A psychobiographical study of Theodore Robert Bundy: an object relations approach
- Authors: Landsberg, Melissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Developmental psychology , Object relations (Psychoanalysis) Psychology -- Biographical methods Psychology -- United States -- Biographical methods Serial murderers -- United States -- Biography Criminals -- United States -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40456 , vital:36167
- Description: The following research study aimed to explore and describe the life and personality development of Theodore Robert Bundy (1946-1989), a serial murderer who confessed to committing more than 30 homicides across different states of America between 1974 and 1978. By examining his distinctive set of cognitions and behaviours through a psychobiographical lens, Bundy’s use of primitive defense mechanisms and level of personality pathology could moreover be identified. In doing so, insights into the psychological motivations behind his aberrant actions could be acquired. This was attained through the application of Kernberg’s (1966) Object Relations Theory to Bundy’s lived experiences. Bundy was chosen as the research subject, based on his infamous reputation and interest value through employing a purposive sampling technique, and subsequently took the form of a qualitative, single case study. Data was collected through the triangulation of multiple primary and secondary sources available in the public domain. This data collection was furthermore processed and analysed through the use of Alexander’s (1988) textual indicators of psychological saliency, and the employment of Miles and Huberman’s (1994) three-step approach to qualitative data analysis (that is, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification). The research findings confirmed Bundy’s pathological use of primitive defense mechanisms linked to Kernberg’s description of lower-level pathologies. It additionally emphasised the significance and utility of psychobiographical studies, and highlighted the value of Kernberg’s theory in understanding personality development. Recommendations were then made for future research endeavors to guide individuals that are interested in conducting similar studies that fall within the same genre of study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Case study of Nkosi Johnson
- Authors: Ntlangu, Sihle Theophelus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Johnson, Nkosi -- 1989-2001 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa , AIDS activists -- South Africa , Child psychology , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42672 , vital:36679
- Description: The late Nkosi Johnson was one of the youngest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) activists in South Africa and the longest known HIV positive child who survived without antiretroviral drugs (Nkosi Haven, 2016). His life story was characterized by his brave fight against the acumen that environs people living with HIV/AIDS and especially during a time when there were many misconceptions surrounding the condition. During the twelve years that he lived, Nkosi had the opportunity to make a difference, both nationally and internationally. The support he received allowed him to internalize many positive attributes such as bravery, courage, endurance and love which eventually made him a positive role model and activist for his cause. This study made use of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory to highlight the short-lived but influential life of Nkosi Johnson. The study is a single case study and is qualitative in nature. Biographies, published information, and contact made with his adoptive mother, Gail Johnson, were all constituents gathered as data used for the study. The collected data was analysed using Miles and Huberman (1994) steps of data reduction, data display, as well as conclusion drawing and verification. Moreover, the data was organised and integrated in a conceptual matrix which guided the analysis, presentation and discussion of the research findings. The findings of the study suggested that although Nkosi Johnson experienced difficulties in his process of psychosocial development he was able to achieve Erikson’s seventh stage ‘Generativity versus Stagnation’, even though he lived a short life. These findings support the notion that continued research into the applicability of the sequential age order of developmental theories is needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Noel Chabani Manganyi: a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Ngcobo, Qapela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Developmental psychology , Psychology -- Biographical methods Self-actualization (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41829 , vital:36601
- Description: This is a psychobiographical study that focused on a historically significant and extraordinary individual over his entire lifespan with the aim of unearthing and reconstructing his life from a psychological perspective. Noel Chabani Manganyi was chosen for this study through purposive non-random sampling. He was identified based on his success in the discipline and profession of psychology, and his role as both activist and advocate during the period of Apartheid. To date, no psychobiographical study on Manganyi has been produced. As such, the aim of the study drew strongly from the theoretical work of Daniel Levinson, this study paid great attention to exploring the life events and experiences of Manganyi, and how these informed the attributes of his character. The research design used an exploratory-descriptive single case study. The data was collected using published material by the subject of the study, journal articles, newspaper articles, internet documents, and audio-visual material in the form of videos.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The personal development of steve jobs :a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Van Staden, Dete
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Jobs, Steve, 1955-2011 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45723 , vital:38958
- Description: A psychobiography is the construction of an individual’s life according to a psychological theory. This psychobiography reviews the life of Steven Paul Jobs (1955-2011), United States information technology intrepreneur and inventor. This study employs a qualitative, case study design. The researcher preferred a specific individual, therefore this study entails a non- probability, purposive sampling procedure. The data collection consists of primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted according to Alexander’s (1988) model, as well as Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach. The research conducted was done in an ethical manner. The primary aim of this study is to describe and interpret Jobs’ personal development through the application of tevinson et al.’s human development framework. Jobs was born, and soon after birth, given up for adoption. At the age of twenty-one, he and his friend, Steve Wozniak, invented Apple Computers. Jobs was known as an entrepreneur, innovator and genius, and was recognised as a pioneer in the information technology world. Regardless of personal and business disappointments, he designed successful products, generated enormous profits and led Apple to become the world’s most valuable and leading company. Through exploring Jobs’ life, a holistic overview of his personal development was obtained. The findings revealed that Jobs created a life structure for himself which allowed him to follow his dreams and spiration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A psychobiographical study of Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley
- Authors: Willis, Lynn Sherri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Developmental psychology , Life cycle, Human -- Psychological aspects Marley, Bob , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13480 , vital:27209
- Description: Psychobiography is a qualitative research design used to explore and understand the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. The application of theory is typically done to finished lives of well-known or enigmatic people, and covers the person’s entire lifespan. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the personality development of the Rastafarian reggae musician Bob Marley.To meet this aim the study created a comprehensive picture of Marley’s life within the particular social, economic and historical context in which he lived. Marley’s work was considered influential both during and after his life. His music is listened to by diverse groups of people, and is known internationally. Marley’s personality was explored by applying Eric Berne’s theory of Transactional Analysis (TA) to his life story. Data was collected and analyzed using a strategy consisting of three steps, namely, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Results of the study indicated that TA is a suitable theory for creating insight into the life of this historical figure, and has led to an increased understanding of the application of this psychological theory. Lastly, the study has contributed towards increasing the number of psychobiographical studies conducted in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017