Prof. Nicolette Roman (Social Work)

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https://hdl.handle.net/10566/2398

Professor Nicolette Roman

Faculty: Faculty Community and Health Sciences Qualifications: PhD (Psych), MACFS (Cum Laude) My publications in this repository ORICD iD 0000-0002-5656-5348 HPCSA Registration no:PMT 0066753 More about me: here Tel: +27219592970/2277 Fax: +27219592845 Email: nroman@uwc.ac.za

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Body image satisfaction among a sample of black female South African students
(Society for Personality Research (Inc.), 2009) Mwaba, Kelvin; Roman, Nicolette V.
Numerous research studies have established a strong relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. As more and more young people in South Africa embrace Western values, the aspiration to attain the Western body ideal of beauty may be putting some women at risk of developing eating disorders. This study focused on body image satisfaction among a sample of 150 black South African female university students. Data were collected using a revised Body Shape Questionnaire (Cooper, Taylor, Cooper, & Fairburn, 1987). The results showed the majority of the women were satisfied with their body image. However, there was a minority who engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Maternal parenting in single and two-parent families in South Africa from a child's perspective
(Society for Personality Research (Inc.), 2011) Roman, Nicolette V.
Single mothers are often perceived and depicted as being ineffective parents in comparison to their married counterparts, but this may not always be the case. A sample consisting of 245 children (72% in married mother families and 28% in single mother families) between 10 and 12 years (M = 11) including 64% females and 36% males participated in the study. The aim in this study was to compare children’s perceptions of their mothers’ parenting within single and married families. The results indicate that mothers were perceived as using more autonomy-supportive than psychologically controlling parenting practices. There were no significant differences between children’s perceptions of maternal parenting in single and married families.
Young South African adults perceptions of parent psychological control and antisocial behaviour
(Society for Personality Research (Inc.), 2012) Roman, Nicolette V.; Human, Anja; Hiss, Donavon
We extended prior research by investigating perceptions of parental psychological control as a contributor to young adults’ antisocial behavior in a sample of 382 South African university students aged between 18 and 25 years. Barber’s (1996) measure of parental psychological control and the Youth Self-Report (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1987) questionnaires were administered for data collection. A positive relationship was found between parental psychological control and the antisocial behavior of young adults. Additionally, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggest that maternal psychological control, compared to paternal psychological control, was a stronger predictor of antisocial behavior.
Preadolescent psychological well-being: determining the association with maternal psychological control and family environment
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Roman, Nicolette V.
Background: Methods: Results: Conclusion: Keywords: The family and parents could either provide protective factors or initiate vulnerability for children who are exposed to a high-risk environment such as crime in a community. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between maternal psychological control, family environment (cohesion and conflict) and the psychological well-being (self-esteem and satisfactionwith life) of preadolescents. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlational design was used to obtain self-reported data from 412 preadolescents. The mean age of participants was 11 years with themajority being female (60%) in Grade 5. The Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used to assess the psychological well-being of preadolescents, the Parent Psychological Control Questionnaire for psychologically controlling parenting practices and the Family Environment Scale for family functioning. The results suggest that scores were relatively high on both self-esteem and satisfaction with life. Mothers were not perceived as applying strong psychologically controlling parenting practices. Families were perceived as being more cohesive and had less conflict. Regression analysis results show that the combination of family environment and maternal psychological control accounted for 22% of the variance in self-esteem and 12% of the variance in satisfactionwith life. The findings provide an understanding of how enhancing and hindering environments could predict psychological well-being of children. Interventions for parents should include a broad family-based perspective so as to show parents the implications of their choice of parenting on child well-being.
A descriptive study of the perceptions and behaviours of waterpipe use by university students in the Western Cape, South Africa
(BioMed Central, 2013) Daniels, Karin E.; Roman, Nicolette V.
Background: Waterpipe smoking started as a cultural phenomenon but has become a social phenomenon. Hookah cafes are an increasingly popular venue for socializing. Studies suggest that waterpipe users perceive smoking the waterpipe as less addictive and harmful than cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs, and associated behaviours, regarding the health-risk of smoking the waterpipe. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of first year students at a historically black university in the Western Cape, South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed from the College Health Behaviour Survey. The final sample was 389 university students, 64% (250) females and 36% (139) males. The sample had a mean age of 22.2 years (SD = 5.04). Results: Waterpipe users perceived the health risks of smoking the waterpipe to be exaggerated (48%) and less addictive (58%) than non-users (13% and 17%, p<.001). Additionally, the findings confirm that waterpipe smoking is conducted in a social setting (61%). This social setting included smoking on campus (28%), in the family home (11%), at a party (9%), at a friend’s place (6%) and in a restaurant (1%). Of concern was the majority of users smoked the waterpipe on a daily basis (70%) and that the tobacco mix was easily available (90%). The most common self-reported reason for smoking the waterpipe was for relaxation. Conclusion: As with previous studies, the results of this study confirm the false perception that smoking the waterpipe is not a health risk and is socially acceptable. Additionally, the findings of the study raise concerns and an awareness of smoking the waterpipe in the family home and implications for children. The results of this study provide important information for tobacco control and substance abuse policies in South Africa. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the extent of waterpipe smoking at other universities in South Africa.
Does family structure matter? comparing the life goals and aspirations of learners in secondary schools
(Education Association of South Africa, 2013) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.
The aim of this study was to compare the goals and aspirations of learners from single- and two-parent families. The study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative group design. The sample consisted of 853 Grade 11 learners from secondary schools in the Northern, Southern and Metro Central education districts in the Western Cape. The data were collected using the Aspirations Index and a short biographical questionnaire. The results suggest that there was a significant main effect of family structure on certain goals and aspirations of learners in secondary schools. These goals and aspirations included wealth, image, personal growth, relationships, and health. Furthermore, learners in single-parent families placed more emphasis on intrinsic goals.
The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the family: a systematic review of the implications for adolescents in Africa
(Oxford University Press., 2013) Roman, Nicolette V.; Frantz, Jose M.
Background. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and its multiple effects are well documented in Western research, but these are not adequately described in Africa. The effects of IPV on adolescent health and well-being are not conclusive. Objective. The aim of this review was to systematically appraise prevalence studies conducted on the African continent to establish the prevalence of IPV and the implications of exposure on adolescents in Africa. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted in May 2012 for the previous 10 years, using databases such as Ebscohost (Medline, CINAHL, PsyArticles), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Project Muse and BioMed Central and also specific journals Lancet, and JSTOR. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of the studies reviewed. Results. Seven eligible epidemiological studies were included in this review. Five of the studies were conducted in South Africa, one in Liberia, and another was a multi-country study that included Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia. The prevalence of IPV in African countries ranged from approximately 26.5% to 48%. All studies reported exposure to family violence during childhood. Conclusion. The findings support the global burden of IPV. There is also a need for standardized tools to determine IPV in Africa and a clear definition that can be used in research to allow comparison with future IPV studies. In addition, the studies point to a need for interventions focusing on adolescents exposed to family violence.
Research capacity development in a South African higher education institution through a north-south collaboration
(Unisa Press, 2014) Frantz, Jose M.; Leach, Lloyd; Pharaoh, Hamilton; Bassett, Susan; Roman, Nicolette V.; Smith, M.R.; Travill, Andre L.
One of the constraints that prevent higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries from engaging in effective and essential research is a lack of research capacity. This study reports on a north-south collaboration between a group of Flemish universities and an HEI in South Africa with the specific goal of improving productivity, quality and capacity amongst researchers. A collaborative project with multiple subprojects was established in 2003, and extended over two consecutive five-year phases. Document analysis was conducted of annual reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, curriculum vitae of participating members, and progress reports of students and supervisors during this time. The findings of the study illustrate the extent to which research capacity objectives can be achieved through a north-south partnership. Members of the collaboration were able to develop intra- and inter-disciplinary partnerships that resulted in maximising the capacity- building efforts, enhancing both individual and institutional research --capacity--.
The effect of family functioning and basic need satisfaction on decision-making styles of adolescents: a rural South African sample
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Roman, Nicolette V.
Families are complex and diverse, but essentially are the cornerstone of society. There is very limited research regarding the role family functioning and basic psychological needs play in the decision-making styles of adolescents. This is the first known study to be conducted with these variables within a rural community. This study therefore aims to examine the relationship between the variables under study.
A generational exploration of coloured identity in post-apartheid South Africa: marching towards a new personhood
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Roman, Nicolette V.
During the early history of South Africa, in what would become the Western Cape province, Europeans (from Dutch, German, French, and Portuguese) mixed racially and culturally with Cape slaves (from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique) and the indigenous Black (Khoisan) population; the resultant multiracial/multicultural group was the Cape Coloureds. With the dismantling of apartheid, South Africa’s core cultural framework and hierarchy shifted, and concurrently, so too did society’s understanding of racial and cultural identities. Issues of group membership, race and identity have become more personal affairs and less driven by state policies and rhetoric. The study examines the impact of these changes, focus groups with two generations of Coloured South Africans (aged 20 – 67) were conducted. Questions focused on race, racial identity, and their perceptions of Coloured identity in the post-Apartheid era.
Perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence: The risk for adult revictimisation
(UNISA, 2015) Ryan, Jill; Rich, Edna; Roman, Nicolette V.
The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being females and perpetrators being males. Often females who experienced domestic violence had been previously exposed to family violence during childhood. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor for revictimisation in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional correlation design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters across Cape Town, Western Cape. The study employed an adapted version of the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence (CEDV) Scale. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, namely demographic details, types of exposure to domestic violence the adult may have experienced as a child, and current adult experiences of domestic violence. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V21 (SPSS). Results suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between past perceived experiences of domestic violence and present perceived experiences of domestic violence. Limitations and recommendations are stipulated for proposed intervention strategies and further study expansion on this topic.
Political socialization of the youth: an examination of the family as an agency for youth citizenship in South Africa
(NOVA Science, 2015) Roman, Nicolette V.; Esau, M.V.
This study examined the role of the family in the political socialization of the youth. Two hundred and seventy-five (275) youth completed the self-administered questionnaire that was adapted from the Afrobarometer Round 4. The results show that significant positive relationships between parent-adolescent communication and family active citizenship, youth active citizenship and political attitudes of the youth exist. Family active citizenship was also significantly positively related to active citizenship. Two separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Model 1 predicted active citizenship of youth with the final model accounting for 11% of the variance for youth active citizenship. In Model 2, using political attitudes as the predictor, the final model accounted for 26% of the variance of political attitudes of youth.
Experiences of adolescents who lost a parent to aids in the Western Cape, South Africa: a qualitative study
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Somsetsu,; Erasmus, Charlene; Lukelelo, Nomvuyo; Roman, Nicolette V.
BACKGROUND: AIDS related deaths of parents have resulted in large numbers of children being orphaned. Adolescence, a particularly vulnerable period in a child's developmental life is characterised by uncertainties, role confusion and identity crises. This stage becomes even more complex when adolescents lose their parents through AIDS. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of adolescents who have lost their parents through AIDS. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 adolescents between 14-17 years old who had lost a parent to AIDS. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed. RESULTS: Some of these adolescents had to grow up quickly, so as to engage in parental roles before they were of appropriate age. The participants had to endure multiple stresses. The maternal grandparents were seen as the most suitable support compared to the paternal grandparents. CONCLUSIONS: When placing these children into foster care it is important to consider close relatives or members of the community that these children are familiar with. Trauma counselling should be afforded to adolescents who lost their parents due to AIDS. Interventions are urgently needed that are suitable to the local context and that address bereavement as well as other issues that affect the day-to-day lives of these adolescents. Additional studies are needed to identify factors that promote resilience among these adolescents and the role of paternal family in caring for adolescent orphans.
Relationship between student preparedness, learning experiences and agency: Perspectives from a South African university
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2016) Roman, Nicolette V.; Titus, Simone; Dison, Arona
One of the more discernible needs that challenges universities is addressing the level of preparedness of students entering the higher education environment. Students expect to participate in active learning, while at the same time adopting a certain level of agency to successfully pass through higher education. To determine the relationship between student preparedness, learning experiences and agency of students in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (FCHS), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town, South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 266 (N=578) convenience sampled 3rd-year students in the FCHS. Data were collected with an instrument constructed from items of evaluation from the departments in the FCHS and other validated instruments. Findings suggest that 3rd-year students perceive themselves as moderately prepared on enrolling at UWC (mean (SD) 13.74 (1.86)); current learning experiences are favourably indicated (94.04 (15.32)). On average, students perceive themselves to be agents of their own learning (51.56 (8.79)). Furthermore, a significantly positive relationship was found between learning experiences and agency. This study broadens our understanding of the Vygotskian perspective of the zone of proximal development, where students bring their own knowledge, interact with lecturers who scaffold their learning, and then become agents in their own learning.
How well are families doing? A description of family well-being in South Africa
(Chinese General Practice Press, 2016) Roman, Nicolette V.; Isaacs, Serena; Davids, Charl; Sui, Xin-Cheng
BACKGROUND: As a result of South Africa's unique socio-political history and diverse cultures, the South African family is neither simple to describe nor easy to understand. The new family policy strives to strengthen South African families but the research on family well-being is very limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the wellbeing of a sample of families from low socioeconomic communities in the Western Cape South Africa in terms of family resilience, family satisfaction, parenting styles, family structure and family functioning. METHODS: The study utilised a descriptive survey design and sampled 358 adult family members. RESULTS: The results indicate that although family functioning is challenged, parents are perceived to be utilising an authoritative parenting style and having a father present enhances family satisfaction. The results also describe families as displaying low to average levels of family resilience. CONCLUSION: This study provides a descriptive study of a sample of families in the Western Cape, South Africa. Overall the families in this study are not doing very well. The implications and significance of these findings are further explained.
Association between knowledge of child development and parenting: a systematic review
(Bentham Open, 2016) September, Shiron; Rich, Edna; Roman, Nicolette V.
BACKGROUND: Parents who understand early child development are better informed on how to respond to children’s needs. They are also in a better position to identify developmental delays as opposed to a parent with less knowledge of child development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review was to systematically appraise quantitative studies to establish the association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. METHODS: A comprehensive search, through databases namely: Ebscohost (Academic search complete, Africa-Wide information, PsychArticles, SocIndex, Cinahl), JStor, Sciencedirect, Springerlink, Pubmed and Sage was conducted in August 2014 for the previous 12 years. The methodological quality of the studies were independently evaluated and reviewed by two reviewers. RESULTS: The findings indicate that there is an association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. While there is an association it may be more of a moderating factor. CONCLUSION: Future studies may benefit from using other forms of assessment in con-junction with self report assessments.
Perceptions of parenting styles in South Africa: The effects of gender and ethnicity
(Cogent OA, 2016) Roman, Nicolette V.; Makwakwa, Thembakazi; Lacante, Marlies
Parenting style is an area of research which is emerging in South Africa. Previous research notes significant differences between ethnic groups in terms of parenting. In a country as diverse as South Africa, which has also evolved from an era of separatism and segregation, comparing parenting styles across ethnic groups is an interesting topic. This is a comparative study using a cross-sectional design. The Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire was used to collect the data. The final sample consisted of 746 participants with a mean age of 20.48 (SD = 1.96) years; 36% males and 64% females. The results found maternal authoritative parenting style to be the most prevalent across and within groups, but there were also significant differences between and within groups. Fathers’ parenting style was perceived as significantly different in three ethnic groups, but mothers’ parenting styles were not perceived as significantly different.
Challenges faced by unaccompanied minor-refugees in South Africa
(Stellenbosch University, 2016) Magqibelo, Lungile; September, Shiron; Roman, Nicolette V.; Londt, Marcel P.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of unaccompanied minor-refugees from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Ten (10) participants, from a shelter in Limpopo Province, were selected using Purposive sampling. Five childcare workers also participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the minors and a focus group with the childcare workers to collect the data. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that services by statutory social workers were limited, compared to services by social workers employed in non-governmental organisations. The results highlighted the vulnerability to exploitation and a sense of hopelessness that refugee children experience in South Africa
An application of intervention mapping as a phased approach in developing a family-centred programme to reduce violence in the family
(Bentham Open, 2017) Ryan, Jill; Roman, Nicolette V.
AIM: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family. METHODS: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study. RESULTS: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process. CONCLUSION: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
The link between parenting approaches and health behavior: a systematic review
(Routledge, 2017) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Leach, Lloyd
The familial home environment, where parenting takes place, plays an important role in the health behaviors that children and adolescents engage in and has implications on health and well-being in later life. Lifestyle-related behaviors predispose children and adolescents to the global burden of non-communicable and other lifestyle-related diseases. This review therefore examined and described previous studies looking at the associations between health behaviors and parenting approaches. It suggests that engagement in health behaviors, which promotes overall health and well-being, was associated with autonomy, supportive parenting, parental encouragement, behavior control, parental nurturance, warmth and responsiveness, and parental involvement. The review highlights the gap in literature focusing on the health behavior of children and adolescents as well as on parenting. In addition, the review also provides an overview of the continents where fewer studies have examined the presented associations. The findings presented also serve as a guide for program development and implementation to address the increase in non-communicable and other lifestyle-related diseases.

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