Research Articles (Psychology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/396

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Doctoral graduate attribute development: lessons from the South African context
(International Network for Higher Education in Africa, University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2025) Senekal, Janine S; Munnik, Erica; Frantz, José M
Doctoral graduate attributes (DGAs) are the qualities and characteristics of a doctoral graduate. They are considered in the context of concerns for the quality and outcomes of doctoral education. Graduate attributes develop through formal education and the hidden curriculum, influenced by various agents such as the supervisor, peers and the institution of study. In doctoral education, where there is rarely a structured curriculum, consideration of how DGAs develop warrants investigation to ensure threshold levels of DGA development can be supported. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with doctoral supervisors, graduates and students from four South African higher education institutions. This article describes barriers and facilitators impacting the development of DGAs. The findings provide evidence of the interplay between various aspects that facilitate DGA development, including the doctoral student, supervisor(s), peers and institutions. The lack of awareness of DGAs and support available are important barriers to DGA development. It is recommended that support be offered at all levels, to facilitate learning. Agency should be encouraged to support the pursuit of doctoral scholars’ novel contribution, and growth as creative problem solvers. The research contributes by constructing a framework of support for DGA development.
Mental health of young adults in south africa: evidence from the Africa Long Life Study (ALLS)
(Routledge, 2026) Hassem, Tasneem; Laher, Sumaya; Bambo, Meseret Mesfin; Botha, Casey Brandy; Chopdat, S.; Hofmann, D. V.; Mayet, Shafeeqa; Naudé, Luzelle; Thalmayer, Amber Gayle
Around 70% of Africa’s population is under 30, yet many young people face challenges which contribute to psychological distress. Studies have shown gender, financial status, and religiosity can serve as both risk and protective factors depending on the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors young adults are exposed to. However, research in the area tends to focus primarily on adolescence. This study investigated the presence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among young adults in South Africa investigating the influence of gender, perceived financial status, and religiosity on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Data from 729 South African young adults in the Africa Long Life Study were analyzed. Measures included the International Mental Health Assessment (IMHA) anxiety, depression, and PTS subscales, self-reported gender and financial status and the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL). While anxiety, depression and PTS level were low, commonly endorsed symptoms included excessive worry, decision-making difficulties, and intrusive memories. The strongest predictor of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress was gender, followed by perceived financial status and organizational religious activity. Financial insecurity and identifying as female were linked to greater psychological distress, while higher organizational religious activity served as a protective factor across anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, contextually relevant mental health interventions, particularly for young women and financially insecure individuals. Results also support integrating a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework into mental health services to address the complex needs of South African youth.
Hardiness in high-stress occupations: A psychometric evaluation of the Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 in South African first responders
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026) Pretorius, Tyrone B.; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Hardiness, a psychological resilience trait comprising commitment, control, and challenge, has been widely studied in high-stress occupational groups. However, limited research has evaluated the psychometric properties of the Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 (DRS-15) in low- and middle-income contexts. This study investigated the psychometric of the DRS-15 in a sample of South African first responders (n = 429). Psychometric paradigms used included Classical Test Theory (CTT), Mokken scale analysis (MSA), and Rasch modeling. MSA and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure for the DRS-15. Item 4 exhibited poor psychometric performance across Rasch, MSA and CTT indices. The DRS without item 4 demonstrated strong internal consistency, satisfactory item-total correlations and factor loadings. The DRS without item 4 is a reliable and valid measure of psychological hardiness among South African first responders. Findings highlight the utility of integrating various complementary psychometric paradigms.
The impact of smartphone addiction on PTSD symptoms among South African university students: resilience as a protective factor
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone Brian
Highlights: What are the main findings? Problematic smartphone use was significantly associated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms among South African university students. Resilience moderated this relationship, buffering the impact of smartphone addiction on PTSD symptoms and reducing psychological distress among individuals with higher resilience. Resilience did not significantly moderate the relationship between smartphone addiction and the re-experiencing or hyperarousal clusters, suggesting that these physiologically driven aspects of post-traumatic distress are less amenable to cog-nitive or emotional coping resources. What is the implication of the main findings? Strengthening resilience may serve as an effective strategy to mitigate the negative mental health effects of excessive smartphone use in trauma-exposed populations. University-based mental health initiatives should integrate digital wellbeing and resilience-building interventions to promote healthier coping and reduce vulnerability to distress. Background: Problematic smartphone use has emerged as a growing concern among young adults and has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes. However, limited research has examined how protective factors such as resilience may buffer the relationship between smartphone addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Participants (n = 491, (Formula presented.) age = 21.22 years) were students enrolled at a university in the Western Cape province of South Africa. They completed three standardized measures: the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5. Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS to examine whether resilience moderated the association between smartphone addiction and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results: Higher levels of smartphone addiction were significantly associated with elevated PTSD symptoms across all clusters. Resilience emerged as a significant protective factor, exerting direct effects on several PTSD symptom clusters and moderating the association between smartphone addiction and the avoidance and negative alterations in cognition and mood clusters. However, resilience did not significantly moderate the relationship between smartphone addiction and the re-experiencing or hyperarousal clusters, suggesting that these physiologically driven aspects of post-traumatic distress are less amenable to cognitive or emotional coping resources. Conclusions: These findings highlight resilience as a key buffer in the relationship between problematic smartphone use and trauma-related distress. While strengthening resilience may mitigate certain cognitive and affective dimensions of PTSD associated with excessive smartphone use, interventions may need to incorporate strategies to effectively address hyperarousal and intrusive re-experiencing symptoms among trauma-exposed students.
Mental illness and stigma: subjective experiences of mothers with children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2025) Botha, Casey Brandy; Tucker, Leigh Adams; Mwaba, Kelvin
This study explored the nature of mental health stigma within communities and its impact on mothers of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A qualitative research design was employed, using purposive and snowball sampling to recruit ten mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that mothers frequently encountered judgement and stigma from both community members and within their own families. These negative experiences significantly influenced their attitudes towards treatment and, in some cases, contributed to the decision to discontinue their child’s pharmacological intervention. The study highlights the role of social stigma in shaping treatment decisions and underscores the need for greater mental health awareness and support for caregivers.
Psychological hardiness and burnout in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder among South African first responders
(SAGE Publications Inc, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone B
Abstract Background: Exposure to traumatic events is an inherent aspect of first responder work, placing individuals at heightened risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout. This study examined the relationship between PTSD symptoms and two key dimensions of burnout—emotional exhaustion and depersonalization—among South African first responders, with a particular focus on the mediating role of psychological hardiness. Methods: A total of 429 participants (police officers and paramedics) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Short Hardiness Scale, and the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: Path analysis revealed that the control and challenge dimensions of hardiness partially mediated the relationship between PTSD and burnout. While higher control was associated with lower burnout, higher challenge was unexpectedly associated with greater burnout. This suggests that different hardiness dimensions play distinct roles in the PTSD–burnout relationship. In contrast, the commitment dimension did not mediate this relationship. Conclusion: These findings highlight the nuanced and multidimensional role of hardiness in trauma-exposed populations and underscore the importance of resilience-focused interventions that enhance perceived control and constructive engagement with challenge to mitigate burnout in high-risk occupational groups.
Intergenerational sense-making about historical trauma: parent-child conversations about apartheid in South Africa
(Routledge, 2026) Goldschmidt, Tessa; Horstman, Haley Kranstuber; Watson, Olivia
Grounded in the communicated sense-making (CSM) model and communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) theory, the current study investigates how South African parents communicate to make sense of apartheid with their children. Findings from in-person interviews with 22 South African parents (representing each of the four apartheid racial class designations) illuminated four approaches to intergenerational sense-making about apartheid: responding, empowering, shielding, and recognizing progress. These findings expand CSM and CNSM theorizing by showing how cultural socialization is woven into family sense-making conversations about historical cultural events. We also address scholars’ calls for investigating family communication as a vehicle and/or barrier to the intergenerational transmission of trauma. We provide directions for narrative-based interventions to help parents most effectively discuss historical trauma with their children.
A meta-analysis of the relationship between problem-solving appraisal as assessed by the problem solving inventory and suicide ideation
(Routledge, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone
Suicide is a significant public health concern globally, and deficits in problem-solving ability have been identified as an important risk factor for suicide. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, this study aims to quantitatively synthesize the relationship between self-appraised problem-solving ability as measured by the Problem-solving Inventory (PSI) and suicidal ideation as indicated by measures of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The heterogeneity metrics suggested that the PSI and its subscales relate to suicide-related variables, though the strength and direction of these relationships vary across studies and populations. Despite this variability, the total PSI scale demonstrated the strongest combined effect, indicating its potential utility in suicide risk assessment. There were no significant moderating effects of age or gender composition across the studies, indicating that the relationship between perceived problem-solving abilities and suicide-related outcomes is consistent across age and gender groups. The strong association between perceived problem-solving competencies and reduced hopelessness highlights the potential of targeted interventions to enhance these skills. Such interventions could form a vital component of suicide-prevention strategies, aimed at bolstering the ability to cope with stress and adversity.
An exploratory study of themental health of first responders:depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone Brian
This exploratory study investigated the mental health status of first responders, specifically police officers and paramedics (n = 429), primarily from the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and the post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were calculated. In addition, a one-sample t-test was performed to compare the means obtained in this study with those from other studies involving samples from the African continent and international contexts. The instruments demonstrated strong reliability, consistent with previous studies conducted in South Africa. Using established cutoff scores from the literature, the study found that 47.3% of the sample would qualify for a diagnosis of depression, 37.8% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 48.5% for post-traumatic stress disorder. These levels are notably high, underscoring the significant psychological burden carried by first responders. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions tailored to the unique stressors faced by first responders, as well as the importance of addressing barriers to help-seeking within this population group. © The Author(s) 2025.
Sleep and mood as mechanisms linking trauma exposure to alcohol use in South African first responders: a serial mediation analysis
(LIDSEN Publishing Inc, 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic events in the line of duty, placing them at heightened risk for adverse mental health outcomes, including substance use. This study investigated the psychological mechanisms linking trauma exposure to alcohol use, specifically examining the serial mediating roles of insomnia and depression. A sample of 429 first responders (309 police officers and 120 paramedics) from the Western Cape, South Africa, completed an online survey comprising the Life Events Checklist-5, Insomnia Severity Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Mediation analysis was conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 6) in SPSS. Trauma exposure was significantly associated with increased levels of insomnia, depressive symptoms, and alcohol use. Mediation analysis revealed that both insomnia and depression independently fully mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and alcohol use. Additionally, a significant serial mediation pathway was observed, indicating that trauma exposure led to insomnia, which in turn contributed to depression, ultimately resulting in higher alcohol use. These findings highlight the central role of sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in the trauma–alcohol use nexus among first responders. Interventions that address insomnia may not only alleviate depressive symptoms but also serve to mitigate harmful alcohol use in this high-risk population.
(In)effectiveness of frame‐Inducing rating instructions in State‐Trait research
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025) Lance Charles E.; Griggs Tracy L.
Negative affectivity (Trait‐NA) is often measured at baseline and treated as a control variable in models of workplace stress and well‐being. However, recent research suggests that routine procedures for the measurement of Trait‐NA (i.e., using trait‐inducing instructions) may not adequately distinguish Trait‐NA from State‐NA, leading to probable model misf Trait‐Nspecification with substantive theoretical implications. We employ Trait‐State‐Occasion modelling of intensive longitudinal data to examine the degree to which trait‐inducing instructions are actually reflective of Trait‐NA, as intended. Results indicated that (a) NA,like other often‐used measures (e.g., positive affect and workload) exhibit substantial portions of both State and Trait variance, and (b) that rating instructions were generally ineffective in achieving shifts in rating perspectives (5%–15% or so on the average). We discuss implications of using latent variable modelling to distinguish Traits and States in ‘shortitudinal research
The relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and alcohol use in first responders: a cross-sectional study of the direct, mediating and moderating role of generalized resistance resources
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) refers to the disproportionate propensity to react negatively to uncertain events, and it has been associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and anxiety. The current study examined the role of resilience, hardiness, self-efficacy and self-compassion in the relationship between IU and alcohol use in a sample of South African first responders. These variables are examples of what is referred to as generalized resistance resources, which enable individuals to deal with the challenges of life. A sample of 429 first responders completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Short Hardiness Scale and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The results of PROCESS analyses found direct and mediating effects for resilience and self-efficacy, no effects for hardiness and moderating effects for self-compassion. In this regard, a graph of the interaction between intolerance of uncertainty and self-compassion showed that at low levels of self-compassion, the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and alcohol use was strong and significant, while at high levels of self-compassion the relationship was non-significant. In addition, the Johnson–Neyman plot showed that the exact value of self-compassion at which point the relationship between intolerance and uncertainty ceased to be significant was 36.37. These obtained results confirm the important role of generalized resistance resources in wellbeing and provide a basis for tailored interventions.
Emotional social screening tool for school readiness – revised: isiXhosa adaptation
(African Online Scientific Information Systems Pty Ltd, 2025) Munnik, Erica; Reddi, Prenita; Smith, Mario R.
Background: The need for the adaptation of instruments to other native languages to promote culture-fairness framed this study. Aim: This article reports on the adaptation of the locally developed Emotional Social Screening Tool for School Readiness (E3SR-R) into isiXhosa. Setting: This adaptation study was conducted in South Africa. Methods: The study was executed in five steps based on the Sousa and Rajjanasrirat model. The quality of the processes for translation and establishing linguistic equivalence were evaluated using the Quality of Translation and Linguistic Equivalence Checklist (QTLC). Results: A high level of inter-rater agreement was reported. A high level of compliance with International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines for translation and linguistic equivalence was achieved. An expert reviewer (ER) concluded that the isiXhosa version of the E3SR-R demonstrated content validity. Conclusion: The E3SR-R English version was successfully adapted to isiXhosa. Contribution: The resultant isiXhosa translation extends the availability and utility of the E3SR-R to isiXhosa speakers.
Alcohol use in first responders in South Africa: psychological distress factors related to harmful drinking and alcohol dependence
(AVES, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone Brian
First responders are frequently exposed to traumatic events and highly stressful situations due to the nature of their work. This enhances their vulnerability to psychological distress and the use of maladaptive strategies to cope. In South Africa, few studies have explored the relationship between alcohol use and mental health indicators among first responders. This study investigated the association between harmful drinking behaviors and post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, fatigue, and insomnia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 429 first responders. The participants completed the Alcohol Use Identification Test, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Life Events Checklist, Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, and Insomnia Severity Index. Higher levels of alcohol use were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Specifically, anxiety, depersonalization, fatigue, and insomnia emerged as significant predictors of alcohol consumption. Participants classified as at risk for harmful alcohol use reported higher levels of psychological distress than those not at risk. Additionally, participants identified as having alcohol dependence reported higher levels of distress across all indicators than did those without alcohol dependence. These results underscore the need for integrated interventions that address both psychological distress and harmful drinking behaviors.
Adolescent flourishing in South Africa
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Savahl, Shazly; Witten, Heidi; Adams, Sabirah
The measurement of flourishing as an indicator of social progress has gained global recognition as a priority for governments. Adolescents, in particular, have been empirically identified as a population requiring more focused research on flourishing. In South Africa, understanding adolescent flourishing is especially critical given the country’s unique socio-cultural, economic, and historical context. This study examines flourishing among a sample of adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We used data from a provincial survey on children’s well-being, which included a sample of 1045 adolescents between the ages of 13–19. We conceptualised flourishing as comprising both hedonic (feeling well) and eudaimonic (functioning well) components, including positive and negative affect, measured using four scales. Our analysis comprised a structural validation of the scales and measurement invariance testing across age and gender. We also report on the level of flourishing using mean scores and the percentage of scale maximum statistic. The results demonstrated appropriate fit for all the scales, with scalar measurement invariance tenable for all the scales across age and gender. The findings reveal generally high levels of well-being, though disparities in context-free life satisfaction and variations across demographic groups, highlighting the need for contextually-grounded assessments of adolescent flourishing. Overall, the study found high scores of flourishing, which is somewhat inconsistent with the objective realities experienced by adolescents in various contexts in South Africa.
Trauma exposure, insomnia, and fatigue: a cross‐sectional study of the pathways to burnout among South African first responders
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone
Background and Aims: First responders are disproportionately vulnerable to the development of insomnia, fatigue and burnout, due to chronic exposure to trauma inherent in their occupational roles. This study examined the mediating roles of insomnia and fatigue in the relationship between trauma exposure and burnout among South African first responders. Methods: Participants included police officers (n = 309) and paramedics (n = 120) in the Western Cape province of South Africa. They completed an online survey comprising the Life Events Checklist, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Mediation analyses were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro in SPSS Version 30.Results: Mediation analysis provided evidence of both parallel as well as serial mediation roles for insomnia and fatigue in the relationship between trauma exposure and burnout. Insomnia fully mediated the relationships between trauma exposure and emotional exhaustion as well as personal accomplishment and partially mediated the relationship with depersonalization. Fatigue fully mediated the relationships between trauma exposure and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but did not mediate the relationship with personal accomplishment. Serial mediation analysis indicated that insomnia and fatigue, in sequence, fully mediated the effects of trauma exposure on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Conclusions: Insomnia and fatigue are critical pathways linking trauma exposure to burnout among South African first responders. Early identification and treatment of sleep disturbances may be crucial for preventing burnout and enhancing resilience in this population.
Reliability generalization of the problem solving inventory: a meta-analysis of Cronbach’s Alpha with a varying-coefficient model
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone B; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
The current study presents a reliability generalization of the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), utilizing the comprehensive Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis (REGEMA) checklist to ensure a thorough and methodical approach. The PSI, a tool designed to assess individuals’ perceptions of their problem-solving abilities, consists of a total scale and three subscales: problem-solving confidence (PSC), approach-avoidance style (AAS), and personal control (PC). Each subscale evaluates distinct facets of problem-solving appraisal. From an initial pool of 2,196 articles, 123 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a varying-coefficient model to account for the dynamic nature of reliability coefficients across studies. The meta-analysis revealed that the PSI total scores consistently demonstrated excellent reliability, as did the PSC and AAS subscales. Key predictors of reliability for the PSI and PSC included standard deviation, mean age of the sample, and sample type, whereas mean age and the language of inventory administration were key predictors for the PC subscale. The AAS scale’s reliability was notably influenced by the standard deviation of the scores, sample size, and proportion of women in the sample. These insights underscore the critical role of demographic and methodological variables in evaluating an instrument’s reliability across varied contexts. The study findings reinforce the importance of a nuanced approach to psychological measurement with an awareness of how demographic, sample, and cultural factors influence the reliability of psychometric tools.
Teaching identification as a protective and risk factor for teacher burnout in the context of role stress
(Discover, 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone Brian; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Background: Work-related stress has been linked to severe negative mental health outcomes. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this stress has been exacerbated, with particularly adverse consequences for schoolteachers, who are often referred to as the forgotten frontline workers due to their critical yet overlooked role in sustaining education during crises. The current study was framed within the Job Demands-Resources model and explored the relationship between role stress, as operationalized by role conflict and role ambiguity, and components of burnout. Method: Participants were schoolteachers (n = 355) in South Africa who completed the Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scale, the Professional Identification Scale, and the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: Mediation and moderation analyses revealed that teaching identification had a significant negative association with role conflict (r = − 0.19, p < 0.001), role ambiguity (r = − 0.40, p < 0.001), emotional exhaustion (r = − 0.42, p < 0.001), and depersonalization (r = − 0.38, p < 0.001). Teaching identification significantly predicted lower emotional exhaustion (β = −0.29, p < 0.001) and depersonalization (β = −0.27, p < 0.001). However, in the case of role ambiguity, teacher identification played an aggravating rather than a moderating role as the relationship between role ambiguity and burnout was stronger at high levels of teacher identification. Conclusion: These findings highlight the paradoxical nature of professional identification in shaping teachers’ well-being. The study underscores the organizational need to minimize role stress by providing clear job expectations and structured support systems. It reinforces the importance of implementing measures to enhance teachers’ professional pride while ensuring that their commitment does not lead to burnout.
Emotional social screening tool for school readiness (e3sr-r): adaptation into Afrikaans
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Munnik, Erica; Adams, Nuraan; Smith, Mario R.
The Emotional Social Screening Tool for School Readiness – Revised (E3SR-R) is a contextually sensitive and psychometrically sound measure developed to screen emotional-social competence in preschool learners in South Africa, a multilingual country. The original measure was constructed in English. This article reports on the translation of the E3SR-R into Afrikaans. A three-phase design was adopted. Phase 1: Independent reviewers evaluated the E3SR-R for conceptual validity. The Conceptual Construct Validity Appraisal Checklist was used to assess whether the E3SR-R was theoretically sound prior to adaptation. Phase 2 entailed translation of the E3SR-R. Reviewers used the Quality of Translation and Linguistic Equivalence Checklist to assess compliance with International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines. Phase 3 established content validity of the translation using a Delphi panel of 9 experts. The panel concluded within one round. Ethics clearance was granted by the University of the Western Cape. All applicable ethics principles were upheld. In Phase 1, a high level of inter-rater agreement confirmed that the E3SR had conceptual construct validity that supported adaptation. Phase 2 produced an Afrikaans translation. Raters had a high level of agreement that the adaptation complied with ITC guidelines. The Delphi panel concluded that the Afrikaans version demonstrated content validity. The Afrikaans translation of the E3SR-R was linguistically equivalent. Contribution: The study employed a rigorous methodology that underscored the importance of establishing conceptual construct validity, evaluating the translation process and establishing content validity in translation studies. Access to screening tools for emotional-social competence in pre-schoolers was expanded.
Behavioral addictions and cardiovascular health: a scoping review of the peer-reviewed primary research literature
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025) Sinclair, Deborah Louise; Sussman, Steve
Background: Most studies that have examined the association of addiction with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been completed regarding substances. However, behavioral addictions may indirectly or directly negatively impact one’s health. We engaged in a scoping review on the associations of behavioral addictions (i.e., sex, exercise, love, Internet, shopping, gambling, and work) with cardiovascular health. We aimed to explore (1) the addictive behaviors addressed in the literature, (2) the study samples and country contexts, (3) the methods used, and (4) the associations found with CVD or its precursors. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodological framework, a search across the Web of Science, PubMed, 13 ProQuest databases, and Google Scholar yielded 59 primary research articles. Results: The majority of these studies inferred cardiovascular consequences emerging from engaging in these addictions, based on stresses induced, sedentary behavior involved, or proximal physiological data such as heart rate variability or electrocardiogram reactivity. However, the literature is quite weak in indicating that behavioral addictions lead to later cardiovascular events. Studies are also confounded by other variables (e.g., substance use disorders). No love addiction or shopping addiction-cardiovascular event studies were located, nor were the potential confounding effects of substitute addictions. Conclusions: Future longitudinal research and qualitative studies among older adults are needed to better discern the impact of behavioral addictions on cardiovascular health. For example, in studies that find cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure, there is a need to try to discern whether the effects followed from addiction or preceded the addiction. In addition, studies are needed to discern whether behavioral addictions primarily impact cardiovascular health through social and reactivity consequences of engaging in the behaviors or merely indirectly through engagement in sedentary lifestyles.

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