A systematic literature review of the current approaches to dream work: global and local trends
- Authors: Feris, Eric-John Ricardo
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435440 , vital:73157
- Description: Dreaming is an inherent and universal aspect of human existence that offers a profound window into the realms of consciousness and cognition. It has captivated the human imagination for centuries, prompting various methods and theories to decipher its significance. Global research underscores the enduring importance of dreams in psychotherapy, expressed through diverse methodologies, techniques, and theoretical models. Curiously, within the South African context, a cultural landscape rich in traditional healing, there exists a noticeable lack of research concerning the utilisation of dreams in therapy. This systematic literature dove into 30 articles which remained after applying the systematic literature review strict inclusion and exclusion criteria of the literature searches. From these articles, the review delved into the multifaceted world of dream work, investigated prevailing approaches and themes both on a global scale and within the South African context, and addressed three key research questions: (1) What themes can be identified from a review of current approaches to dream work globally? (2) What themes can be identified from a review of current approaches to dream work locally? (3) What are the practical implications for working with dreams according to global and local themes? A thematic analysis of the literature identified three overarching themes: (1) Psychological approaches to dream work, (2) Psychiatric and medical approaches to dream work, and (3) Socio-cultural approaches to dreams. These findings highlight the necessity of recognising cultural nuances and, underscores the importance of developing a flexible, culturally sensitive framework for dream work, and advocates for the adaptation of global dream work methodologies into culturally specific approaches, fostering psychotherapeutic benefits tailored to the South African context. The research serves as a stepping stone to further investigation into the techniques and approaches of dream work in South Africa, ultimately contributing to the broader field of dream analysis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Attitudes and achievement in statistics: a meta-analytic and functional near-infrared spectroscopy approach
- Authors: Wagenaar, Emma Kate
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435490 , vital:73162
- Description: Statistics anxiety describes the extensive worry and apprehension that students may experience when faced with statistics content as part of their university curriculums. Student’s perfunctory disposition towards statistics has been indicated to negatively affect performance outcomes in statistics courses. Two meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between statistics anxiety and achievement in statistics. The first meta-analysis was inclusive of 22 studies investigating the relationship attitudes towards statistics and achievement, whilst the second meta-analysis focused on the relationship, primary amongst Psychology students. Student’s attitudes towards statistics were measured using the Survey of Attitudes Towards Statistics (SATS), whilst achievement in statistics courses was quantified using different outcome measures. Finding from the meta-analysis were supplemented by cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistical reasoning using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results from the meta-analysis indicated a small significant relationship between university students’ Affect, r = 0.28, Value, r = 0.22 and Difficulty, r = 0.18, and subsequent achievement in statistics courses. A medium significant relationship between Cognitive Competence, r = 0.31, and achievement was also noted. Findings from the second meta-analysis, indicated a medium, significant relationship between Affect, r = 0.32, and Cognitive Competence, r = 0.35, and achievement. Moreover, a small significant relationship was found between Value, r = 0.24, and Difficulty, r = 0.23, in relation to achievement in statistics courses. Case study analysis of the neural correlates of statistics reasoning revealed varied signal quality findings of cortical mapping of the neural correlates of statistics in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Moreover, seed-based correlation analysis indicated cortical activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex paired with diverse prefrontal regions. Recommendations from the study include improvements to the fNIRS research design and the inclusion of larger samples to investigate the cortical mapping of the DLPFC in relation to statistics reasoning and statistics anxiety. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Educators’ experiences of psychosocial support workshops during COVID-19 in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mabasa, Rendani Mirriam
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435457 , vital:73159
- Description: There is growing awareness of the value and central role of immediate and long-term mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions, especially during times of crisis such as Covid-19. The World Health Organization has identified the education sector as a crucial intervention site for public mental health promotion. In collaboration with members of the Makhanda education community, the Rhodes University Community Engagement office identified psychosocial support for educators and educational practitioners as a key societal and educational challenge. Focusing specifically on the experiences of educators, this study sought to solicit their experiences of MHPSS workshops in a rural city of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Focus groups with educators and educational practitioners in non-government organisations, care centres and other educational settings who participated in the psychosocial support workshops were conducted. Data was analysed using community psychology’s social action framework. Four broad themes emerged from the data: the responsibilisation of educators during and post-Covid-19, educators’ resilience and support for each other, educators’ mental health promotion through psychosocial support workshops, and top-down intervention strategies that fall short in addressing educators’ and learners’ needs. This study demonstrates the value of university-community partnerships in education settings which are key sites for public mental health promotion. In this study, I advocate psychosocial support as a standard practice available for educational practitioners and show how professional training programmes in higher education can be responsive to societal challenges via collaborative approaches. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Identifying the factors that influence parents and caregivers to commit child maltreatment: systematic review
- Authors: Dipholo, Mamdlalose Emily
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435421 , vital:73156
- Description: Child maltreatment, encompassing various forms of abuse and neglect, poses a significant global public health concern. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted dimensions of child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The impact of maltreatment on the developing child is profound, resulting in a range of adverse physical and mental health outcomes, developmental delays, behavioural challenges, and social difficulties. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review and synthesise peer-reviewed research on the factors influencing parents and caregivers in committing child maltreatment. This systematic review identified the multifaceted factors influencing parents and caregivers to engage in child maltreatment. Using a social ecological framework, ten key themes emerged, namely poverty and lack of access to services, intergenerational transmission of abuse, childhood trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, neighbourhood violence, cultural practices, social factors, children’s individual factors, and caregivers' mental health concerns. Personal history, caregiver’s mental health, substance abuse, poor awareness of self-protection, and gender emerged as significant individual-level contributors. Non biological caregivers and domestic violence were identified as relationship-level factors. At the community level, poverty, lack of access to services, unemployment, and neighbourhood violence were found to impact child maltreatment. Cultural values and the intergenerational transmission of abuse were reported as influential societal-level factors. The study underscores the complex interplay of personal, environmental, and cultural influences in child maltreatment, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this critical issue. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Perceptions of registered counselors’ ability to process clients’ narrated dreams during counselling
- Authors: Mpondo, Nontutuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435468 , vital:73160
- Description: Research related to South African registered counsellors (RCs) have yet to show how RCs incorporate dreamwork in their counselling sessions. Dreamwork has largely been relegated to the periphery of clinical psychological practice, posing a challenge as clients on other levels of counselling practice bring dream material to mental health practitioners often lacking confidence and competence to respond effectively to this material. Clients' discussion of dreams can be beneficial in the counselling process. However, there appears to be a gap in educational opportunities for practitioners to develop skills and competency in working with dreams. This study's objective was to contribute to the sparse research material in this area. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used to explore and understand the meaning RCs ascribed to their work with dreams and clients. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 5 participants. Social constructionism was used as a theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting the data, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This knowledge is geared towards providing insight into what extent university or college curriculum covered content related to dreams, dreamwork, dream theories, and dream models, and to what extent RC's training prepared them to provide essential primary psychological services related to distress arising from dreams. This research highlighted how RCs engaged and perceived their competency with dream material. This study also highlighted that RCs were interested in dreamwork training and believed it would enhance their confidence and effectiveness in working with dream material during their sessions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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The feasibility of task-shifting prolonged exposure for Primary Care (PE-PC) for PTSD within a low resource community in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Shabangu, Princess Noxolo Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435479 , vital:73161
- Description: Although high levels of trauma exposure potentiate an alarming prevalence of PTSD, increasing the need for trauma-focused treatment, the South African health system is unable to care for the population. The South African healthcare system contains a range of systemic and structural inefficiencies, including suboptimal care and shortages of healthcare professionals. PE-PC offers a resource-constrained mental healthcare system solution by integrating an evidence-based intervention (EBI) in primary care settings. Likewise, the present study acknowledges the ratio of mental healthcare professionals to patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It explores task shifting to expand mental healthcare to primary care settings. The study follows qualitative healthcare design research to explore the experiences and perceptions of the two cohorts of trauma support workers (TSW) from Rhode University and the Joza community in Makhanda. The feasibility of the PE-PC intervention in Makhanda was illustrated through the data obtained from the TSWs' experiences and perceptions of the intervention's utility. The present study presents an essential contribution to the sparse research conducted on treating PTSD in LMIC with shortages in healthcare professionals. The thematic findings look at the trauma support workers (TSWs) role, including some of its challenges, to explore the feasibility of interventions. Some of the themes highlighted unpack the perceived utility of task-shifting in low-resource contexts, the limitations thereof and considerations for future research. Notwithstanding the challenges, the data from the present study indicates that PE-PC can be feasibly task-shifted in low-resource contexts such as Makhanda. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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The mediating role of generational difference on the relationship between psychological capital, psychological empowerment, organisational support and the wellbeing of South African National Defence Force members
- Authors: Selepe, Babitsanang Annah
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435616 , vital:73173 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435616
- Description: There is a growing concern in understanding the contribution of generational difference (as a mediating variable) and factors that increase soldiers' well-being. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Psychological Capital, Psychological Empowerment and Organisational Support, and well-being. Additionally, it proposes the generational differences as a potential mediating factor among these variables. The study was guided by a positivist philosophy and quantitative research method was employed. The sample for this research consisted of 777 members from both Internal deployed within borders of Free state and those going for external deployment at De-Brug. The results show most respondents were male (78.3%) and 21.7% female. Most respondents were categorised as Gen Y (between 1981 - 1996, 67.0%), followed by Gen X (1965 - 1980, 24.8%) and Gen Z (1997 - 2012, 8.2%). Most respondents were in the SA Army, followed by SAAF and SAMHS and the SA Navy. Spearman’s Correlation and ANOVA analyses were conducted to test the relationship between the variables. The results revealed significant relationships between the variables included in the empirical model. However, Well-being does not have a statistically significant correlation with the mediation variable, generation cohort. Similarly, generation cohorts (X, Y, Z) do not significantly correlate with the predictor variables, Perceived Organisational Support, Psychological Empowerment. However, there is a statistically significant small negative correlation between generation cohort (Age) and Psychological Capital. The multiple regression analysis exhibited a significant overall model fit, indicating that 30% of the variance in employee well-being was accounted for by the predictors. Thus, this research implicates that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would benefit from developing a culture and adopting policies as well as programmes that prioritises psychological well-being above physical prowess. For this reason, the present study is regarded as offering a potentially valuable contribution to the existing body of research in the positive psychology and reveals practical implications and applications within the military context. The study recommends that combat readiness requires prioritising mental health above physical strength. Policymakers should consider psychological factors like psychological capital and psychological 6 empowerment. Training programmes should include Psychological Capital and cognitive resilience. There should also be further research on positive psychology and troops' well-being. These factors can help improve peacekeeping and combat force readiness. Understanding generational variations' mediating effect can inform resilience and training programmes. Military organisations should cultivate confident, capable, and educated leaders to improve military proficiency. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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To yoga or not to yoga? The effect of yoga on sustained attention: an fNIRS Study
- Authors: Cunningham, Cornelia
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435411 , vital:73155
- Description: Deficits in sustained attention are ubiquitous across numerous neuropsychological disorders. Besides being critical in learning, memory, and general cognitive capacity, sustained attention is thought to be the primary foundation for ‘higher’ cognitive functions including, divided, selective, and focused attention. Despite the above, sustained attention remains the lesser-researched form of attention. Sustained attention is thought to be regulated by the default mode network and the central executive network, the latter of which is situated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region typically associated with sustained attention. Given the contributions of sustained attention in overall cognitive functioning, alternative and natural methods used to enhance this type of executive function are important. One alternative method is yoga exercise, where yoga is thought to place the body into the most favourable state to enhance sustained attention capacity. This study found a significant (p = 0.018) difference between the yoga and control group in incongruent response accuracy scores in the SCWT. However, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fNIRS individual and group analyses, SCWT congruent and incongruent reaction time, as well as congruent response accuracy. This suggests that short-term yoga practice may improve behavioural markers for sustained attention, at least in terms of cognitive interference. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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“COVID-19 made me a single parent”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of a woman’s perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: Hadebe, Asanda Locresia
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435437 , vital:73158
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented challenges across various aspects of life. In particular, pregnant women encountered unique challenges and circumstances that necessitated adaptation to the experience of the perinatal period1 Satyanarayana et al., (2011). A considerable amount of research has been conducted regarding women's experience of the perinatal period during COVID-19, especially in first world countries. However, inadequate research has been done in the South African context and specifically, there is a lack of qualitative research providing thick descriptions of experience. The analysis describes three master themes supported by subordinate themes. The main themes are (1) A sense of loss and change, (2) Managing COVID-19 and its regulations during the perinatal period, and (3) Glimmers of hope and desirable aftermaths. The study’s findings expand and support the growing literature of women’s experiences on the perinatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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A formative evaluation and critical analysis of an alcohol and pregnancy intervention in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Graham, Nicola Susan Jearey
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432541 , vital:72879 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432541
- Description: Some communities in South Africa have the highest documented rates of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy are crucial, but evaluations of such interventions are sparse. Formative evaluations are indicated to assist in the development of interventions. Harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy is undergirded by a range of social injustices, including those imposed by colonisation and patriarchy; a feminist, decolonial approach to evaluations is, therefore, important. A research project, consisting of three arms, examined alcohol use during pregnancy in an under-resourced urban area of the Eastern Cape, and this research was one of those arms. An intervention was being rolled out in this area and I gathered a range of data from it. I engaged in a formative evaluation of it, and I reflect on the difficulties that I encountered in this endeavour. In the bulk of this thesis, I examine the power apparatuses and technologies that were used during the intervention to discursively position pregnant women. My analysis was guided by Foucauldian and post-Foucauldian theories, using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and simplified Conversation Analysis (CA). Power apparatuses of coloniality, patriarchy, and pastoral power were used in the intervention to construct positions for pregnant women who drink alcohol as ignorant children, sinners, criminals, or “Mommies”. The foetus was constructed as a precious, vulnerable baby, while the person with FASD was constructed as the defiled Other, responsible for societal dissolution. The intervention used various disciplinary techniques to exhort women to follow their dictates. Women were generally compliant with being positioned as ignorant children, which absolved them from any blame for pre-natal drinking. However, some resistance was evident. I then introduce an ethics of care and justice, and I argue that pregnant/newly parenting women need to be positioned within such an ethics, which acknowledges both the universal resources that they require for reproductive freedoms, as well as their particular care needs. I highlight the few times when women were positioned in this way in the data, and I look at how the common positions could be altered or expanded to promote such an ethics. I conclude by arguing that alcohol use during pregnancy cannot be separated from the larger context of the cultural hegemony of alcohol use in some communities, and the social injustices that potentiate this use. I provide suggestions for country-wide policies and interventions, as well as specific FASD prevention programmes, and I argue that a feminist decolonising approach, within an ethics of care and justice, should guide interventions at all levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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Action Research reflecting the process of a collaborative, multi-theoretical group intervention with foster parents of children affected by childhood trauma
- Authors: Cahill, Susan Mary
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Foster parents Ireland , Foster home care Ireland , Attachment theory , Psychic trauma in children , Group psychotherapy , Parenting stress
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432297 , vital:72859 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432297
- Description: Children are received into the Care of the State in the Republic of Ireland due to chronic or acute maltreatment in their families of origin. Maltreatment may include neglect; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; exposure to domestic violence; or a combination of these. Resulting emotional and behavioural consequences may be challenging to foster parents who might experience stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue or burnout, which along with the child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties can result in placement breakdown. After reviewing the literature on fostering internationally and in Ireland, this study sought to determine the types and level of stress in a sample of foster parents and the types of challenging emotional and behavioural difficulties of their fostered children. Results revealed that foster parents found fostering stressful; factors included biological parents; organisational issues; and the child’s behaviour. According to the foster parents, nearly 60% of the foster children in this sample were showing high levels of emotional and behavioural distress. These difficulties differed according to age and gender. Adolescent Girls and Young Boys (5 – 11 years) were reported as having the most difficulties, including symptoms of behavioural and Conduct Disorder (CD). Symptoms associated with CD were reported in at least 40% of every age and gender category of children over five years. Further, this study outlines the development, facilitation and outcomes of a small group psychoeducational-reflective foster parenting Course, involving six separate groups of parents (n=38) each meeting for eight sessions. In this Course, foster children were conceptualised from a bio-psycho-social-ecological viewpoint, utilising theoretical concepts from Prenatal Development, Attachment and Trauma, pertaining to vulnerable children to illustrate the cumulative effects of adversities. Time for discussion and reflection on the material was structured into the Course. This combination of knowledge, practical skills, reflection and support for parents aimed to promote healing relationship-based practices for the child within their foster home. This multi-faceted study was grounded in Community Psychology, using mixed methods to gather data during action research processes, to reflect the different components of an action cycle. Ideas and modifications to the Course based on feedback from the foster parent participants’ experiences have been included. It is recommended that the Course be provided to other foster parents and audiences such as social workers, teachers and solicitors. Furthermore, suggestions are made regarding assessment, diagnosis and interventions for foster children and parents, based on a multidisciplinary consultancy model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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Current psychological distress and coping strategies reported by university staff in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: Sekese, Deneo Nande
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Clinical health psychology , Salutogenesis , Distress (Psychology) , Adjustment (Psychology) , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , College teachers , Sense of coherence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425045 , vital:72204
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent disruptions brought about by the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, provide an unfortunate but useful opportunity to explore employee wellness in response to a crisis, within the Higher Education context. COVID-19 lockdowns meant that university students could no longer access conventional learning through physical attendance at lectures. In response, university staff had to contend with a number of changes to their work environment. These included adapting teaching, learning, and assessment methods to an online platform, which led to changes in job roles, expectations, and increased workload for both academic and support staff. The focus of this research was to explore correlations between the current psychological distress that university employees are experiencing and their recalled coping strategies and sense of coherence in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-method approach using a survey design was used. Surveys were completed by 171 university academic and support staff using the SA CORE-10 and BRIEF Cope, as well as qualitative questions. Results demonstrated that higher levels of current psychological distress correlated positively with avoidant coping strategies, particularly in academic staff as opposed to support staff, while more adaptive coping strategies tracked with a sense of coherence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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Developing and exploring a career education programme for disadvantaged FET-phase learners in the northern areas of Gqeberha: a developmental-contextual approach
- Authors: Human, Antoinette Charlotte Lucy
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432333 , vital:72862 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432333
- Description: Career development theory and assessments in South Africa have often been unscientifically applied to traditionally disadvantaged individuals, with little consideration of the diverse contexts of indigenous groups in the country. Assessment measures were not suited to the needs of learners from resource-constrained environments, nor could learners from these communities access these due to the associated financial costs. Recent research developments (using more holistic approaches) suggest that career counselling in South Africa should move towards better contextualized approaches to understanding and informing career development. Follow-up research projects show the value of such approaches with youth. Postmodern career development theories and models recognise that career counselling and development should focus on supporting individuals in constructing their careers from their own experiences within their environments, particularly for learners from disadvantaged communities whose career decisions and career development are inextricably influenced by their environments. The present study therefore employed the Developmental-Contextual Framework (DCF) to explore the perspectives of FET-phase Life Orientation (LO) educators on the LO curriculum (LO CAPS) for careers and career choices; as well as contextual factors influencing the career development of disadvantaged learners in public schools. The overall aim of the study was to co-construct and explore a customised career education programme, alongside LO educators, and determine whether FET-phase learners from disadvantaged public schools could benefit from such a programme. The DCF emphasises the dynamic relationship between an individual and the environment and the influences thereof on career development. The study draws from previous South African studies with disadvantaged learners and students that acknowledged the applicability of the DCF in the design of career programmes. This framework acknowledges the embeddedness of the individual in their proximal and distal environments and the role of these environments in the career decisionmaking of learners. The study was conducted in disadvantaged secondary schools in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, with LO educators in the FET-phase and the LO subject advisor at District level. At the initial interview stage the sample consisted of 9 participants and reduced to 6 participants in the focus group stage. The study underlined the impact of various contextual factors on career decision-making and the inclusion of these in career education programmes, particularly when working with learners from disadvantaged environments. Furthermore, the study illustrated that the career education of FET-phase learners in public high schools is lacking in many ways and that LO educators are not adequately trained to teach careers topics and therefore lack skills to support learners with their career development needs. The lack of, as well as poor and outdated career resources, impact negatively on the career education of learners in many public schools. Underpinned by Action Research, over a series of seven focus group meetings, an applicable and relevant programme of career-related activities based on the DCF was planned and evaluated by educators. The cumulative data were thematically analysed and the study revealed that the customised programme could potentially address the career development needs of learners from disadvantaged public schools, if educators are adequately trained to apply it. Recommendations are made for further piloting and implementation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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Implementing a sexual and reproductive citizenship intervention refinement instrument for youth sexuality education: a formative evaluation
- Authors: Mthethwa, Thobile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425008 , vital:72201
- Description: While Out of School sexuality education (SE) programmes in South Africa have attempted to bridge the gap in the number of young people who receive SE, there is still a large number of youth between the age groups of 15 to 24 years who lack adequate sexual knowledge. The manner in which sex education is taught and its accessibility is accompanied by challenges, in particular in relation to empowerment. To better understand the effectiveness of sexual education programmes, evaluations of their content is needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether and how an Out of school SE programme run by Partners in Sexual Health (PSH) promotes understandings of sexual and reproductive citizenship. A formative evaluation of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) facilitator’s manual was conducted (owing to COVID the actual programme was not run in the year data for this thesis were collected). To help perform the formative evaluation, the feminist sexual and reproductive citizenship (SRC) framework as conceptualized by Macleod and Vincent (2014) was used. The SRC framework consists of five key principles that, it is suggested, need to be adopted for SE programmes to be inclusive, namely, citizenship as status and practice, differentiated citizenship, private and public interstice, and politics of recognition, redistribution and reparation. An additional principle of inclusive and process-based educational practices was added into the five key principles. To analyse data, template analysis was used which enabled the researcher to create a priori of themes using the Masizixhobise toolkit which is informed by the SRC framework. Findings from this study reveal the interconnectedness between the different citizenship principles. Moreover, while the PSH SRHR programme promotes principles of the SRC framework, there are aspects of the SRC that are lacking from the programme. Therefore, the SRHR manual needs to take into account a spectrum of issues which include but are not limited to the incorporation of sexually diverse differently-abled individuals' sexual experiences and challenges when it comes to accessing SE. This means for SE programmes to achieve inclusivity and to be empowering, they need to encourage individuals to be agentic beings, engage in informed decision-making and encourage young people to take up their rights. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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International students’ experiences of othering in tertiary education in South Africa: an exploratory study
- Authors: Lobakeng, Tsholofelo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424986 , vital:72199
- Description: Despite rising cases of xenophobia in South Africa, international students remain committed to enrolling in its universities. Surprisingly, there is limited research looking into xenophobia in tertiary institutions. Therefore, the present study aimed to contribute to the scarcity of knowledge on the experiences of international students in South Africa. Thus, the study explored experiences of Othering among international students in tertiary education in South Africa and how they make sense of these experiences. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were employed to recruit international students (N=5) from Botswana, China, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Data was collected through semi-structured, face-to-face online interviews. Participants reported experiencing a variety of non-violent forms of Othering, such as feeling excluded due to the intentional use of local languages in both classroom and social settings; being rejected by local students who refused to work with them; and being accused of stealing opportunities from local students. At an institutional level, participants reported systemic Othering rooted in unsupportive policies and practices that led to a negative and oppressive environment. The findings support previous research studies that purport the Othering of international students in higher education in South Africa mainly manifests through non-violent and covert forms. Moreover, participants attributed Othering of immigrants to racism, a perceived lack of exposure to diversity among locals, perceived lack of compassion for immigrants, and the tendency to scapegoat immigrants for the lack of employment opportunities in the country. The findings underscore the intricate nature of Othering and the need for further research to gain a greater understanding of this complex phenomenon. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of implementing effective strategies of inclusion and integration of international students at these institutions of higher learning. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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South African women’s experience of the decision, procedure and recovery from “feticide” and late termination of pregnancy due to the presence of severe fetal abnormality: women’s and health service providers’ perspectives
- Authors: Vorster, Angela Carol
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432359 , vital:72864 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432359
- Description: Routine antenatal care, including sonography and genetic testing, assist healthcare providers in identifying the presence of severe fetal abnormality. In countries where it is legal, the option to abort such a pregnancy may be presented to the pregnant person. When abortion takes place after the thirteenth week of gestation, it is generally referred to as a late termination of pregnancy and may entail the induction of labour or caesarean section. In cases where termination of the pregnancy is decided upon, and the gestation is further than 21 weeks and six days, the feticide procedure is recommended in order to ensure stillbirth. The feticide procedure entails the injection of potassium chloride directly into the fetal heart in order to ensure fetal demise. Existing literature on “feticide” and late termination of pregnancy (LTOP) owing to fetal abnormalities mostly takes a medical or psychological perspective in researching these procedures. Within the South African context, there are very few studies on feticide and LTOP, with none of these studies (to date – 8 January 2023) taking a feminist approach. This paucity of research that takes into account power relations, structural inequality and factors that affect decision-making and choice is one of the reasons that this study was undertaken. The main research question focused on in this study is: What are South African women’s experiences of feticide and late termination of pregnancy due to the presence of severe fetal abnormality, as related by the women themselves and the health service providers who perform the procedure or provide care? The sub-questions that initially drove the study were: How do the women relate their experience of the process of coming to the decision, undergoing and recovering from the procedure, and how do health service providers relate the experiences of these women? The methodological and theoretical framework employed in this research was a Feminist Social Constructionist approach to Grounded Theory. This reflexive, subjectivist, feminist lens encouraged awareness of the influence of gender, race, class and other structural and systemic factors on women’s experiences within the two healthcare systems. Data collection entailed semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 women, who had undergone feticide and LTOP procedures between one and five years prior to the interviews, in either the public or private healthcare system in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 13 healthcare providers. The providers included medical specialists and participants from the fields of clinical psychology, genetic counselling and nursing and were employed in public or private healthcare in South Africa. Data relevant to public healthcare users and providers were collected from one tertiary (academic) public healthcare hospital and data regarding private healthcare users and providers were collected from across South Africa. Women’s constructions of their experiences of feticide and LTOP included stark contrasts between public and private healthcare users in South Africa, as well as women experiencing “no choice” and their voices being ignored or silenced. Healthcare providers’ constructions were frequently contradictory, referring to women as having freedom of choice and their needs largely prioritised within the healthcare system, while the providers within the public healthcare system relayed their own frustrations and emotional burden due to systemic failures. Findings from women and providers’ constructions were synthesised into a theoretical understanding of women’s experiences of feticide and LTOP in South Africa, which is grounded in, and emergent from, the data. Women’s experiences of feticide and LTOP in South Africa were conceptualised by framing the three phases of these experiences, namely the decision-making phase (I), undergoing the procedures and in-hospital recovery (phase II) and the recovery phase (III). The most prominent themes emerging in these phases included the schism between the public and private healthcare systems in South Africa, the lack of real choice women experience, as well as the silencing of women and providers with regard to feticide and LTOP. Underlying the three phases, and directly influencing the three prominent themes affecting women’s experiences, were the underlying and insidious structural inequality that undermined reproductive justice with regard to women’s decision-making, experiences of and recovery from feticide and LTOP. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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The effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD and suicide ideation: a case study
- Authors: Mhlane, Zuziwe Gloria
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424997 , vital:72200
- Description: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is regarded as a public health burden in South Africa (SA) (Atwoli et al., 2013; Kagee, Bantjies & Saal 2017; Koenen et al.; 2017; Williams et al., 2007). According to McGowan & Kagee (2013), young adults in SA are a high-risk group of trauma. Exposure to trauma is also associated to comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety suicidal ideation (SI) experienced by a large population (Bantjes, McGowan, Kagee & Steel, 2016). Prolonged Exposure (PE) is empirically supported and evaluated trauma therapy for PTSD (Foa, Hembree, & Rothbaum, 2007). However, there has been limited to no studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PE in SA. Therefore, this study investigated whether PE is effective treatment for PTSD symptom reduction and suicide ideation in South Africa. Three participants were recruited from Focus on the Family SA (FOTF SA SA) through purposive sampling, and single-case experimental design (SCED) was utilised. PE was implemented online through zoom for 6 sessions on each client. At baseline, all the participants met the criteria for PTSD as per the Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom scale interview for DSM-5 (PSSI-5): Participant 1 (PSSI-5 - 63), Participant 2 (PSSI-5 - 53), Participant 3 (PSSI-5 - 63) and the clinical cut off score is 23. Furthermore, all participants were screened for suicide ideation (SI) using the Beck Suicide Inventory (BSI). All participants’ BSI score ranges were mild to moderate. Participants were also screened for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) and anxiety using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The score ranges for both BDI-II and BAI were moderate to severe. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) was also used to assess general psychological distress. The CORE-OM scores for all the participants for trauma, depression and anxiety were severe. However, the risk to self/SI for all the participants was minimal. During the intervention phase, all the participants scores showed a downtrend of PTSD symptomology, as per the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The PCL-5 scores went down from PCL-5 score of 58 to final session PCL-5 score of 3. The clinical cut off score is 31-33. They were also screened using the BSI, BDI and BAI and the score ranges were mild. The CORE-OM scores for trauma, anxiety, depression, and risk to self/SI were also minimal. Overall, the preliminary result of this study supports the notion that adults with symptoms of PTSD and SI had improved at the end of a brief 6-session PE intervention. The comorbid depression also showed a downtrend. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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The effectiveness of the Therapeutic Sandstory Method as a focused intervention with a child: a descriptive single case study
- Authors: Francis, Staci
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Sandplay therapy , Storytelling Psychological aspects , Social constructionism , Narrative therapy , Child psychotherapy Case studies , Thematic analysis , Data reduction
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424973 , vital:72198
- Description: This study explores and describes a phenomenological case study, illustrating a postmodern constructionist orientation to sandtray work with a South African child. The Therapeutic Sandstory Method (TSM) involves the innovative integration of a variety of tenets when working with children– constructing sandworlds, storytelling, the reflection of stories and coherent therapeutic documents in therapy collectively facilitating the healing process. This novel method enables children to translate and communicate their own personal experiences and traumas into a concrete form through storytelling and metaphoric connections constructed in their sandworld. It is anticipated that the TSM is a brief yet feasible, child-centered therapeutic engagement designed to continue the therapeutic process outside of the therapy setting, making it ideally suited for children and adolescents from under-resourced communities. The results of the study revealed improved interpersonal functioning and emotional wellbeing after eight sessions. Contextualized narrative and social constructionist findings are discussed and recommendations made pertaining to future research and practice using TSM with children in therapy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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The perspectives of some amaXhosa healthcare workers regarding mental distress: an interpretive phenomenological analysis
- Authors: Ngqamfana, Siphosethu
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Mental distress , Xhosa (African people) Social life and customs , Stigma (Social psychology) , Health professional , Eurocentrism , Afrocentrism , Sociocultural perspective
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425031 , vital:72203
- Description: Mental distress is a universal phenomenon experienced by many individuals despite age, race, gender, occupation, or socio-cultural context and is slowly becoming a major contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. However, mental distress fails to take precedence in SA because of inherent intricacies in understandings about it, as a result of ways of being conceptualised and interpreted differently across cultures. This research study explored amaXhosa healthcare workers’ understandings, knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding mental distress amongst some amaXhosa people. The study aimed to investigate what mental distress means for some people who belong to the amaXhosa ethnic group, to uncover how they conceptualise mental distress, seek help or what behaviours prevent help-seeking. It aimed to highlight any prevalent attitudes of stigma and discrimination, to build insight into overlooked aspects in psychotherapy practice especially when dealing with non-western populations. The study utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as its analytical lens; to explore and to enter as far as possible into the worlds of participants to generate rich data and in-depth analysis. Four participants were recruited through both purposive and snowball sampling and data were gathered using individual semi-structured interviews. From the data collected, the findings illustrate a limited understanding of mental distress amongst some amaXhosa people due to lack of education and awareness on the subject, leading to the apparent silence in discussing such matters and inadvertently predisposing it to being viewed as taboo. The predominant themes as evidenced by the data were the use of language that sensationalises mental distress; misinformation; Afrocentric beliefs that rationalise mental distress; alienation and segregation of those affected; and the primary healthcare system as a source of reinforcing prevalent stigma and discrimination. The findings show a link between constructs around mental distress and the prevalent socioiii cultural environment, denoting that some perspectives can be linked to observations or modelling in childhood, from people in the respective communities in which people live. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among university students in developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Ndlovu, Philani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425019 , vital:72202
- Description: High alcohol misuse is associated with many challenges, including (a) unsafe sex, problems with the criminal justice system, absenteeism, academic failure, death, injury, and alcohol related harm, both in the developing and developed world. Despite the above, no meta-analysis had been conducted in the literature to comprehensively study the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) amongst university students in the developing world. This study reviewed literature related to AUDs among university students in developing countries. It described the concept of AUD and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, including biological, cognitive, psycho-social, and economic impacts on the individual and the family. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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