Die benutting van terapeutiese hulpmiddels by die gedepriveerde kind in maatskaplike werk

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the therapeutic possibilities in music and books, in group work with middle aged deprived children. Deprivation with children is an encompassing problem which social workers daily grapple with. A lack of sufficient knowledge about deprivation and sufficient knowledge on the way in which to solve the problem make sit essential to do research on the subject. Literature analysis and an empirical research are the two methods used in this study. The literature analysis focuses on the characteristics of the child client, the value of play for the child and the different ways of playing. This is followed by an explanation of the development of the normally developed middle aged child compared to that of the deprived middle aged child. The therapeutic possibilities of music and books is also discussed. Experimental research was used for this empirical research. An experimental group and a controlled group was compiled out of deprived middle aged children. Measurements were taken before and afterwards according to an adapted Hudson scale. Music, books and other therapeutic resources were used in the group work with the experimental group. The hypothesis states that the therapeutic use of music and books in work with groups amongst deprived middle aged children results in improvements of behaviour and relationships. The empirical research proved that the therapeutic use of music and books lead to the improvement of behaviour, such as co-operation and consentration and to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between the group members and group leader.