Theses and Dissertations (Psychology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/31917

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'n Versoeningstrategie tussen vergoedingsbehoeftes by werknemers en vergoedingsdoelwitte van 'n mynbou onderneming
(University of Pretoria, 1981-05-10) Venter, P.J.; Scheffer, Hercules Jacobus
Afrikaans: Vergoedingsadministrasie is in 'n sekere mynbou onderneming gedoen sender formele beleid, prosedures en behoorlike marknavorsing. Geen spesifieke doelwitte met vergoeding is gestel nie. Werknemers werk vir verskeie filiale versprei oor Transvaal, Natal en die Vrystaat, ender verskillende diensvoorwaardes. Navorsing oor vergoedingsbehoeftes van werknemers is nooit gedoen nie en haas onbekend. Toepaslike literatuur is bestudeer. Uit die inligting is 'n model saamgestel wat 'n strategie aandui waarvolgens vergoedingsbehoeftes by werknemers met vergoedingsdoelwitte van bestuur versoen kan word. Vergoedingsbehoeftes by werknemers is nagevors deur 'n vraelys te laat voltooi. Verwerking is hoofsaaklik met 'n rekenaar gedoen. Navorsing was wat persoonlike beantwoord. egter beperk deur groot afstande tussen sentra kontak uitgeskakel het. Vrae is egter volledig Verskeie vergoedingsbehoeftes is bepaal. Posvlakverskille is aangetref. Werknemers is ook bereid om meer te presteer indien aansporingstelsels in werking gestel word. Aanbevelings is aan Bestuur gemaak waarvolgens vergoedings- . behoeftes bevredig kan word en moontlik produksie kan verhoog •
Empowerment of young adults in a disadvantaged community to improve mental health among their peers
(University of Pretoria, 2024-04) Visser, Maretha; u17072019@tuks.co.za; Hadebe, Nqobile
In the absence of appropriate mental health services in disadvantaged communities with many social challenges, such as Mamelodi, South Africa, young adults with a passion to help others were empowered for civic engagement to promote the mental health of their peers through peer-led interventions. Snowball sampling was used to identify seven young adults aged between 18 and 28 years who wished to be part of the empowering process. During eight empowerment sessions, the young adults planned and implemented an intervention that focused on fostering mental health literacy among their peers and circulating information on available support structures. This included an interview at the community radio station, also livestreamed on social media, during which mental health challenges among the youth were discussed. To accompany this, they created a video on depression and suicide, which they shared on their social media accounts and on the community radio station’s Facebook page. In support of their efforts to destigmatise mental health conditions and promote health-seeking behaviour, they distributed a pamphlet with the contact details of institutions and organisations that provide mental health support. They intend to broaden the intervention by hosting talks and workshops at schools. The young adult group experienced difficulties with hosting workshops and school talks as the service providers and non-governmental organisations they approached for assistance cited resource constraints or limited availability. During a focus group discussion that was held after the intervention had been implemented, the young adult group discussed their experiences while developing and implementing the intervention. Notwithstanding the obstacles they faced, they reported feeling empowered as they were acting as advocates for mental health. The process fostered facets of psychological empowerment, such as a critical awareness of the environment, the development of competencies and confidence, and resource mobilisation. The process contributed to their psychological and social well-being, which could be seen in improvements in their self-awareness and emotion regulation skills, and they had come to perceive themselves as valuable members of society. Findings suggested that their peers benefitted as they not only received information about mental health and where to access mental health services, but also received social support during their interactions with the young adults during the project.
Exploring the perceptions of a group of South African educators who participated in a social and emotional learning intervention
(University of Pretoria, 2024-04) Visser, Maretha; ndoumudalo@gmail.com; Ndou, Mudalo
Educators form the backbone of learner development and growth. With advances in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) interventions in educational settings internationally, understanding the perceptions of educators as to how effective such training can be, can be used to advocate the benefits of SEL training for educators in South African schools. Training programmes of this nature can assist in equipping and training educators in ways that are not only beneficial for the educators, but for the learners as well. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of a small group of volunteering educators who participated in an intervention focusing on SEL skills on an online platform. A qualitative research approach was used following a phenomenological research design. Data was collected through online semi-structured interviews. The educators who received online SEL training were asked to share their experiences and perceptions about SEL training and the value of implementing SEL skills in schools. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified from the data: the value the SEL training had for educators as individuals and how some educators in public and private schools can implement aspects of SEL; barriers to implementing SEL in South African public schools; and what would be needed in the educational system to implement SEL in public schools. These results can be used to advocate for the value of SEL training for educators and learners, as well as to promote attitudes and programmes in education to allow for SEL training in future.
Exploring lived experiences and coping strategies employed by black women in the SANDF post deployment-related trauma
(University of Pretoria, 2023-12-04) Sibanda, Sharon; nosihle88@gmail.com; Ntuli, Sihle
Soldiers encounter traumatic events during deployment that can have negative consequences on their mental and physical well-being. However, there is dearth of research studies that focuses on coping with trauma amongst the SANDF members following deployment, especially women. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women in the SANDF and how they cope following deployment-related trauma. Data was collected by means of semi structured interviews among six participants who provided a rich detailed description of their lived experiences and coping strategies they used following a traumatic encounter. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret and analyse the data gathered. The findings of the study illuminated participants’ lived experiences of deployment, and the coping strategies they utilised following deployment-related trauma. The participants highlighted the emotional and psychological manifestations of their traumatic experiences, the role of their support system, as well as the barriers to seeking psychological services. They also highlighted positive aspects, shared lessons they learned from deployment and as well as challenges they were confronted with both during and post deployment. Given the complexity of trauma, it is therefore recommended that future studies look at the effectiveness of existing interventions put in place to combat the effects of deployment related-trauma in the SANDF, as well as the impact of deployment on the family of deployed soldier.
An exploration of the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and self-compassion and cognitive emotion regulation in adults
(University of Pretoria, 2024-07-19) Bezuidenhout, Monique; jsturdee@yahoo.co.uk; Sturdee, Trevor James
This study explored the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and levels of self-compassion and cognitive emotional regulation strategies utilised in adulthood, in a largely South African sample. Neglect is one of the most common forms of childhood maltreatment, however it is often underreported and overlooked in psychological research. Both self-compassionate practices and the utilisation of adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies have been shown to be effective in minimising suffering and maximising wellbeing. Therefore, understanding the links between childhood emotional neglect and positive psychological traits in adults is vital in informing parenting practices, clinical interventions and further academic exploration. This study used a sample of 101 participants in a cross-sectional, quantitative design. The findings indicated that childhood emotional neglect was positively correlated with isolation, one of the key components of low self-compassion. Childhood emotional neglect was also found to be inversely correlated with the adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies of refocus on planning, positive appraisal and positively associated with the maladaptive strategy of other blame. This indicated that higher levels of emotional neglect are related to less self-compassionate practices and increased emotional dysregulation. High self-compassion and adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies were strongly related. Further significant relationships were found between other forms of childhood neglect and both self-compassion and emotional regulation, that point to gaps in the literature. This is specifically the case with cognitive and supervisory neglect, the specific consequences of which are largely unexamined academically. This research has important academic and clinical consequences for the understanding of childhood emotional neglect and the promotion of wellbeing in adults. This suggests that survivors of childhood neglect might employ strategies for navigating adversity that can amplify their suffering, indicating therapeutic intervention. It also highlights the need for further exploration of the different domains of childhood neglect and the implications for the development of healthy psychological adjustment.
The relationship between resilience, anxiety and depression among university students
(University of Pretoria, 2024-04) Cassimjee, Nafisa; manzini.sello.d@gmail.com; Manzini, Sello Dacious
The global increase in mental health issues among university students, particularly their heightened vulnerability to anxiety and depression, underscores the need for more research on the mental health issues that are unique to the higher education context. Limited research has examined from a neurobiological perspective, the facets of resilience, despite the protective function that overall resilience may have in mitigating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aim of the current study was to explore the relative contribution of total resilience and facets of resilience on the variance observed on depression and anxiety outcomes among university students. This study entailed a secondary data analysis. The sample of this study comprised 135 university students. The Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Predictive 6-Factor Resilience Scale (a neurobiological resilience measure), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory comprised the assessment battery used in this study. The data analysis method used was Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that resilience and the distinct facets of resilience such as Tenacity and Momentum accounted for significant variance in depression and anxiety outcomes among students. In the context of universities, where student support divisions have limited resources and are overburdened with an increased demand for student mental health services, novel interventions to building resilience is necessary.
Exploring how women basketball players experience their gendered status within the sport: an auto-photographic study
(University of Pretoria, 2024-05-17) Martin, Jarred; alika.meyerkort@gmail.com; Meyerkort, Alika Kirsten
Gender inequality in sports is a pervasive issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries. It is perhaps most pronounced in competitive sporting disciplines that have been historically dominated by men and where women seeking to enter, participate, and succeed in these sports have faced both explicit and implicit barriers, discrimination, and prejudice because they are women. This study explores how women basketball players experience gender disparities in the competitive sport of South African basketball, a sporting community traditionally dominated by men. Guided by a social constructionist theory of gender this study considers how women basketball players experience their gendered status as women within the sport of basketball. In doing so, the study aims to specifically examine how women’s gendered status in basketball informs their experience of (1) gendered marginalisation as well as (2) empowerment. Employing a qualitative research methodology and in effort to centre the voices and experience of women, thirteen women who play and coach competitive basketball in South Africa were voluntarily recruited to participate in individual semi-structured interviews followed by an opportunity to generate their own photographs (auto-photography) and participate in a photo-elicitation interview focused on their experiences of marginalisation and empowerment. A thematic analysis was then applied across the field of data to render an analysis which integrated the interviews with the auto-photographic data. Under the main theme of gendered marginalisation, the sub-themes of (1) gender inequality in the sport and (2) women’s under-representation were found. Under the main theme of gendered empowerment, the sub-themes of (1) inspiration to ‘play ball’ and (2) the benefits of playing basketball were found. The findings of this study highlight that there are direct and indirect forms of gendered marginalisation which underpin competitive inequalities for women basketball players. These marginalisations limit their competitive opportunities to succeed in the sport, relative to the men who play basketball, and sustain their under-representation at various levels of administration and competition of the sport. Despite these experiences, women basketball players nonetheless derive positive experiences from their participation in basketball and their perseverance against the patriarchal dividends of the sport. These experiences not only hold positive implications for their personal sense of well-being and overall life orientation but, also, play a significant role in forging meaningful solidarities amongst the women of this competitive community of sport.
Consensually non-monogamous gay men's experiences of stigma within the gay community in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2024-02-08) Martin, Jarred; liampieter@gmail.com; Erasmus, Liam Pieter
Considerable research has explored the practice of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) as an alternative relationship configuration, and such research has had a large focus on the ways in which CNM and those who engage in it may be perceived and even stigmatised. Given that CNM may represent a queer(ed) alternative to heteronormative monogamous ideals, this study continues in this vein by critically examining how such perceptions and stigmatising enactments may occur for and by gay men. Specifically, this study has as its aim the exploration of how gay men in CNM relationships in South Africa experience stigma directed at them by other members of the gay community, both in terms of identifying the specific nature of such social interactions and how these experiences are understood and interpreted. To this effect, a purposive sample of seven gay men who are or have been in CNM relationships were voluntarily recruited from various locations across South Africa. Data were collected through individual and unstructured virtual interviews. Thematic analysis was implemented and grounded within a phenomenological paradigm, and the study utilised the existing body of research on stigma as a theoretical framework. Three main themes arose from this study: (1) (re)creating homonormativity, in which gay CNM practitioners rhetorically remade CNM as the status quo alongside monogamy for some gay communities and explained this in terms of gay men’s normative negotiations; (2) social navigation, or the ways in which CNM individuals may regard their relationship as socially irrelevant or alternatively with reluctance to disclose, as well as the ways in which they are received both positively and negatively by their gay peers; and (3) marking identity, which explores how some gay men may enact stigma through elements of social rejection, sexual objectification, diminishing social power, or by applying stereotypes that undermine and invalidate CNM/practitioners. These findings extend the research on CNM stigma by identifying its particular manifestations among gay men, and by further highlighting how relationship ideals are negotiated, transplanted, or revised by some gay men given the broader heteronormative contexts they inhabit.
Exploring Early Childhood Development practitioners’ perceptions of their caregiving roles for young children in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Mohamed, Ahmed Riaz; tinamukhwathi@gmail.com; Mukhwathi, Tina
Both local and international research has demonstrated that the early years of a child’s life are crucial for development. Yet, in South Africa, there is limited research centred on Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners’ caregiving role as well as their perceived contribution to childhood development. For this reason, this study aimed to explore ECD practitioners’ perceptions of their caregiving role for young children in South Africa. An exploratory qualitative research design was employed to achieve the research aim. Eight ECD practitioners were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed through which four main themes were conceptualised: ECD practitioners’ perceptions of ECD, and their contributions to ECD; Perceptions of caregiving and roles that ECD practitioners play; Qualities of an ECD practitioner; and ECD practitioners’ relationships with children. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that although the participants did not explicitly define caregiving in line with caregiver sensitivity/responsiveness as conceptualised within attachment theory, they nonetheless perceived themselves as caregivers who engage in several caregiving activities. The participants also demonstrated an understanding of what Early Childhood Development entails.
Health literacy amongst an undergraduate university student population : a comparative study
(University of Pretoria, 2024-02-14) Mostert, Sonja; u16144351@tuks.co.za; Venter, Cornelia Catharina Hendrina
The transition from adolescence to young adulthood, particularly during the undergraduate years, is a critical period for the development of long-term health behaviours. As students begin to take responsibility for their own health and well-being, the choices they make during this time can have lasting effects on their health outcomes in adulthood. Research has indicated that health literacy (HL) is a critical factor in promoting and maintaining health-enhancing behaviours and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Undergraduate students in South Africa often have limited HL regardless of their background or educational experience. This study delved into the realm of HL among undergraduate university students, specifically examining disparities between students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those in the Faculty of Humanities, with a focus on mental health-related disciplines. This study's primary aim was to determine and compare HL levels within these distinct academic trajectories. Using a quantitative research approach, the study employed a comparative research design and collected data through an online survey. The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was used to measure HL across nine subscales. The sample included 77 participants registered in different faculties (n=77). Descriptive statistics were used to present participants' demographic information and summarize HLQ scores. An independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed to examine differences in HL levels between faculties and subscales. The findings revealed that students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences generally demonstrated higher HL levels across certain subscales compared to their counterparts in mental health-related disciplines within the Faculty of Humanities. This research contributes valuable insights into understanding the disparities in HL among undergraduate students across distinct academic faculties, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions to enhance health-related knowledge and skills within specific academic domains.
Career maturity, awareness, and planning of honours psychology students : a phenomenological approach
(University of Pretoria, 2023-08) Rawatlal, Kamilla; u21594083@tuks.co.za; Lecage, Zanele Zoleka
Career choice has been identified as one factor influencing an individual’s employability. The ability for individuals to deal with career-related challenges requires career maturity, career awareness and appropriate career planning. The challenge psychology students face is getting into their master’s selection programme. This study explored the career maturity and career awareness of Honours psychology students and how their experiences have contributed to and informed their career planning in psychology. A total number of 10 participants who were currently enrolled for a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours (Psychology) programme at the University of Pretoria were interviewed via the Zoom platform. This study employed qualitative research, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised in analysing the data. The theoretical framework of this study was founded on Donald Super’s career development theory. The results and findings of this study showed what pursuing an Honours degree in psychology means for students and their careers. In addition, the results showed how academic background knowledge and lived experiences in the psychology field informed and contributed to their career planning. The research study discussed the different career choices and options identified by the participants.
The role of gender in the relationship between hope and primal beliefs
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Guse, Tharina; matson.meyer@gmail.com; Meyer, Matson
Against the background of positive psychology, this study examines two conceptualisations of hope, namely dispositional hope and perceived hope, and their possible relationship with individual world beliefs (primal beliefs or primals) to better understand the complexities of human feeling, thought, and behaviour. A recent extensive scientifically motivated endeavor has identified 26 primals, and it has been hypothesised that primal world beliefs affect a variety of outcomes that are relevant to many psychological constructs. This study expands this exploration by examining the relationship between hope and primal beliefs and considers gender as a possible moderating variable in the relationship between hope and primal beliefs. Gender is an important universal psychological and social construct and defines an individual’s identification, identity, and social perception of being a woman or a man and could influence how an individual perceives and experiences hope and different beliefs. The South African data collected in 2021 and presented here, forms part of a yearly online cross-sectional survey, called the Hope-Barometer Survey. The sample consisted of 563 South African adults (53.8% female and 46.2% male), aged 18 to 75 (M = 38.87, SD = 14.52), and comprised of 279 white participants (49.6%), 268 black participants (47.6%), 8 Indian participants (1.4%), 5 coloured participants (.9%), and 3 participants who identified as ‘other’ race (.5%). Following the results of a correlation and multiple regression research analysis, the findings suggest that although a strong, positive relationship exists between hope and primal beliefs, the correlation is not moderated by gender. This implies that the strength and the direction of the relationship and the interaction between hope and primal beliefs are not influenced or dependent on gender. It is recommended that additional studies between hope and gender, primal beliefs and gender, and hope in relation to primals and other possible moderating demographics are considered and explored. This might open new scholarly directions and provide empirical ways to advance the trajectory of society and individual well-being.
Identifying psychological factors that improve mathematics achievement in Grade 9 pupils from Gauteng
(University of Pretoria, 2023-09-04) Motileng, B.B. (Barnard Buti); pakeezah93@gmail.com; Rajab, Pakeezah
The thesis investigates the unique contribution of study orientations and personality traits in influencing mathematics performance, whilst accounting for fluid intelligence. It was found that all study orientations – study attitudes, mathematics anxiety, study habits, problem-solving behaviour, and study milieu – directly predict math mark. Furthermore, study milieu moderates the impact that fluid intelligence has on math mark. Additionally, it was found that facets of conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness moderate the influence of these study orientations in turn, to predict math mark. Overall, it is concluded that in addition to fluid intelligence, study orientations and personality add significant value in understanding what impacts Grade 9 pupils’ math performance.
Teaching through life's challenges – development and implementation of a stress- management intervention to enhance the psychological well-being of primary school teachers in Mamelodi
(University of Pretoria, 2023-11-30) Visser, Maretha; mochochoko@gmail.com; Khotlele, Esther Puleng
Teachers play an important role in children’s development. They have various roles and responsibilities in the school system that can contribute to the experience of stress and negative emotional reactions. The psychosocial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors such as workload, lack of resources and infrastructure, job insecurity and personal relationship issues increased teachers’ stress levels and affect their psychological well-being. The purpose of the research was to develop an intervention that can empower teachers with coping skills to manage stress and improve their psychological well-being. Based on a needs assessment with teachers involving group discussions and a short survey in 6 primary schools in Mamelodi, the Masters' students in Counselling psychology developed a six-session intervention underpinned by the PERMA model of psychological well-being. The six sessions were implemented between June 2022 and October 2022. The sessions focused on the following: 1) stress management, 2) bullying and victimisation, 3) burnout and time management, 4) emotional well-being (personal issues), 5) building relationships 6) competencies and finding meaning. Fifty-two teachers from Tshwane South district, specifically Mamelodi, a low to middle-class community, volunteered to participate in the intervention. Twenty-one teachers formed the core participants, having attended four or more sessions. Data about teachers' experiences during and after the intervention was collected through teachers' and facilitators' feedback forms, as well as a group discussion to explore the outcome of the intervention. The results revealed that teachers indeed experienced stress and some did not have effective coping strategies. They felt the intervention equipped them with coping skills such as assertiveness, using strengths such as humour or creativity to manage stress, time management, self-care and good interpersonal skills. Teachers have begun practically applying these skills in their teaching and personal lives. The data also provided invaluable information on the importance of the involvement of other stakeholders, such as the school management teams, the educational department and parents, in helping address issues affecting teachers' stress, such as learner ill-discipline.
Resilience and coping mechanisms of homeless people
(University of Pretoria, 2024-02-02) Maree, David J.F.; Liccardo, Sabrina; este@workexploreabroad.co.za; Griffiths, Esther
Homelessness affects millions of people worldwide, including in South Africa, and poses daily challenges impacting the physical and psychological well-being of those affected. This study sought to identify crucial processes and factors supporting homeless individuals, and enhancing their resilience and well-being. Resilience, as explored in this qualitative research, encompasses behavioural, psychological, social, and institutional resources enabling individuals to overcome adversity. Applying Seligman's positive psychology theory, the study conducted ten in-depth interviews with temporarily housed homeless adults in the George region of the Western Cape. Thematic analysis revealed psychological strengths, internal resources, and social support factors contributing to resilience despite risk factors. The findings suggest a need for a practical approach involving social, government, and support agents to empower the homeless, recognizing their agency while addressing structural constraints.
Student perceptions of emergency remote teaching and learning at a South African university
(University of Pretoria, 2024-01-31) Maree, David J.F.; u29121532@tuks.co.za; McCallum, Nicole
Towards the end of 2019, China reported a case of unknown pneumonia to the World Health Organization (WHO), and in response, on the 11th of March 2020, they classified COVID-19 a pandemic, prohibiting the movement of people and goods worldwide. As a solution to the social distancing mandate, teaching and learning went online when South African Universities (SAUs) were required by law to physically close their campuses. Currently, published academic literature referred to this learning transformation as emergency remote teaching and learning (ERT/L). The sudden, unplanned educational change disrupted and impacted the way lecturer’s lectured and interacted with their students within a traditional classroom environment. For this reason, the online shift created a research opportunity to ask the following research question: What are university students’ perceptions of ERT/L at a South African University? Guided by the TPACK perspective, students positively perceived the overall experience, drawing on both the advantages and disadvantages.
An interpretative phenomenological study of policewomen’s experiences of policing child abuse
(University of Pretoria, 2023-08-31) Philander, Sulaiyman; armandljk5@gmail.com; Luijk, Armand
This research investigates the roles and challenges faced by policewomen in child abuse investigations, focusing on their experiences. This research delves into the global and local context of child protection work. It examines the demand for child protection efforts, police responses in child abuse cases, and the specific functions and roles of policewomen in these cases. Findings were drawn from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three policewomen, between the ages of 32 and 54, who engage in child abuse investigations after they were purposively selected. The participants' narratives were explored individually, highlighting their experiences, perspectives, and challenges in this demanding field. Interpretative phenomenological analysis, as utilised in the data analysis phase, revealed the superordinate themes that emerged from the participants' accounts: The emotional labour associated with policing child abuse, the long-term impact on policewomen, and the sources of strength that sustain the policewomen. Some of the key findings revealed the emotional challenges and toll of policing child abuse cases for policewomen, along with the potential for long-term impact. It also highlighted sources of strength, including collaboration, family support, and faith, which played essential roles in helping these policewomen cope with the demands of their emotionally challenging work. The study recommends prioritising policewomen’s mental and emotional well-being by providing access to counselling, mental health resources, and peer support programmes. This research deepens understanding of challenges and coping mechanisms of policewomen working in this challenging environment and also sheds light on the broader societal implications of their work on personal lives and relationships.
Digital gaming and students’ psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic : an exploratory study
(University of Pretoria, 2023-10-31) Coetzee, Nicoleen; melissasimonefrank@gmail.com; Frank, Melissa
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on global wellbeing. The transition from in-person to online learning, COVID-19-related health issues, social restrictions, anxieties surrounding the wellbeing of loved ones, and uncertainty regarding the future significantly impacted the student population’s psychological wellbeing. This in turn resulted in elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. To combat social isolation students embraced digital gaming to maintain a sense of social connection. Many of these games contain elements of violence, which have long been associated with negative psychological wellbeing. The main aim of this study was therefore to determine the effects of violent versus non-violent digital gaming on the psychological wellbeing of students following the COVID-19 lockdown. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed for the study. A convenience sample was used, which consisted of 114 students from the University of Pretoria divided into three groups, namely violent gamers, non-violent gamers, and the control group. The participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of a biographical questionnaire; the PERMA-Profiler, which measured Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment; and the State-Trait Personality Inventory Form Y (STPI-Y), which measured State and Trait Anxiety as well as State and Trait Depression. The results of the MANOVA, accompanied by a follow-up ANOVA indicated significant differences between the groups on the State Anxiety subscale. Lastly, a standard multiple regression analysis indicated that State Depression and Trait Depression were significant predictors of wellbeing. The results of the study indicated that engaging in gameplay resulted in higher levels of psychological wellbeing when compared to those who did not engage in gameplay during the time of the study.
Quality of life and well-being in a South African mining sector : exploring a general construct
(University of Pretoria, 2023-03) Maree, David J.F.; ruthbielfeld@gmail.com; Bielfeld, Ruth Irene
Numerous studies have focused on the overlap between subjective, psychological, and social well-being. However, very little research has explored the overlap of well-being and quality of life despite considerable overlap at face value. Expanding upon the foundational work of Skevington and Böhnke (2018) and guided by Keyes' (2002) mental health continuum model, this study aimed to find cross-cultural evidence of a general well-being construct underlying quality of life, subjective, psychological, and social well-being within a South African mining sector. The study was conducted in two separate interactive phases using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. During phase one, quantitative data was collected with the MHC LF (Keyes, 2002) and the WHOQOL Combi (Skevington et al., 2021). A sample of 500 respondents was obtained from a South African mining company. During this phase, a bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (B-ESEM) framework was used to investigate a general factor. A five-factor B-ESEM model showed the best fit and provided evidence for a general life quality well-being factor underlying the three mental well-being constructs and quality of life. The general life quality and well-being factor showed high internal consistency reliability and omegaH values. Complete measurement invariance between African and White race groups provided cross-cultural evidence for the construct. This was followed by a second phase of collecting qualitative data to gain a deeper understanding of the participants’ views of the statistical results (Bowen et al., 2017; Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018; Ivankova et al., 2006). Online personal interviews were conducted with four participants purposefully selected from the first sample. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The second qualitative phase of the study supported the findings of the first phase. This study's main strength and contribution lie in identifying common ground between the disciplines of psychological well-being studies and quality of life in health studies. In addition, the study applied new developments in structure identification to the study of well-being and quality of life, making a methodological contribution.
A narrative approach to exploring the life experiences of female and male offenders of child sexual abuse in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Liccardo, Sabrina; Guse, Tharina; Karmini@live.co.za; Balwanth, Karmini
Child sexual abuse is a widespread crisis that has lasting detrimental effects on the victims, offenders, and the systems in which they exist. The risk factors associated with child sexual offending, such as poverty and violence, are rife in South African communities and possibly exacerbate the rate of offending and reoffending. It is essential to explore the life stories and identity constructions of offenders of child sexual abuse to contextualise the offence and inform effective treatment and prevention strategies. This study was therefore designed to explore how child sexual offenders in South Africa construct stories to make meaning of their life experiences and events. A qualitative, narrative approach was used to elicit the life stories of 12 offenders who were convicted and sentenced for child sexual abuse in South Africa. Adult male and female offenders were purposively sampled from the Department of Correctional Services to participate in two individual interviews, in which oral and visual narratives were collected. Narrative analysis was applied to the life stories to preserve the uniqueness of individual stories while collating themes across the sample. Child sexual offenders in this study constructed redemptive narratives of personal transformation, continuous morality, and ongoing purpose across the lifespan. Offenders utilised various narrative techniques such as denial, minimisation, externalisation, and justification of their offences to convert their criminal identities into prosocial self-definitions. To circumvent a ruptured identity by the crime, offenders romantically constructed criminality as a catalyst for their personal transformations and overall purpose in life. The emergence of a transformed and moral identity seemingly allowed child sexual offenders to present a positive sense of self to persuade the audience of their realignment with the morals of normative society. Exaggerated tales of transformation, stories of inflated morality, romanticised accounts of offending, and neutralisation strategies are associated with criminal desistance and behavioural reform in offenders who re-story their lives and then enact these prosocial identity constructions. By decentralising their criminal identity, offenders may avoid confronting their deviance, trivialise the impact of the harm caused to others, and therefore maintain criminality. However, offenders in this study extended their accounts of transformation to current and intended prosocial actions and roles instead of criminality and deviance. The process of identity (re)construction and its possible association with behavioural reform is relevant for researchers, mental health practitioners, correctional officials, and communities that feature in the lives of child sexual offenders.

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