Magister Artium - MA (Psychology)

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Provision of care for children diagnosed with ADHD: Caregiver’s perceptions and decision-making
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Bailey, Rénay
The Children's Act 38 of 2005 enforces children's rights as outlined in the Constitution, with a focus on prioritising their best interests. South Africa has diverse family structures, and various individuals within the family may serve as the primary caregivers for children. This essential role ensures that children’s needs are met, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children's development and well-being in home, school, and social settings. Caring for a child with ADHD requires an intense emotional commitment to their overall well-being, beyond just managing symptoms. This study aimed to investigate caregiver perceptions of ADHD and their decision-making processes regarding the care and management of children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. A single case study allowed for a thorough examination of their personal experiences, challenges, and decision-making for their child diagnosed with ADHD. This nuanced exploration offered depth and valuable insights into the complexities within real-life contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the recordings were transcribed. Data was analysed using content analysis. All ethical principles were adhered to. Qualitative methodology offered a detailed context in which to understand the data. The caregiver’s specific background, environment, and unique circumstances shed light on how these factors influenced their experiences, providing insight into the caregiving journey. This focused approach led to the identification of themes and patterns that reflected the caregiver's story, culminating in the identification of six primary content categories and thirteen subcategories. These reflect the perceptions and challenges of the index caregiver, emphasising how emotional complexities, knowledge gaps, and systemic barriers compound these issues
Exploring the scope of parenting programmes/interventions in South Africa: Guided by a systematic review and Delphi method.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Martin, Genevieve Anastasia
The most fundamental figures in a child’s life are their caregivers as they play a crucial role in the child’s psychobiological, cognitive, social, psychological and emotional development. A positive influence in this development is fostered through the caregivers’ parenting practices, which may be governed by various factors including, but not limited to, the degree of responsiveness/warmth and demandingness/control exhibited. Parenting interventions refer to programmes designed to assist caregivers in improving their parenting practices and skills to promote positive outcomes in children. This study explored the scope of parenting interventions in South Africa through a mixed-method design, involving a systematic review and Delphi method. The systematic review provided a structured assessment of existing peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the design and delivery of parenting interventions in South Africa. Literature was sourced via a selection of nine databases within UWC’s institutional library repository. The final analysis identified 16 articles which referred to the effectiveness of parenting interventions in South Africa as well as the barriers to intervention. The second phase of this study utilised a Delphi method as a measure to explore key findings from the systematic review. Nine experts in the field of parenting interventions (identified through the systematic review and through expert referral) participated in this phase, highlighting the importance of parenting interventions and the mitigation of barriers. Qualitative data was obtained from nine individual structured interviews that were facilitated either via online meetings or via written response. Data was analysed thematically in conjunction with Braun and Clarke’s six principles. Findings of the study emphasise the need for culturally adaptable, scalable interventions, long-term sustainability and to address the systemic barriers that negatively influence parenting practices and behaviours. This research provides the groundwork for improving parenting interventions and fostering healthy family dynamics and communities. Limitations centred upon contextual relevance, systemic and structural barriers. Future recommendations emphasise the need for broader national representation, gender-diverse expert panels, and culturally relevant, community-based approaches that address socio-economic barriers such as transport, cost, and access to services.
Navigating perinatal loss: Exploring cultural perspectives of Swati parents in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Nhlanhla, Mabuza Bernard
Perinatal loss is a prevalent issue worldwide, and it is characterised by physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Literature reports that perinatal loss is associated with cultural stigma, resulting in isolation, depression, long-term grieving, etc. There is however, a dearth of scholarly literature that explicates Swati experiences of perinatal loss. This study aimed to explore the cultural perspectives of perinatal loss in Swati culture, South Africa. It adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, with 12 participants who engaged in an individual semi-structured interview conducted in English and SiSwati. Non-probability sampling methods were employed, as Swati parents who experienced perinatal loss were purposively selected for the study. Snowball sampling was used to include participants who were referred to the study and data saturation was monitored. The data was analysed using reflective thematic data analysis. To ensure there’s no harm to participants, the researcher employed and adhered to the ethics guidelines of confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, and the right to withdraw. Ethics clearance was sought from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HS24/9/40) before data collection commenced. The analysis culminated into several themes which referred to traditional and religious beliefs; Swati constructions of fertility; subjective experiences of perinatal loss (e.g. pain; blame etc.); and specific cultural beliefs and coping. Swati parents navigated their loss through spiritual and cultural beliefs, associating perinatal loss to witchcraft, bad luck, darkness, ancestral anger, and God’s will. In response, participants referred to two types of cleansing (i.e., traditional and spiritual). The study calls for future research on the intersection of modernity and traditional beliefs following perinatal loss in a Swati culture as well as interventions that assist in processing of grief through a particular focus on cultural (in this case Swati) beliefs and practices. The salience of communal identity is foregrounded and the impact on the family unit is critical for intervention development in response to perinatal loss.
Preventative interventions for early adolescent substance use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mgidi, Jane Nonhlanhla
Substance use among adolescents remains a significant public health concern globally, with far-reaching implications for physical health, psychological wellbeing, and academic achievement. While there is a growing emphasis on preventative interventions, there is limited literature that addresses early adolescents (ages 10-14), particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa, due to contextual, legal, and health-related constraints. Given the vulnerabilities associated with this developmental phase, early adolescence presents a critical window for implementing prevention efforts and building long-term resilience. This study aimed to map out existing literature on preventative interventions for early adolescent substance use in Sub-Saharan Africa, with an objective to identify gaps and assess the applicability of these interventions within the South African context. A scoping review was employed as the research design and methodology, and the research question was developed using the PCC (population, concept, context) mnemonic. Literature searches were conducted on the University of the Western Cape’s library system, Ukwazi, which is freely accessible to students registered at the university, and Covidence was used as an online data management application to manage the search process and enhance the rigour of the study. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Humanities and Social Science Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC) at the UWC (HS24/7/3). A total of 2128 references were retrieved, of which eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using Popay’s et al. (2006) narrative synthesis framework. The findings revealed three key themes: school-based interventions; family-structured strategies; and mass-media campaigns.
The exploration of mental health portrayals in men’s narratives in the South African Men’s Health magazine
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mashaba, Mandisa
South Africa presents with the third highest suicide rate among all African nations, with men accounting for the largest of these fatalities. Despite this high morbidity among South African men, their mental health is often overlooked. Consequently, in this study, I explored how men’s mental health is portrayed in featured stories in the South African Men’s Health (SAMH) magazine. I located the study within social constructionist and utilised an explorative design from a qualitative approach. A sample of SAMH texts including: submitted letters as well as interviews from male readers, published from January 2014 until June 2023, constituted the final data sample. These were subjected to thematic decomposition analysis. Ethics clearance to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Western Cape’s (UWC) Humanities and Social Science Research and Ethics Committee (HSSREC). Thematic analysis of the data reveals that men struggle with an array of mental health issues including: -major depressive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, atypical anorexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stigma and shame emerged as notable obstacles often rooted in societal expectations as well as personal fears curbing help-seeking behaviours.
An exploration of the experiences of parents with an adolescent child diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD): a family resilience perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Murray, Jordynne
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, with high prevalence between early- and mid-adolescence. A diagnosis during this phase can have a profound effect on the family system with which the adolescent belongs. Using Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework (FRF), this study explored the subjective experiences of parents of adolescents who have/have had a formal diagnosis of MDD, and identified potential risk and resilience factors that these families may possess. The research study employed an exploratory research design, using a reflexive thematic analysis model and a qualitative data management software, Atlas.ti. The study recruited participants by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods, specifically via an advertisement posted on social media platforms and groups geared towards parenting. A total of five parents participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in-person at a place private and convenient for participants. Prior to participating, participants were provided with an information sheet and consent form detailing their right to withdrawal, confidentiality, and anonymity as well as information pertaining to the nature, potential risks and benefits of participation. The analysis proved consistent with the interconnected and interactive dimensions outlined in Walsh’s (2012, 2016b) FRF. Shared, adaptive beliefs regarding MDD and its management were identified as a prominent protective factor, along with marital and social support, flexible organisational patterns, as well as clear communication as it pertains to boundaries and expectations regarding suicidality.
Exploring university students' subjective experiences of stress, coping, perceived social support, and psychological well-being in the context of teaching and learning during COVID-19
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Olaniyi, Ifeoluwa Ayooluwa Jesuloba
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of individuals globally, and university students have faced unique challenges due to disruptions in their academic, social, and personal lives. In a pre-COVID-19 survey, first-year students from 19 universities in 8 countries (Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Spain, and the United States) had prevalence rates for suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt of 17.2%, 8.8%, and 1.0%, respectively over a 12-month period. University enrolment is an important moment when students face new obstacles such as making independent decisions, adjusting to academic expectations, and developing relationships with unfamiliar people. This research is important to understand how to encourage mental health in different populations. Students experience new problems after moving into the university setting, including decision-making, adjusting to academic obligations, and socializing with strangers. Located within Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC) as a framework, the present study used qualitative research methods, the present study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of stress, coping strategies, perceived social support, and psychological well-being among university students within the context of teaching and learning in the COVID-19 pandemic at a university in the Western Cape. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into subjective experiences of stress, coping strategies, perceived social support, and psychological well-being among university students. The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC) approved the research before it was conducted at the University of the Western Cape (Ethics reference: HS23/7/34; Appendix A). The Office of the Registrar granted institutional permission to conduct research on students. The present study complied with all applicable data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and the University’s Research Policy and Data Management Policy.
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.

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