WIReDSpace

Welcome WIReDSpace(to Wits Institutional Repository on DSpace)

For queries relating to content and technical issues, please contact IR specialists via this email address : openscholarship.library@wits.ac.za, Tel: 011 717 4652 or 011 717 1954

 

Communities in WIReDSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 19

Recent Submissions

Thumbnail Image
Item
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.
Thumbnail Image
Item
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.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
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.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
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.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
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.