Exploring the experience of and the associated risk factors of maladaptive anger for children aged between 11-14 years in a Namibian school setting
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Date
2019
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Stress levels and affective states in children aged between 11-14 years are impacted by developmental tasks, peer interaction, peer acceptance and psychosocial adjustment. In addition to this, slower development of regulatory systems and rapid arousal and motivation development increases stress levels and affective states of adolescents leading to internalization and/or externalization (maladaptive anger). This study focuses on the experience of and the risk factors associated with maladaptive anger by attempting to answer how children aged between 11-14 years are experiencing maladaptive anger and what factors are increasing the risk of maladaptive anger. A qualitative research approach with an interpretive phenomenological design was used to explore the research questions. A sample of 18 adolescents at an educational setting in Windhoek, Namibia participated in the study. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sampling and individual interviews were held after parental consent and adolescent assent had been obtained. Data was analysed using an established methodological approach being the interpretative phenomenological analysis. In this context it was found that maladaptive anger in adolescents is a unique and complex experience and factors, such as beliefs and attitudes about maladaptive anger, provided insight into the experience. The contributing factors associated with maladaptive anger were identified as loss/lack of personal power, social modeling, relationship between stress and maladaptive anger and insecure attachment (adverse environments).
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of arts (Clinical Psychology)
Keywords
Maladaptive, Anger, Children, Namibian school setting, Psychology, Peer interaction, Adolescents