Magister Artium - MA (Psychology)

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Referring agents’ perceptions of access barriers to inpatient substance abuse treatment centres in the Western Cape
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2013) Isobell, Deborah Louise; Kamaloodien, Kamal
High rates of substance use and its associated problems afflict Cape Town, underscoring the need for easily accessible substance abuse treatment. Despite the substantial benefits for both individuals and society at large that substance abuse treatment confers, substance abusers often first have to negotiate considerable challenges in order to access treatment and accumulate these gains. That is, experiencing barriers to accessing treatment, together with the presence of socio-demographic features, rather than “need for treatment”, decides who accesses treatment. Referrals are the gateway to inpatient substance abuse treatment in the Western Cape. While several barriers to accessing treatment have been identified by prior studies, none examine these phenomena from the point of view of the agents responsible for referring substance users for treatment. Moreover, access barriers to inpatient substance abuse services are a neglected area in extant literature. To address this gap, this study explored the perceptions of referring agents‟ of the barriers to accessing state-funded inpatient substance abuse treatment centres in the Western Cape. This enabled the researcher to compare existing access barriers to treatment as identified by prior research, to those elucidated in the study. Bronfenbrenner‟s Process-Person-Context-Time model was employed as the basis for understanding identified barriers.
Exploring Postgraduate psychology students’ perceptions and experiences of empathy in an Online Learning Environment, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Viljoen, Amy-Jean; Adonis, Tracey-Ann
Empathy is conceptualised as the human ability to feel, and also to navigate, various social situations successfully. Empathy, as a construct, is often defined as having both affective and cognitive aspects, however, researchers and scholars alike, have yet to agree upon a single approach, as to how empathy develops. Thus far, the literature has discussed empathy as a social skill that can be learned over time. However, there is limited research regarding the impact that the physical environment has, on empathy development across cultures and contexts. Hence, this study aims to address the current debates within the literature regarding the construct of empathy, and how it develops, within a multicultural context. The multicultural context in which this study was conducted is of utmost importance, as this particular environment, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, did not allow for social connection and interaction. Therefore, how empathy develops under these limited social conditions remained the focus of this study.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent learners attending public schools in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Nodo, Olwethu; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Due to various mitigation strategies implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, nearly 1.2 billion school children had their education put on hold. In addition, the widespread nature of the COVID-19 pandemic came with numerous psychological challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent learners attending public schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was a quantitative study that used six self-reporting questionnaires: demographic questionnaire, Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) Scale, Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRISC-10).
Stress and nicotine dependence during pregnancy among women in Low-SES communities in the Western Cape: The mediating effects of social support
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Morkel, Jade; Florence, Maria
Health behaviours during pregnancy are of great significance due to its associated health consequences for both the woman and the developing foetus. There is a large body of existing knowledge demonstrating the profound harmful effects of cigarette smoking on maternal and foetal health. Given the significant smoking rates and the related negative birth outcomes and health impact on infants, understanding who smokes during pregnancy and the factors influencing this behaviour is imperative for the creation of effective intervention programs. The overarching aim of the study was to determine the relation between stress and nicotine dependence among a sample of pregnant women residing in low socio-economic status communities in the Western Cape. The study further aimed to determine the extent to which social support mediates this relation
Exploring the subjective meaning-making and perceptions of the impact of their high- risk pregnancies in a sample of women from resource-constrained areas
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Cebekhulu, Gugulethu; Andipatin, Michelle
Background and Aim: Health problems that occur before or during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy. While PTSD has been previously believed to occur following events such as war, sexual assault and violence, recent evidence suggests that it may occur after childbirth. The aim of this study was to explore the ways in which women from resource-constrained areas who experienced high-risk pregnancies made sense of their experiences and how those experiences impacted their postpartum mental health.
Perceptions of educare teachers regarding the effects of disadvantagement on the psychosocial development of historically disadvantaged preschool children
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Julius Giose, William Chaplin; Adam, Mohamed
The research topic concerns the broad effects of deprived community circumstances that may impact on potentially vulnerable children's holistic psychological, as well as social development. The present study has a primary aim of gathering information about the perceptions that educators hold regarding the effects of disadvantagement on the psychosocial development of historically disadvantaged preschool children. The investigation of the developmental aspects of the preschoolers is informed by the psychosocial theory of Erik Erikson. Qualitative research methods are used in the study. The responses of participants are elicited by means of semi-structured interviews. The participants were six female educate teachers, whose ages range between 20 years and 60 years. They were selected from two preschools in a previously disadvantaged community. The research process occurs within the framework of Grounded theory. Compatible ethnographic methods of research were used to access the personal accounts of the participants' individual perceptions regarding the disadvantagement of preschool children. The ethnographic interview was employed as the primary information-gathering instrument. The analysis of the information gathered is based on an interpretive analysis method, namely, thematic analysis to categorise themes present in the information. The study results regarding the preschool children's psychosocial development highlight the following factors: Hunger/unemployment, crime and drugs, parental influences, as well as preschool socialisation. Recommendations include the need to access existing childcare subsidies, as well as the need to reconstruct educare programmes within the community. The researcher engaged in self-reflexivity throughout the study process and remained aware of the researcher effects that may impact on the participants' information sharing.
An explorative study on the experiences of Bulimic women who have been sexually abused
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Roshan, Gadija; Naidoo, Pamela
Eating disorders, rnay be conceived of as a psychological and physiological disorder' which has received a large amount of attention from academics from various disciplines. The incidence rates and aetiological factors involved in the development of eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have recently been highlighted. A number of researchers have suggested that sexual abuse is a predominant factor in the development of bulimia while other researchers argue that the relationship between sexual abuse and bulimia remains unclear- This study is a qualitative exploration of bulimic women's experiences of sexual abuse and is intended to highlight the 'lived experiences' of these women Thematic content analysis was used to investigate the experiences of the women by using verbatim quotes from the semi-structured interviews that were conducted with the women The women were four participants who were admitted as inpatients into Kenilworth Clinic's Eating Disorders Unit. All four women were diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 1994) criteria and had disclosed to a staff member that they had been sexually abused by either a known or unknown perpetrator. Findings revealed that the participants trad experienced four salient issues that were discussed as themes These themes were anger, issues regarding control the participants' experiences of abusive relationships and feelings of detachment. Based upon the findings of the interviews conducted, recommendations towards enhancing the psychological well being of women who have been sexually abused and diagnosed with bulimia were generated.
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.
Type of behaviour and burnout: a comparison between intensive care nurses and psychiatric nurses
(University of the Western Cape, 1993) Booysen, L.B; Broekmann, N
Nursing evolved as an altruistic response toward helping others, particularly in the realm of maintaining and restoring health (Dolan, Fitzpatrick & Hermann, 1983). This particular role involved providing physical and emotional comfort and care to the sick and has, through the ages, been voluntary or delegated to certain women who have proven to be particularly adept at caring for the sick in their respective communities. Therefore, nursing was not a role expected of all women but was reserved for those who had the ability and desire to nurture others (Dolan et al., 1983). The first nurses were independent figures who performed the duties not only of nurse, but also of nutritionist, pharmacist, physical therapist, and social welfare worker (Dolan et al., 1983). Although their initial response to, and treatment of, illness was intuitive, knowledge about illness and the treatment thereof was continuously being improved upon. Trial and error and basic problem solving resulted in the accumulation of a body of knowledge which gradually developed and expanded.
The need for intervention services for children from abusive households as perceived by their abused mothers: an exploratory study
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) van der Merwe, Karen; Broekmann, N
The high incidence of domestic violence both internationally and locally begs the question as to the impact on and need for intervention services for the children growing up in violent homes. In response to this need for services in this area, the National Institute for the prevention of Crime and Rehabilitation of offenders, Women's Support Centre (NWSC) is currently considering the extension of their current services to the children of their clients who have been exposed to domestic violence. So as to promote and inform more effective intervention services in consultation with the community, the current study explores the range of needs of the children of abused women, establishing whether there is a need for services and how the NWSC can best go about meeting the identified needs as identified by abused mothers who are stakeholders in the NWSC. Action research community psychology and ecosystemic principles play a central role in this research. Participants were all NWSC clients who had experienced abuse in their intimate relationships and who are mothers to children who had been exposed to the domestic violence. Data was collected from two sources, that of Needs Assessment forms (consisting of open-ended and multiple choice questions) and three open-ended,( semi-structured 90 minute focus group interviews which were run at the centre. In both cases, there was collaboration with and input by NWSC staff one of whom co-facilitated in the focus group interviews. Twenty-one women completed the needs assessment forms. Thirteen women participated in the mixed-race focus groups. In this study commonly observed short term effects include deficits in functional and emotional capacity, psychosocial functioning and the implementation of inadequate coping- and problem-solving strategies. Reported long term effects include a propensity to either commit (or be the object of) violence and abuse in subsequent intimate relationships, or to become prone to conduct problems and substance abuse. In addition, many children are involved in multiple ways in the abuse- either by being physically or emotionally abused themselves, being identified as a precipitant for the abuse, or intervening physically or verbally to stop the abuse of their mothers. Children are therefore never mere witnesses. However, not all children are condemned to become abusers themselves or to manifest with maladaptive coping mechanisms in response to their exposure to domestic violence. This is evident in several reports of children's displays of resilience despite their adverse home and family circumstances. The great degree of overlap of coping mechanisms between different children suggests that such variable responses are more likely a function of individual attributes and personality characteristics and the degree of available external support systems rather than a function of age or gender per se. Overall, the findings highlighted that there is a definite need and support by NWSC clients for the proposed extension of the NWSC programme to improve intervention services for children. These findings also expanded on the on the of domestic violence on children by identifying a number of ameliorating and exacerbating influences which mediate its impact and help inform the implementation of future community relevant programmes with such children. Maternal education and support such as the counselling which the NWSC can hopefully provide are amongst such processes which can help to ameliorate the impact of domestic violence on children and foster greater resilience. A number of recommendations are made regarding parent-child programmes, community, legal, government, societal interventions and future research. Ecosystemic theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the impact of domestic violence on children and for informing interventions which address the multiple systemic levels both within and outside of the family which contribute towards the creation and perpetuation of domestic violence. With the extension of intervention services to the children of abused women, the NWSC with the support of its client stakeholders has the potential to contribute much of value in this regard.
The Perinatal Mental Health Project: A qualitative evaluation.
(University of Western Cape, 2005) Chelleset, Julia; Andipatin, Michelle
This study evaluates, qualitatively, the PMIIP (Perinatal Mental Health Project), which involves routine screening of women, during the antenatal period, for postnatal depression (PhID) and other mental conditions related to childbirth. This antenatal screening facility is offered at the LMOU (Liesbeeck, Maternity, Obstetric Unit. Women who appear to be at risk are offered counselling by a volunteer psychologist or clinical social worker providing a potentially excellent intervention for women during the perinatal period. Women, particularly mothers, in South Africa are subject to social stressors, which are exacerbated by class inequalities within the health care system. Motherhood also requires a total change of role, resulting in the loss of former psychological identity and adds the stress of mediating family relations as the balance of relationships and power are affected. However, most societies glorify motherhood and refuse to consider that it may have a dark side and this contributes to the imprisonment of women within a sometimes-difficult role. Feminist Standpoint theory provides a theoretical framework for this study as this woman centred viewpoint suggests that there should be caution when labelling women with postnatal depression whereby it is seen as an illness, interpreting, distress as individual pathology. On the whole perinatal mental health problems have been pathologized and medicalized denying the social conditions that women may endure and simultaneously marginalizing the validity of women's voices. This study was essentially exploratory in nature, using qualitative methods to obtain the data. The research drew from Guba& Lincoln's Fourth Generation Evaluation method as it views cultural and political elements as enhancing the evaluative process. Consistent with this method the major stakeholders of the PMHP were selected as participants. This included six women who and been screened and counselled at the LMOU as well as six midwives, to counsellors, a psychiatrist and the project manager. The data was analysed thematically. The results suggest that the PMIIP has provided an excellent source of social support but also highlights the difficulties of implementing a project of this nature within an under resourced biomedical context. This research will hopefully contribute towards a paradigm shift by highlighting women's social location within the construction of perinatal mental health problems.
The psychological effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental healthcare workers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Calvert, Kayla Lee; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals both physically and mentally, and existing studies emphasise that mental healthcare workers are facing similar psychological struggles and are not immune to mental illness. However, limited research exists on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on mental healthcare workers, specifically those within the South African context. The present study aimed to address this gap within literature by investigating the psychological effects of COVID-19 on mental healthcare workers in South Africa.
A comparative study of the subjective experiences of hypnosis and meditation amongst a student sample
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Hekster, Marc Reuben; Broekmann, N
This study reports oi: the nature of subjective experiences of hypnosis and meditation in a sample of volunteer University of the Western Cape students (N = 12). Historical developments in the field of psychology dictated that much of the research conducted during the past three decades into the phenomena of hypnosis and meditation, was concerned with physiological changes. The measurement of physiological responses is more amenable to scientific investigation, in comparison to the measurement of subjective experiences. As a result, investigations into the nature of subjective experiences during hypnosis and meditation, as well as comparisons between the two, remain areas where continued research is encouraged.
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.
Parents’ perception of a burns intervention video
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) van Tonder, Wayne; Ahmed, Rashid
Burn injuries are a common and leading cause of injury mortality and morbidity around the world. Globally, child mortality, due to burn injuries, has been estimated to be around 2.5 per 100 000 in 103 countries, and 4.5 per 100 000 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burn injuries negatively impact survivors both physically and psychosocially. Paediatric burn survivors are particularly vulnerable to the psychosocial effects of burn injuries, such as interruptions in their relationships with family, friendships and schooling. Given that burn interventions have been developed to help mitigate the negative physical and psychosocial sequalae that follow, psychosocial interventions that specifically focus on bolstering resilience in paediatric burn survivors are scant.
Exploring attitudes and values about volunteerism at a Non-Governmental Organization in Gauteng, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Thobejane, Lobisa Zanele; Mwaba, Kelvin
The services of volunteers cover a wide range of sectors such as education, health, tourism, and rehabilitation. In addition to the wide range of services being offered, youth volunteers have different values and attitudes towards volunteerism. Many community and voluntary organizations are increasingly depending on volunteers due to reduced funding and incomes caused by the recession. The study aimed to study explore how values and attitudes of volunteerism match the volunteer fit of organizations. An exploratory qualitative design was used and the "Values and attitudes model” provided the theoretical framework for the study. Participants were recruited from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in Gauteng through purposive sampling.
Is non sexist childrearing possible? An investigation of the relationship mothering between gender-sensitive and children's use of gender stereotyping
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Ruiters, Keith
The study investigated the possibilities of non-sexist childrearing practices: it inquires to what extent children can be raised to be relatively free of gender discrimination and prejudice. It examined the relationship between mothering and childrearing as social (-1y constructed) processes and practices with a two-fold purpose. On the one hand, it explored how these two social sites are constructed, represented and interact to form a basis for the acquisition of stereotypes which encourage gender discrimination and inequality among children in particular, and society in general. However, it was also concerned with the extent to which these institutional sites contain possibilities for resisting and challenging dominant social- constructions about the meaning of gender difference. A structured questionnaire with open-ended questions was developed and used Lo form the basis for interviews with eight mothers. Based on the literature reviewed, the questions were designed to elicit the participants' perspectives on the meaning/s and significance of mothering in relation to children's gendered status. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcripts were generated. Thematic analysis was applied to observe and discuss dominant patterns in the participants' responses. Another structured questionnaire was developed and used as the basis for exercises with the (ten) children of these mothers to determine the extent. Lo which the former recognise and make use of gender stereotypes circulating in the wider culture. It was observed to what extent these children made gender-stereotypical associations : in relation to "masculine" and "feminine" colours, ds well as in relation to gender-appropriate tasks, dress, attributes, qualities and forms of p1ay. A simple frequency count of children's responses indicated the extent to which they recognise and use gender stereotypes. The results revealed a general awareness that mothering and childrearing are socially constructed, and not biologically-driven, processes, and hence, subject to revision and change. In addition to the perception that gender differences are socially engineered and reinforced by real constraints of social pressure and conformity, participants felt that men, as fathers should equally share in the responsibility for rearing children. Although the children who partook in the exercises showed a general awareness and use of gender stereotypes, it was pointed out that these can and should be challenged, given the realities of social (peer) pressure, at both the levels of interpersonal interaction and structural constraints. However, there was a generalised difficulty, as far as undoing gender stereotypes are concerned, to conceive of alternative meanings of ,'masculinity,' and "femininity" (as gendered identities) beyond the binary opposites which inform dominant social constructions of gender and gender relationships. As institutional domains for contesting varying and competing discourses on gender and gender relationships which circulate in the wider culture, childrearing and mothering practices are sites of potential resistance: they have the potential to resist and derail dominant patriarchal constructions and practices which generate social relationships based on gender inequality; which, in turn, fosters social oppression and violence. If dominant patriarchal discourses and practices about gender are responsible for generating so much violence, particularly by men as a group against women as a group, then these need to be seriously revisited and challenged. It needs to be challenged at both a social structural level, and at the level of interpersonal interaction. For it is at the level of everyday interpersonal interaction between men and women, men and children, and women and children that the "obviousness" of gender relations are culturally relayed and appropriated. Yet social/power relations structured along differential axes of "race", class , language , religion, ethnicity, sexuality - which inform everyday social interaction - intersect with issues about gender difference to make any simplistic notions of mothering and childrearing problematic.
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.
Children’s experiences and perceptions of family and family resilience processes in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Shoko, Placidia Muchaneta; Isaacs, Serena
The family is the primary and most critical support and developmental system for children however, family challenges often prevent positive support and developmental assistance. Some families are able to manage their challenges well while others are not as wellequipped. Research on family functioning and family resilience in South Africa is increasing, however the focus is often only on adult family members. In light of this, the current study sought to explore children’s experiences and perceptions of family and family resilience processes in South Africa. In this study, resilience was defined as the capacity of a system to adapt successfully to significant challenges that threaten its function, viability, or development.
Translation of the Emotional Social Screening tool for School Readiness (E3SR) for preschoolers into Afrikaans: An equivalence and validation study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Adams, Nuraan; Munnik, Erica
The Emotional Social Screening Tool for School Readiness (E3SR) was developed as a contextually sensitive and psychometrically sound measure to screen children’s emotional and social competencies. To broaden its use within the South African context, this study aimed to translate the E3SR into Afrikaans and establish its validity and equivalence. The International Test Commission (ITC) encourages translation to follow a rigorous and empirical process. This study adopted a multiphase methodology, with three phases. Each phase had its own methodological elements.

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