The Effects of a DVD counselling programme in preventing the breakdown of a partner relationships of Master's students in Clinical Psychology

Abstract

The Clinical Psychology training program at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) is based on the theoretical paradigm of General Systems Theory. The functioning of systems in terms of patterns, structure, organization and relationships can therefore also be applied to the trainee and his/her partner relationship system which is characterized by circular patterns of interaction. Ernst (2008) states that within the context of General Systems theory it became evident that the trainee does not function in isolation but as part of a system. The trainee undergoes significant changes throughout the training year if training is effective and this in turn may also impact on the trainee's partner relationship.

This investigation was done to establish the effect of a DVD Counselling Programme on the partner-relationship of the trainee in Clinical Psychology with his/her partner/spouse. This is done in order to provide feedback to the trainers of the Clinical Psychology training at Medunsa. This may also possibly assist in establishing a more scientifically founded aid for the trainees in Msc. Clinical Psychology and their partners/spouses. It was a qualitative research project, in which person centered interviews were held with participants and thematically analyzed by three independent clinicians. The entire research project and findings are contextualized in accordance with General Systems Theory.

The results indicated that the DVD had a moderate effect on 4/6 of the sample population that reported that their relationship improved in respect of the nature and quality based on mutual understanding, emotional closeness, obtaining of relational skills, effective communication and awareness regarding the impact of the training year on their relationship. The impact of the DVD was somewhat limited in that not all the participants watched it and the manner iIi which some of the trainees approached their partners/spouses, which may have had an effect on how the DVD is received and experienced.