Research Articles (Psychology)

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

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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.
The juxtaposition of invalidation and “inviting in”: a qualitative study of bisexual identity in South Africa
(Routledge, 2025) Petinger, Charné; Jackson, Kyle; Andipatin, Michelle
Understanding one’s sexual orientation plays a significant role in contributing to one’s sexual identity and developing a coherent sense of self. Misconceptions and prevailing prejudices make it difficult for bisexual individuals to navigate their sexual identities in many societies. Disclosure of one’s identity is accompanied by certain risks depending on how the information is received. However, disclosing one’s identity can also be positive, especially as it assists in fostering relationships. This article derives from a descriptive study involving 14 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 18–24 who identified as bisexual. Data were subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis. Themes of invalidation, belongingness and reclaiming through ‘inviting in’ were identified. By processing the feelings of invalidation regarding their bisexual identities which were placed upon them by their respective cultural groups, and society in general, participants were able to develop a sense of agency and reclaim their power. Findings highlight the need for further research on bisexuality, particularly in South Africa, and the need to understand how bisexual identity development occurs in interaction with other sexual and gender identities.
Investigating the relationship between well-being, engagement and learning experiences among South African publicly funded students in higher education
(Springer, 2025) Shoko, Placidia; Wilson Fadiji, Angelina; Wildschut, Angelique
Student engagement and positive learning experiences are important determinants of academic performance in higher education. While the role of well-being is also acknowledged, it is not comprehensively addressed as an antecedent for both engagement and learning experience. In fact, interventions to improve academic performance in higher education tend to ignore well-being support. A further problem relates to the dominance of literature from the Global North predicated on relationships between well-being, engagement and learning experience among students with much higher levels of socio-economic status. This stands as a severe limitation in identifying the right kinds of interventions towards ensuring better learning outcomes for African higher education students. Using structural equation modelling, we explored the relationship between psychological and social well-being with student engagement and learning experiences among a sample of 6877 South African higher education students (females = 54.7%; mean age = 23.83; SD = 4.89). Our findings showed that both facets of well-being were positively related to student engagement and learning experiences highlighting psychological and social well-being promotion as a clear responsibility of higher education systems.
Women’s experiences of high-risk pregnancy care in resource constrained Cape Town communities
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Cebekhulu Gugulethu; Andipatin Michelle G
A high-risk pregnancy elicits inherent fear for women, which has an impact that is great and far-reaching, often resulting in psychological health challenges both during and after pregnancy (minnaar 2020). Pregnancy is classified as high-risk when there is a possibility of difficulties during pregnancy, birth or the postpartum period, for either the mother or the growing baby (soh & nelson-piercy 2015). In low- and middle-income countries (lmics), where 99% of all maternal fatalities take place, women are more vulnerable to experiencing severe morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period (heitkamp et al. 2021). It is widely known that healthcare institutions in lmics generally face considerable limitations (meghji et al. 2021). Therefore, socioeconomic factors that are highly linked to morbidity and mortality have had a significant influence on the health of the majority of south africans (militao et al. 2022). Individuals in impoverished regions face systemic limitations that influence their behaviour (vilar- compte et al. 2021). For example, they are more likely to consume unhealthy food because of the limited access to nutritious grocery shopping options beyond convenience stores, liquor stores and fast-food establishments, which primarily serve high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt items (vilar- compte et al. 2021). These unhealthy alternatives may often lead to many women being at risk for major health issues, including obesity, hypertension and gestational diabetes, which might endanger both their lives and the lives of their unborn children (langley-evans 2022). Consequently, despite the south african government’s efforts to enhance care for expectant mothers and children, disparities in perinatal and maternal outcomes predominate and continue (ngene, khaliq & moodley 2023). Although south africa’s health system was formerly segregated based on race, it continues to reflect the social divisions of the nation (maphumulo & bhengu 2019). For example, there are currently two healthcare systems – the public healthcare system which serves the poor majority and the private healthcare system which caters to those who occupy the higher socioeconomic status. Despite south african citizens being able to access free healthcare through the public healthcare system, a major drawback is that it is grossly underfunded despite servicing a large percentage (84%) of the population (maphumulo & bhengu 2019; mhlanga & garidzirai 2020). This challenge often manifests as long waiting periods for patients and a highly stressful working environment for healthcare professionals (crush & tawodzera 2014; wium, vannevel & bothma 2019). In addition, south africa’s healthcare system is underpinned by the biomedical model, which views the human body as a mechanical, universal object that is devoid of culture (pentecost et al. 2018). According to this line of thinking, pregnancy is viewed as purely physical, which undercuts the significance that culture and experience have on pregnant women’s interpretation of their experiences (nuño de la rosa, pavličev & etxeberria 2021). Thus, interactions with clinical professionals often do not provide women with the necessary emotional and psychological fulfilment that they require. Furthermore, african traditions and beliefs, which promote wholeness, a treatment approach that considers the full individual, including their social environment, stand in sharp contrast to the biomedical model (holst 2020). As a result, this system challenges south african society’s conventional, moral, and spiritual values. Moreover, according to the biological model paradigm, a pregnant woman is automatically at health risk, categorised as either ‘high–risk’ or ‘low–risk’ (majella et al. 2019). As a result, pregnancy has taken on a techno-medical aspect as medical experts approached it like a disease rather than something that is normal and natural (majella et al. 2019). Pregnant women are classified as ‘high-risk’ based on statistics rather than personal factors (van teijlingen et al. 2005). This has given rise to the claim that giving birth is only safe in a hospital with medical staff present (yuill et al. 2020). Thus, a ‘high-risk’ label subsequently leads to intense monitoring and frequent interaction with healthcare providers (heemelaar et al. 2020). The ‘high-risk’ classification is an extremely stressful event that is intrinsically terrifying for women (minnaar 2020), making it crucial for healthcare providers to show compassion. However, the biomedical framework uses technical language which often leaves patients feeling left out as they are unable to comprehend their own diagnosis (khan 2019). There are very few studies that have looked at women’s subjective experiences after a high-risk pregnancy in the setting of south africa. Despite it being well recognised that pregnancy affects a woman’s overall state of health and emotional well-being (abrar et al. 2020; cole-lewis et al. 2014), pregnancy is still viewed as a techno-medical event as researchers persist in concentrating on the physical conditions, ignoring the psychological distress that mothers face (nagar et al. 2015; torabi et al. 2012). Women from developing countries are more exposed to stress and risk factors such as socioeconomic deprivation and poverty, increasing the likelihood for developing mental health problems (nielsen-scott et al. 2022). Given that one in five women residing in lmics experience a mental disorder during and after pregnancy (mitchell et al. 2023), it is unclear how south african women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancies interact with the healthcare system. Thus, the purpose of this study is to address this gap by investigating how a sample of women from resource-deprived neighbourhoods diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy experienced the south african public healthcare system
The juxtaposition of invalidation and “inviting in”: a qualitative study of bisexual identity in South Africa
(Routledge, 2024) Petinger, Charné; Jackson, Kyle; Andipatin, Michelle
Understanding one’s sexual orientation plays a significant role in contributing to one’s sexual identity and developing a coherent sense of self. Misconceptions and prevailing prejudices make it difficult for bisexual individuals to navigate their sexual identities in many societies. Disclosure of one’s identity is accompanied by certain risks depending on how the information is received. However, disclosing one’s identity can also be positive, especially as it assists in fostering relationships. This article derives from a descriptive study involving 14 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 18–24 who identified as bisexual. Data were subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis. Themes of invalidation, belongingness and reclaiming through ‘inviting in’ were identified. By processing the feelings of invalidation regarding their bisexual identities which were placed upon them by their respective cultural groups, and society in general, participants were able to develop a sense of agency and reclaim their power. Findings highlight the need for further research on bisexuality, particularly in South Africa, and the need to understand how bisexual identity development occurs in interaction with other sexual and gender identities.
The lived experience of South African men having a premature baby
(South Africa: African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS, 2024) Jonathan Nell; Kyle Jackson; Michelle Andipatin
Background: Much has been written about fathers, fatherhood and premature babies. However, in the South African context, studies about the experiences of fathers having a premature baby are lacking. Aim: This study aimed to explore how South African fathers (n = 10) experience having a premature baby using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Setting: This research study was conducted online using various social media platforms such as whatsapp, google meet and through telephonic conversations. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach that allowed for the distillation and elucidation of common core experiences among fathers who had a premature baby. Results: The findings demonstrated that the participants experienced intense fears regarding the survival and well-being of their children. They reported experiencing financial difficulties related to hospital bills and experienced being alienated by hospital institutions. Despite these reported barriers, these fathers were adamant in their resolve to support their children and partners during this challenging time. Conclusion: The experiences of fathers were riddled with fear, uncertainty, ambiguity and alienation, which placed them in very precarious situations when trying to navigate their role in a more sensitive and enlightened way. Having a premature infant calls into question the systems that men are positioned within as these systems to a large extent shape these events and how they are experienced.
Editorial: new directions and trends in parenting research
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2024) Yaffe, Yosi; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Alt, Dorit
For centuries, the study of child socialization has focused primarily on understanding the effects of traditional parenting styles, dimensions, and behaviors on the developmental trajectories and outcomes of children and adolescents. While these core issues remain highly significant, recent research in parenting aims to broaden our understanding by exploring contemporary aspects and fields within this domain. Parenting science has expanded significantly over the past five decades to understand parenting, the parent-child relationship, child development and the adjusted adult. The shift has been from behaviorism to attachment and child development, positive parenting, and the role of technology. More recently there has been an increased focus on father involvement, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), genetics and epigenetics, the role of culture on parenting and evidence-based interventions providing more scientifically backed parenting programs and interventions. The findings and insights stem from the studies included in the current Research Topic resume those recent trends in parenting research and further enhance our knowledge of the numerous factors that influence parenting and its impact on children's and adolescents' development. Key areas of interest include cultural and gender significances in parent-child relationships, the importance of other socialization agents, parental mental health, unconventional or novel parenting patterns alongside traditional parental behaviors, parenting children with disabilities, and family dynamics that influences children's creative and academic outcomes. By exploring these exciting directions in parenting research, we can deepen our understanding of how various elements affect parenting practices and outcomes, ultimately contributing to the wellbeing of children and adolescents.
A scoping review of the psychosocial aspects of infertility in African countries
(Springer Nature, 2024) Roomaney, Rizwana; Silingile, K.; Salie, Mariam
Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Psychosocial aspects of infertility research are predominant in developed countries. A scoping review of psychosocial aspects of infertility research conducted in Africa between 2000 and 2022 was conducted. Twelve databases and grey literature were searched for articles. Studies were included if they were published in English and included findings from patients diagnosed with primary or secondary infertility. A total of 2 372 articles were initially found and screening resulted in 116 articles being included in the scoping review. Most of the studies (81%) were conducted in Nige ria, Ghana and South Africa. Psychosocial aspects explored included quality of life, barriers to treatment, attitudes and stigma, and sociocultural and religious aspects of infertility, among others. The review maps published psychosocial research in the context of infertility in Africa and identifies gaps for future research
Stress to stability: sense of coherence as a buffer against pandemic-related psychological distress
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone B.
Background: Identifying protective factors in mental health-related outcomes is crucial, offering insights into the vulnerabilities and strengths individuals harness against psychological distress. There has been limited focus on exploring complex mediation and moderation models, which can uncover the relationships between stressors, protective factors and wellbeing. Aim: This study investigated the interrelationship between perceived stress, sense of coherence (SOC), and psychological distress. Setting: South African university students (N = 322) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale-13, Beck Hopelessness Scale-9 and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10. Methods: Moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro to examine the role of SOC in moderating the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress. Where moderation was not significant, mediation analysis was conducted. Results: Sense of coherence demonstrated multiple roles in mental health, exhibiting direct effects on indicators of psychological distress. Sense of coherence moderated the relationship between perceived stress and hopelessness. Under heightened stress conditions, individuals with low to medium SOC displayed more profound feelings of hopelessness compared to those with high SOC. Mediation analysis showed that SOC served as a bridge between perceived stress and both depression and anxiety. The identification of a potential SOC threshold offers a novel perspective on assessing risk levels, suggesting that individuals with low to moderate SOC are particularly vulnerable under high stress.
A qualitative study on the role of alcohol in the lives of a group of sexual minority women in South Africa
(Sage, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; McKenzie, Sharon
Despite extensive research on alcohol misuse in South Africa, a significant gap remains in the literature regarding the experiences of sexual minorities, defined as individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from heteronormative expectations. International studies have confirmed that sexual minority women are at a higher risk of harmful alcohol use compared with their heterosexual counterparts. This disparity is attributed to the distinctive and chronic stressors that sexual minorities face. There remains a paucity of research in South Africa on the experience of alcohol misuse among sexual minority women. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature. Twenty-five sexual minority women from diverse backgrounds residing in Cape Town, South Africa, participated in the study. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the study explored participants’ lived experiences of alcohol misuse and their perspectives of the reasons for initiating such use. The findings indicate that alcohol served as an emotional regulation strategy, helping them to manage emotional distress arising from experiences of rejection, stigma, and discrimination related to their sexual minority status. Rejection and ostracism from family and religious communities were identified as salient sources of distress precipitating alcohol misuse. In addition, participants identified childhood sexual abuse and internal conflicts related to reconciling their sexual identity with cultural and religious beliefs as key drivers of their alcohol misuse. The findings underscore the importance of addressing individual, familial, and societal-level factors in efforts to reduce harmful alcohol consumption within this population.
Exploring the unidimensionality of the GAD-7 for South african first responders: evidence from multiple psychometric approaches
(LIDSEN Publishing Inc, 2025) Padmanabhanunni, Anita; Pretorius, Tyrone
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition and the GAD-7 is widely used as a screening tool and measure of GAD severity. However, research has yielded conflicting findings regarding the factor structure of the instrument, with some studies supporting a unidimensional interpretation while others suggest a two-factor solution. These inconsistencies highlight the importance of validating the GAD-7 across diverse populations. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the GAD-7 among South African first responders (n = 429). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire along with the GAD-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, and subscales from the Maslach Burnout Inventory, namely Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization. The dimensionality of the GAD-7 was examined using Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA), parallel analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a Schmid-Leiman transformation. Results supported the unidimensionality of the GAD-7. MSA indicated that all items were loaded onto a single scale, with strong inter-item correlations and a high H-coefficient. The parallel analysis confirmed that only one factor was necessary, and the Schmid-Leiman transformation extracted a general factor accounting for 84% of the item variance. Furthermore, the reliability of the GAD-7 was excellent, with alpha and omega coefficients exceeding 0.90, indicating high internal consistency. The strong reliability and validity of the GAD-7 in this study reinforce its utility as a reliable tool for assessing generalized anxiety in a non-clinical setting.
Dimensionality in confirmatory factor analysis is not in the eye of the beholder: ancillary bifactor statistical indices illuminate dimensionality and reliability
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2025) Pretorius, Tyrone B.; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
This tutorial delves into dimensionality assessment within the context of psychological measurement instruments, particularly focusing on bifactor models. It underscores the imperative to move beyond traditional fit indices when evaluating factor structures while highlighting the significance of ancillary bifactor indices such as explained common variance, OmegaH and percentage of uncontaminated correlations in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between general and specific group factors. The tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to leveraging the power of R software for confirmatory factor analysis and the acquisition of ancillary bifactor indices. Through practical case studies, it elucidates the potential pitfalls of exclusively relying on fit indices and advocates for a balanced, multifaceted approach to dimensionality assessment. By integrating fit measures and ancillary indices, researchers can draw more informed and nuanced conclusions about measurement instrument dimensionality, ultimately enhancing the precision of psychological assessment.

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