Magister Artium - MA (Psychology)

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A qualitative exploration of the dimensions of family resilience in a rural community on the West Coast
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Twigg, Jennifer; Florence, Maria; Isaacs, Serena
Historically, families living in disenfranchised communities were viewed as being dysfunctional. This view led to the perpetuation of the challenges and adverse situations faced by these families. It is important to view the family holistically rather than just to focus on the risk factors and/or the dysfunctional nature of the family. This study endeavoured to explore how the family functions and copes with the challenges they face. The aim of the study was to qualitatively explore the dimensions of family resilience as perceived by families in a rural community on the West Coast, South Africa. Family resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework for the research study. Three family resilience dimensions were explored. These dimensions are family belief systems, family organisation and resources, and family communication patterns. Participants were selected by means of nonprobability sampling. The local NGO in collaboration with the researcher identified the participants. The participants were homogenous in terms of being parents who participated in a parent support programme and were from the same community. Six semi-structured, oneon- one interviews were conducted as the data collection method. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, in congruence with the theoretical framework. These themes were the family's belief system, their organisational patterns when faced with adversity, as well as the communication patterns of the family. The participants all reported that their strong sense of faith was used as coping mechanisms through their adversities. They had varying reports on how their family organised themselves and how they communicated. Some participants reported that living in a small community could at times be challenging, especially when sharing adversities as they feared community gossip, which then acted as a barrier to seeking help. The researcher adhered to the ethics requirements of the study in terms of confidentiality, provided the participants with informed consent forms and informed them of their rights as participants. Participants were free to discontinue the research process at any point without prejudice.
A scoping review of male victims of intimate partner violence: a social constructionist analysis
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Julies, Robin
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is regarded as a global public health issue. Amidst a global COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of IPV increased dramatically and has been labelled as a pandemic within itself. While a great deal of work has been done focusing on IPV, the extent of work focusing on men’s experiences and help-seeking behaviours as victims of IPV are limited. Typically, men are viewed and view themselves in specific contexts which are informed by their socialisation. This perception influences how men behave, process life - including crises and responses to said crises. This study aimed to determine the scope of knowledge that exists and identifies the extent of IPV where males are the victims and how social constructions of masculinity are reflected in peer reviewed literature around helpseeking behaviour of male victims of IPV. A scoping review methodology was used to address the aim of the study utilising the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley for scoping reviews as well as the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. The UWC library system was accessed: The Ebscohost meta-database was used, and the following databases were selected; Academic Search Complete; APA PsycArticles; ERIC; SAGE journals as well as Taylor and Francis online journals. Additionally, unpublished dissertations also available on the UWC research repository were searched and reviewed for inclusion.
A scoping review of the trauma interventions for children in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Lukic, Hannah; Isaacs, Serena
For many South African children, exposure to many traumatic events and experiences, such as maltreatment, physical and sexual abuse, and community violence, is commonplace in their daily lives. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research that explores the nuances of the South African trauma landscape, as well as the interventions which are implemented to address it. This scoping review aimed to address both gaps by providing an outline of the unique characteristics of childhood trauma in South Africa and a synthesis of the interventions implemented to date. The search terms that were utilised to do so, were: trauma AND intervention OR treatment OR therapy OR “randomised controlled trial” AND child OR adolescent OR teenager OR youth AND “South Africa” OR “South African”. The electronic databases consulted for this review were EBSCOhost Web (Academic Search Complete, APA PsychArticles, CINHL Plus with Full Text, ERIC, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition and MEDLINE) and PubMed. This search yielded 2165 outputs, of which 19 were included in this review and subject to quantitative and narrative analysis. This study found that three distinct descriptors were used to describe childhood trauma in South Africa, namely: an exceptionally high prevalence of trauma, poly-victimisation and the inherently ongoing nature of trauma exposure. Each of these presented unique complexities for treatment. Of the interventions reviewed in this study, art and play therapies emerged as the most commonly utilised treatment approach, followed by trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). While this study provides an overview of existing South African literature, it also aims to encourage future research in this field by highlighting its scarcity.
A systematic review of digital mental health interventions for students during the COVID-19 pandemic
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Kader, Zainab; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Students are vulnerable to mental health conditions, due to the pressures associated with tertiary learning. Disruptions in the academic processes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic added to the pressure, which raised concern for students’ mental health, and the development of digital interventions to address their needs. Several digital interventions have come into existence, since the onset of the pandemic in 2019. Therefore, this current study was aimed at systematically reviewing existing digital mental health interventions for students during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a RE-AIM Framework, to evaluate their properties, and determine their efficacy. Consequently, the researcher employed a systematic review methodology to identify English, peer reviewed studies, published between January 2020 and April 2023, and focused on digital mental health interventions for students during the COVID 19 pandemic. Seven databases were accessed, namely, (1) Academic Search Complete, (2) Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, (3) Medline, (4) APA PsycArticles, (5) SosIndex with full text, (6) Sabinet and (7) PubMed. The following three levels of review were utilised to determine relevance and inclusion: (1) title screening; (2) abstract screening; and (3) full texts screening. Full text articles were critically appraised, using the RE-AIM appraisal tool. Eleven studies were deemed eligible for this current study.
A systematic review of recent interventions for women who misuse alcohol
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Samuels, Michelle; Munnik, Erica
The use and misuse of alcohol among women has become a major public health concern globally. Interventions that assist women to overcome the various challenges they face, is therefore of vital importance. A systematic review methodology was used that drew on quantitative studies. Filtration was done in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, combining title and abstract searches through identified University of the Western Cape library databases such as ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES (Ebscohost), SA ePublications (Sabinet) Academic Search Complete, MasterFILE Premier, SocINDEX, MEDLINE, and PubMed. Title searches resulted in the identification of 247 articles based on the combination of keywords. Among these, 26 articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria and were included for abstract review. During the screening phase, 19 articles were excluded. Subsequently, seven articles were deemed eligible to proceed to the appraisal phase using the Smith, Franciscus, Swartbooi (SFS) critical appraisal tool designed for intervention studies. All articles successfully achieved a threshold score of 61%, allowing them to progress to the summation phase. Summation was done by means of narrative synthesis; synthesising information extracted from the primary studies make for relevant, meaningful contributions that extend beyond the original study. All ethical principles pertaining to systematic reviews were adhered to.
Adherence to anti-retroviral treatment: Perceptions of challenges and experiences among people living with aids
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) SaIi, Lungelo; Mwaba, S
New antiretroviral therapy has given hope to HIV-infected people, but the medication requires strict optimal adherence if suppression of HIV is to be maintained. Successful long-term treatment of HIV/AIDS requires at least 95o/o adherence to ARV medication in order to prevent emergence of drug-resistant HIV variants that lead to regimen failure and limit options of future therapy. Barriers to successful adherence to medication include patient-related, provider-related, regimen-related, disease-related, and systems related factors. This study focused on the understanding of participants' perceptions of challenges and solution to adherence to antiretroviral medication. In-depth interviews, using semi-structured schedules, were conducted with 10 HIV positive males and females between 18 and 30 years old, and on ARV treatment at a clinic in Crossroads. From the qualitative data, study deracinated a number of patients' perceptions of challenges and experiences they face in their battle with HIV/AIDS. These include patients' self-efficacy to take doses as prescribed, beliefs about taking medication, knowledge about HIV, counselling and education, denial, lack of food and hunger, stigma, perceived social support, side-effects, patient satisfaction, privacy and confidentiality, the challenge of alcohol, depression, and relation to health providers. The findings of the study indicate that effective adherence to medication requires long-term commitment and easy access to medication and HIV/AIDS education programmes to minimize the stigma of the disease. An important implication of the study is that programmes that identify and address barriers to adherence should be aligned with professionals who provide clinical care. The study further recommends that a longitudinal study that tracks adherence for some time, together with evaluations should be performed to identify lapses in adherence, treatment failure, non-adherence, and reduced quality of life for HIV positive people.
Adolescents' perceptions and attitudes about violence on television
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Taylor, Ashley; Ahmed, Rashid
The idea that television contributes to aggressive behaviour, and the argument that violence on television on may instigate aggressive behaviour, has been a heavily debated issue for many years. Most of the research done however , has been done in the area of the role that television violence has on influencing behaviour, rather than on how people who the behaviour is impacting on, perceive the violence television. The aim of this study was to look at perceptions and attitudes adolescents have towards the violence that they exposed to on television. The present research aimed to find out what adolescents regarded as violence' what their attitudes, perceptions and knowledge was surrounding violence on television, whether they thought that television violence affected their interpersonal behaviour, and what solutions and strategies they imagined would be successful in combating violent behaviour. This study was done with a convenient sample comprising 25 adolescents who took part in four focus groups comprising 8 participants in 2 groups 9 in 1 group' and 7 in the other group. The participants were provided with a vignette depicting a violent incident and discussion was facilitated around what their perceptions were with regards to the vignette and televised violence. The data was then analysed through a process of thematic content analysis to identify the themes that gave an understanding of the participants belief television violence and perceptions with regards to television violence. Several possibilities emerged as explanations for the perceived limited effect television violence had on adolescents among, these being their ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality. The other primary reason that participants gave for the limited effect that television violence had on them was the fact that they were exposed to violence in their Iives on a daily basis, and that this has minimised the effect that television violence has furthermore the findings revealed that they saw violence as being primarily physical and that the main solution for them was individual responsibility and how the person perceives and interprets what they see. The main reason violence was seen as being primarily physical seemed to be the "graphicness" of violence that participants could see as opposed to more 'abstract' emotional or psychological violence which they could not see. To counteract violence, participants felt that the main solution lies in the individual taking responsibility foe his /her actions.
An exploration of the experiences of parents with an adolescent child diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD): a family resilience perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Murray, Jordynne
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, with high prevalence between early- and mid-adolescence. A diagnosis during this phase can have a profound effect on the family system with which the adolescent belongs. Using Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework (FRF), this study explored the subjective experiences of parents of adolescents who have/have had a formal diagnosis of MDD, and identified potential risk and resilience factors that these families may possess. The research study employed an exploratory research design, using a reflexive thematic analysis model and a qualitative data management software, Atlas.ti. The study recruited participants by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods, specifically via an advertisement posted on social media platforms and groups geared towards parenting. A total of five parents participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in-person at a place private and convenient for participants. Prior to participating, participants were provided with an information sheet and consent form detailing their right to withdrawal, confidentiality, and anonymity as well as information pertaining to the nature, potential risks and benefits of participation. The analysis proved consistent with the interconnected and interactive dimensions outlined in Walsh’s (2012, 2016b) FRF. Shared, adaptive beliefs regarding MDD and its management were identified as a prominent protective factor, along with marital and social support, flexible organisational patterns, as well as clear communication as it pertains to boundaries and expectations regarding suicidality.
An exploration of the factors that influence seeking treatment from the perspective of Muslim women who have experienced postpartum depression
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Holland, Nuhaa
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Women often receive the support they require only once they are able to seek treatment. However, they may be reluctant to seek the required treatment owing to cultural or religious concerns. Research has proven that there is a gap in studies of mental health in Muslim communities among women. This study aimed to explore Muslim women’s accounts of the factors that influenced them to seek treatment while struggling with symptoms of PPD. This exploratory study employed a qualitative research framework using individual, semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited by means of both purposive and snowball sampling methods. Interviews were conducted through the online video platform, Google Meet. The study followed the ethics guidelines as specified by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) and received ethics approval and registration. All participants were informed of the nature of the study as well as their rights as participants within a research study. The study made use of thematic analysis in order to analyse the data and ATLAS ti.23 data management software was used in the process. The analysis revealed four main themes: Understandings of and experiences living with PPD; Family members perceptions and understandings of Muslim women diagnosed with PPD; Contextual factors that impacted Muslim women living with PPD; and, Mothers’ recommendations for others who live with PPD. Seeking treatment was influenced by many factors specific to the mother’s culture, background, and circumstances. Some of the factors inhibited Muslim women’s decisions to seek treatment, some contributed positively toward seeking treatment while some factors both inhibited and facilitated their decisions to seek treatment. This study adds to the limited research on factors that impacts Muslim women’s ability to seek to treatment.
An exploration of the relationship between resilience, perceived stress, and attachment of undergraduate students at a university in the Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Nkuna, Munene
Perceived stress is associated with various factors that can exceed one’s resources to cope or manage stress. This can result in negative health outcomes and risky behaviours. The transition to university can be considered stressful and demanding, especially for undergraduate students. Research shows that undergraduate students are the most vulnerable to experiencing perceived stress due to adjusting to a new academic environment, experiencing additional freedom and associated risk factors, financial challenges, and exposure to trauma. Stressful events and adversity may impede an individual’s ability to develop positive outcomes and overcome challenges while remaining resilient. Adult attachment places a strong emphasis on social support systems and the development of healthy relationships as a protective factor against perceived stress and to enhance resilience. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived stress, resilience, and attachment of undergraduate students at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. Specifically, the study aimed to determine whether attachment styles mediated the relationship between resilience and perceived stress among undergraduate students. The Positive Psychology framework was used as a theoretical framework to guide the study. A cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the aim and objectives of the study. The researcher obtained ethics clearance from the Humanities and Social Sciences Ethics Committee and permission to access students from the university’s Registrar’s office. The researcher ensured that informed consent is obtained from the participants before the commencement of the study. The study employed a non-probability convenience sampling to select research participants. The study utilised self-administered questionnaires, sent to participants via Google Forms. A total number of 256 undergraduate students participated in this study.
An exploratory investigation into fathers' perspectives of school readiness
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Meyburgh, Celeste; Munnik, Erica
In recent years, the global focus on Early Child Development (ECD) has delivered mounting evidence of it being one of the most rewarding areas of investment a country can make. A central outcome of quality ECD is to provide sufficient support to enable a child to arrive at Grade 1 ready to learn. Environmental factors impacting on child development and school readiness have thus been under increasing scrutiny. Although studies have delivered evidence of fathers' unique contribution to ECD, fathers' impact on a child's school readiness is often overlooked. The overall aim of this thesis was to report on the findings of the exploratory investigation on fathers' perspectives of school readiness. All relevant ethics principles were observed in the study. The study received ethics clearance from the Senate Research Committee (HS/16/5/41). The study followed an explorative design incorporating qualitative methodologies for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of nine fathers residing in Cape Town, who had full parental rights and responsibilities for their child in Grade R. Thematic analysis produced three themes with subthemes. The core findings suggested that first, fathers did not have a good fund of knowledge about school readiness and child development. Personal context and subjective experiences impacted or informed their views and beliefs about school readiness. Second, feedback from teachers and professionals was highly valued and was a primary source of information about their children's school readiness. Third, facilitating school readiness involved different systems and role players of which fathers are important role players. It emerged that in some ways the role of fathers remains undervalued and in others, fathers' ability to participate is diminished due to their fund of knowledge, gendered patterns to child rearing and engagement with school systems.
An investigation into the correlates of family resilience in an impoverished rural community in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) October, Kezia Ruth; Isaacs, Serena
Families in South Africa are faced with manifold hardships that negatively impact the family as a unit. However, there are a variety of protective factors that have been identified as meaningful resources that facilitates healing and growth within a family unit. The study aims to investigate whether age, gender, employment status and level of education significantly predicts family resilience. The study utilised secondary data compromised of (N=656) participants from a low socio-economic rural community in South Africa. Family resilience views the family as a functional system of which provides positive adaption to family members who have experienced stressful events. Walsh's key processes in family resilience is outlined, highlighting a multi-level developmental systems orientation. The study utilised a multiple regression analysis consisting of four predictor variables namely, age, gender, employment status and level of education to assess whether these variables predict high levels of family resilience. The model found that amongst the four predictor variable, only employment status significantly predicted family resilience.
An investigation into the relationship between exposure to violence, resilience and PTSD in a sample of psychology students at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Nortje, Carla Anne; Ahmed, Rashid
Post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by high levels of trauma resulting from exposure to violence. Many South Africans are therefore at risk for developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite a large body of research identifying various protective factors which may influence an individual's response to a traumatic event, a gap in South African research on the relationship between exposure to multiple traumatic experiences, protective factors and the development of PTSD was identified. Therefore, located within the systems theory framework, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics, types of exposure to trauma and resilience associated with the development of posttraumatic stress (PTS) when there are multiple exposures to trauma. A quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study on 158 psychology students at the University of the Western Cape was undertaken. Using a non-random, convenience sampling method, data were collected by means of four self-report questionnaires namely; a biographical questionnaire, the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).
Animal-assisted therapy in practice: experiences of professional practitioners in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mamabolo, Koketso Nelly
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has gained much interest in healthcare settings internationally. AAT involves collaborating with animals to improve mental and physical health. Studies have shown that AAT can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote social support. However, implementing this complementary healing modality – and assessing its effectiveness – within health and social services is still lacking. The literature on AAT is minimal in the African context, but it is a growing area of interest. This study aims to understand the experiences of AAT professionals' (certified psychologists, psychiatrists, registered counsellors, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, as well as professionals working in social services, education, and animal health and training), in terms of how animals are incorporated into the therapeutic setting and the benefits and challenges of practicing within AAT. A qualitative exploratory design was utilised to enable professional practitioners to describe their experience of integrating therapy animals into practice. Nine professional practitioners from across South Africa were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Information was obtained via semi-structured interviews which were facilitated through online platforms such as Zoom or Google Meets. Prochaska’s (1984) systems theory, six focused model and the triangular model of relational dynamics of AAT were employed to explore the triadic nature of the relationship between the therapist-animalclient. Data was analysed thematically using the method developed by Braun and Clarke (2012).
Ascertaining the structural validity of the adapted English and translated Afrikaans versions of the Family Resilience Assessment (FRAS) Sub-scales
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Carlson, Shantay; Isaacs, Serena; Savahl, Shazly
Family resilience has become an important concept in mental health and family research over the past twenty years. An assessment tool that was found to assess this concept within western English-speaking populations is the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). The FRAS was developed by Sixbey and is based on Walsh’s model of family resilience, a prominent theorist in family resilience research. A recent study has translated and adapted the original scale into Afrikaans, which is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa. This was done for the FRAS to be utilised in a context other than the one it was developed for.
Beliefs and attitudes about tuberculosis causation and treatment in Africa: A systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Petersen, Carinne Annfred Lorraine; Mwaba, Kelvin
Tuberculosis continues to affect a third of the world’s population annually. Globally, Africa constitutes more than 25% of tuberculosis-related deaths. The high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Africa is associated with the severe tuberculosis fatality figures. The aim of this study was to systematically review literature with methodological rigour on people’s beliefs and attitudes regarding tuberculosis causation and treatment in Africa. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape (Reference: BM19/5/1). A systematic search was conducted from the months of June 2019 to September 2019 and March 2020 to April 2020 as part of the initial data collection phase and the verification process, respectively. Index keywords were divided into two phases to identify literature on both the beliefs and attitudes (Phase 1: N = 5; Phase 2: N = 19, respectively) on the topic.
Betrokkenheid van lidmate by die kerk as n..funksie van lidmaathoudings ten opsigte van Godsdiens en van lidmaatpersepsie van die kerk se Psigososiale klimaat. Betrokkenheid van lidmate by die kerk as n..funksie van lidmaathoudings ten opsigte van Godsdiens en van lidmaatpersepsie van die kerk se Psigososiale klimaat.
(University of the Western Cape, 1987) Pretorius, Tyrone Brian; Malan, D.J.
The aim of the present study was to determine whether church involvement can be conceptualized as a function of both organizational and personal factors. For the purposes of this study the psychosocial climate of the church served as an organizational factor while religious attitudes served as personal factors. A further aim of the study was to determine to what extent the church can be seen as a support system that serves as a buffer against stressors. Subjects consisted of 214 congregation members of 10 different churches that were spread out over the areas of Bellville-South, Kuilsriver and Belhar in the Cape Peninsula. Subjects completed five questionnaires: the Church climate scale (CCS), the Involvement in the church scale (ICS), the Survey of religious attitudes (SRA), a psychological well-being questionaire (RIF) and a biographical questionnaire. The relationship between the different variables were determined by means of product moment correlations, stepwise multiple regression and Chi-square analyses. The analysis of the significance of the differences between more involved and less involved church members was performed by means of Rotelling's T2 statistic. It was found that, according to the psychometric measures applied: the dimensions of the psychosocial climate of the church plays a limited role in the prediction of church insignificance as a predictor of church involvement in the final multiple regression analysis which involved all independent variables simultaneously. Orthodox religious beliefs had a positive relationship with church involvement, while inner religious conflicts had a negative relationship with church involvement. there was no relationship between church involvement and psychological well-being. orthodoxy, income, normative clarity and educational qualifications were the only significant predictors of church involvement. more involved and less involved members differed significantly and the difference between the two groups can be attributed to orthodoxy of religious beliefs. Although the results of the main investigation did not fully confirm the researcher's expectations, the intercorrelations between the different variables produced a number of interesting findings. The Church climate scale produced the following significant correlations with the other variables: ( i) "Normative clarity" correlated negatively with the experience of inner religious conflicts as well as the experience of anxiety, depression and global psychological well-being. It however correlated positively with educational qualifications. Chi-square analyses further showed that married persons, received a high level church. compared to unmarried per the persons, of "normative clarity" within "Sense of community" correlated positively with the level of religious orthodoxy and negatively with the experience of anxiety. (iii)"Social concern correlated positively with the level of religious orthodoxy as well as with sex (men percieved a higher level of social concern within the church than women) . (iv) "Openness to change" correlated positively with the level of religious orthodoxy as well as with sex (men percieved a higher level of social concern within the church than women)
Body image : investigating body image satisfaction, self-esteen and eating behaviour among a samlpe of male students at the University of the Western Cape
(UWC, 2010) Samuels, C; Mwaba, K
Body image has mainly been conducted to be a female concern, as studies have shown females to be more dissatisfied with their bodies than males. However, there is a growing interest in male body image research suggesting that there may be dissatisfaction with body shape among males. The literature on body dissatisfaction indicates that factors that have influenced females are evident in male body dissatisfaction as well. Such factors include self-esteem, which describes the worth an individual places on him or herself as well as the effects of negative eating behaviors, which describes the extreme measures an individual will adopt to achieve the unattainable ideal that he or she is exposed to through society and ultimately through one's environment. Therefore, much like females research has shown that an increase in body dissatisfaction has also led to a decrease in the worth males place on themselves.
Body Image: Society's Secret Obsession
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Tommy, Janine; Ahmad, Rashid
Women and their bodies are at the very centre of a prevailing cultural obsession regarding strict standards of body weight, shape and image. The pressure to achieve unattainable body-beautiful standards has given rise to women having a negative relationship with their bodies. This preoccupation with body image has resulted in an increasing sense of body dissatisfaction, chronic dieting and anxieties associated with self-worth and appearance. The primary aim of this thesis is to explore the relationship a group of female participants have with their bodies. The major thrusts of this study are: to explore on a deeper level how they make personal meaning of the concepts of body and body image within their own lives. To explore the way in which women understand their broader social context, as playing a role, in relation to their perceptions and attitudes of their bodies. In this respect, a closer examination of their awareness of the more complex gender issues, will be undertaken, by means of the emerging discourses within the research process. Whilst this study generally locates itself within a social constructionist understanding of body image, it actively draws from feminist theories. The literature review outlines empirical, feminist and social constructionist approaches to body image and explores the social constructionist approach more broadly. It utilises discourse analysis and therefore positions itself within a qualitative paradigm. Three one-and-a-half-hour focus groups were conducted with eight women who are psychology honours students. A discourse analysis was carried out on the transcriptions of the three focus groups. The findings revealed that the participants were aware of the way in which the wider cultural context impacted on their perceptions and attitudes regarding their bodies. They understood the way in which body image is socially constructed and specific to the current cultural context. They identified the current body ideal (norm), to be waif like and very slender. Despite this understanding of the body ideal as socially constructed, they continued on a personal level to evaluate themselves against the body ideal, giving rise to personal feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
Caregivers’ experiences of weaning their children from ADHD medication
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Botha, Casey Brandy; Tucker, Leigh
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by levels of inattention and/or increased hyperactivity/impulsivity. Medications have been widely used as an effective ADHD treatment for many years. Despite the benefits of medication, many caregivers are hesitant when it comes to starting and continuing ADHD medication. The aim of this research project was to explore caregivers’ experiences of weaning their children from ADHD medication. An exploratory research design was employed to explore caregivers’ experiences of weaning their children from ADHD medication and the impact of the discontinuation of medication on family functioning.

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