School of Human and Community Development (ETDs)

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Depression Demographic Profiling of Young Adults in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bambo, Matsidiso Princess; Hassem, Tasneem
In young people aged 15 and 29 years, mental illnesses accounted for 23% of Years Lived with Disability (YLD) and among mental disorders, depressive disorders emerged as the second largest worldwide contributor to YLD at approximately 5.6%. In addition, one in every six individuals suffered from depression in South Africa. However, there is limited recent research about the demographic characteristics of South African emerging adults who may be vulnerable to depression. This research aimed to conduct demographic profiling of emerging adults (N=819) in South Africa who present with depressive symptoms. Additionally, using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, T-test, and ANOVA, this cross- sectional research analysed secondary data from the Africa Long Life Study to determine relationships as well as statistical differences among demographic variables and depressive symptoms. Results indicated a low presence of depression in the sample. Significant relationships were found between depressive symptoms and demographic variables (socioeconomic status and religiosity). While no significant differences were found among language groups, a higher presence of depressive symptoms was found among females and those experiencing moderate to great financial difficulties. The findings emphasised the critical need for mental health policies and initiatives that promote prevention or early detection, prevention, and enhanced access to quality mental healthcare, particularly among vulnerable emerging adults like females and individuals who are economically disadvantaged. Mental health interventions should adopt comprehensive approaches that incorporate aspects of religiosity and spirituality to buffer against the presence of depressive symptoms among emerging adults
The experiences of COVID-19 related lockdown and social media usage among the youth in Vosloorus, Mfundo Park, Gauteng
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Lindokuhle Sibahle; Ndimande-Khoza, Nomhle; Langa, Malose
This research sought to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown affected young people from the Vosloorus Township as well as their social media usage throughout the lockdown. The study targeted seven individuals, both male and female, through semi-structured interviews to gain rich data for this research. The research used a qualitative approach that allowed the researcher to adequately document these individuals’ life experiences in a naturalistic and interpretive way. Additionally, the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA) which allowed the researcher to get an in-depth understanding of how the research participants understand or interpret their world, more especially how they describe their personal experiences. The findings have shown that young people from townships have suffered significantly from the impact of the pandemic. They experienced notable psychological distress at the hands of the military and police who were sent to maintain order in the townships during the lockdown. They were forced to adapt to a new way of life which included letting go of traditional burial rituals. The social distancing measures meant that the majority of the population could not express their final goodbyes to relatives who have passed on in order to control the rate of infection. Furthermore, the social recession had a more devastating impact on these young people as they naturally thrive under social interaction for their growth and developmental trajectory. The lack of social and/or physical interaction with peers affected not only their growth, but it also affected their academic performance. Social media became the only digital tool they relied on for any form of learning and communication with peers, relatives as well as educators. Although social media provided these young people with some form of connection to the outside world, it became an eminent threat to their overall welfare. The spread of fake news about the virus caused a lot of confusion, chaos, emotional and psychological stress among these young people.
The Impact of Loadshedding on the Mental Health of Small Business Owners in the Alexandra Township
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tladi, Lesedi Mosenngwe; Marchetti-Mercer, Maria
South Africa is currently experiencing an electricity crisis which is slowly progressing to unmanageable levels as a result of ongoing loadshedding. Loadshedding has become a part of everyday life, and it affects all aspects of people’s lives including their mental health. Numerous studies address the economic impact of loadshedding, while the mental health impact is often neglected. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of loadshedding on the mental health of small business owners in the Alexandra township. Eight small business owners from Alexandra township were interviewed with the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that loadshedding affects the experiences of small business owners and their mental health negatively. Small business owners face several challenges including operational, economic, and psychological challenges as a result of the ongoing electricity disruptions. Loadshedding extends beyond hampering the financial stability of small business owners, it also affects their families and employees. There was evidence of stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness impacting participants’ psychological and personal well-being. Ultimately the larger township community has also been negatively impacted by the ongoing energy crisis. Moreover, there was perceived government accountability for loadshedding.
Factors and Levels Associated with HIV Knowledge among Non- Heteronormative Youth in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Peter, Andrea Nathania; Wet- Billings,Nicole De
Introduction Within the South African context, non-heteronormative individuals, those who do not relate to heterosexuality and mainly differ from heterosexual practices regarding their sexual orientation such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and other (LGBTQ+) communities, face great levels of social exclusion due to their sexual orientation. Much of the LGBTQ+ community remains hidden and in fear of the potentially harsh – and sometimes lethal – consequences that follow ‘coming out’. Furthermore, those who identify as non-heteronormative face several sexual and reproductive health challenges. Individuals in same-sex relationships find it difficult to access safe sex measures in health clinics. In many cases, non-heteronormative individuals are unaware of the needed measures to practice safe sex to avoid health detrimental implications such as HIV. Methodology This study aimed to determine the demographic, socioeconomic and sexual behaviour factors that are associated with HIV knowledge among non-heteronormative youth (15-34 years old) in South Africa. The study used data from the 2017 Fifth South African National, HIV, Behaviour and Health Survey (SABSSM). The survey interviewed people 15 years and older who reside in South Africa. The study focused on non-heteronormative youth (15-34 years old) with a weighted national sample size of 365,237 individuals who indicated they had been in a same-sex relationship. Various demographic, socioeconomic and risky sexual health behaviour factors were used as independent variables to test for any association with HIV knowledge, the dependent variable. To test for association chi-square, proportion calculations and a probit regression were used to assess the level of HIV knowledge among non-heteronormative youth and the level of association with the independent variables. Results More than 50% of non-heteronormative youth indicated high levels of HIV knowledge, with females aged 25-29 years old having the highest level of knowledge. When running the adjusted and unadjusted probit regression, the variables sex, marital status and multiple sexual partners were shown to influence HIV knowledge. With these factors indicating a relationship with HIV knowledge among non-heteronormative youth, there is an association with the demographic, socioeconomic and risky sexual behaviour factors with HIV knowledge. Conclusion Although an association was found between the variables and HIV knowledge among non- heteronormative youth, it did not provide indicate a full view of the various factors that could 9 influence HIV knowledge among non-heteronormative population in South Africa. This study contributed data and research regarding the non-heteronormative, which has limited information available. Results indicated that there are high levels of HIV knowledge among non-heteronormative youth but further insight is required to assess where this information is from and how accessible it i
The Mental Health Needs of South African Mainstream High School Learners: Teachers’ Experiences and Perceptions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Abreu, Leandra Imilia; Amod, Zaytoon
This qualitative study set out to explore teachers’ experiences and perceptions of South African high school learner mental health. Mainly, what teachers believe to contribute towards learner mental health, what they deem to be the barriers and how they believe these barriers can be addressed. The study aimed to provide insight into facilitative factors and challenges concerning adolescent learner mental health in addition to offering support to teachers in managing the mental health of their learners, an important factor in assisting the overall development of South African learners. To better understand these views, twelve qualified and registered teachers practicing in South African high schools were interviewed using a non-probability, purposive sampling technique and following an interpretive phenomenological approach. The use of semi-structured individual interview questions was used to ascertain the perceptions and experiences of 12 teachers in South Africa. The teachers were approached via online platforms, due to social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis to establish the main themes brought up by the participants. The findings uncovered numerous themes and subthemes surrounding teachers’ perceptions of aspects contributing to the mental health of their learners namely: challenging households and the role of parents, social pressures and stressors, anxiety, depression, ADHD and the influence of self-esteem. The impacts of COVID-19 were also prominent due to the interviews being conducted during the initial lockdown period in South Africa. The teachers identified a lack of resources and teacher mental health training/knowledge, stigma and poverty as three of the major barriers to learners accessing mental health support. Finally, the teachers identified multilayered responsibilities, interventions pertaining to teacher training and curriculum adaptions as possible approaches to address these barriers. These findings suggest that managing the mental health of learners is extremely burdensome for teachers who feel unsupported. Obtaining teachers’ perceptions, experiences and beliefs about learner mental health is thus important to improve school psychological services. The findings contribute to research regarding factors influencing learner mental health and adds to the limited empirical research available surrounding South African teachers’ experiences and perceptions. It is recommended that future research be carried out on several different aspects surrounding adolescent mental health in South Africa.
The experiences of COVID-19 related lockdown and social media usage among the youth in Vosloorus, Mfundo Park, Gauteng
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Lindokuhle Sibahle; Langa, Malose
This research sought to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown affected young people from the Vosloorus Township as well as their social media usage throughout the lockdown. The study targeted seven individuals, both male and female, through semi-structured interviews to gain rich data for this research. The research used a qualitative approach that allowed the researcher to adequately document these individuals’ life experiences in a naturalistic and interpretive way. Additionally, the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA) which allowed the researcher to get an in-depth understanding of how the research participants understand or interpret their world, more especially how they describe their personal experiences. The findings have shown that young people from townships have suffered significantly from the impact of the pandemic. They experienced notable psychological distress at the hands of the military and police who were sent to maintain order in the townships during the lockdown. They were forced to adapt to a new way of life which included letting go of traditional burial rituals. The social distancing measures meant that the majority of the population could not express their final goodbyes to relatives who have passed on in order to control the rate of infection. Furthermore, the social recession had a more devastating impact on these young people as they naturally thrive under social interaction for their growth and developmental trajectory. The lack of social and/or physical interaction with peers affected not only their growth, but it also affected their academic performance. Social media became the only digital tool they relied on for any form of learning and communication with peers, relatives as well as educators. Although social media provided these young people with some form of connection to the outside world, it became an eminent threat to their overall welfare. The spread of fake news about the virus caused a lot of confusion, chaos, emotional and psychological stress among these young people.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health in South Africa: Experiences of Black Psychologists
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Seboka, Kanelo; Amod, Zaytoon
This study explored the experiences of Black psychologists working with children and adolescents within the South African context. The purpose of this investigation was to shed light on these experiences, whose insights could contribute to teaching and training as well as to policy developments in relation to child and adolescent mental health in this country. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed for this study. Individual, semi-structured interviews with ten Black psychologists who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) was the primary data collection method, analysed using thematic data analysis. Eight themes were identified: Perceptions of Psychology and Mental Health; Systemic Influence and Understanding; Parent/Caregiver Psychoeducation; Inter-Professional Collaboration; Professional Competence; The ‘Black Culture’ and Context; Indigenous Knowledge and Practices and Mental Health Resources and Policies in South Africa. Findings indicated the need for promotion of the following aspects: mental health psychoeducation to eliminate negative health-seeking behaviours, professional inter collaboration and overall child and adolescent mental health. Findings further indicated the need for more cultural diversity in psychology training programmes as well as the prioritisation of child and adolescent mental health in government policies. Based on this, it is recommended that schools/clinics be reliable sources of mental health information; inter-professional training that has cultural relevance be offered at tertiary level; and for promotive and intervention programmes to be implemented in schools as a form of psychosocial support for the learners, teachers and the broader community.
A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis of the Cognitive Performance of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Barnard, Helen; Vorster, Adri
Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes previous diagnostic terms such as Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and High Functioning Autism, is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by persistent deficits in social communication, difficulties in interaction across multiple contexts, difficulties in non-verbal communicative behaviours, and the exhibition of unusual behaviours. Given that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a spectrum disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder individuals experience different degrees of signs and symptoms. Given the nature of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the differing levels of severity, individuals also present with varying cognitive capabilities and subsequently cognitive abilities (strengths and weaknesses) when assessed on individual intelligence measures such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, which has been revised multiple times since its inception in 1949. The purpose of this research study is to investigate the cognitive performance of Autism Spectrum Disorder children assessed on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. First, a systematic review was conducted of available literature and research studies focused on the cognitive performance of Autism Spectrum Disorder children who have been assessed on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, followed by a meta-analysis to investigate the extent to which the performance differences observed between Autism Spectrum Disorder children and typically developing peers, when measured on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, is meaningful. Although a systematic review of 49 published research studies was undertaken, the meta-analysis included only 12 studies which focused on comparing the cognitive performance of Autism Spectrum Disorder and typically developing children. The results revealed that children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism performed the highest on the Perceptual Reasoning Index and the lowest on the Processing Speed Index. Although limited data are available on individuals diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, they performed the highest on the Perceptual Organisation Index and the lowest on the Verbal Comprehension Index. The results also revealed that when taking into account all the diagnostic terms used, Autism Spectrum Disorder children performed the highest on the Block Design subtest, followed by the Similarities subtest. They performed the lowest on the Coding subtest, followed by the Comprehension subtest. The meta-analysis revealed that the means and standard deviation differences found among the various Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children indices between Autism Spectrum Disorder and typically developing children revealed that the typically developing children who participated in the various studies iii performed higher than Autism Spectrum Disorder children across all the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children indices except for the following: The High Functioning Autism children obtained a slightly higher mean Full-Scale IQ score than typically developing peers, with a higher mean Verbal Comprehension Index found on the part of the High Functioning Autism children. There is practical value in supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder children to reach their potential and minimising the impact of their diagnosis, as well as its accompanying difficulties on their scholastic progress and performance.
Caregiver experiences of Attachment and Bonding Practices in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Gauteng, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Prinsloo, Engela Maria; Neill, Joanne; Sawasawa, Cynthia
Background: Infant attachment and bonding are crucial within the early post-natal period to ensure a secure and healthy relationship from which the infant can explore the world thereby allowing for the development of a variety of skills. Context and culture are known to influence attachment and bonding practices. Then considering the challenging Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment it is crucial to explore how this environment might influence attachment and bonding with a specific focus on context and culture. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the experiences of caregivers regarding attachment and bonding practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in central Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative design was used to explore caregiver experiences around attachment and bonding practices concerning context and culture in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. An advertisement was posted on online forums for caregivers in South Africa who have had infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Non-probability, purposive sampling and snowball sampling was used to collect data. Both in-person and remote semi-structured interviews took place and were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used as data analysis. Results: The following themes and subthemes were identified; the act of mothering in the NICU (with subthemes loneliness and disempowerment of caregivers, the emotional roller coaster ride, and the need for psychological/emotional support), Culture in the NICU (with subthemes care in the NICU, the influence of culture and caring for a baby in the NICU, and limited information-giving practices in the NICU), and a Sense of missing out (with subthemes unexpected pre-term birth, feeling estranged, and the tension between society’s image and the reality of having a baby in the NICU). While context and culture influence attachment practices amongst caregivers, in the case of an infant being admitted to the NICU, these practices do not take precedence, but rather the health of the infant. Implications: Methodological recommendations include alternative sampling and data collection methods than online advertised snowball sampling that allow for a larger and more diverse sample size. Policy and practice recommendations for NICUs include improving accessibility to psychological support services and orientating information on the NICU for caregivers.
Patterns of Relationship Difficulties: A Retrospective Study amongst Older Jewish Adults In South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Porter, Emma Michelle; Graham, Tanya
This research study employed a qualitative methodology to explore the retrospective experiences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among older Jewish South Africans. Undertaking a phenomenological approach, the objective was to examine how this unique demographic group specifically navigated childhood experiences of parental abuse and neglect. The investigation extended to exploring the participants’ experiences of various relationships over their lifespans and identifying environmental factors contributing to these experiences. Through semi-structured interviews with 9 Jewish South Africans aged between 60 and 80, the study sought to elucidate their experiences and their subsequent meaning-making processes. Employing thematic analysis, five principal themes emerged: Parental Abuse and Neglect in Childhood; Family Dynamics; Experiences of Familial Relationships through the Lifespan; Experiences of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Relationships through the Lifespan; and Adaptation within the Ecological Systems. The findings revealed intriguing phenomena and patterns, shedding light on the nuanced aspects of post-adversity development. Shared themes of unhealthy and conflictual relationships arose, as well as repeated patterns of harsh or reactive parenting behaviours. However, many participants spoke about changing the patterns that they learned in their childhoods and experiencing and creating positive and supportive relationships with spouses, friends, or their own children. Aspects of the participants contexts were seen as potentially contributing to these positive changes, such as religion and spirituality, access to activities and hobbies, and the influences of the broader family and community. This research contributes to the knowledge bases of ACEs, generational trauma, and minority religions in a non-Western context, specifically within the framework of older Jewish South Africans. The conclusions and inevitable limitations of the study give rise to recommendations for future research, emphasising the need to delve deeper into uncovered phenomena and expand beyond the traditionally Western-centric theories that were utilised.

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