Theses and Dissertations (Psychology)

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The impact of traumatization on human trafficking survivors’ sense of self: a scoping review
Moore, Kelly A (University of Pretoria, 2025)
Human trafficking is a prevalent and escalating global concern, with serious psychological consequences for survivors. This scoping review specifically explored how experiences of human trafficking impact survivors’ sense of self. Particular attention was placed on whether these experiences strengthen or weaken the sense of self, and how it manifests in the cognitive and bodily self. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, a systematic search was conducted. Inclusion criteria required studies to be primary research, published in English after 2015, and focused on the subjective experience of human trafficking survivors. Exclusion criteria included grey literature and articles in which the full text was not accessible. After using Zotero to screen 924 items from various databases, seven studies were selected. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2019) reflexive thematic analysis, five themes were generated that encapsulate how traumatisation weakens the cognitive and bodily self of human trafficking survivors, and how survivors’ sense of self can be strengthened. This review highlights the nuanced and complex ways in which human trafficking survivors’ sense of self is affected by their experiences and highlights the importance of trauma-informed therapeutic intervention and community support.
Experiences of Intergenerational Relationships of Families in a Low-Income Community in South Africa
Mathibe, Gaboipewe (University of Pretoria, 2025-11)
Intergenerational relationships form an essential foundation of family and community life, supporting emotional connection, cultural continuity, and mutual care. In South Africa, these relationships are shaped by the enduring legacies of apartheid, persistent socio-economic inequality, and high youth unemployment. Within this context, multigenerational living serves as a survival strategy for low-income families, providing economic stability while challenging traditional patterns of authority, reciprocity and support. Despite their importance to family cohesion, little is known about how intergenerational relationships are experienced, managed, and sustained within low-income households in South Africa. This study explored the lived relational experiences of four multigenerational families in a low-income community in Gauteng. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with one grandparent (G1), parent (G2), and grandchild (G3) per family, recruited through purposive sampling. The findings reveal that intergenerational relationships are dynamic and cyclical, shaped by ongoing negotiation of authority, care, and emotional connection. Complementary relational patterns, where older generations assumed leadership and younger generations followed, reinforced cultural values of respect. However, these hierarchies were frequently challenged as younger family members sought autonomy, giving rise to more symmetrical patterns characterised by tension and renegotiation. Relational strain commonly centred on caregiving and financial responsibilities, particularly affecting older women, whose sacrifices were experienced as both acts of love and sources of frustration when unacknowledged. Silence, avoidance, and indirect communication were often used to preserve harmony but sometimes deepened emotional distance. Despite these tensions, families maintained strong emotional bonds grounded in spirituality, storytelling, and traditional cultural practices that restored connection and reaffirmed generational respect. This study contributes to understanding how intergenerational relationships in low-income South African families are both challenged and sustained under economic hardships. It highlights that family cohesion is maintained not only through material support but also through culturally rooted practices that nurture dialogue, moral connection, and collective identity. Interventions aimed at strengthening intergenerational cohesion should therefore build on practices such as storytelling, spirituality, and shared activities that support emotional closeness, respect, and communication across generations.
Exploring university staff’s experiences of interpersonal interactions and its contribution to their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
Hassan, Farhana (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-31)
This study explores the significance of social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on individual well-being. The unprecedented restrictions on physical interaction and the challenges it created in sustaining meaningful connections highlighted the importance of exploring how individuals adapted to these circumstances. Through semi-structured interviews with five participants, rich insights into their lived experiences were gathered. Qualitative data was collected and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), a method that emphasizes the researcher's active role in creating themes. The study included two main themes from participants’ lockdown experiences. Namely, Familial Relationships, which encompassed bonding, gratitude, loneliness, support, fitness, loss, and the role of social media/ technology in maintaining connections. The second theme, Professional/ Collegial Relationships, highlighted contrasting experiences of support and lack of support in the workplace. The findings revealed that maintaining social connections, both personal and professional, was essential for psychological resilience and overall well-being during the crisis. Importantly, the results align with existing literature, highlighting the vital role of social support systems in navigating periods of prolonged uncertainty and isolation in both our personal and professional lives.
Relational Well-Being experiences of previously homeless individuals in South Africa
Nel, San-Marié (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-08)
Homelessness is a complex global phenomenon. As homeless populations continue to grow, nations face increasing pressure to address their associated challenges, including the costs linked to healthcare, social services and the justice system. Governments are making an effort to provide housing solutions, like shelters, to assist homeless people in transitioning out of homelessness and reintegrating into society. In addition to shelter, homelessness intersects with various social challenges that require intervention. Consequently, research on the importance of relationships and social support in promoting the wellbeing of homeless individuals has gained international recognition. However, little is known about the relational experiences of homeless individuals and relationships that contribute to their wellbeing, especially as they transition out of homelessness, which may, in turn, guide interventions and policies. This qualitative research study using thematic analysis was conducted to analyse data collected from 12 semi-structured interviews with previously street homeless individuals in the City of Tshwane. The findings reveal that relational wellbeing is a process that emerges from the interactions between various personal, interpersonal, and societal processes in a conducive environment. Relationships with fellow homeless individuals, members of the public, families, staff at the institutional shelter, and spiritual connections were described as interpersonal, and self-growth was viewed as a personal process. The need to provide material support to families and meet society’s expectations function as societal drivers. Institutional shelters as an environmental driver play a key role in facilitating relational interactions that contribute to wellbeing. Interventions that encourage the emergence of relational needs and interactions that contribute to the wellbeing of previously street homeless individuals are encouraged. It is further recommended that more institutional shelters should be provided, as they offer spaces for growth, hope, and encouragement to previously street homeless individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
The experience of grief amongst university students following the loss of a parent
Tshabalala, Thabisile (University of Pretoria, 2026-02-06)
The experience of grief and loss has increasingly become a topic of concern within social science literature. Emerging from this literature are theoretical frameworks and a knowledge base used to guide clinical practice, educational programmes, public understanding, and policymaking. In recent years, research indicates that many students experienced the death of a significant person during their academic journey and had to navigate the grieving process in a demanding university environment. However, despite growing interest in grief experiences and their effects, literature on such topics within Africa and South Africa remains limited. This has resulted in a lack of extensive research within socially and culturally diverse countries that could inform mental health initiatives, particularly in under-researched yet significantly affected populations such as university students. Consequently, parental loss often remains unacknowledged, rendering university a non-accommodative setting. This study explored students’ grief experiences following the loss of a parent, with particular focus on the ongoing experiences of grief, challenges faced, coping strategies, and support-seeking within a South African university setting. Employing a phenomenological research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants recruited through a research poster advertised on ClickUp across various departmental modules within the Faculty of Humanities. The transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis, from which three group experiential themes and 11 subthemes were generated. The findings provide key insights into the persistent and evolving nature of grief as experienced by students while studying, and into their resilient navigation of challenges associated with coping with parental loss within both academic and social life. It is recommended that the university setting become more compassionate and accommodative through the inclusion of grief support, grief literacy, and departmental policies for academic support to better meet the needs of bereaved students.
Exploring community and enacted stigma among South African bisexual women of colour
Setlaba, Tlholohelo Tlhonolofatso (University of Pretoria, 2025)
Bisexual women of colour face unique and multi-layered forms of marginalisation owing to their intersectionality, both from queer and heterosexual spaces. This study explored the perceptions of Black South African bisexual women of community-held bisexual stigma and their experiences navigating enacted stigma. A qualitative, phenomenological design was adopted to uncover meaningful, subjective accounts from eight participants recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis revealed three group experiential themes: (1) denied autonomy in romantic and sociocultural contexts; (2) strategic identity management in self-preservation; and (3) resilience through community, language, and self-affirmation. Participants reported bisexual invalidation, hypersexualisation, and conditional acceptance from both heterosexual men and lesbian women. Cultural and religious expectations contributed to the bisexual erasure and emotional distress of participants. In response, many cultivated resilience through affirming bi-specific queer communities, boundary-setting and self-affirming language. These strategies were rooted in self-preservation and aimed at resisting the psychological toll of persistent bisexual stigma. Findings highlight the need for bi-inclusive sex education, queer-affirming clinical practices, and intersectional frameworks to improve understanding of the compounded marginalisation experienced by bisexual women. The study also draws attention to bisexual erasure in academic literature and public policy. While limited by its sample size and lack of racial diversity beyond Black participants, the study provides insights into the resilience and identity negotiation of Black bisexual women in a heteronormative and queerphobic South African context.
Exploring career counselling interventions in South African educational contexts – implications for mental health promotion: a systematic review
Chinsamy, Shanice Taylor (University of Pretoria, 2026-01-04)
This study involved a systematic review to explore the existing literature on career counselling interventions within secondary and tertiary educational institutions in South Africa, with specific focus on identifying implications for mental health promotion. Historically, career counselling was accessible by white males, resulting in a lack of effective career guidance being provided to other demographics. Despite the strides made in the field post-Apartheid, career counselling interventions are still not being implemented optimally. This study comprised a systematic review to identify (1) what is known from the literature about career counselling interventions in educational contexts? and (2) what are the implications for mental health promotion? Guided by the PRISMA framework, the study identified eleven studies across The University of Pretoria Repository, ResearchGate, Taylor&Francis, and EBSCOHost. Following data extraction, thematic analysis was employed. The key themes identified included the necessity for interventions to incorporate postmodern approaches such as narrative career counselling, career-construction, and career life-design, the importance of adapting interventions to be both culturally and socioeconomically relevant, and the challenges to effective implementation due to resource constraints and inadequately trained practitioners. Additionally, the study highlights the consequences of ineffective career services, including increased anxiety levels, inclination to dropout of studies, and increased failure rates. The study provides further insight into how effective career counselling interventions can have a significant positive impact on mental health promotion, through fostering resilience and adaptability, reducing anxiety and career-related stress, and helping young people develop their sense of self - protective factors which can be supportive in navigating the transition University or the workforce. The findings of this systematic review promote the importance of advocating for systemic improvements to career counselling within educational settings, so that young people receive the relevant guidance and support to foster appropriate career development, employability, and overall mental health and wellbeing.
A phenomenological study of the experiences of adult transracial adoptees in South Africa
Chitondo, Christicia (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-31)
The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other fatal diseases, and poverty experienced by Black communities has resulted in a significant increase in the number of orphaned children and cases of abandonment in South Africa. Due to the limited number of Black families willing to adopt and the limited number of White children available for adoption, transracial adoption has become an option for parents, and children in need of homes. Although the ideal situation is for children to be raised by parents who racially resemble them, the South African context which is shaped by a history of Apartheid and ongoing economic disparities affecting Black people often results in Black children being adopted by White families. This raises various debates, with some people in support and others against transracial adoption. While much research has focused on the perspectives of transracial adoptive parents and social workers, limited research has been dedicated to the adoptees themselves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adult transracial adoptees in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven participants, and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Seven themes were generated from the data: Early experiences of Adoptees, Parental relationships, Racial challenges, Socialisation, Identity challenges, adoptee’s mental health and benefits of adoption. Findings from the study revealed challenges related to conflicts around Black identity, experiences of racism and prejudice, and difficulties in fully integrating into both Black and White environments. At the same time, adoptees expressed the benefits of adoption, including improved livelihoods and a broadened outlook on life. Recommendations highlight the need to prepare adoptive parents for transracial adoption, encourage cultural and racial socialisation such as adoptees learning an African language and emphasize the responsibility of parents to actively challenge racism within their close circles. Future research should further explore adoptees’ experiences of racism, its impact on mental health and racial/ethnic identity development, and include greater diversity in gender, age, background, and cultural context to enhance the generalizability of findings.
A scoping review of intervention programmes for promoting the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals
Khonyane, Snenhlanhla Ayesha (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-31)
The healthcare profession is known for exerting a profound strain on both the physical and mental health of professionals. This study aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the types of interventions offered to improve the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals (HCPs), which was guided by responding to one research question, types of existing intervention programmes (IPs) available for HCPs. A scoping review was conducted, by consulting with nine electronic databases (Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, Science Direct, Springer Link, Pubmed, PsycINFO and SABINET African Journals) published between the period 1990 and 2024, yielding 11 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. A review of the selected studies, using thematic analysis, brought forth the following key themes: workplace IPs, mental health and well-being support, burnout and stress management strategies and effectiveness of IPs. Prominent gaps emerged, such as limited participation, inadequate long-term measurement of impact, the utilisation of objective measures and lack of diversity in intervention approaches. Using the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Workplace Framework (WHWF) as a guiding lens, this comprehensive review provided an in-depth exploration of interventions offered to HCPs, and the practical impacts and challenges that should be considered to improve the efficacy of such programmes. To close, the study presents important considerations which can inform the development or facilitation of future IPs extended to HCPs.
How does a non-traditional Anapanasati meditator interpret their experiences of meditative absorption - an autoethnography and scoping review
Mthembu, Ndabenhle S (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-01)
Background: Ānāpānasati, or mindfulness of breathing, is a Buddhist practice aimed at psychospiritual development through breath-focused meditation. Traditional accounts describe meditative absorption as a distinctive set of changes in mental states, traits, and contents, which both traditional and non-traditional practitioners report. However, non-traditional practitioners often lack the knowledge needed to interpret the non-rational aspects of these experiences, leading to difficulties in understanding and integrating the changes resulting from meditative absorption into their daily lives. This can negatively impact their well-being. Methodology: The study comprises two phases. Phase 1 is an autoethnographic phase in which a student, as a non-traditional ānāpānasati meditator, undertakes a research retreat and uses the Meditative Experience Report Form to document and interpret experiences of meditative absorption from three perspectives: meditator, participant, and researcher, drawing on both intuitive and analytical reasoning. Phase 2 is a scoping review of traditional and non-traditional literature on ānāpānasati meditation, alongside primary accounts of experiences of meditative absorption. The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guideline to search Scopus, EBSCOhost, and SAGE Journals, yielding three articles out of forty-five that met all inclusion criteria. Results: The findings show a wide range of perspectives and resources available to non-traditional ānāpānasati practitioners as they construct knowledge and meaning from the non-rational information encountered during meditative absorption. Consequently, the challenges of integrating meditative absorption experiences depend on how well a practitioner develops the capacity to interpret the unique non-symbolic information presented by meditative absorption.
Exploring Fear of Crime on Interactional Patterns and Psychological Well-Being within a South African Student Population.
Choma, Pabalelo Esther (University of Pretoria, 2025-07-08)
The rise in crime rates in South Africa has led to an increased sense of fear, avoidance, and a lack of trust and social cohesion. However, despite the growing crime rates, limited research exists on how this fear affects students' interactions with their environment and society, particularly regarding concerns about victimisation and the impact on their psychological well-being and daily functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of fear of crime on students' interactional patterns and psychological well-being, the common types of crime they have experienced, and whether students have adopted any coping mechanisms or safety strategies to manage their fear of crime. The theoretical frameworks utilised in this research study are Cognitive Behavioural Theory and the Bystander Effect Theory in order to discuss their key concepts and their relevance to the research study, the study’s research questions and objectives, while also defining and identifying how fear of crime affects individuals using the key concepts of the theories. The research employed a qualitative methodology, utilising a semi-structured interview. Data was collected through two online focus group discussions. The sample for this study consisted of five university students: three from the first focus group discussion and two from the second. Braun and Clark's thematic analysis guided the data analysis process. Four themes were identified: perceptions of safety and crime, behavioural adaptations, group differences, safety strategies, interactional patterns and psychological well-being impact. Each theme has its own subthemes. These themes and subthemes were discussed using hermeneutic phenomenology, as it is interpretative and aims to explore a deeper understanding of human experiences. The findings of this study indicate that fear of crime significantly impacts the interactional patterns and psychological well-being of university students, whether they are direct or indirect victims of crime. The impact of crime has prompted students to make various changes in their daily lives to mitigate the effects of fear of crime on their psychological well-being.
Experiences of educators facilitating education programmes at one South African correctional centre
Dhlamini, Zanele, S. (University of Pretoria, 2025)
Correctional educators (CEs) occupy a unique and often overlooked space at the intersection of education and incarceration, tasked with delivering learning under conditions shaped by constraint, control, and contradiction. While education is championed as a pillar of rehabilitation, little is known about CEs, particularly those providing education within South African correctional centres. Therefore, this study explored the lived experiences of CEs facilitating education programmes at a South African correctional centre. Guided by a phenomenological research design within a qualitative interpretivist framework, the study drew on the insights of eleven purposively sampled participants. Semi-structured interviews formed the primary mode of data collection, and analysis was conducted thematically through the lens of Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory and Freire’s Critical Pedagogy. These theoretical tools offered a dual lens, with the former capturing internal transformation and later interrogating structural constraints. Four main themes emerged from the analysed data, namely, exceeding expectations: cultivating positivity and fulfilment; perceptions of education as a powerful transformational tool; institutional red tape and resilience of correctional educators; and challenges in educational support and resource management. The findings revealed a passionate yet precarious teaching community, one that finds purpose in fostering growth and redemption among incarcerated learners but remains hindered by systematic barriers. Participants spoke of personal gratification and mutual growth, even as they navigated shortages in resources, personnel, and professional development. Their narratives painted a picture of resilience, pedagogical improvisation, and a deep commitment to humanising education in dehumanising spaces. This study contributes to correctional education discourse and scholarship by foregrounding the voices of CEs and offering practical recommendations to enhance institutional responsiveness. Key among these are a need for improved resource allocation, investment in continuous professional development, and a shift toward recognising CEs not merely as service providers, but as agents of transformation within a complex and often contradictory system.
Hegemonic masculinity and mental health: a qualitative study of 10 cisgender gay men’s experiences in South Africa
Tshuketana, Tshegofatso Dylan (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-14)
Hegemonic masculinity refers to a type of masculinity that achieves a position of social dominance among other masculinities, through what becomes normative values and practices amongst boys and men about what it means to be a ‘man’ in a society. This research explores the experiences and perspectives of South African cisgender gay men on what they understand hegemonic masculinity to be and what influence it may have on their mental health. The sample included 10 South African cisgender gay men. Data was collected using Semi-structured interviews. Using a thematic data analysis method, the following themes emerged: (1) A social understanding of being a man; (2) Ostracization: The experience of not belonging; and (3) Pillars of coping and resilience. Most participants understood masculinity to be a classification of how men should be. This included being dominant in a social setting, being stoic, and for some, being heterosexual. Most participants described their experiences with masculinity in society as discriminating towards them as gay men because of their sexuality. This has often led to feelings of internalised homophobia, where participants have questioned whether they are normal for being gay, and ultimately hating themselves for being gay. In dealing with these challenges, participants describe that building or joining a community of individuals who are gay, and cisgender has helped them a lot. Another aspect was reaching out for professional help. This has ultimately improved their mental health. Further research on resilience and acceptance techniques for sexual and gender diverse individuals may be impactful to this course.
Exploring students’ experiences with their studies amidst the current load shedding problem
Temoso, Madingwane (University of Pretoria, 2025-06-01)
Objective: South Africa’s ongoing electricity shortages, manifested through load shedding, continue to disrupt multiple sectors, including higher education. While much attention has been given to the economic effects of energy instability, less is known about the academic implications for university students. This study explored students’ lived experiences of studying amidst load shedding, with a focus on academic responsibilities, students experiences with load shedding and the coping strategies they use to mitigate the impact of load shedding. Method: A qualitative research design, guided by an interpretivist paradigm, was employed. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 30 (N = 30) full-time university students, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed six interrelated themes: the unpredictability of outages, unequal access to alternative power sources, academic interruption, compromised mental wellbeing, disrupted social functioning, and diverse coping strategies. Interpreted using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the results demonstrate that load shedding constrains students across all levels of human need from physiological and safety needs to esteem and self-actualization thereby undermining both educational performance and psychosocial wellbeing. Findings showed that load shedding disrupts learning, compromises wellbeing, and limits social engagement. Conclusion: While students displayed resilience through adaptive strategies, these were insufficient to offset systemic deficiencies. The study concludes that load shedding represents a significant barrier to equitable academic engagement and personal development. Recommendations include investment in institutional resilience measures, provision of mental health support, and policy advocacy to secure a more stable electricity supply in higher education contexts. Load shedding exerts multifaceted academic and psychosocial impacts as reported from students’ personal experiences. Universities should consider, including flexible teaching methods, and accessible alternative resources.
Exploring health beliefs about Malaria and Malaria treatment in a South African context
Johnson, Cameron D (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-07)
Background to the Study: Malaria education programmes and health promotion interventions in South Africa have been generally successful; however, knowledge alone does not necessarily lead to behaviour change. It is still unclear why some individuals seek conventional treatment for malaria, while others do not. It is thus essential to attempt to understand the beliefs involved in affecting these individuals’ health-related decisions and behaviours if more effective, contextually appropriate malaria intervention is to be delivered. With that in mind, this study explored individuals’ beliefs regarding malaria infection and the treatment or non-treatment of malaria, through the following questions (1) What are community members’ health beliefs about malaria and malaria treatment in the northern Vhembe district, Limpopo Province? (2) What factors contribute to the development of health beliefs about malaria and malaria treatment in the northern Vhembe district, Limpopo Province? Research Methodology: This study applied Codebook Thematic Analysis to inductively and deductively analyse interview responses from three purposively selected participant groups which comprised nurses, treatment-seeking community members, and community health workers living in the northern Vhembe District, Limpopo. Themes were then interpreted through the Integrated Behavioural Model and the Protection Motivation Theory, which provided a theoretical lens for the study. Results: The study results noted numerous health beliefs and material conditions linked to treatment behaviours in the study areas. Specifically, factors influencing conventional treatment behaviour in the sample group included knowledge of malaria and malaria treatment, family responsibility, trust in nurses, resource-related treatment barriers, and legal status. Alternatively, beliefs about witchcraft, religious beliefs, myths about malaria and malaria treatment, and mistrust of the conventional healthcare system were factors influencing alternative treatment-seeking or conventional treatment avoidance. These findings contribute to the broader malaria literature and support the development of targeted interventions addressing malaria treatment behaviour and adherence in the Vhembe District.
South African parents’ perspectives and experiences of implementing childhood sexual abuse prevention during early childhood
Theron, Lana (University of Pretoria, 2025-07-25)
Childhood sexual abuse is an increasing concern word wide. In recent years, the issue has grown increasingly complex and pervasive within the digital age, as technological advancements have significantly reduced the barriers to creating, accessing, and disseminating harmful digital content, including materials that exploit and endanger children. In South Africa, the incidence of child sexual abuse is high, with an increasing concern for early onset. Child sexual abuse prevention education is a psychoeducational prevention approach aimed at teaching children about privacy, bodily autonomy, and safety strategies to mitigate the risk of sexual abuse. Early childhood is a developmental stage marked by limited cognitive and verbal capacities, high dependency on adults, and an emerging sense of bodily autonomy; therefore, it is a crucial period to equip young children with foundational skills to recognize boundaries, assert themselves, and seek help. However, child sexual abuse prevention education remains under-researched in South Africa, particularly regarding parental involvement, and during early childhood, despite evidence that parents play a critical role in educating children about protective behaviours. This study explores South African parents' perspectives and experiences on implementing child sexual abuse prevention education during early childhood. A qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 parents, both mothers and fathers, was employed. The use of reflective thematic analysis identified three main themes: 1) the child sexual abuse narrative, 2) parental experiences with child sexual abuse prevention education, and 3) childhood sexual abuse prevention as a collective effort. Within the main themes, five subthemes were identified that elucidate parental experiences and perspectives: “The people we trust,” “Girls are more vulnerable,” “We weren’t taught to say no,” “Bend the tree while it’s still young,” and “It should be a team discussion. Sort of…”. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in South Africa to empower parents during early childhood child sexual abuse 6 prevention education. Emphasis is placed on a collaborative, inclusive approach to child protection, and findings advocate for comprehensive, proactive strategies that address the evolving needs of South African parents, including more accessible and age-appropriate resources to promote a united front in safeguarding young children from sexual abuse.
Primary caregivers’ perceptions of the factors facilitating and inhibiting the attachment relationship with their children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kerr, Georgina Anna (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-27)
The attachment relationship established between caregivers and their children, most often during infancy, is said to have significant developmental consequences for children. However, caregiving for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often includes navigating unique circumstances that may influence the development of this caregiver-child attachment relationship. Thus, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of primary caregivers regarding the factors that both facilitate or hinder the development of their relationship with their children who have been diagnosed with ASD, within the South African context. The study was exploratory and qualitative in design and drew upon an interpretivist paradigm. Using purposive sampling, individual semi-structured interviews were held with eight primary caregivers of children (aged 4–16 years) with ASD. Data were analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, which resulted in the conceptualisation of four main themes: 1) The caregiver role within the context of ASD; 2) fostering caregiver-child connection through attuned caregiving practices; 3) disconnection and relational strain; and 4) the role of external supports in ASD caregiving. These themes were further delineated into subthemes to capture the nuances expressed across participants. Overall, caregivers identified several interrelated factors that they perceived to facilitate and inhibit the attachment with their child with ASD. These included both the unique qualities and characteristics of the caregivers and their children, as well as broader contextual influences. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed to promote secure caregiver-child attachment relationships in neurodiverse contexts.
Evaluating mental health outcomes of a neurophysiological tremor intervention for adults with trauma-related stressors in South Africa
Faurie, Zelna (University of Pretoria, 2024-11)
The study evaluated the mental health outcomes following a 12-week neurophysiological tremor intervention among adults in the Ekurhuleni region with trauma-related stressors. A quantitative methodology was used grounded in the Polyvagal theory, employing Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Spearman’s correlations to analyse the relationships between ACE dimensions (abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) and trauma-related outcomes. The research objectives were: (1) to explore childhood experiences of traumatic events and adult life adversities, (2) to determine a correlation between adverse child events and the other dependent variables (e.g., somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, as well as posttraumatic growth and resilience), (3) to determine the effect of the neurophysiological tremor intervention on the somatic symptoms, (4) to determine the effect of the intervention on anxiety, and depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, (5) to determine the effect of the intervention on posttraumatic growth, and (6) resilience. The results revealed that 73.5% of the participants experienced physical childhood abuse, followed by emotional neglect, household substance abuse and household mental illness during childhood. Findings revealed significant correlations between household dysfunction and avoidance symptoms and between abuse and anxiety. The study demonstrated significant improvements in posttraumatic stress symptoms and their subdomains (i.e. intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations, and hyperarousal symptoms). Participants reported enhanced growth across posttraumatic growth dimensions (i.e. relating to others, personal strength, and an appreciation of life) and resilience. The study contributes to the growing evidence reinforcing neurophysiological tremor interventions for trauma recovery, emphasising ANS self-regulation for psychophysiological recovery.
An exploration of the role of cultural values in the emergence and perpetuation of collective trauma experienced by Indian males
Rahman, Zeenat (University of Pretoria, 2025-02)
Despite increasing global attention to intergenerational trauma, the experiences of South African Indian males shaped by both colonialism and apartheid remain under researched. These historical traumas have had far reaching effects on the community’s cultural identity, family structures, and psychological well-being, with repercussions that continue to affect successive generations This study aims to explore how unresolved historical injustices, rooted in colonial and apartheid-era oppression, have continued to influence the psychological and cultural experiences of South African Indian males. It further, examines the impact these traumas have had on family dynamics, identity formation, and mental health outcomes across generations. Grounded in Jung’s collective unconscious theory, Gabor Maté’s, intergenerational trauma model, and Jeffrey Alexander’s, cultural trauma theory this study offers an in-depth look into how these theoretical frameworks can illuminate the ongoing cultural and psychological effects of unresolved trauma within South African Indian males. Employing a qualitative approach, and phenomenological design the study conducted semi-structured with six South African Indian male participants across multiple generations of South African Indian males., aged between 25 and 75, recruited through purposive sampling. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the findings revealed four key themes: historical trauma and its impact, cultural identity and transmission, mental health and well-being, and cultural resilience and continuity. The findings suggest that cultural values may play a significant role in shaping participants' understanding and expression of trauma, contributing to its transmission across generations. The themes highlighted the ways in which historical injustices, cultural pressures, and unspoken familial dynamics perpetuate collective trauma, while also revealing tensions between cultural preservation and psychological well-being. This research provides insight into culturally situated trauma processes and offers recommendations for culturally responsive psychological interventions.
The impact of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) training programme on the perception of gender roles among male university students in South Africa
Shingange, Nandipha Pelotshweu (University of Pretoria, 2025-04)
This study aimed to determine the impact of the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) training programme on male university students’ perceptions of gender roles in South Africa. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design, 140 Humanities students from a South African university were non-randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 70), which received the training, or a control group (n = 70), which received a placebo. Data were collected using the Gender Perception Scale (GPS) via Qualtrics and analysed in SPSS using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney U test. The reliability of the GPS was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega, with high internal consistency in the experimental group (α = 0.93 pre-test; α = 0.92 post-test) and acceptable consistency in the control group. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement in gender-equitable attitudes in the experimental group (p < 0.05), while the control group showed minimal change. The intervention's effectiveness was further supported by a moderate-to-strong effect size and positive shifts in post-test mean ranks for most items. Significant changes were observed in 23 out of 25 items, suggesting the training effectively influenced participants' gender perceptions. However, no significant change was noted for two items, namely Item 9 ("Women should always be protected by men") and Item 12 ("Working woman should give her earnings to her spouse"), indicating certain attitudes may be more resistant to change. Notably, participants from urban and middle-income backgrounds showed the most improvement, indicating the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on the programme’s impact. The training also led to increased levels of empathy among participants, reinforcing the value of structured gender education in promoting inclusive attitudes. Overall, the findings underscore the effectiveness of the SOGIE training programme in challenging traditional gender norms. Subsequently, it is recommended that gender sensitivity training programmes be integrated into university curricula to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

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