School of Human and Community Development (ETDs)

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    The Experiences of Black Female Postgraduate Students With Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, 2019-2021, The Case of Witwatersrand University
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashiane, Sphiwe; Bala, Samkelo
    The COVID-19 global pandemic has compelled institutions of higher education to transition to emergency remote learning, leading many postgraduate students, both nationally and internationally, to begin their studies online. Research has shown the need for universities to support the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate as this is a major transition into academia. Research has also revealed that the struggle with mental health has increased with this transition and additionally with the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there is a lack of research investigating the experiences of Black females in the academic space and their experiences with mental health. Thus, this study aims to understand the experiences of Black female postgraduate students with mental health during the spread of COVID-19, 2019-2021. The research approach used for this study was the qualitative approach as it was the most appropriate in seeking to understand the experiences of a unique group such as a Black female postgraduate. A case study design was employed, and the experiences shared were explored through the lens of the intersectionality theory and the research was grounded by the interpretivist paradigm. The sample was drawn from the population of students from Witwatersrand University and the sample consisted of eight (8) participants. The method of data collection was computer-mediated interviews which were interpreted using a five-phase thematic analysis. The participants' responses revealed that although all eight participants experienced challenges with their mental health sharing symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness, only two participants used the psychosocial services offered by the university. The reasons for not seeking help from the university psychosocial services included fear of the unknown, services feeling unreachable, stigma and fear of not being assisted immediately. The most shared reason for not seeking help however was participants not perceiving the need to seek help. Participants, therefore, opted for coping mechanisms such as sleeping, partying, and using substances and most participants turned to their spirituality. The study, therefore, made recommendations for campus psychosocial services to employ more mental health practitioners such that there is education about mental health and the services offered.
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    Neurocognitive Rehabilitation for an Adolescent HIV Population: The Case of Sustained Attention
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zondo, Sizwe
    The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant disease burden. In terms of neurocognitive health, HIV crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in neuronal dysregulation and compromised neurocognition. Of further import, antiretroviral drugs are indicated to have limited permeability in the central nervous system and do not reverse compromised neurocognition, sequent HIV neuroinvasion. The objectives of the study were to investigate the efficacy of HIV cognitive rehabilitation therapy (HIV-CRT) in adolescent HIV. The first aim was to investigate the evidence for the cognitive rehabilitation of HIV in adolescent and geriatric samples, sequent neuroHIV. This investigation resulted in the publication of a meta-analysis detailing the efficacy of attention remediation in neuroHIV. The second aim was to examine the efficacy of fNIRS neuroimaging in measuring hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex in adolescents neuroHIV. This investigation resulted in the publication of an article detailing the efficacy of fNIRS in detailing changes in oxygenated haemoglobin in adolescents living with neuroHIV. The third aim was to pair fNIRS optical neuroimaging with behavioural data to investigate changes associated with brain training at a cortical and behavioural level. The execution of the above aim resulted in the publication of an article detailing the procedures and methods to achieve the enquiry. The fourth article, under review, details findings related to neural efficiency and attention training. The final manuscript, under preparation, details functional connectivity outcomes related to attention training. To enable the analysis of the published articles, an initial cohort of 42 adolescents (mean age = 17.28) living with HIV participated in the study. Following attrition, the sample was reduced to 26 participants. Thirteen participants were assigned to the treatment group (n = 13; mean age = 16; SD = 1.2), which received cognitive rehabilitation to remediate attention. Thirteen children acted as controls (mean age = 17; SD = 1.3). Pre- and post-intervention data were analysed using behavioural and optical imaging data. 5 Findings indicated that HIV-CRT (attention) is associated with decreased oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO) and increased functional connectivity in the Central Executive Network (CEN). Contrary to expectation, HIV-CRT was associated with minimal behavioural gains, as indicated by neuropsychological assessments. Taken together, findings seem to suggest that in adolescent neuroHIV, customised HIV-CRT promotes cortical efficiency. However, brain training does not translate to immediate behavioural improvements at post-assessment. Summarily, findings suggest that cortical plasticity may precede near-and-far cognitive transfer gain in adolescents neuroHIV.
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    Career adaptability, occupational identity, and psychologica well-being after a career change during the covid-19 pandemic
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kutu, Siyamthanda; Donald, Fiona
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the relationship between career adaptability, occupational identity, and Psychological Well-being at Work in South African employees who experienced career change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is framed within the Career Construction Theory where the pandemic is contextualised as a career shock. METHODS: Employing a quantitative approach, this study adopts a correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling, including criterion-based and snowball sampling techniques, was utilized to recruit participants. The sample comprised 62 South African employees who experienced career changes between 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic's impact on the labour market. Data w as collected through structured online questionnaires, incorporating validated scales. Ethical considerations were addressed, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and minimal harm to participants. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed significant positive relationships between career adaptability, occupational identity, and Psychological Well-being at Work. Specifically, both career adaptability and occupational identity emerged as strong predictors of Psychological Well-being at Work among the participants. Descriptive statistics provided insights into the sample characteristics, indicating a diverse range of career change experiences during the pandemic. The study under scores the importance of fostering adaptability and building a robust occupational identity to enhance employees' psychological well-being amidst career transitions, particularly in times of crisis like COVID-19.
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    The Exploration of the experiences and perceptions of service providers on the implementation of the Amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offenses and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2021: The case of statutory rape in Johannesburg, Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Doodhnath, Sirishka; Nkala-Dlamini, Busisiwe
    This study aims to explore service providers’ perceptions and experiences regarding the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2021 in South Africa. The study examined the regulations concerning the age of consent for sexual activity involving minors, which are considered essential in addressing statutory rape. Using a qualitative research approach and exploratory study design, the study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of service providers on the effectiveness of the Act in addressing statutory rape and related issues. 12 service providers who have worked on the Amended Act were recruited and sampled for the study with the assistance of the Department of Community Safety. The department provided the researcher with a list of multi-disciplinary team professionals involved in the Victim Empowerment program. The study employed semi- structured interviews using interview guides to collect data from all service providers involved in the implementation of the Act. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and to identify recurring themes. The study findings offer insights that can assist policymakers in addressing the challenges and gaps in the implementation of the Act, with the goal of protecting minors and combating statutory rape in South Africa.
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    Exploring Stigmas and Emotions of Transgender People Using Rasa Theory and Rasaboxes in Drama Therapy
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Keseni, Siphokuhle Cleopathra; Henriques, Leila
    The goal of this study is to explore the emotional experiences of people who identify as transgender. Through Performance Ethnography, I hope to create awareness about how transgender individuals feel and how their experiences are influenced by the stigmas surrounding them. Performance Ethnography is a qualitative data collection method that explores the various facets of performance. It involves combining multiple ethnographic techniques and theoretical frameworks from performance studies (Finesurrey, 2019). I will use semi-structured qualitative interviews, audio recordings, journal writing, observation and performance to collect data. In this performance, I will use the collected data to create the performance. I will be using rasa boxes to move from one emotion to another. The data will be created by Rasa in real-time, and the audience will be able to hear and inspect it as it is presented. My research participants will be transgender individuals aged 20-35 years old.
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    The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy (OSD) within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mathebula, Sipho Sol; Masinga, Poppy
    The Occupation Specific Dispensation (0SD) policy was introduced in the public service for social workers in 2009 as a strategy to recruit and retain social workers with the introduction of new salary scales, career pathing, pay and grade progression and recognition of appropriate experience. The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the OSD policy have not been established and this lack of knowledge leaves a gap in understanding the perceived impact this policy has had on social workers. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region. Since implementation of the policy, there has been research studies conducted on the outcomes of the OSD policy within the public health sector yet no studies have been conduct that focus on the challenges encountered by social workers in the implementation of the policy. The study utilised the qualitative research approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The collective case study design was adopted. A sample of ten social workers and three key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. The key finding was that the OSD policy was not effective in recruitment since it is rigid and inflexible. Another concern raised was the long period it took to move from one occupational level to the next resulting in a demotivated and demoralised workforce. The study also found that there was management bias in the implementation of the performance management and development system. The study contributes to our understanding of the perceptions about the unintended consequences of the OSD policy and how these are perceived to have impacted negatively on the recruitment and retention of social workers.
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    The role of social media in career discovery, aspirations, and choice of South African university students: A Social Cognitive Perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Cronje, Sherrilee; Mlilo, Sifiso
    The aim of this study was to explore the role of social media in shaping the career discovery, aspirations, and choices of South African university students. This was explored through three key research questions around how South African university students perceive the influence of social media in the discovery and exploration of career options, how they perceive the influence of social media in the formations of their career aspirations, and how they perceive the influence of social media on their career decisions. A cross-sectional, qualitative, interpretivist research design was employed whereby data was gathered through non-probability convenience sampling through volunteers and snowball/chain sampling methods as well as a purposive strategy. Interviews were conducted on the sample, and these were then analysed through a thematic analysis methodology in order to explore the experiences of the participants. The sample consisted of 14 individuals between the ages of 22-27 who were studying in South Africa through a tertiary educational institution. The study utilized Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a theoretical framework to understand the impact of social media on the behaviour and career development of South African students. SCCT proved highly beneficial in explaining the role of social media in shaping career interests and facilitating career exploration. While social media played a significant role in exposing students to various career options and influencing their perceptions, it was not perceived as the primary determinant of career choices. Rather, personal interests, passions, and other factors played a more significant role. Nevertheless, social media did have an indirect influence on career decisions by providing information and shaping perceptions. The study's findings align with previous research but also offer nuanced insights, contributing to the understanding of social media's role in the career journey. This research fills a gap in South African literature and lays the groundwork for future studies in this area.
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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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    Narratives of identity and belonging: place and the everyday practices of immigrant Muslim women living in Fordsburg, Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bobat, Safiya; Bradbury, Jill; Vearey, Jo
    This study set out to explore the ways in which identity and a sense of belonging are negotiated across place, space and time, taking into consideration the transnational and socio- political realities of the global world in which we live. It was located in Fordsburg, affectionately known as ‘Foodsburg’, an inner-city suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa that has a long, rich history of playing host to many different groups of people, particularly immigrant groups. This study asked the question: what are the experiences and understandings of Muslim, immigrant women living in Fordsburg on how their multiple identities and sense of belonging are negotiated across time and place in making sense of their lives through the everyday practices they engage in? Adopting a narrative methodological approach, multiple in-depth interviews, along with field notes and participant observations, were conducted with 10 participants who are all first-generation immigrant Muslim women from India, Bangladesh and the Philippines, currently living in Fordsburg. These narratives were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis and a narrative constructionist analysis. Food and food practices were used as a lens to access narratives which opened up exploration into the complexity of negotiating identity and belonging within micro-spaces of home, broader spaces of community, and within transnational spaces. This study found that food is deeply symbolic, it is personal and social, it is local and global, and allows for deep insights into identity negotiations at multiple levels across time and place. Through the sensuous materiality that eating, preparing and purchasing food evoked, participants’ narratives revealed how identity is re-negotiated through the articulation of what is felt to be ‘known’ due to its familiarity and what is experienced as ‘new’ or ‘different’ and is integrated and accommodated. Through this articulation, the familiar and the new are 4 evaluated and assessed, losses and gains are negotiated, and new ways of being emerge. Themes of sensuous materiality, mobility, safety and transnational families emerged and highlighted the ways in which the concepts of memory, nostalgia, temporality, space and place are all intertwined in negotiating identity and belonging. This study provides valuable insights into the ways immigrant Muslim women negotiate their multiple identities and sense of belonging, through narratives of sensory engagement with the spaces they inhabit, local and transnational relationships, and broader socio-political discourses. It brought into conversation key concepts related to identity and belonging and related to place and space, deepening our understanding of these concepts by applying them to the immigrant experience, with a particular focus on gendered aspects of migration as related to women. Identity and place/space are both conceptualised as constructs that are continually evolving, and are reconstructed and reconceptualised across spatial and temporal lines. The ways in which identity and place/space articulate in these reconstructions and renegotiations is a key conceptual contribution of this study What is evident is that while immigrant women may actively work to carve out spaces of belonging and cultivate a sense of home in places in South Africa, like Fordsburg, the dominant prevailing xenophobic discourse within South African society impacts them on every level of their engagement.
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    Exploring older adult narratives of living with a depressed parent
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dzenga, Rachel; Canham, Hugo
    Research on children of parents living with a mental illness is prevalent in developed countries and has shown that parental depression is linked to a higher risk of adverse outcomes for children. However, less research exists that focuses on older adult narratives, specifically regarding the lived experiences of growing up with a depressed parent. Therefore, this study provided a deeper exploration of older adults reflecting on their childhoods and highlighted the role that narrative hindsight has on the relationships between depressed parents and children. Exploring the narratives of people who grew up with a parent with a depressive disorder was the core interest of this study. Convenience and snowball sampling was used, and seven participants over the age of 60 years in South Africa were interviewed. Narrative theory was used as both a conceptual framework and a methodology, and narrative analysis was used to analyse data from the semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study suggest that the lived experiences of growing up with a depressed parent alter family dynamics and roles in the home, creating parentification in childhood, feelings of unpredictability, chaos, and uncertainty in the home environment. The role of narrative hindsight illuminated ambivalent feelings towards their depressed parents and revealed a significant influence on their own parenting decisions as adults, such as choosing not to have children. Beyond the immediate home environment, social factors such as stigma, institutionalisation and additional support arose as significant factors in the accounts of participants. The study explored the depth of the human experience in the participants’ ambivalence, meaning making, and social context growing up with a depressed parent. Interviewing older adults highlighted the significance of narrative hindsight and its role in understanding how temporality and nostalgia can illuminate the narrative arc between parent and child. Overall, the study illustrated the need for further research in South Africa on older adult narratives that could possibly enrich the knowledge of health practitioners, educators and researchers about the lived experiences of growing up with a depressed parent, assisting with family-based interventions based on a deeper understanding of the effects of parental mental illness over decades.