitudes and experience of homework barriers that have occurred in their clinical practice. Data obtained found support for the regular occurrence of twenty-one specific types of barriers. It was also revealed that a subset of "generic" factors frequently occurred across all client groups. The clinical implications of these barriers are discussed.
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    Changes and factors in mental health functioning of adolescents in therapy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University (Palmerston North), New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2003) Wees, Roos van der
    To explore factors that might contribute to changes in mental health functioning in adolescents with mental health problems seen at a Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health Service (CAFMHS), the present study examined changes in scores on the Clinical Outcomes of Routine Evaluation (CORE) and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) over a 3 month period. Ten female and 5 male adolescents completed the CORE and 7 of their respective therapists assessed their mental health on HoNOSCA, before and after 3 months of intervention. Life events and factors within therapy during the period of the study were assessed through interviews with clients and their respective therapists. Analysis of the data indicated that overall the mental health of the participants did improve. No significant correlations between clients' and clinicians' assessment of therapeutic factors were found. The hypotheses that focused on factors that might have contributed to the changes were not supported, possibly due to the small number of participants. Limitations of the study and future directions were discussed.
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    Working with distressed adolescents and professional intervention : adolescent suicide and professional response in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Saumweber, Katja
    This thesis shows in the first part an analysis about the reasons why in particular adolescents are vulnerable for suicidal and self-destructive behaviour. It also shows what helping possibilities, prevention and intervention ideas can be found. This review of international and national literature about adolescence, suicide and prevention creates the theoretical framework for the research project. It shows that the youth suicide rate in New Zealand ranges amongst the highest of many OECD countries. During the past few years much research on risk factors and possible prevention strategies has been undertaken. Mental health problems, antisocial behaviour, problems with the family, at schools or with peers and low self-esteem have been identified by many studies as risk factors for teenage suicidality. As a response, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Youth Affairs as well as Te Puni Kokiri pushed further research and projects forward to investigate recommendations for projects and services to support young people and to reduce risk factors for suicidality. Based on this literature review the qualitative research of this thesis explores a developmental group (N.E.X.T) of a non-governmental youth-oriented organisation (Youthline) as one way of supporting adolescents concerning a healthy development into adults by strengthening them, improving their self-esteem and reducing the risk for untreated mental health problems. These are all factors identified within the literature review as risk factors for suicidality. By this example the thesis shows what the needs of teenagers are, whether an organisation like Youthline can meet these needs and which skills professionals at Youthline therefore need to have. It further explores whether the theoretical prevention ideas can be realised within a service like Youthline and what limitations can be found. Findings of the research suggest that most of the adolescent participants involved have really enjoyed the group and almost all of them realised significant changes in their behaviour, attitude, especially their own self-esteem, which can be understood as a protection factor against suicidality. That the statements of the professionals further fit perfectly together with the teenager's statements suggests a good basis for real youth-oriented assistance which has the potential to strengthen young people in New Zealand and therefore reduce risk factors for suicidality. The thesis concludes with recommendations for policy and future research, especially concerning the funding of social services.
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    Bridging the research-practice gap in child and adolescent psychotherapy : a survey of New Zealand practitioners : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2002) Kibblewhite, Joanna Joy
    The conditions and characteristics of child and adolescent psychotherapy in clinical practice are known to differ from those found in research settings. This is a concern for psychologists who aim to provide evidence-based practice within the scientist-practitioner model. In partial replication of a previous North American survey (Kazdin, Siegel & Bass, 1990), this study drew on New Zealand mental health practitioners' experience in order to identify clinically relevant future research directions. Two hundred and three mental health practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds reported on their assessment and treatment practices, perception of typical outcomes, beliefs about factors affecting outcome, and adherence to aspects of the scientist-practitioner model. Apart from the types of therapies used, the conditions and characteristics of practice reported here differed from those typically found in research. A number of research imperatives were identified including issues related to: developing clinically representative outcome studies; transporting empirically supported therapies to the clinic setting; and continuing the search for common factors to guide practice. The need to continually review and critique the research underlying empirical support for therapies was highlighted, as were the possible pitfalls of failing to do so.