Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-8: Decent work and economic growth

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    A pilot study investigating the quantitative electroencephalogram profiles of academic staff with burnout
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Theron, Natasha; Besharati, Sahba; Beukes, Johanna
    The construct and diagnosis of burnout are hotly debated in the literature. There is a lack of consensus regarding the conceptualisation, measurement, and the associated neural correlates of burnout, as well as its relationship with depression. University Faculty (referred to as academic staff in the South African context) represents an understudied population that is vulnerable to burnout. The main aim of this study was to conduct a pilot-study investigation to explore the psychometric and electrophysiological profile of academic burnout, as part of a wider longitudinal study investigating the efficacy of neurofeedback training as an intervention for academic burnout. The pilot study consisted of a two-stage sample design. Stage-one drew on survey-based methods with a sample of 55 academic staff members from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Burnout was measured using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) for depression. Psychometric analysis was performed using descriptive and correlational analyses of BAT, MBI, and BDI-II scores to address the research aims. The sample (n = 55) presented with high levels of burnout as determined by the BAT. Moderate and low levels of burnout were found as determined by the MBI, with a high correlation between the two measures. Mild levels of depression were found as measured by the BAT-II on average with categorical analysis revealing a maximum of 36.36% overlap between depression and burnout. Treated dimensionally, depression and burnout were significantly and strongly correlated. The consistent replication of our findings across various measures, samples, and countries, strongly questions the discriminant validity of burnout versus depression. Stage-two included a smaller sample of academic staff (N=11) drawn from the wider sample and utilised quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) methods at rest for the eyes open and closed conditions. Data analysis included a descriptive comparison of this sample to a normative database provided by the qEEG-Pro software. Although individual qEEG results showed substantial deviations from the norm, the group average revealed no qEEG deviations among our sample of academic staff scoring high on burnout. It appears that there is a lack of consistency among research focused on the qEEG correlates of burnout for the alpha, beta, and delta bands. Therefore, it is currently impossible to draw definite conclusions about the direction and existence of specific brain wave abnormalities in the burnout population, vi which signals the need for further exploration to establish reliable neurobiological markers of burnout.
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    Psychologists in training’s Assumption about Mind and Brain in Psychopathology and Clinical Work
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mavundla, Patricia Lungile; Pitman, Michael
    Research Purpose: The study's objective was to understand how psychologists in training endorsed models of illnesses for mental disorders. The results aimed to understand how they differed in their levels of training, and the results for the theoretical orientations endorsed analysed the mean significance for both the clinical and counselling training groups. Methodology: The study was conducted using first-year master's clinical and counselling psychology students, and the total sample was N = 28. The study's population was drawn from six universities in South African and investigated using a quantitative research design. A survey was used to gather data from the participants, and the data was analysed using the IMB Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27. An analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was used to analyse the data and four research questions compared how the level of endorsement differed across different models of mental disorders, determined any trends for the different levels of endorsement which differed depending on which training programs the participants received, it also determine whether the theoretical orientation of training receiving differed, and lastly determined whether the effects training received differed based on the individual psychotherapy the participants received. The research questions were used as the framework for the study, with four mental disorders used as items, eight models of illness used to analyse the theoretical orientations endorsed, and a Maudsley Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) used as a measure for the items. Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the clinical and counselling groups. A line graph illustrated how the mental disorders were endorsed differently, and as a result, the level of endorsement for the social realist model of illness (M=15.28, SD=2.05) was highly endorsed, and the Nihilist model of illness (M=8.21, SD=2.69) was the least endorsed. Discussion: Participants from diverse institutions had an impact on how well they understood the different mental disorders and endorsed the models of illnesses. Considering that there was not enough data entry, there were a few deviations with the data collection and the results could not comply with a larger population of trainee psychologist. Conclusion: The outcome of this study aims contribute to research in academia in terms of understanding the factors that influence the choice of treating mental disorders and may help enhance psychologists’ choice of choosing the correct models of illnesses as a part of intervention in their clinical work.
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    An investigation of the financial and psychological impact of COVID-19 on students at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maepa, Pontsho; Ntshongwana, Zintle
    The 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) intensified poverty, hunger, and health problems while having severe effects on sustainability measures. People faced psychological and financial difficulties because of the financial hardship caused by the pandemic.This study explored the financial and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among students on students from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. A case study design was employed in this investigation. Ten (10) full-time University of Witwatersrand students, ages 18 to 30, were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. Individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were used to gather the data. The study found that while some participants reported minimal financial impact and effective coping strategies, others faced challenges with accommodation deposits, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) delays, and psychological distress. The study identified a range of emotional responses, including anxiety and academic concerns. Moreover, the transition to online learning presented both benefits and drawbacks, influencing students' academic performance and engagement. The study recommends considering the financial implications of accommodation deposits, ensuring timely disbursement of NSFAS allowances, and emphasizing interactive elements in online learning. Acknowledging the psychological toll, universities are urged to enhance mental health support services. Future pandemic responses should prioritise maintaining a supportive residential environment for students.
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    Psychosocial Factors and Coping Narratives of Unemployed South Africans during the Covid-19 pandemic
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makola, Precious Siphokazi; Mathebula, Mpho
    This research investigates the relationship between psychosocial factors and coping narratives of unemployed South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, South Africa has a high unemployment rate, with some studies indicating a pre-pandemic rate of thirty percent (Espi-Sanchis et al., 2021; Hlayisi, 2022). Recent research shows that COVID-19's impact extends beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being (Posel et al., 2021) This research study explores the interplay between psychosocial factors and coping strategies among the unemployed, using Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping theory and the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model as a framework. In order to gain a deeper understanding, the researcher conducted Socratic questioning with eight participants from diverse backgrounds. The interviews were transcribed, and a Thematic Analysis was used to identify relevant themes. Participants initially described the shock of stable employment transforming into uncertainty. These abrupt shifts triggered cognitive appraisals, shaping emotional responses. Financial strain emerged as a significant stressor, impacting self-esteem and overall well-being. The findings support that lockdown measures, crucial for public health, led to mental health challenges. Coping strategies included engaging in personal activities, adapting to change, seeking social and emotional support, and relying on faith and prayer. These strategies helped participants navigate uncertainties.
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    It’s not you that needs to change, it’s the system that needs to change” – The narratives of South African women professionals working with Gender-Based Violence
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ramlucken, Roxanne; Kiguwa, Peace
    Professional South African women who encounter gender-based violence in their field have important and potentially transformational experiences to share on addressing this issue. These professionals have experience and in-depth knowledge of the realities of working with gender- based violence. They can use their expertise to conceptualise and explain this phenomenon. They understand how gender-based violence is presented in society and their recommendations are informed by pragmatic reasoning. This study utilised a qualitative research method to obtain the narratives of these women that work in psychology, community health work, social work, legal work and journalism. This paper used a combination of three theoretical frameworks: narrative theory, post-structural feminist theory and African feminist theory. The synergies between these three theories prioritised the voice of the participants and allowed for a critical engagement with the narratives. The use of multiple professions accounts for the complex and multidimensional elements that contribute to the levels of gender-based violence in South Africa. The findings suggest the cultural acceptance of violence and patriarchal values are ingrained into the fabric of society. Gender-based violence is a systemic issue that prevails through insufficient implementation of legislation and the lack of accountability by official personnel.
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    Unpacking the Lived Experience of High-Income Female Earners in Romantic Relationships
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntshalintshali, Silindile Noxolo; Booth, Lyndall
    This study explores the complex interconnection between financial power and traditional gender roles faced by high-income women in South Africa. It emphasises the need for nuanced approaches to address internalised beliefs and advocate for societal change. The research highlights the interplay of financial factors, familial dynamics, and cultural norms on relationships. The research aims to explore the experiences of economically empowered women and the interplay between their financial power and traditional gender roles as well as understand the ramifications of gender ideologies on dual-income heterosexual relationships in South Africa. Qualitative research methods were used to capture diverse narratives and perspectives. Women in the study expressed a desire for their partners to have better financial positions, indicating a preference for conventional gender roles. Despite efforts to empower women economically, societal attitudes towards high-income earning women are still shaped by internalised beliefs about gender roles.
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    Flexible work arrangements, work-family conflict, and gender-role beliefs
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Paulser, Tashana
    As the world of work continues to change and evolve, organisations have increasingly adopted flexible work arrangements which have affected the way in which many do their work. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between different types of flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict and the relationships between gender-role beliefs at home and at work and work-family conflict, as well as whether gender-role beliefs at home and at work moderated the relationships between flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 85 individuals employed in South African organisations who filled out an online survey consisting of several questionnaires. Flexible work arrangements were assessed using a self-developed Flexible Work Arrangements Scale that included the Workplace Flexibility Scale (Halinski & Duxbury, 2020). Work-family conflict was assessed using the Work-Family Conflict Scale that was developed by Carlson et al. (2000). Gendered domestic roles were assessed using a sub-scale of the patriarchal Beliefs Scale that was developed by Yoon et al. (2015), which was used to measure gender-role beliefs in the home environment. Beliefs about women at work were measured using an adapted version of the Stereotype Beliefs about Women Managers that was developed by Moore et al. (2004). Analyses included Cronbach Alpha coefficients, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical moderated multiple regression. The results revealed that overall work-family conflict was not significantly related to and was not significantly predicted by flexi-time and flexi-place flexibility, but it was significantly and negatively related to and was significantly predicted by both proactive flexibility and reactive flexibility. Overall work-family conflict was not significantly related to and was not significantly predicted by either gendered domestic role beliefs or beliefs about women in the workplace. Gendered domestic role beliefs did not significantly moderate the relationship between flexi-time and flexi-place flexibility and work-family conflict or the relationship between proactive flexibility and work-family conflict, but they did significantly moderate the relationship between reactive flexibility and work-family conflict. Beliefs about women in the workplace did not moderate any of the relationships between flexible work arrangements and work-family conflict. The implication of these findings is that individuals' perceptions of their ability to manage family emergencies is related to their experiences of work-family conflict.
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    Experiences of social workers regarding managing workload during COVID-19 pandemic: A study at the Department of Social Development in Roodepoort
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mambabada, Tshiwela Portia
    The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the Department of Social Development (DSD) social workers when managing their workload during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a qualitative study that employed exploratory case study research design to understand the experiences of participants in their everyday life within their workplace. The researcher utilised a non-probability purposive sampling procedure to select participants. Fifteen (15) participants were recruited from Roodepoort’s DSD in South Africa. The researcher used a semi-structured interview schedule as the data collection tool. Data was collected on one-on-one basis, face-to- face with participants. The researcher was interested in utilising a thematic analysis to analyse the collected data. The study offers insights into how social workers’ workload at DSD changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The insights are used to make recommendations for future disaster plans to support social workers and the clients that they serve within DSD. Fundings show that Roodepoort DSD social workers faced higher caseload in foster care. This was as a result of a shortage of social workers and limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. These social workers also faced changes that were brought about by the pandemic, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and they had to adopt hybrid work to provide services to clients virtually. They experienced poor mental health due to increased workload, stress, and burnout. Their coping strategies were based on exercising and employee assistance programmes.
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    Psychological Well-Being and South African Socio- Economic Stressors: The moderating role of Leaders creating Hope
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Aysen, Savannah; Milner, Karen
    The current research study explored whether leaders creating hope in their employees moderates the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and employee psychological well-being. Existing literature indicates that stressors have dire implications for the well-being of employees and that psychological capital is a meaningful resource to elevate deteriorating well-being (Slone et al., 1999; Charles et al., 2013). Moreover, research reveals the potential of leaders to create hope within their organisations which may aid in elevating deteriorating well-being levels (Yukl, 1998; Helland and Winston, 2005). Accordingly, this research aimed to explore whether leaders creating hope would moderate the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being. This study utilised a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional research design to explore the statistical relationships between South African socio-economic stressors, psychological well-being and leaders creating hope. Data was collected through an online self-report questionnaire (N=130). The questionnaire contained a self-developed demographic questionnaire, an adapted South African socio-economic stressors scale, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, and the adapted Leaders Creating Hope scale. Results of the study indicated that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope were correlated with psychological well-being, and a multiple regression analysis revealed that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope are predictors of psychological well-being within the sample. However, even though leaders creating hope was found to have a positive effect on psychological well-being it did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being.
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    A Discourse Analysis of news reports on farm murders in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntantala, Noxolo; Rafaely, Daniella
    Farm murders in South Africa represent more than isolated incidents of violence, they are symptomatic of deeper societal issues, including socioeconomic disparities and historical injustices. Addressing farm murders requires a nuanced understanding of their broader implications and the underlying power dynamics shaping public discourse surrounding these crimes. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) offers a valuable lens through which to examine media representations of farm murders. By scrutinizing language use in media discourse, CDA enables researcher to uncover the ways in which power structures and ideological biases influence public perceptions and societal norms (Fairclough, 1995). This analytical approach is particularly apt for studying farm murders, as it allows for the exploration of how media narratives frame these crimes within the socio-political landscape of South Africa. In this research, I have conducted a Critical Discourse Analysis of media representations of farm murders, utilizing Fairclough’s three-dimensional model as my theoretical framework to analyse18 newspaper articles from prominent outlets spanning from the year 2017 to 2023, including The Citizen, Sunday Independent, Cape Argus, Pretoria News Weekend, Diamond field Advertiser and Daily News. The aim was to elucidate how these articles construct and frame the discourse surrounding farm murders. By critically analyzing the language and narratives employed in media coverage, my study sheds light on the underlying power dynamics and ideological influences shaping public perceptions of farm murders. This research unveils media portrayal of farm murders in South Africa, highlighting prevalent direct quotations and sensationalized narratives. While emphasizing farmers’ innocence and law enforcement responsiveness, media disproportionately focuses on victims over perpetrators. These portrayals evoke fear and sympathy, prompting discussions on community cohesion and broader societal impacts