Magister Artium - MA (Psychology)

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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 Additionally, unpublished dissertations also available on the UWC research repository were searched and reviewed for inclusion.
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).
Exploring primary caregivers’ perceptions of children’s wellbeing during covid-19 within a low socioeconomic school context in the Cape Metropole
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Tafaranazvo, Sihle
The COVID-19 pandemic produced threatening and chaotic environments for children, thus heightening their vulnerability to its effects and on their overall wellbeing. Surveys across the world indicated that primary caregivers noticed COVID-19 lockdown-related behavioural problems in their children. Evidence from the literature indicated that COVID-19 prevention measures coupled with disrupted schooling for children, economic burdens for primary caregivers, and interrupted social life has generated a multitude of health challenges for many, including children. In low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) such as South Africa, environmental security and safety already poses schooling challenges. Furthermore, within pandemic conditions, adequate environments conducive to remote learning was impossible due to the scarcity of digital learning resources caused by the inequity of resource distribution. Against this backdrop and adopting Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this research aimed to explore primary caregivers’ perceptions of children’s wellbeing during COVID-19 within a low socio-economic status (SES) school context in the Cape Metropolitan city, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Using an exploratory qualitative design, the research aimed to explore children's socio-economic status and school context as variables for their wellbeing which would add more information to an otherwise limited research pool. Eight purposively selected primary caregivers of school-age children in the age of 6-11 years and in the Foundation Phase attending a low SES school, participated in semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was employed to generate codes and formulate themes.
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.
Measuring substance use in pregnant women: a systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Gqwede, Nyanisa
Introduction: Substance use during pregnancy is a pressing global public health and clinical concern. Tools to measure substance use during pregnancy can be used to ascertain harmful use of substances and related complications for the unborn child. Past studies have identified poor rates of detection of prenatal substance use. Consequently, prenatal substance use screening is a common feature to target prevention, treatment, and best practice guidelines. However, there is little information to support the selection of appropriate substance use screening tools for use with pregnant women. Study aim: The study aimed to systematically review the existing empirical research on screening methods (biological or self-report) used to detect substance use in pregnant women. The objectives of the study were: to identify types of screening methods used in empirical research studies to identify substance use in pregnant women, to determine the utility of these screening methods; and to determine the limitations of these screening methods.
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.
Meaning in life and wellbeing in persons suffering from chronic disease in Cape Town, South Africa
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2023) Bedeker, Anja; Mwaba, Kelvin
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability and its prevalence continues to increase. Chronic disease can impact every dimension of a person’s life (physical, psychological, social, spiritual, financial, etc.) and yet research on chronic disease typically focuses on the disease itself and treatment plans rarely include psychological treatment. People are living longer, but they are also living with disability and poor health for longer. Chronic disease can also significantly impact an individual’s meaning in life (MIL). Meaning in life increases wellbeing and has a protective function. But it is not only the presence of meaning in life (POM) that is important, but also the search for meaning in life (SFM). Research on MIL and its association with subjective well-being (SWB) has predominantly focused on “healthy” populations. Usually this investigation explores this association with POM and if SFM is also investigated, the interactional effect between POM and SFM is not considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between POM and SFM and (1) subjective wellbeing (SWB) and (2) certain demographic variables in persons with chronic disease
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.

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