Massed prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD and alcohol use: a single case experimental study of a university student
- Authors: Abrahams, Sherwin Owen
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478284 , vital:78173
- Description: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common among university students in South Africa. Bantjies et al. (2023) found a PTSD prevalence of 21.0% (n=28,268), and McGowan and Kagee (2013) reported that 90% (n=1337) had experienced at least one traumatic event. There is a high comorbidity between PTSD and AUD, especially in hazardous drinkers (Peltzer & Pengpid, 2015). Despite the prevalence, research on effective trauma-focused therapies (TFTs) in low-resource settings is limited (Booysen & Kagee, 2021). This study evaluates the effectiveness of massed-prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy for comorbid PTSD and AUD among South African university students, using a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). The participant (n=1) underwent comprehensive assessments using CAPS-5, AUDIT, PDS-5, and PCL-5, confirming PTSD and AUD diagnoses. Regular PCL-5 assessments during the intervention showed significant symptom improvement, and post-intervention assessments indicated the participant no longer met PTSD criteria. AUDIT scores also improved from 11 (harmful/hazardous drinking) to 6. The participant found MPE therapy to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. This study supports the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of MPE therapy and highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions to improve PTSD outcomes within university settings and in low-to-middle-income countries. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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- Authors: Abrahams, Sherwin Owen
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478284 , vital:78173
- Description: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common among university students in South Africa. Bantjies et al. (2023) found a PTSD prevalence of 21.0% (n=28,268), and McGowan and Kagee (2013) reported that 90% (n=1337) had experienced at least one traumatic event. There is a high comorbidity between PTSD and AUD, especially in hazardous drinkers (Peltzer & Pengpid, 2015). Despite the prevalence, research on effective trauma-focused therapies (TFTs) in low-resource settings is limited (Booysen & Kagee, 2021). This study evaluates the effectiveness of massed-prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy for comorbid PTSD and AUD among South African university students, using a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). The participant (n=1) underwent comprehensive assessments using CAPS-5, AUDIT, PDS-5, and PCL-5, confirming PTSD and AUD diagnoses. Regular PCL-5 assessments during the intervention showed significant symptom improvement, and post-intervention assessments indicated the participant no longer met PTSD criteria. AUDIT scores also improved from 11 (harmful/hazardous drinking) to 6. The participant found MPE therapy to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. This study supports the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of MPE therapy and highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions to improve PTSD outcomes within university settings and in low-to-middle-income countries. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Mental healthcare users’ perceptions of mental health services at a primary healthcare level
- Authors: Zwane, Siphelele
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478372 , vital:78181
- Description: This study interrogates the complexities of mental healthcare in primary healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of participants within the Makana municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, which is characterised by a low socio-economic status. The matter of mental healthcare is of great significance within the context of South Africa, a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. Over the years, mental health has progressed from being marginalised to being more widely acknowledged. While the integration into tertiary and urban healthcare settings has become smoother, primary healthcare has encountered numerous obstacles. This presents a concern, due to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by individuals accessing primary care, which predispose them to mental health issues. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of mental healthcare users within primary healthcare, a relatively underexplored area. The primary objective of the current research study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base, providing valuable insights for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, such as the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030, to reference when formulating strategies to enhance the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare. The study used purposive sampling to interview mental healthcare users within the Makana municipality. Employing a qualitative design facilitated in-depth dialogue between the participants and the researcher, generating valuable data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse and present meaningful data, providing an overview of the participants' shared experiences. The study identified four significant themes: the utility of primary health clinic; the urgent need for mental health education; socioeconomics, and mental health, and the complex dynamics of help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the pressing need to integrate quality mental health into PHC, emphasising the importance of mental health education, increased resources, task-sharing, and the prioritisation of both physical and mental illnesses. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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- Authors: Zwane, Siphelele
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478372 , vital:78181
- Description: This study interrogates the complexities of mental healthcare in primary healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of participants within the Makana municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, which is characterised by a low socio-economic status. The matter of mental healthcare is of great significance within the context of South Africa, a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. Over the years, mental health has progressed from being marginalised to being more widely acknowledged. While the integration into tertiary and urban healthcare settings has become smoother, primary healthcare has encountered numerous obstacles. This presents a concern, due to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by individuals accessing primary care, which predispose them to mental health issues. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of mental healthcare users within primary healthcare, a relatively underexplored area. The primary objective of the current research study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base, providing valuable insights for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, such as the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030, to reference when formulating strategies to enhance the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare. The study used purposive sampling to interview mental healthcare users within the Makana municipality. Employing a qualitative design facilitated in-depth dialogue between the participants and the researcher, generating valuable data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse and present meaningful data, providing an overview of the participants' shared experiences. The study identified four significant themes: the utility of primary health clinic; the urgent need for mental health education; socioeconomics, and mental health, and the complex dynamics of help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the pressing need to integrate quality mental health into PHC, emphasising the importance of mental health education, increased resources, task-sharing, and the prioritisation of both physical and mental illnesses. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Narratives of resilience in ‘coming out': the initial experiences of young South African persons who identify as gay and male
- Viljoen, Judd Wilfred George
- Authors: Viljoen, Judd Wilfred George
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478361 , vital:78180
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2026 , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Viljoen, Judd Wilfred George
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478361 , vital:78180
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release date in 2026 , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Perceptions and reflections of primary healthcare professionals on mental health services in Makhanda
- Authors: Piliso, Zandisiwe
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478344 , vital:78179
- Description: Primary mental healthcare in South Africa is still in its early stages, despite policies that have been developed, such as the National Mental Health Framework Policy. Provinces such as the Eastern Cape are far behind development, which can be attributed to limited resources. The scarcity has been noted in the literature, but not extensively. Literature concentrated on healthcare professionals’ perspectives towards primary health greatly narrow, particularly in the Makhanda area. With the integration of primary mental health services, healthcare workers’ viewpoints have impacted on service delivery. This study aims to add knowledge and explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals on primary mental healthcare in Makhanda. The ecological systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Thematic analysis was used to examine the healthcare professionals’ insights and to extract meaning for the participants involved in the study. Thirteen participants were used, using purposive sampling in four primary healthcare settings. Data were collected using semi-structured and one-on-one interviews. The study revealed three themes including, (i) Scarcity of Mental Health Services, (ii) Mental Health Literacy, (iii) Barriers to the Provision and Use of Physical and Mental Health Services. The findings suggest that there are limited mental health care services in primary care and that there is a gap between service provision and physical and mental healthcare. The data also revealed that mental health literacy is limited, which links to the stigma around mental illness. Furthermore, evidence points out that more mental health education, human resources and training of healthcare professionals would further improve the mental health services in the Makhanda area. In addition, there are barriers to the provision of not only primary mental health care but healthcare, as well as a lack of medical equipment, human resources, and structural space that make it difficult for healthcare professionals to perform their jobs and affect clinic functioning, at times. Another barrier is that the perception of mental health service provision is simultaneously viewed in a positive and negative light and mainly received negatively by service users. In conclusion, healthcare professionals experience a deficiency of resources and a limited provision of mental healthcare, which highlights the lack of implementation of policies that have developed nationally and globally. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Piliso, Zandisiwe
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478344 , vital:78179
- Description: Primary mental healthcare in South Africa is still in its early stages, despite policies that have been developed, such as the National Mental Health Framework Policy. Provinces such as the Eastern Cape are far behind development, which can be attributed to limited resources. The scarcity has been noted in the literature, but not extensively. Literature concentrated on healthcare professionals’ perspectives towards primary health greatly narrow, particularly in the Makhanda area. With the integration of primary mental health services, healthcare workers’ viewpoints have impacted on service delivery. This study aims to add knowledge and explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals on primary mental healthcare in Makhanda. The ecological systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Thematic analysis was used to examine the healthcare professionals’ insights and to extract meaning for the participants involved in the study. Thirteen participants were used, using purposive sampling in four primary healthcare settings. Data were collected using semi-structured and one-on-one interviews. The study revealed three themes including, (i) Scarcity of Mental Health Services, (ii) Mental Health Literacy, (iii) Barriers to the Provision and Use of Physical and Mental Health Services. The findings suggest that there are limited mental health care services in primary care and that there is a gap between service provision and physical and mental healthcare. The data also revealed that mental health literacy is limited, which links to the stigma around mental illness. Furthermore, evidence points out that more mental health education, human resources and training of healthcare professionals would further improve the mental health services in the Makhanda area. In addition, there are barriers to the provision of not only primary mental health care but healthcare, as well as a lack of medical equipment, human resources, and structural space that make it difficult for healthcare professionals to perform their jobs and affect clinic functioning, at times. Another barrier is that the perception of mental health service provision is simultaneously viewed in a positive and negative light and mainly received negatively by service users. In conclusion, healthcare professionals experience a deficiency of resources and a limited provision of mental healthcare, which highlights the lack of implementation of policies that have developed nationally and globally. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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The feasibility and acceptability of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD at a community trauma centre in Cape Town: a qualitative analysis
- Authors: Markham, Kate Emily
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478339 , vital:78178
- Description: South Africa deals with pervasive trauma stemming from its history of political violence, high crime rates, and social challenges, ultimately contributing to a significant burden of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its population. Despite the prevalence of PTSD, evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) remain underutilised, particularly in low-resourced areas. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PE among social workers at The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. This study used a qualitative research design, with special emphasis on Implementation Science. The study used the concepts of feasibility and acceptability to guide the research. The results revealed several key themes. Social workers’ pre-implementation themes included the perceptions around PE and implementation in South Africa, with three subthemes emerging. First, the impact of South African socioeconomic and political factors on The Trauma Centre. Second, perceptions surrounding the implementation of PE. And finally, the improvements and feasibility of PE; the social worker’s post-intervention findings focused on the feasibility and improvement of PE, post-treatment views, and the hurdles and limitations to implementation. The client's post-intervention findings explored refugee struggles, associated psychological distress, with two sub-themes of self-worth and suicidal ideation, and second, a lack of support and helplessness, loneliness, and isolation. The final theme looked at the experiences of PE, more specifically the positive client experiences with PE, and the challenges of PE. The implementation of PE at The Trauma Centre revealed both successes and challenges. Findings from this study suggest that PE can be effectively administered through task-shifting in low-resource settings. However, this study also highlighted significant challenges in the feasibility of implementing PE long-term in this context. Clients revealed ambivalent feelings regarding PE. Those who experienced positive outcomes demonstrated the potential for PE to be utilised in resource-limited settings. Those who did not find PE beneficial, highlight the need for future research to adapt PE to be culturally specific and feasible for a resource-constrained setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Markham, Kate Emily
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478339 , vital:78178
- Description: South Africa deals with pervasive trauma stemming from its history of political violence, high crime rates, and social challenges, ultimately contributing to a significant burden of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its population. Despite the prevalence of PTSD, evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) remain underutilised, particularly in low-resourced areas. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PE among social workers at The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. This study used a qualitative research design, with special emphasis on Implementation Science. The study used the concepts of feasibility and acceptability to guide the research. The results revealed several key themes. Social workers’ pre-implementation themes included the perceptions around PE and implementation in South Africa, with three subthemes emerging. First, the impact of South African socioeconomic and political factors on The Trauma Centre. Second, perceptions surrounding the implementation of PE. And finally, the improvements and feasibility of PE; the social worker’s post-intervention findings focused on the feasibility and improvement of PE, post-treatment views, and the hurdles and limitations to implementation. The client's post-intervention findings explored refugee struggles, associated psychological distress, with two sub-themes of self-worth and suicidal ideation, and second, a lack of support and helplessness, loneliness, and isolation. The final theme looked at the experiences of PE, more specifically the positive client experiences with PE, and the challenges of PE. The implementation of PE at The Trauma Centre revealed both successes and challenges. Findings from this study suggest that PE can be effectively administered through task-shifting in low-resource settings. However, this study also highlighted significant challenges in the feasibility of implementing PE long-term in this context. Clients revealed ambivalent feelings regarding PE. Those who experienced positive outcomes demonstrated the potential for PE to be utilised in resource-limited settings. Those who did not find PE beneficial, highlight the need for future research to adapt PE to be culturally specific and feasible for a resource-constrained setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
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