Magister Artium - MA (Psychology)

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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.
Exploring the identity and belonging experiences of black men who have undertaken training in professional psychology programmes at a South African university
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Gamede, Lindokuhle; Tucker, Leigh Adams
The study explores the identity and belonging experiences of Black men who have undertaken training in professional psychology master’s programmes at a South African university. Contemporary perspectives reveal that in the field of psychology, there appears to be an underrepresentation of Black male and/or men psychologists, and that their experiences are largely absent from the research. The study adopts a qualitative approach with an exploratory design. Purposive sampling and snowballing sampling methods were utilised for participant recruitment. Following the pilot interview, for quality checking and credibility purposes, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants who identified as Black men who had received professional masters-level training in either clinical, counselling, or research psychology. Participants were required to reflect on their experiences of psychology training and professional practice. Approval for the study was received from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape. Ethical principles were upheld in data collection through participants’ informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, privacy, and safe storage of personal information and data. Interview data were analysed thematically, and both social identity theory and professional identity theory were employed as a lens through which to understand identity and belonging experiences.
The psychometric properties of instruments that measure teacher well-being in the Sub-Saharan African context - a scoping review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mabena, Unathi; Adonis, Tracey-Ann
Teachers are a significant resource within the education system and their well-being is essential in the construction of effectively functioning educational contexts. Ensuring that a concept as complex as teacher well-being is accurately measured using relevant instruments is pertinent in illustrating a comprehensive picture of teacher well-being, particularly in a multicultural context such as South Africa’s; as well as expanding research centred around the field. Therefore, identifying instruments that aptly measure teacher well-being is important. This scoping review explored pertinent literature that utilises instruments used to measure teacher well-being, including looking at their purpose, psychometric properties of these measures and how these instruments have been used to measure teacher well-being in the Sub-Saharan African context. This scoping review expanded its search to the Sub- Saharan context due to the dearth in studies using instruments that measure teacher well-being in the Sub-Saharan context. Utilising the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist (PRISMA-ScR) as guidelines, the review explored which measures are utilised to measure teacher well-being in this context. The research adopted the PCC framework i.e. Population (teachers); Concept (psychometric properties of the instruments measuring teacher well-being) and Context: (Sub Saharan Africa). 26 studies were included in the final sample after searching 6 databases, with narrative synthesis utilised to synthesise the data for the final findings. The findings obtained from the study identified the nature of assessments utilised in this context.
Perceived purpose and sources of meaning as protective factors for substance use amongst emerging adults across South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Brogneri, Savannah; Florence, Maria
South Africa (SA) is afflicted with high rates of substance use disorders. Emerging adults are particularly vulnerable to engaging in substance use that has the potential to become harmful. Thus, there is a need to identify protective factors that can diminish an emerging adult's propensity for hazardous substance use. There is a growing body of research that has determined a correlation between purpose and meaning as protective factors; however, there is a lack of appropriate data on the relationship between these variables within SA. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between life purpose, sources of meaning and substance use amongst emerging adults in SA. A descriptive correlational research design was employed. Secondary survey data collected through a parent study entitled the ‘Africa Long Life Study (ALLS)’ was analysed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee and permission was granted by the ALLS’s principal investigators. Data representing the variables were drawn from a 152-item survey administered to a sample of emerging adults aged 18-23 (N=675). Results revealed significant relationships between items from the source of meaning dimension self-transcendence and life purpose. An association between illicit drug use and life purpose was also established. Conclusively, a correlation was found between alcohol addiction and the source of meaning dimension, ‘Relationship Status,’ alongside the self-transcendence item, ‘I am involved in community service.’ These findings contribute insights into protective factors against substance use within SA and can be utilised to guide future policy, practice and interventions.
Exploring the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by 11–15-year-old muslim adolescents studying at Hifth schools in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Toefy, Faiza; Pedro, Athena
In compliance with the Constitution, the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 requires that every child attend school from age 7 (or grade 1) to age 15 (or grade 9, whichever occurs first). The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the constitutional custodian of education in the Western Cape Province, requires that all informal institutions accommodating learners of school-going age register their learners for an educational curriculum. It is an essential requirement that all learning institutions (religious or otherwise) provide the necessary academic support for their learners. A growing number of Hifth schools are introducing secular academic studies into their curriculum, with programmes consisting of hifth studies, English, and Mathematics. The implementation of these programmes varies, however, and they are offered to the learners in conjunction with the hifth programme. In South Africa, there is a dearth of research associated with hifth schooling, and absolutely no documented research could be located regarding the integrated hifth programme and its impact and effects on learners
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.
Investigating the relationships between perceived family support, self-efficacy, and academic performance among undergraduate students at a South African university
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Fraser, Khelsey; Adonis, Tracey-Ann
In South Africa (SA), the university dropout rates are alarmingly high which indicates that many students in South African universities struggle to complete their degrees. Identifying the underlying factors that causes students to dropout of university is important to lowering these dropout rates. This study therefore aimed to investigate the relationships between perceived family support, self-efficacy, and academic performance among undergraduate students at a South African university. Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was used as the theoretical framework. A quantitative research approach was used. The phase of the broader doctoral study in which the current study was embedded employed a cross-sectional correlational design and online questionnaires were administered to undergraduate university students who were selected by simple random sampling. Secondary data was therefore used in this study. For the purpose of this study, convenience sampling was used. The sample included 274 young adults between the ages 18-35 years with the following inclusion criteria i.e. that the participants were: 1) undergraduate Community and Health Sciences (CHS) Faculty students or those enrolled in degree programmes at other faculties who took psychology as a service-level module, 2) registered for the academic year during which data were collected, and 3) the participants were between the ages of 18-35.
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.
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.

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