Research - psychpract.co.za

Summary of Research Output

I am the author of:

• 24 articles published in international scientific journals;

• 2 articles published in South African scientific journals;

• 17 chapters published in international books;

• 7 chapters published in South African books;

• 20 papers presented at international conferences;

• 55 papers presented at national conferences.

I am the co-editor of 3 books that were published internationally.

I supervised:

• 64 Master’s dissertations/treatises;

• 20 Doctoral theses.

I acted as external examiner of:

• 155 Master’s dissertations/treatises;

• 50 Doctoral theses.

I externally examined the above 205 research manuscripts on behalf of the following 15 universities:

• University of Cape Town

• University of the Free State

• University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Nelson Mandela University

• NorthWest University

• RU University

• University of Fort Hare

• University of Johannesburg

• University of Pretoria

• University of South Africa

• University of Stellenbosch

• University of the Western Cape

• University of Venda

• University of Witwatersrand

• University of Zululand

I acted as reviewer of 26 research articles on behalf of the following 16 international scientific journals:

• African Health Sciences

• European Business Review

• Europe’s Journal of Psychology

• Frontiers in Global Women’s Health

• Frontiers in Public Health

• Indo Pacific Journal of Phenomenology

• International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

• International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion

• International review of Psychiatry

• Journal of Management History

• Journal of Psychology in Africa

• Management Dynamics

• Online International Journal of Arts and Humanities

• Qualitative Research in Psychology

• Scandinavian Journal of Psychology

• The Extractive Industries and Society.

I also acted as reviewer of 45 research articles on behalf of the following 13 South African scientific journals:

• Acta Academica

• Acta Structilia

• LitNet Akademies

• Scientiae Militaria

• South African Business Review

• South African Journal of Business Management

• South African Journal of Human Resource Management

• South African Journal of Industrial Psychology

• South African Journal of Psychology

• South African Journal of Science

• South African Music Studies

• Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Navorsing in Sport, Ligaamlilke Opvoedkunde en Ontspanning

• Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe.

In 2024 my Research Profile was included in a book published by the American Psychological Association (Ponterotto, J.G., The Psychobiographer’s Handbook: A Practical Guide to Research and Ethics). The book showcased the profiles of 22 “influential psychobiographers” from seven countries

My colleagues and I received the following Best Paper Awards for papers presented at the following conferences:

• Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists (2013).

• International Accountancy Conference (2019).

In 2020 I received the Researcher of the Year (Runner up) Award at the Nelson Mandela University (Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences).

RESEARCH MANUSCRIPTS COMPLETED IN FULFILMENT OF

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

1. Van Niekerk, R. (1985). Die konstrukgeldigheid van die Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (The construct validity of the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices). Master’s in Clinical Psychology, University of Port Elizabeth.

2. Van Niekerk, R. (2007). ’n Psigobiografiese ontleding van Christiaan Neethling Barnard se loopbaanontwikkeling (A psychobiographical analysis of the career development of Christiaan Neethling Barnard). Master’s in Industrial Psychology, University of Stellenbosch.

3. Van Niekerk, R. (2010). Economic responsiveness in organisational psychology curricula. Master’s in Education (General Education Theory and Practice), RU University.

4. Van Niekerk, R. (1995). Preparation of individuals for psychological procedures: Development and evaluation of an audio-visual programme. Doctorate in Psychology, University of Port Elizabeth.

EDITORSHIPS: BOOKS

1. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., & Banai, M. (Eds.) (2025). Psychobiographies of political leaders from across the world. Springer. https://10.1007/978-3-031-73939-2

2. Mayer, C.H., Fouché, P.J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (Eds.), Psychobiographical illustrations on meaning and identity in sociocultural contexts (pp.

263-284). Palgrave-MacMillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81238-6_12

3. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (Eds.) (2023). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in Times of Transcultural and

Transdisciplinary Perspectives. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

BOOK CHAPTERS

1. Burnell, B., Nel, C., Fouché, J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2019). Suitability Indicators in the study of exemplary lives: Guidelines for the selection of the psychobiographical subject. In C.H. Mayer & Z. Kovary (Eds.), New Trends in Psychobiography (pp.173-193). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16953-4 

2. Freedman, G. & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Defying the odds: A psychobiographical study of Nonkululeko Gobodo’s career development. In C-H. Mayer, R. van Niekerk, J.P.J. Fouché, & J.G. Ponterotto. (Eds.). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in times of transcultural and transdisciplinary perspectives (pp. 15-31). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

3. Harry, T. & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Tragic Optimism: A Psychobiography of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. In Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (Eds.). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in Times of Transcultural and Transdisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 66-83). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

4. Harry, T.T. & Van Niekerk, R. (2025). Fighting for a better Zimbabwe: A psychobiography of Morgan Tsvangirai. In C-H Mayer, R van Niekerk, & M. Banai (Eds.). Psychobiographies of political leaders from across the world. Springer. https://10.1007/978-3-031-73939-2

5. Harry, T.T. & Van Niekerk, R. (2025). “Father Zimbabwe”: A psychobiography of Joshua Nkomo. In C-H Mayer, R van Niekerk, & M. Banai (Eds.). Psychobiographies of political leaders from across the world. Springer. https://10.1007/978-3-031-73939-2

6. Mayer, C-H., Fouché, P.J.P, & Van Niekerk, R. (2021). Editorial: Psychobiographical illustrations on meaning and identity in sociocultural contexts. In C-H. Mayer, P.J.P. Fouché, & R. van Niekerk (Eds.), Psychobiographical illustrations on meaning and identity in sociocultural contexts (pp. 1-12). Palgrave-MacMillan.

7. Mayer, C.H. & Van Niekerk, R. (2020). Creative minds of leaders in psychobiographical perspectives: Exploring the life and work of Christiaan Barnard and Angela Merkel. In S. Dhiman & J. Marques (Eds.), New horizons in positive leadership and change: A practical guide for workplace transformation (pp. 189-206). Springer.

8. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., & Banai, M. (2025). Editorial. In C-H Mayer, R. van Niekerk, & M. Banai (Eds.). Psychobiographies of political leaders from across the world. Springer. https://10.1007/978-3-031-73939-2

9. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., & Banai, M. (2025). Epilogue. In C-H Mayer, R. van Niekerk, & M. Banai (Eds.). Psychobiographies of political leaders from across the world. Springer. https://10.1007/978-3-031-73939-2

10. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, P.J.P. (2022). Servant leadership during a struggle for political freedom: A psychobiography of Albertina Sisulu’s career development. In Dhiman, S.K. & Roberts, G.E. (Eds.). The Palgrave handbook of servant leadership (pp. 199-226). Springer.

11. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (2023). Psychobiography beyond WEIRD? In Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (Eds.). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in times of transcultural and transdisciplinary perspectives (pp. 1-12). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

12. Ponterotto, J.G., Fouché, P.J.P., Mayer, C-H., & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Epilogue: Reflections on the Futures of Psychobiography. In Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (Eds.). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in Times of Transcultural and Transdisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 329-337). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

13. Prenter, T., Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, J.P. (2019). The amazing life of Charlize Theron. In C.H. Mayer & Z. Kovary (Eds.), New Trends in Psychobiography (pp.463-479). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16953-4 

14. Van Niekerk, R. (1992). Theories of counselling (Chapter 3). In J. Uys (Ed.). Psychological counselling in the South African context. Maskew Miler Longman.

15. Van Niekerk, R. (2016). Research methods. In D.H. Barlow & V.M. Durand (Eds.), Abnormal psychology An integrative approach (1st South African edition) (pp.130-154). Cengage Learning.

16. Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Research methods. In D.H. Barlow, V.M. Durand, S.G. Hofmann, L.M. Du Plessis, C. & Visser (Eds.), Psychopathology: An integrative approach to mental disorders (2nd South African edition) (pp.132-156). Cengage Learning.

17. Van Niekerk, R. (2016). Work and psychological health. In C. Grobler (Ed.), Work and mental illness in South Africa. Thinkwork: Port Elizabeth.

18. Van Niekerk, R. & Freedman, G. (2023). The Career Development of Albertina Sisulu. In Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., Fouché, J.P.J., & Ponterotto, J.G. (Eds.). Beyond WEIRD: Psychobiography in Times of Transcultural and Transdisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 33-49). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28827-2

19. Van Niekerk, R., Mayer, C.H., & Fouché, P.J.P. (2021). The elusiveness of identity and meaning: The lonely journey of Henri Nouwen. In Mayer, C.H., Fouché, P.J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (Eds.), Psychobiographical illustrations on meaning and identity in sociocultural contexts (pp. 263-284). Palgrave-MacMillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81238-6_12

20. Van Niekerk, R, Perry, M., & Fouché, P. (2016). Psychobiographical profiling. In T. Veldsman & A. Johnson (Eds.), Leadership: Perspectives from the front line (pp. 81-93). Knowledge Resources.

21. Van Niekerk, R., Prenter, T., & Fouché, P. (2019). Psychobiographical research. In S. Laher, A. Fynn, & S. Kramer (Eds.), Social science research in South Africa: Theory and applications (pp.168-182). Wits University Press.

22. Van Niekerk, R., Prenter, T., & Fouché, J.P. (2019). Psychological reflections on the build‐up to the first heart transplant. In C.H. Mayer & Z. Kovary (Eds.), New Trends in Psychobiography (pp.405-421). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16953-4 

23. Van Niekerk, R. & Vorster, J-A. (2010). Economic responsiveness in organisational psychology curricula. In S.M.G. Mahlomaholo, M.N. Nkoane, & D. Francis (Eds.) (pp. 313-336). Praxis toward sustainable and empowering learning environments. Sunmedia.

24. Welman, C., Fouché, J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2019). The psychosocial-historical turning points in the life of Sol Plaatje: Co- founder of the African National Congress. In C.H. Mayer & Z. Kovary (Eds.), New Trends in Psychobiography (pp.443-461). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16953-4 

SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL ARTICLES

1. Botes, V. & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). The sociocultural influences in Lawrence Kohlberg’s life: A psychobiography. International Review of Psychiatry. https://:10.1080/09540261.2023.2254381

2. Bushkin, H., Van Niekerk, R., & Stroud, L. (2021). Searching for meaning in chaos: Viktor Frankl’s story. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 17(3), 233-242. https://doi.org./10.5964/ejop.5439

3. Fouché, P., Burnell, B., & Van Niekerk, R. (2015). The spiritual wellness of Beyers Naudé: A psychobiographical study of a South African anti-apartheid theologian. Special edition of Journal of Psychology in Africa (Psychobiographical Research), Vol 25 (5), 429-437.

4. Fouché, P., Burnell, B., Van Niekerk, R., & Nortjé, N. (2016). The faith development of antiapartheid theologian Beyers Naudé: A psychobiography. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 3(4), 276-288.

5. Fouché, P., Du Plessis, R., & Van Niekerk, R. (2017). Levinsonian seasons in the life of Steve Jobs: A psychobiographical case study. Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 17(1), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/20797222.2017.1331970

6. Fouché, J.P., Louw, D.A., Naidoo, P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2018). Queen’s great pretender: A psychohistorical sketch of Freddy Mercury. The Journal of Psychohistory, 46(1), 17-36.

7. Fouché, P., Nel, C., & Van Niekerk, R. (2014). Helen Suzman: A psychobiographical-psychosocial developmental trajectory study. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 4, 351-360.

8. Fouché, J.P. & Van Niekerk, R (2010). Academic psychobiography in South Africa: Past, present, and future. South African Journal of Psychology, 40(4), pp. 495-507

9. Fouché, J.P., Nortjé, N., Welman, C., & Van Niekerk, R., & (2018). Emily Hobhouse’s psychosocial developmental trajectory as anti-war campaigner: A Levinsonian psychobiography. Indo-Pacific journal of Phenomenology, 18 (Special edition). https:doi:10.1080/20797222.2018.1511308

10. Foxcroft, C., Fouché, P.J., Fullard, J., & Van Niekerk, R. (2000). The holistic wellness of an international statesman: A psychobiographical study of General JC Smuts. International Journal of Psychology (Abstracts of the XXVII International Congress of Psychology), 35(3-4), 65.

11. Harry, T. & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Searching for meaning in the life of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: A call to meaningful responses to tragedies. Journal for Person-Oriented Research, 9(2), 93-103. https://org./10.17505/jpor.2023.25815

12. Immelman, A.P.J. & Van Niekerk, R. (1996). South Africa’s transition to majority rule: Implications for Higher Education. St John’s Symposium 1996, Collegeville, Minnesota (pp. 61-73).

13. Mayer, C.H., Fouché, P.J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2021). Creating a meaningful life: Psychobiographical investigations. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 17(3), 146-151. https://doi.org./10.5964/ejop.6653

14. Mayer, C-H., Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, P.J.P. (2020). Holistic wellness in the life of Angela Merkel: A call to revise the wheel of wellness in the light of new positive psychology movements and socio-cultural changes. International Review of Psychiatry, 32(7-8), 625-637. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2020.1735317 

15. Mayer, C.H., Van Niekerk, R., & Wannenburg, N. (2021). Ferdinand Karl Piëch: A psychobiography of a ruthless manager and ingenious engineer. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.671243

16. Ndoro, T. & Van Niekerk, R. (2019). A psychobiographcal analysis of the personality traits of Steve Jobs’s entrepreneurial life. Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 19(1). https://doi:10.1080/20797222.2019.1620421

17. Nel, C., Burnell, B., Fouché, P.J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2021). Meaning and wellness: A comparative psychobiography on Helen Suzman and Beyers Naudé. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 17(3), 186-197. https://doi.org./10.5964/ejop.5391

18. Puchert, J., Van Niekerk, R. & Viljoen, K., (2021), Apprentice selection: A systematic literature review from 1990 to 2020. Acta Commercii, 21(1), a932. https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v21i1.932

19. Puchert, J.I., Van Niekerk, R. & Viljoen, K. (2022). An evaluation of an apprentice selection process, Acta Commercii, 22(1), a987.https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.987 

20. Van Niekerk, R. & Botes, V. (2023). A chronicle of the liberation struggle: The career development of Ahmed Kathrada. International Review of Psychiatry. https://doi.10.1080/09540261.2023.2274344

21. Van Niekerk, R., Vos, H., & Fouché, P. (2015). The career development of Christiaan Neethling Barnard: A psychobiography. Special edition of Journal of Psychology in Africa (Psychobiographical Research), Vol 25 (5), 395-402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2015.1101268

22. Wannenburg, N. & Van Niekerk, R. (2018). Early diagnosis and intervention for autism spectrum disorder in Africa: Insights from a case study. African Health Sciences, 18(1), 137-146. https://dxdoi.org/10.4314/abs.v18i1.18 

23. Wannenburg, N. & an Niekerk, R. (2018). Re-witnessing the autistic imagination: Are autism and applied theatre on incompatible opposite ends of a spectrum? Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance. https://doi.org/10.1080/13569783.2018.1561256

24. Wannenburg, N. & Van Niekerk, R. (2023). Increasing health professionals’ ability to recognize, diagnose, and intervene in Autism Spectrum Disorder cases in Africa: Examples from specific developmental stages – a longitudinal case study. Students’ Journal of Health Research, 4(3), 1-14.

25. Wannenburg, N., Gasson, J., & Van Niekerk, R. (2024). Narrative review and Eriksonian-synthesis of lessons from animals: Mutuality of recognition in the age of pseudo species. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 5(3), https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1078 

26. Welman, C., Fouché, P.J.P., Naidoo, P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2021). The spiritual wellness of an intellectual, novelist, journalist and politician: The meaningful life of Sol Plaatje. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 17(3), 221-232. https://doi.org./10.5964/ejop.5391.5417

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

1. Fouché, J.P. & Van Niekerk, R. (1998). The wellness of a politician: The value of wellness theory and psychobiography in uncovering well-being – The case of General Smuts. In L. Schlebusch (Ed.), South Africa beyond transition: Psychological well-being (pp. 107-110), Proceedings of the Third Annual Congress of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban.

2. Fouché, J.P. & Van Niekerk, R. (2006). Psychobiography: Methodological criticisms, constraints, and strategic considerations. Proceedings of the International Society of Theoretical Psychology Congress, Cape Town.

3. Van Niekerk, R. (1993). Opleiding van nagraadse sielkundestudente (II): Supervisie (Training of post-graduate psychology students (II): Supervision). Proceedings of the 11th Annual Congress of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Durban.

4. Van Niekerk, R., De Villiers, B., & Fontaine, Y-E. (2023). The Making of a Management Mastermind: The Career Development of Peter Drucker. Proceedings of the International Business Conference, 24-27 September, Swakopmund, Namibië.

BOOK REVIEWS

1. Van Niekerk, R. (2001). Personality: Determinants, dynamics, and potentials by G.V. Caprara & D. Cervone. South African Journal of Psychology, 31(3), 58-59.

2. Van Niekerk, R. (2016). Military psychologists as scientists and practitioners. South African Journal of Science, 112(11/12). http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2016/a0182.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

1. Bareira, L, Fouché, J.P., Foxcroft, C.D., & Van Niekerk, R. (2003). The life of Helen Martins, creator of the Owl House: A psychobiographical study. Eighth European Congress of Psychology, Viena, Austria.

2. Fouché, J.P., Fullard, J.P.P., Van Niekerk, R., & Foxcroft, C. (2000). Holistic wellness of an international statesman: A psychobiographical study of General J.C. Smuts. Seventh International Conference of Psychology, Stockholm, Sweden.

3. Fouché, P., Holz, T. & Walker, S., & Van Niekerk, R. (2017). The psychosocial developmental trajectory-method in psychobiography: Application to Roald Dahl. 1st Pan-African Psychology Congress, 18-21 September, International Convention Centre, Durban.

4. Fouché, J.P., Nel, C., & Van Niekerk, R. (2014). The life of Helen Suzman: A psychobiographical study. 21st World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Proferssions, Durban.

5. Fouché, P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2005). Psychobiography: Methodological criticisms, constraints and strategic considerations. International Society for Theoretical Psychology Conference, Cape Town, 20-24 June.

6. Fouché, P. & Van Niekerk, R. (2005). Psychobiography: An interdisciplinary approach between psychology and biography in the narrative reconstruction of personal lives. International Society for Theoretical Psychology Conference, Cape Town, 20-24 June.

7. Fouché, J.P., Van Niekerk, R., Gogo, O. (2012). Brenda Fassie: A psycho-biographical study. 30th International Congress of Psychology, Cape Town.

8. Fouché, P., Van Niekerk, R., & Nel, C. (2017). The Spiritual Wellness of Anti-Apartheid South African Parliamentarian Helen Suzman: A psychobiographical case study. 1st Pan-African Psychology Congress, 18-21 September, International Convention Centre, Durban.

9. Foxcroft, C.D., Bareira, L., Fouché, J.P, & Van Niekerk, R. (2003). The life of Helen Martins, creator of the Owl House: A psychobiographical study. Eighth European Congress of Psychology, Vienna, Austria.

10. Govindjee, K. & Van Niekerk, R. (2024). The contribution of generic coaching to self-leadership. 15th Annual Coaching in Leadership and Healthcare Conference, 3-4 May, Boston, United States.

11. Hanner, L., Van Niekerk, R., & Fourie, H. (2010). The impact of aptitude on success: A study of post graduate accounting students in the Eastern Cape. SAAA International Biennial Conference, 26-28 June, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.

12. Mayer, C.-H. & Van Niekerk, R. (2019). Creativity in the life of two leaders from psychobiographical perspectives : Christiaan Barnard and Angela Merkel. Creativity Conference, 11-14 July, Southern Oregon University, Oregon, USA.

13. Puchert, J., Van Niekerk, R., & Viljoen, K. (2019). Effect of screening phases on apprentice selection. International Business Conference, 22-25 September, Hermanus, South Africa.

14. Ramasamy, K., Hoelson, C. & Van Niekerk, R. (2017). Milton Hyland Erickson: A psychobiographical study. 1st Pan-African Psychology Congress, 18-21 September, International Convention Centre, Durban.

15. Van Niekerk, R. (2016). The role of work in psychological health and well-being. World Psychiatric Association International Congress, Cape Town.

16. Van Niekerk, R., De Villiers, B., & Fontaine, Y-E. (2023). The Making of a Management Mastermind: The Career Development of Peter Drucker. International Business Conference, 24-27 September, Swakopmund, Namibië.

17. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, P. (2019). Pathways to flourishing: The role of personality patterns. New Zealand Psychology Annual Conference, 27-30 August, Rotorua, NZ.

18. Van Niekerk, R. & Prenter, T. (2017). To treat, or not to treat, that is the question... 1st Pan-African Psychology Congress, 18-21 September, International Convention Centre, Durban.

19. Van Niekerk, R. & Prenter, T., & Fouché, P. (2017). The career development of Ahmed Kathrada. 1st Pan-African Psychology Congress, 18-21 September, International Convention Centre, Durban.

20. Van Niekerk, R. & Singh, R. (2019). Psychopathological symptoms: Facilitators or inhibitors. New Zealand Psychology Annual Conference, 27-30 August, Rotorua, NZ.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

1. Astbury, G., Van Niekerk, R., Foxcroft, C.D., Cronje, J.H., & White, S. (1997). The Toronto blessing: A qualitative psychological investigation. Third annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 10-12 September.

2. Bareira, L., Fouché, J.P., Foxcroft, C.D., & Van Niekerk, R. (2003). Helen Martins, creator of the Owl House: A psychobiographical study. Ninth Annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa.

3. Chipumuro, J., Louw, L., & Van Niekerk, R. (2010). The influence of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness. Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Management Sciences (SAIMS), 12-15 September, Mpekweni Beach Resort.

4. De Wit, E. & Van Niekerk, R. (1997). The marital and family life of rehabilitated male substance dependants. Third annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 10-12 September.

5. Foss, L. & Van Niekerk, R. (2006). What draws practitioners to Positive Psychology? South African Conference on Positive Psychology, Potchefstroom, 5-7 April.

6. Fouché, P., Burnell, B., & Van Niekerk, R. (2015). Dr Beyers Naudé, The anti-apartheid theologian: A psychobiographical illustration of faith development. 21st Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

7. Fouché, J.P., Greeff, M., & Van Niekerk, R. (2010). The life of Alan Paton: A psychobiography. 16th Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, 3-6 August, Durban.

8. Fouché, J.P., Louw, D., Naidoo, P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2018). The Great Pretender: A psychohistorical portrait of Freddie Mercury. 24th Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg.

9. Fouché, P., Nel, C., & Van Niekerk, R. (2015). The holistic wellness of Helen Suzman, the Anti-Apartheid South African parlimentarian. 21st Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

10. Fouché, J.P. & Van Niekerk, R. (1997). The wellnes of a politician: The value of wellness theory and psychobiography in uncovering well-being – The case of General Smuts. Third Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban.

11. Fouché, P. & Van Niekerk, R. (2009). The emergence of South African academic psychobiography: The significance of institutionalised life history studies for post-graduate research. 15th Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa. 11-14 August, Cape Town.

12. Fouché, J.P. & Van Niekerk, R. (2010). Reconstructing the lives of exemplary personalities: The value of psychobiographical studies for post-graduate research, supervision, and theory development. INORMS Conference. 13-15 April, Cape Town.

13. Fouché, J.P., Van Niekerk, R., Fullard, J.P.P. & Jurgensen-Fouche, S. (1999). Psychobiography: The alliance between psychology and biography in the uncovering of lives of African personalities. Fifth Annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban.

14. Fouché, J.P., Swart, D., & Van Niekerk, R. (2011). Bram Fischer: A psychobiographical study. 17th Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

15. Fouché, J.P., Welman, C., & Van Niekerk, R. (2010). The life of Emily Hobhouse: A psychobiography. 16th Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, 3-6 August, Durban.

16. Fouché, P., Welman, C., & Van Niekerk, R. (2015). The psychosocial life transitions of an anti-war campaigner: A Levinsonian psychobiography of Emily Hobhouse. 21st Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

17. Gaylard, C., Luiz, D.M., Van Niekerk, R., & Hicks, C. (1996). Self-drawings and stories of abused children. Second annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4-7 September.

18. Goliath, V., Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, P (2002). A survey of primary school teachers’ knowledge, sexual behaviour and perception of AIDS education. Eighth Annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa.

19. Harwood, C. & Van Niekerk, R. (2017). Development and demonstration of authentic leadership in the career of Brand Pretorius. 19th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa, 25-27 July, CSIR, Pretoria.

20. Hicks, C., Van Niekerk, R., & Fullard, J.P.P. (1996). Sources of psychological strength in a disadvantaged township community in Port Elizabeth. Second annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4-7 September.

21. King, B. & Van Niekerk, R. (2016). The man before the mouse: What Walt Disney’s career development can teach us about careers in the post-modern world. 18th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists of South Africa, 18-20 July, CSIR, Pretoria.

22. Morrison, N. & Van Niekerk, R. (2006). The personality of an elite ultra-marathon athlete: A case study of Bruce Fordyce. South African Conference on Positive Psychology, Potchefstroom, 5-7 April.

23. Perry, M., Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, P. (2016). The literary career of Olive Schreiner: An Adlerian psychobiographical case study. 22nd Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Cape Town.

24. Puchert, J., Mahembe, B., Viljoen, K., & Van Niekerk, R. (2019). The proposed confirmation of the reliability and validity of the Trade Aptitude Test Battery. Annual Conference of the Southern African Institute of Management Scientists, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

25. Rossouw, L., Van Niekerk, R., & Shillington, S. (1996). Opleiding van nagraadse sielkundestudente (III): Die rol van biografiese besonderhede en persoonlikheidsveranderlikes tydens keuringsprosedures (Training of post-graduate psychology students (III): The role of biographical details and personality variables during selection procedures). Second annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4-7 September.

26. Slogrove, L., Headley, N., & Van Niekerk, R. (1991). Negatiewe gedagteprosesse by junior sportmanne en –vroue (Negative thought processes in a group of junior athletes). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, 7-9 October.

27. Stroud, L., Fouché, J.P., & Van Niekerk, R. (2004). A psychobiographical study of Mother Teresa. Tenth Annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa.

28. Van Niekerk, R. (1988). Basiese militere opleiding: n Psigososiale ontleding (Basic military training: A psycho-social analysis). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 26-28 September.

29. Van Niekerk,R. (1989). Die rol en funksie van humor in individuele psigoterapie (The role and function of humour in individual psychotherapy). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 18-20 September.

30. Van Niekerk, R. (1989). Weerstand in individuele psigoterapie (Resistance in individual psychotherapy). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 18-20 September.

31. Van Niekerk, R. (1991). Die voorbereiding van pasiente vir sielkundige prosedures (Preparing patients for psychological procedures). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, 7-9 October.

32. Van Niekerk, R. (1992). Die keuring van nagraadse sielkundestudente (The selection of post-graduate psychology students). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 30 September-2 October.

33. Van Niekerk, R. (1993). Opleiding van nagraadse sielkundestudente (II): Supervisie (Training of post-graduate psychology students (II): Supervision). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 22-24 September.

34. Van Niekerk, R. (1997). The professional development of psychologists. Third annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 10-12 September.

35. Van Niekerk, R. (1997). Psychological perspectives on professional development. The 1st Postgraduate Experience Conference: Approach, access, and management. Cape Town, 4-5 December.

36. Van Niekerk, R. (2017). Alignment and responsiveness of Industrial and Organisational Psychology curricula presented at South African universities. 19th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa, 25-27 July, CSIR, Pretoria.

37. Van Niekerk, R. & Foss, L. (2006). The personality resources and psychological strategies utilised by a top-level biathlete: A case study of Alexia Loiziou. South African Conference on Positive Psychology, Potchefstroom, 5-7 April.

38. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, J.P. (1997). Puzzles to portraits: Psychobiographical analyses of historical personalities. Third annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Durban, South Africa, 10-12 September.

39. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, P. (2006). Psychobiographical research in South Africa: 1994-2005. South African Conference on Positive Psychology, Potchefstroom, 5-7 April.

40. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, J.P. (2009). Problem-based learning in an assessment course: A case study. University of the Free State Humanities Faculty Forum (Promoting teaching and learning through innovation, supervision, and research), October, Bloemfontein.

41. Van Niekerk, R., & Fouché, J.P. (2010). Psychobiographical Analyses of Entrepreneurs: [1] The Career Development of Dr Anton Rupert (1916-2006). Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists of South Africa, 29-30 July, Johannesburg.

42. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, P. (2014). Psychobiographical analyses of entrepreneurs [3]: The career development of Raymond Ackerman. Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists of South Africa, 21-23 July, Johannesburg.

43. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, P. (2015). Psychobiographical analyses of entrepreneurs [4]: The career development of Albert Wessels (1908-1991). 17th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists of South Africa, 21-23 July, CSIR, Pretoria.

44. Van Niekerk, R. & Fouché, P. (2015). The career development of André P Brink. 21st Annual Conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

45. Van Niekerk, R. & Luiz, D.M. (1996). The effects of systematic client orientation on dropout rate. Second annual conference of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4-7 September.

46. Van Niekerk, R. & Luiz, D.M. (1996). The effects of systematic client orientation on dropout rate. 9th Annual National Psychiatry Conference, Sun City, South Africa, 1-4 October.

47. Van Niekerk, R. & Ndoro, T. (2013). Psychobiographical Analyses of Entrepreneurs [2]: The personality characteristics of Steve Jobs. 29-31 July, Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychologists of South Africa, 29-30 July, Pretoria.

48. Van Niekerk, R., Van Staden, P., & Yeates, M. (2020). Legalisation of cannabis: The real impact on the workplace (Panel discussion). 22nd Annual Conference (Virtual) of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa, 1-3 December.

49. Van Niekerk, R. & Vorster, J. (2009). Economic responsiveness in organisational psychology curricula. Colloquium on creating sustainable empowering learning environments through scholarship of engagement. 20-21 August, Potchefstroom.

50. Van Niekerk, R., Vorster, J., & Fouché, J.P. (2010). Labour market requirements for IOP graduates [1]: Aligning curricula with job categories that are in demand. SIOPSA Conference, 29-30 July, Johannesburg.

51. Van Niekerk, R., Vorster, J., & Fouché, J.P. (2010). Labour market requirements for IOP graduates [2]: Aligning curricula with key performance areas that are in demand. SIOPSA Conference, 29-30 July, Johannesburg.

52. Van Niekerk, R. & Vos, H. (2007). The career development of Prof Chris Barnard: A psychobiographical analysis. 10th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa, Pretoria, 13-15 June.

53. Van Niekerk, R., Watson, M.B., & Foxcroft, C.D. (1988). Die konstrukgeldigheid van die “Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices” as n maatstaf van intelligensie by Kleurlingskoliere (The construct validity of the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices as a measure of inteligence for Coloured pupils). Annual conference of the Psychological Association of South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 26-28 September.

54. Vos, H. & Van Niekerk, R. (2006). The career development of Prof Chris Barnard: A psychobiographical study. South African Conference on Positive Psychology, Potchefstroom, 5-7 April.

55. Wolmarans, M., Van Niekerk, R., & Fullard, J.P.P. (1996). ‘n Persoonlikheids-analise van substansafhanklikes in n dagbehandelingsentrum (Personality analysis of substance dependents attending a Day Care Rehabilitation Centre). 9th Annual National Psychiatry Conference, Sun City, South Africa, 1-4 October.

SUPERVISION OF MASTER’s DISSERTATIONS/TREATISES

1. Acheson, K.A. (2008). The phenomenological experience of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement (RU).

2. Bareira, L. (2002). The life of Helen Martins, creator of the Owl House: A psychobiographical analysis (UPE).

3. Biggs, I. (2008). Ray Charles: A psychobiographical study (RU).

4. Brunner-Struik, M. (2001). An Afrikaans translation of the NEO PI-R: A pilot study (UPE).

5. Buys, N. (1992). Die bourekenaarsberoep en militere diensplig (Quantity surveying and national military service) (M.Sc. in Quantity Surveying: UPE).

6. De Wit, E. (1996). ‘n Profiel van die huweliks- en gesinslewe van gerehabiliteerde manlike alkoholiste (A profile of the marital and family life of rehabilitated male alcoholics) (UPE).

7. De Jager,F. (2003). The sequelae of concentration camp experiences: A case study (UPE).

8. De Zitter, G. (2006). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for bulimia nervosa (RU).

9. Dladla, A. (2024). The career development of Folorunsho Alakija: A psychobiographical study (NMU).

10. Dube, N. (2012). Negotiating identity in an anonymous virtual environment. (UFH).

11. Edwards, M. (2004). A psychobiographical study of Albert Schweitzer (UPE).

12. Eliastam, L.M. (2012). A psychobiography of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu (UFH).

13. Espinosa, M.J. (2009). Melanie Klein: A psychobiographical study (RU).

14. Foss, L. (2009). Connecting with inner knowledge in preparation for the world of work: A case study illustrating the use of multiple methods in career counselling (RU).

15. Fourie, M. (2020). The leadership style of Ricard Branson: A psychobiography (NMU).

16. Futter, T. (2017). The career dvelopment of Gary Player: A psychobiography (NMU).

17. Gauss, S. (2003). Personality, associated learning style, and academic performance of third year psychology students (UPE).

18. Gaylard, C. (1995). Sexually abused children: A phenomenological exploration (UPE).

19. Goliath, V. (2002). A survey of primary school teachers’ knowledge, sexual behaviour and perception of AIDS education (UPE).

20. Govindjee, K. (2023). The contribution of generic coaching to self-leadership. (NMU).

21. Green, S.J. (2006). Karen Horney: A psychobiographical study (RU).

22. Greyling, C. (2018). The role of empathy in emotionally intelligent leadership: An integrative review (NMU).

23. Harwood, C. (2015). A psychobiographical study of Sybrand Gerhardus (Brand) Pretorius (NMMU).

24. Hicks, C. (1995). Sources of strength in a disadvantaged township community in Port Elizabeth (UPE).

25. Holland, A. (2020). Registered nurses' experiences of trust in the workplace in Eastern Cape hospitals (NMU).

26. Horn, B. (2000). A Xhosa translation of the NEO PI-R: A pilot study (UPE).

27. Kotton, D.A. (2002). Bantu Stephen Biko: A psychobiographical case study. (UPE).

28. Malan, L. (1994). ‘n Fenomenologies-analitiese ondersoek van kinders se selftekeninge en verwante stories (A phenomenological-analytical investigation of children’s self-drawings and related stories) (UPE).

29. McLaggan, E. (1999). The families-of-origin of house mothers working at SOS Villages (UPE).

30. Mitchell, D. (2014). A psychobiography of Helen Martins (RU).

31. Morrison, N. (2004). The personality of an elite ultramarathon athlete: A case study of Bruce Fordyce (UPE).

32. Ndoro, T. (2009). Stigma towards Tuberculosis (TB) within the Eastern Cape (RU).

33. Ndoro, T. (2013). A psychobiography of Steve Jobs (RU – MBA).

34. Ngcobo, M. (1999). Social support, stress and health in the nursing profession (UPE).

35. Ngcobo, Q. (2018). Noel Chabani Manganyi: A psychobiography. (NMU).

36. Ntozini, A.N. (2012). Perceptions of AmaXhosa homosexual men concerning ‘ulwaluko’ (male circumcision) (UFH).

37. Oakes, E.J. (2003). Personality traits of patients participating in a group psychotherapeutic programme at a private psychiatric Day Clinic (UPE).

38. Oosthuysen, Y. (2018). The posttraumatic growth of Oprah Winfrey: A psychobiography (NMU).

39. Padmanabhanunni, A (2006). Application of attachment theory to the treatment of an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse (RU).

40. Perils, C.M. (2018). A psychobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. (NMU).

41. Perry, M. (1995). An examination of client and therapist dynamics in a cross-cultural case study (UPE).

42. Prenter, T. (2015). A psychobiography of Charlize Theron (RU).

43. Roets, E. (2015). A psychobiography of Marie Curie (RU).

44. Roets, M. (2010). Vader Frans Martin Claerhout: ‘n Psigobiografiese studie (UFS).

45. Rossouw, L. (1995). Biografiese besonderhede en persoonlikheidstrekke van kandidate vir professionele psiologie-opleiding (Biographical details and personality traits of candidates for professional psychology training) (UPE).

46. Ruiters, J. (2014). A psychobiography of Michael Jackson (RU).

47. Sakonda, A. (2020). A psychobiography of Dr Strive Masiyiwa (NMU).

48. Siga, T. (2019). A psychobiography of Oliver Tambo (NMU).

49. Simpson, S. (2016). The performance of South African pilots on cognitive ability assessments (NMMU).

50. Singh, R. (2017). Self-esteem and traumatic stress severity in individuals form individualists and collectivists perspectives (NMU).

51. Smuts, C. (2009). A psychobiographical study of Isie Smuts (NMMU).

52. Spicer, M. (2002). Biographical variables, personality traits, and personality types in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (NMMU).

53. Spies, T. (2025). Appreciative inquiry as a change management intervention at a South African university sport office (NMU).

54. Swart, D. (2010). Bram Fischer: A psychobiographical study (UFS).

55. Van den Bergh, T. (2012). The role of repetitive thought in the relationship between perceived stress and negative emotion (UFS).

56. Van der Spuy, I. (1995). Psychotherapy with a borderline patient: An object-relations perspective (UPE).

57. Van Staden D. (2017). The personal development of Steve Jobs: A psychobiographical study (NMU).

58. Van Zijl, T. (2001). A South Sotho translation of the NEO PI-R: A pilot study (UPE).

59. Vorster, T. (2003). The life of Balthazar Johannes Vorster: A psychobiographical analysis (UPE).

60. Wannenburg, N. (2014). A psychobiography of Antwone Fischer (RU).

61. Warmenhoven A. (2004). The life of Wessel Johannes (Hansie) Cronje: A psychobiographical analysis (UPE).

62. Watson, D.G.T. (1993). Separation and individuation from the mother in a male borderline patient: An object-relations perspective (UPE).

63. Welman, C. (2010). The life of Emily Hobhouse: A psychobiographical study (UFS).

64. Wolmarans, M. (1994). ‘n Persoonlikheidsanalise van alkoholiste in ‘n Dagbehandelingsentrum (A personality analysis of alcoholics attending a Day Care Rehabilitation Centre) (UPE).

SUPERVISION OF DOCTORAL THESES

1. Botes, V. (2022). Lawrence Kohlberg: A psychobiography (NMU).

2. Bushkin, H. (2020). A psychobiography of Viktor Frankl (NMU).

3. Burnell, B. (2013). A psychobiography of Beyers Naudé (UFS).

4. Chipumuro, J. (2015). The influence of emotional intelligence (EI) on leadership effectiveness (RU - Management).

5. Delport, J (In process). A psychobiography of George Bizos (UFH).

6. Erasmus, W. (In process). A psychobiography of Willem Petrus (Willie) Esterhuyse (NMU).

7. Fouché, J.P. (1999). The life of Jan Christiaan Smuts: A psychobiographical study (UPE).

8. Hanner, L. (2020). Profiling of Post Graduate Accounting Students (NMU –Accounting).

9. Henning, R. (2010). Psigiobiografiese persoonlikheidsbeskrywing van Generaal Christiaan de Wet (RU).

10. Holloway, Y. (2026). The infertility-career juggle: An interpretative phenomenological analysis (NMU).

11. Knight, M. (2021). A contextual analysis of the role of emotional intelligence in managing the challenges associated with nursing leadership (NMU).

12. Mitchell, G. (2021). The use of psychology in Roman Catholic Seminary admissions in Southern Africa (NMU).

13. Nel, C. (2013). A psychobiography of Helen Suzman (UFS).

14. Perry, M. (2012). The life of Olive Schreiner: A psychobiographical; study (UFS).

15. Puchert, J. (2019). The development of a profiling and selection model for artisans in the South African automotive industry (NMU).

16. Ramasamy, K. (2018). Milton Hyland Erickson: A psychobiography (NMU).

17. Singh, R. (2025). The career development of Walt Disney: A psychobiography (NMU).

18. Stroud, L. (2004). The life of Mother Theresa: A psychobiographical study (UPE).

19. Wannenburg, N. (2016). Temple Grandin: A psychobiographical study (RU).

20. Warmenhoven, A. (2006). The emotional intelligence of “Hansie” Cronje: A psychobiographical study (RU).