Magister Psychologiae - MPsych (Psychology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/19976

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PTSD among university students during the covid-19 pandemic: a scoping review
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Siyonzana, Siyamthanda Elihle
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted university life, exposing students to multiple psychosocial stressors that heightened vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This scoping review explored the nature and extent of PTSD among university students during the pandemic and identified key risk and protective factors. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 51 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2020 and July 2023 were reviewed. Data were synthesised using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis approach to map trends. PTSD prevalence varied widely across studies, indicating that trauma responses among students existed along a continuum shaped by individual vulnerabilities, environmental demands and institutional responsiveness. Social isolation, prior mental health difficulties, female gender, academic disruption and financial strain consistently emerged as risk factors, whereas social support, adaptive coping and resilience served as protective factors. Findings highlighted the need for universities to prioritise trauma-informed care through policies, peer support structures and brief, accessible interventions. Methodological heterogeneity, limited representation from low- and middle-income contexts, language restrictions, and predominantly cross-sectional designs constrained generalizability and precluded pooled prevalence estimates. Overall, the review demonstrates that while the pandemic heightened vulnerability, it also revealed substantial resilience within student populations. Future research should adopt longitudinal, culturally inclusive approaches to inform mental health policy and practice beyond the pandemic.
Young university-going men’s perceptions of the #menaretrash movement and its impact on their masculinity
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Gwadiso, Xolisa Amos
The #MenAreTrash movement has seen many strides and has gained much traction and support from society. Although societal issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been a concern predating the time of social media, the #MenAreTrash movement represents a more recent attempt to address the issues of GBV and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). There are many ways in which young university-going men have been impacted by the movement, including influencing their perceptions of masculinity within a predominantly patriarchally defined society. Consequently, there is a continued need for the involvement of young university-going men in conversations addressing both the movement and psychosocial issues surrounding GBV. The study explored young university-going men’s perceptions of the #MenAreTrash movement, its influence on their behaviour, and its impact on their sense of masculinity. The study was situated in the notion that reality is constructed through social processes (constructionism), and that knowledge is best sought through interpreting peoples lived experiences and the meanings assigned to those experiences (interpretivism)These were explored through the transcendental phenomenology lens. Methodologically, this study employed an explorative qualitative approach, making use of individual interviews to collect data. The sample consisted of 12 young university-going men from a university in the Western Cape, recruited through purposive sampling. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC – HS22/9/26).
Exploring the subjective emotional and psychological experiences of young adult women who experienced cyber intimate partner violence
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Zeeman, Nicala
One in three women are affected by gender-based violence in their lifetime. South Africa has one of the highest rates of murders, assaults, rapes, and other violent crimes. Intimate partner violence has been prevalent for many years and continues to grow due to the expansion of cyberspace. Given the above, the study which was conducted explored the subjective emotional and psychological experiences of young South African women who experienced cyber-intimate partner violence. The theoretical foundation for this study was phenomenology. Phenomenology, more specifically interpretative phenomenology, was utilised as it provided a theoretical basis for the researcher to explore the specific phenomenon. The researcher made use of purposive and snowball sampling to recruit participants. A research invitation was posted on various social media sites with a Google form, which could be completed if women were interested in participating in the study. The researcher recruited eight participants to take part in the study. The data collection method included semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions.
Exploring the inclusivity of interventions to prevent pregnancy in adolescence in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs): a scoping review
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Hartmann, Laura Anne
Despite shifts in policy and programming regarding adolescent pregnancy, the issue remains a global concern. Recent projections estimate probable increases in frequency in certain regions, most notably Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to establish whether existing interventions in low-and-middle-income countries to prevent adolescent pregnancy are inclusive of early adolescents by providing a comprehensive overview of relevant published literature. The scoping review methodology was guided by the framework developed by Levac et al. as an extension of Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. A search of the literature was completed using Scopus, Web of Science and the American Psychological Association’s PsycArticles database search engines. Sixty-three articles pertaining to fifty studies met the criteria for inclusion in the final review and ranged in location across several continents. Findings revealed several commonalties between studies most notably with intervention methodology, delivery agent and intervention setting. Furthermore, it was shown that of the studies included in this review, almost half completely excluded the early adolescent age group.
Exploring intergenerational trauma experienced by mothers who use substances in a low-income community in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Setswe, Kitso
In efforts to improve and promote maternal health globally, it is important to address maternal substance use as it has the potential to negatively affect all stages of maternity namely pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Mothers who use substances face unique challenges when seeking substance use and mental health treatment and this is further exacerbated in low-income communities. The Western Cape Province of South Africa has displayed particularly elevated rates of maternal substance use and this is due to its history of slavery, systemic oppression and the “dop” legacy. Yet, the trauma that has far-reaching global and intergenerational consequences associated with these high rates remains understudied. The present study therefore explores the experiences of intergenerational trauma that mothers who use substances are faced with in a selected low-income peri-urban community in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory research design was used to meet the aim and objectives of the study. A sample of eight mothers recruited from a social development centre in a low-income community in the Western Cape were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. All ethical considerations as stipulated by the ethics committee were adhered to and data obtained from the interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed as per Braun and Clarke’s guidelines.
The relationship between cognitive orientation, media usage, political activism, and political deviance from the perspective of context theory.
(Univeristy of the Western Cape, 1996) Ahmed, Amien Essack
The purpose of the present study was to examine and replicate some of the predictions of context theory regarding the relationships between media usage, cognitive orientation, political activism, and political deviance. The present study extended upon the model by including a behavioural aspect, namely, political activism. Subjects for the study consisted of 120 undergraduate Psychology students at the University of the Western Cape. The characteristics of the sample were as follows: 44.4% females and 55.6% males, the mean ages was 23.7 years with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years old. The overall pattern of the results was consistent with context theory when the index of political deviance was modal deviance. All the results involving the PEC (political-economic conservatism) dimensions as indices of political deviance were not significant. These results, however, do not disconfirm the context hypothesis. The context theory model could not be tested adequately as a result of the weakness of the PEC scales in the study. The construction of the PEC variable needs considerable attention in future studies of context theory. It was found that cognitive orientation was a significant predictor of both mass media usage (newspapers, radio, television, and pamphlets) and alternative media usage (academic articles, periodicals, books, and political discussion and debates). It was also found that political deviance (modal deviance) was a significant predictor of media usage (both mass and alternative media), which indicates that, not only are deviants more likely to be better informed than political moderates, but that they also actively seek information about socio-political issues.
Expanding the emotional social screening tool for school readiness (E3SR) for pre-schoolers: an isiXhosa translation, equivalence and validation study
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Reddi, Prenita
The development of essential skills regarding the readiness to learn ensures that a child develops adequately and is equipped with competencies needed to deal with emotional, behavioural, and academic challenges. The assessment of school readiness is an important activity to assist children to transition successfully to a more formal school environment. The multifaceted South African environment, therefore, requires a robust, valid, and reliable screening tool to assess school readiness. In response to this, an English version of the Emotional Social Screening tool for School Readiness (E3SR) has been developed. The E3SR has been translated into Afrikaans and the equivalence and content validity of the Afrikaans version has been established. The Afrikaans translation study used the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines and created a rigorous research methodological process for establishing translation and equivalence of the E3SR. This study has therefore, replicated a portion of the methodology used in the Afrikaans study, to translate the E3SR into isiXhosa. The study entailed two phases. Phase one focused on translating the E3SR into isiXhosa using a five-step process, similar to the Afrikaans study, to ensure a rigorous translation process.
Exploring the quality of life needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Thandeki, Hloni; Florence, Maria
Maternal substance use is a severe public health concern in South Africa. Low-income rural living presents unique challenges for pregnant women using substances. Consequently, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life (QoL) needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape; in particular, the environmental barriers and opportunities that could improve or hamper the women’s QoL and recovery. To do this, this study utilised an interpretive phenomenological analysis to conduct secondary data analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews collected for the parent project it forms part of. The parent project employed purposive sampling to select thirteen pregnant women who took part in the substance use support programme of a collaborating non-profit organisation. The data analysis of this study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory and the QoL Framework. The study found that while community resources, social support, hope, and resilience offered opportunities for enhancing the QoL and supporting the recovery of the women in this study, contextual stressors and mental health issues functioned as barriers to QoL and recovery. The findings demonstrated the need for increased attention to the social determinants of health in maternal substance use and QoL research and interventions, as well as multi-level and multi-sectoral stakeholder involvement with a focus on resolving contextual impediments. The present study concluded that challenging maternal substance use and improving maternal QoL in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape requires a critically informed, locally relevant approach to understanding and addressing these issues.
An exploratory study of the lived experiences of nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 at a regional hospital in Mbombela local municipality, Mpumalanga province.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Ngobeni, Merron Kuhle; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Nurses played an important role in providing first aid care and serving as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 at a rural South African hospital. It used a qualitative descriptive research design. Twenty research participants were selected to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Each participant’s written informed consent was obtained. Four keys themes emerged from the study. First, the nurses shared their journey into nursing, with most of them reporting that they pursued the career out of a desire to help others and due to limited career opportunities. Second, the study found that nurses had a fear of contracting COVID-19 and transmitting the virus to their loved ones; they also reported that they experienced fear of community ostracism. Third, the study delved into the impact of the work environment on nurses’ well-being, with most of them reporting experiencing burnout, long working hours and poor working environment. Finally, the study also examined the coping mechanisms used by the nurses and identified collegial support, religious support and avoidant coping.
Aggression-related alcohol expectancies and exposure to community alcohol-related agression among students at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2012-03-05) Du Toit, Renier; Mwaba, K.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related violence has been firmly established in a wide array of studies concerning various forms of violence including intimate partner violence, domestic violence as well as sexual assault. One factor which has been highlighted as having a moderating effect on the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression is the specific aggression-related alcohol expectancies concerning the effects of alcohol consumption on aggressive behaviour. In light of the prevalence of alcohol-related violence in South African communities it becomes important to examine the specific factors that moderate the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and violence. The aim of this study was to examine aggressionrelated alcohol expectancies as a moderating factor in the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and to examine the possible influence of exposure to community alcohol-related aggression in the formulation of aggression-related alcohol expectancies. The main objectives of this were to examine aggression-related alcohol expectancies as well as exposure to community alcohol-related aggression as domains for intervention to prevent alcohol-related violence.
The relationship between social support, self-esteem and exposure to community violence on adolescent's perceptions of well-being
(2012-03-06) Fourie, Jade Melissa; Savahl, Shazly
Violence is considered to be one of the most critical and threatening global problems plaguing the world today, leaving a trail of devastating consequences to societies, economies, cultures, families and individuals (Desjarlais & Kleinman, 1997). Adolescents who grow up in a context of violence learn distorted ways of thinking, acting, living and interacting. Aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour become internalised and adopted as acceptable ways to resolve conflict situations. Chronic, continuous exposure to violence results in physical, psychological and emotional disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, lowered self-confidence, sleep disturbances, decreased attention and concentration spans. This study addressed the form of violence known as community violence, i.e. violence that children experience within their communities (either as witnesses or as victims). This study investigated the effects of this negative environmental experience and investigated potential mediating and moderating variables that could influence the harmful effects of such experiences. The variables considered as mediating and/or moderating variables were social support and self-esteem. The theoretical framework adopted for this study was Bronfennbrenner's Bioecological Systems theory.
The influence of family resilience on help-seeking behaviour and posttraumatic growth of university students with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Basadien, Toughieda; Isaacs, Serena
The majority of South African university students are exposed to high levels of trauma, crime and violence and are at increased risk of developing mental illnesses such as, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite high trauma exposure and multiple incidences of traumatic events, there are a significant number of students who seem to cope well in the face of adverse circumstances and trauma. This variation raises questions as to whether there are multiple factors and processes that influence the relationship between exposure to traumatic events and the development of posttraumatic growth. The current study explored the relationship between family resilience, help-seeking behaviour and posttraumatic growth of university students who have experienced symptoms of PTSD following the exposure of a traumatic event within the Western Cape. The study made use of a positive psychology framework which focuses on human strengths, rather than on pathology, and tries to build characteristics and positive emotions that can enhance individual wellbeing. A correlational survey design was conducted on students from a university within Cape Town, Western Cape. Ethics was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the university's registrar's office granted access to students. The study ensured that informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to the commencement of the study and that all data would be destroyed after five years.
The mental health impact of COVID-19 on the general population of Southern Africa: a scoping review
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Dube, Thembelihle; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
The aim of this scoping review was to examine and synthesize existing literature on the mental health impacts, risk factors, and protective factors associated with COVID-19 in Southern Africa. Most studies about the pandemic's mental health impact have been conducted in the global North. This research indicated a high prevalence of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and suicidality. The study found food insecurity, financial difficulties, lack of psychological and social support, social isolation, and job insecurity as risk factors contributing to adverse COVID-19 related mental health outcomes. The findings of the study further revealed that factors such as resilience, family support, religion, and psychosocial support, prevented adverse COVID-19 related mental health outcomes in Southern Africa. There is limited synthesized information from Southern Africa and this study aimed to summarize studies on the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Africa.
Father-son relationship quality and associated adolescent risks
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Hendricks, Lynn Hendricks; Malcolm, Charles
International research over the past two decades has advanced knowledge in the study of fathers and the protective role they play in the prevention of adolescent risk behaviours. Studies have often investigated parental relationships and their influence on adolescent risk behaviours but rarely the specific role of the adolescents’ relationships with their fathers or father figures in prevention of risk behaviour. Three main hypotheses were investigated: first, that the theoretically aligned dimensions of relationship quality would be nomogically validated; second, that there would be little significance difference in the dimensions of relationship quality across groupings of father residential status; and third, that the quality of the fatherson relationship is a stronger predictor of risk behaviour than father’s residential status (whether the adolescent lived with the father or not), or whether the “father” is a biological father or not. Three samples of adolescents were included: a fatherresident group (biological fathers reside in the adolescents’ homes) (N = 196); a nonresident group (biological fathers live elsewhere) (N = 72); and a father figure group (no contact with biological father) (N = 58). The school-based sample of 331 participants all resided in a low-income area of Cape Town. Risk behaviours were investigated using the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk behaviour was assessed on a POSIT sub-scale designed specifically for South Africa, the POSIT HIV/STD Risk iv Subscale.
Validation of instruments investigating the relationship between stress, psychological strengths, coping and overall psychological well-being among school-going adolescents in the Cape Metropole.
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Dumani, Noxolo; Somhlaba, Nceba Z
Adolescence is documented as a time inevitably characterized by stress and turmoil. From international research, there seems to have been an increase in scholarly attention to aspects of the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the adolescent population. However, literature in this field documents a lack of instruments measuring mental and psychological health validated in the South African context, especially among the children and adolescent population. Numerous calls have been made to develop reliable and valid measures of these issues in late childhood and adolescence. In line with this, the aim of this study was to validate multiple self-screening scales within the South African context and additionally, to investigate the relationship between stress, psychological strengths, coping, and overall psychological well-being among high school-going adolescents from Grades 8 to 11, and aged between 13-19 years in the Cape Metropole.
Examining the factors associated with substance use during pregnancy in low socio-economic status communities in the Western Cape province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Batweni, Zandile; Florence, Maria
Substance use in South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape remains a huge social problem for the entire population generally and pregnant women in particular given their unique vulnerabilities. There are many factors associated with substance use during pregnancy, such as race, age, unemployment, and stress. The study aimed to examine factors associated with substance use during pregnancy using a quantitative methodology and a bio-ecological theoretical framework to explore the associated factors. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The larger study within which this study is located is a cross sectional study conducted across a range of low-income communities in the Cape Metropole.
An examination of the Amsterdam executive function inventory (AEFI) in South Africa: A factor analytic study
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Coppin, Lauren; Smith, Mario
Executive functioning has a significant role in human behaviour and development. It is important for an individual’s everyday functioning and skill set. Thus, over the years executive functioning has become a prominent construct among researchers, practitioners and in literature. This popularity has resulted in challenges establishing comparable estimates of psychometric properties. Executive functioning is typically measured by performance-based measures however, recently there is emerging support for the use of self-report measures. In developing countries such as South Africa, research on executive functioning will receive a substantial injection if self-reports were found to be reliable and valid alternatives to costly and inaccessible performance-based measures. The Amsterdam Executive Function Inventory (AEFI), a measure of executive functioning, has been used recently in South Africa with good reliability and internal stability reported as evidenced by acceptable Cronbach alphas.
The psychological impact of Covid-19 on university students in the Global South: A scoping review
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Fipaza, Unathi Caeline; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of the highly transmittable virus, coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Given the rapid increase of infection amongst the global population, countries implemented preventative measures to assist in reducing the infection rate. These measures had a significant effect on the higher education sector, which ultimately impacted on student mental health. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the published literature conducted on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on university students in the Global South.
Sex workers' perceptions of AIDS and safe sex
(University of the Western Cape, 1995) Pauw, Ilse J; Strebel, Anna
This is an exploratory study of sex workers' perceptions of AIDS and safe sex methods. Six escorts and eight street sex workers in Cape Town were interviewed. The responses indicated that sex workers are aware of AIDS but certain gaps in their knowledge still persist. Sex workers gain their knowledge in a haphazard manner as they are hesitant to utilize the existing health services. There are few intervention programmes aimed at sex workers. Although risk perception is high, sex workers are adamant that they are less at risk than non-sex working women. They accept the responsibility of ensuring safe sex with clients. The majority of sex workers indicate that they are in control of negotiating safe sex, except with violent clients. Condom use varies depending on the status of the sexual partner. Condom use is high with casual clients but significantly lower with regular clients and boyfriends. The study indicates a need for intervention which addresses the specific needs of sex workers. Intervention should include negotiation skills and the empowerment of sex workers. Peer-based intervention has shown to be most effective in addressing these needs.
An exploration of the subjective lived experiences of pregnant survivors of cyber intimate partner violence
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Maharaj, Sabrina; Andipatin, Michelle
Focussing on interpersonal relations, this research project aimed to investigate subjective lived experiences of the newer form of gender-based violence (GBV), that is cyber intimate partner violence (cyber IPV) in the pregnancy period of South African women - an area with scarce research output. Ethical clearance was received from the Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Thereafter, approval from the Department of Health’s National Health Research Database (NHRD), and a Community Health Centre to conduct research at the medical facility followed.

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