Research Articles (Psychology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1798

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 333

Using interactive SMS support groups to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa : a qualitative analysis of social and psychological benefits
(Taylor and Francis, 2025-12) Crusto, Cindy A.; Pittenger, Samantha; Costeines, Jessica; Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka; Kydd, Anna; Visser, Maretha; Do, Thu; Dean, Andrea; Forsyth, Brian
Although advances have been made in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, social and psychological factors associated with learning of an HIV diagnosis and living with HIV during pregnancy can impact medication adherence and health outcomes. Mobile technology can increase social support; however, it is unclear if such technology can be used to provide social support to reduce negative psychological outcomes. This study analysed the feasibility of conducting a multi-way interactive SMS-based support group with HIV-positive women in the PMTCT programme in clinics of Tshwane, South Africa. We studied the types of social support women received through using this mobile technology to address personal, interpersonal and social barriers to PMTCT adherence. We analysed the social and psychological content of SMS messages sent between seven HIV-positive pregnant women participating in a 12-week interactive support group. We conducted a qualitative, thematic analysis of the 734 text messages. Five social/psychological themes emerged: appraisal and emotional support, informational support, spiritual support, acceptance and disclosure of HIV status, and gratefulness for the support group, suggesting benefits of the interactive SMS-based support group. This interactive support model can provide social support and information to pregnant women living with HIV, leading to a reduction in isolation and negative psychological outcomes which could promote positive health outcomes.
Ensuring ethical test use in South Africa : the role of Assessment Standards South Africa
(AOSIS, 2025-03) Laher, Sumaya; De Beer, Marie; Maree, David J.F.; Bischof, David A.
Historically, many psychological tests in use in South Africa are imported from Western contexts, creating challenges in applying them across South Africa’s diverse cultural and linguistic groups. The Employment Equity Act No 55 of 1998 prohibits the use of psychological assessments unless they are scientifically validated, reliable and unbiased for use with South Africans. Furthermore, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) plays a key regulatory role in ensuring that only qualified psychology professionals use these tests. The HPCSA’s Professional Practice Committee is currently responsible for classifying tests as psychological or not. The Professional Practice Committee does not evaluate the quality of tests. Recognising gaps in the regulatory framework, the three organisations most involved with psychological assessment in practice (the Psychological Society of South Africa [PsySSA], the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa [SIOPSA] and the Association of Test Publishers [ATP]) collaborated to form Assessment Standards South Africa (ASSA). As a non-governmental body, ASSA oversees the quality of assessments, ensuring that they meet local and international standards. Assessment Standards South Africa’s guidelines emphasise transparency, ethical standards and the importance of local research to ensure the relevance of tests. Through initiatives such as the Assessment Standards Test Review System, ASSA has streamlined test certification and review processes, promoting responsible and ethical use of psychological and other assessment devices in South Africa. Assessment Standards South Africa offers a best practice model for test reviews to ensure responsible and ethical use of tests in South Africa.
Narratives of risk : parents and community perspectives on food insecurity, alcohol use and sexual risk among adolescent girls in underserved communities
(MDPI, 2025-09) Davids, Eugene Lee; eugene.davids@up.ac.za
Underserved communities in South Africa face persistent inequalities that hinder the health and well-being of young people, particularly during the critical developmental phase of adolescence. This study explored perceptions of adolescent health and well-being among parents/guardians and community leaders of adolescent girls in two underserved communities in Gauteng, focusing on food insecurity, alcohol use, and transactional sex. The sample comprised 63 participants, including parents/guardians of adolescents and community leaders (such as individuals working for community-based organisations or regarded as trusted figures in the community). Two facilitators conducted 11 focus group discussions in English, Sepedi, and isiZulu. All sessions were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings reflect community and parental narratives of risk, showing how adolescents in Mamelodi and Soshanguve—two underserved communities in Gauteng—experience food insecurity that contributes to underage drinking and transactional sex, ultimately leading to teenage pregnancies and HIV infection. The results highlight the risks faced by adolescents, showing how social and structural factors create conditions that enable underage drinking and transactional sex, thereby increasing vulnerability to pregnancy and HIV infection. This study highlights the urgent need for interventions that can effectively address these narratives of risk.
Relationships between biologically-informed reinforcement sensitivity and occupationally-focused high-potential personality traits
(Hogrefe, 2025) Furnham, Adrian; Corr, Philip J.; Semmelink, David Sanele
We compared two measurement models of personality: the biologically-informed Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and the occupationally-focused High Potential Trait Inventory (HPTI). The primary aim was to determine the extent to which the RST-PQ underpins the construct validity of the HPTI. This was achieved by examining the basic motivations of approach, avoidance, and conflict, thus pointing to possible mechanisms as to how HPTI traits may be related to occupational performance. Three hundred and thirty respondents (mean age: 46.5 years), the majority (78%) of whom were employed full-time, were sampled from different countries by a major test publisher. Several statistically significant and theoretically meaningful correlations were found between RST-PQ and HPTI factors (e.g., the positive association of HPTI Conscientiousness and RST-PQ BAS-Goal-drive Persistence). Some sex and age differences were found in both sets of factors. Following zero-order correlational analysis, regression analyses helped further clarify these RST-PQ/HPTI associations. These findings throw empirical light on the relationships of two distinct personality measurement models, with very different origins – specifically, the biological inspiration of the RST-PQ contributes new knowledge as to the construct nature of the HPTI, pointing to viable hypotheses as to how HPTI factors should relate to occupationally-relevant data (e.g., sales performance). In general, the two models may be seen as complementary, each adding unique insights into personality. A study showing how these different factors relate to external criteria is now needed to speak to their respective predictive validities.
Technologically assisted interventions for neurological and psychological applied outcomes : a scoping review
(Sage, 2025-09) Eardley, Luyanda Kimberly; Cassimjee, Nafisa
Technologically assisted interventions offer significant opportunities for treating various psychological and neurological symptoms and disorders. This may improve learning experiences, social interactions, and assist patient rehabilitation. This study explored primary research on these interventions in South Africa from 2006 to 2021. Using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews search strategy, 14 databases were searched, resulting in 13 studies reviewed. Five trends (geographic location, year of publication, sample size, modality of technologically assisted intervention, medium of mHealth intervention, and treatment support) and five themes (technological efficacy, adoption, accessibility, and barriers, ethical considerations in digital interventions, community support, emotional connection, and psychological meaning, and gratitude hope) emerged following a thematic analysis of the reviewed studies. The importance of understanding healthcare system limitations is underscored by the national focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the burden of disease, and health inequalities in rural or smaller urban areas that lack specialists. This study provides an overview of the South African landscape of technologically assisted interventions in psychological and neurological applied areas, and highlights the trends and themes that have emerged. It also provides a foundation for further research on the potential of technologically assisted interventions to enhance South Africa’s healthcare outcomes.
Self-assessed intelligence is a self-esteem variable, not a test proxy measure : the relationship between personality, self-estimated and test-derived intelligence
(Elsevier, 2026-01) Furnham, Adrian; Semmelink, David Sanele
This research explores the relationship between personality traits, self-estimated and test-derived intelligence. Participants completed two personality tests and an intelligence test. They were also asked to estimate their intelligence. Correlations indicate that there was no relationship between test-derived IQ at both subscale and total level but that it was related to many personality traits. The regression suggests few associations of demographic, test-derived IQ, or personality trait scores. This paper discusses what IQ estimates are a function of, and limitations are acknowledged.
Psychological well-being in Europe after the outbreak of war in Ukraine
(Nature Research, 2024-02-20) Scharbert , Julian; Humberg, Sarah; Kroencke , Lara; Reiter , Thomas; Sakel, Sophia; Ter Horst, Julian; Utesch, Katharina; Gosling, Samuel D.; Harari , Gabriella; Matz, Sandra C.; Schoedel, Ramona; Stachl, Clemens; Aguilar, Natalia M.A.; Amante, Dayana; Aquino , Sibele D.; Bastias , Franco; Bornamanesh , Alireza; Bracegirdle, Chloe; Campos, Luís A.M.; Chauvin, Bruno; Coetzee, Nicoleen; Dorfman, Anna; Dos Santos, Monika; El-Haddad, Rita W.; Fajkowska, Malgorzata; Göncü-Köse, Asli; Gnisci, Augusto; Hadjisolomou, Stavros; Hale III, William W.; Katzir , Maayan; Khechuashvili, Lili; Kirchner-Häusler , Alexander; Kotzur, Patrick F.; Kritzler, Sarah; Lu , Jackson G.; Machado, Gustavo D.S.; Martskvishvili, Khatuna; Mottola , Francesca; Obschonka , Martin; Paolini , Stefania; Perugini, Marco; Rohmer, Odile; Saeedian, Yasser; Sergi, Ida; Shani , Maor; Skimina, Ewa; Smillie, Luke D.; Talaifar , Sanaz; Talhelm, Thomas; Tokat, Tülüce; Torres, Ana; Torres , Claudio V.; Van Assche, Jasper; Wei, Liuqing; Yalçın , Aslı; Van Zalk, Maarten; Bühner, Markus; Back, Mitja D.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has had devastating effects on the Ukrainian population and the global economy, environment, and political order. However, little is known about the psychological states surrounding the outbreak of war, particularly the mental well-being of individuals outside Ukraine. Here, we present a longitudinal experience-sampling study of a convenience sample from 17 European countries (total participants = 1,341, total assessments = 44,894, countries with >100 participants = 5) that allows us to track well-being levels across countries during the weeks surrounding the outbreak ofwar.Our data showa significant decline inwell-being on the day of the Russian invasion. Recovery over the following weeks was associated with an individual’s personality butwas not statistically significantly associated with their age, gender, subjective social status, and political orientation. In general, well-being was lower on days when the war was more salient on social media. Our results demonstrate the need to consider the psychological implications of the Russo-Ukrainian war next to its humanitarian, economic, and ecological consequences.
Property owners’ uptake of stormwater source controls : a case study of a low-density upmarket residential estate in Pretoria, South Africa
(Taylor and Francis, 2022) Du Toit, Jacques Louis; Wagner, Claire; jacques.dutoit@up.ac.za
An integrated approach to Water Sensitive Urban Design and Sustainable Drainage Systems requires community involvement. Mooikloof is a low-density upmarket residential estate with one-hectare properties and large detached houses, but with no stormwater infrastructure, offering a unique case study of uptake of source controls. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and an online survey, we examined property owners’ current and intended uptake of rainwater harvesting, green roofing, permeable paving and retention ponds, and factors influencing uptake. Owners showed noticeable levels of uptake of certain controls, influenced foremost by positive attitudes and peer pressure with site hydrology also playing a role. Some owners may need assistance to implement certain controls, whereas others may need incentivising or behavioural nudging towards uptake. We conclude with recommendations for further research and the practical implementation of source controls on site or individual residential properties in similar contexts.
The development of a CBT-informed approach to supporting type 2 diabetes self-management
(Frontiers Media, 2025-02) Visagie, Elne; Deacon, Elmari; Kok, Rumando; elne.visagie@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : The self-management of adults with type 2 diabetes proves to be a continuous challenge. Within the South African context, socio-economic disparities, unequal access to healthcare and varying healthcare beliefs augment these challenges. CBT is a time-sensitive and structured intervention that has been effectively implemented for chronic diseases. CBT has been employed to improve psychological outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes, but there is limited research on how this therapeutic intervention can enhance self-management outcomes of type 2 diabetes. Adaptable CBT-based interventions are needed to promote a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes self-management and empower a broader range of healthcare professionals to provide targeted interventions. Flexible interventions can promote patient engagement and be integrated into various healthcare settings where patients already access services. METHOD : The study employed document analysis to develop CBT-informed guidelines. Data was analysed by means of content analysis. Two research studies formed the dataset, and categories and subcategories were identified. The categories were integrated and used to develop the CBT-informed guidelines. RESULTS : These guidelines were based on core CBT components and divided into the introduction, working, and consolidation phases. The guidelines specified the roles of healthcare practitioners who would implement them and provided skills and techniques for healthcare professionals and patients within each phase. CONCLUSION : The CBT-based interventions aimed to provide a tool for healthcare practitioners and patients in terms of flexibility, accessibility, and personalisation.
The relationship between health literacy and health behaviours amongst a South African Navy sample
(Via Medica, 2025) Mostert, Sonja Nicolene; Martin, Jarred; Van Wijk, Charles; sonja.mostert@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : Health literacy (HL) is the ability to access, process and understand information about health. It has been established that HL mediates health-related decisions and behaviours. In the naval environment, sailors are expected to responsively address their healthcare needs and maintain a holistic state of physical and psychological wellbeing to meet the operational demands of their work. While studies of HL in military populations have been undertaken, none of these have explicitly examined active-duty naval personnel. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of HL amongst a sample of active-duty sailors in the South African Navy (SAN) and determine to what extent HL predicted health behaviours. MATERIALS AND METHODS : A total of 977 active-duty sailors completed a demographic questionnaire and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) during their annual health screening. The HLQ is 44-item questionnaire with Likert scale response options that assesses several domains of health literacy across nine subscales. The HLQ data was paired with several health indicators. The following health information was recorded; blood pressure readings (diastolic and systolic), body mass index, hip, and waist measurements, as well as if diabetes and/or hypertension had been diagnosed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data along with a regression analysis to determine the nature and predictability of HL and the health indicators. RESULTS : The findings supported high levels of HL across all nine subscales with the active management subscale significantly predicting several health outcomes including reduced blood pressure; body mass index and waist and hip measurement. CONCLUSIONS : The HLQ was used to assess HL amongst SAN sailors. Results indicate that SAN personnel have above average HL knowledge and skills which may be attributed to the accessibility of health support information and services as well as mandatory health screenings and evaluations.
Helping the parents : parental perceptions of well-being when implementing child sleep interventions
(Springer, 2025-09) Muller, Jacomien; Guse, Tharina; jacomien.muller@up.ac.za
Few qualitative studies on parental perceptions of sleep interventions have been conducted, and little is known about parents’ subjective well-being in this context. This study explored parental experiences of subjective well-being when implementing child sleep interventions. Ten parents who approached a sleep consultancy for assistance with their children’s sleep problems participated in this qualitative study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and results were analysed thematically. Three key themes were identified: (1) parents as experts, (2) sleep interventions as a team effort, and (3) improvements in well-being are multifaceted. Findings indicate that parental well-being during sleep interventions may be influenced by their knowledge and beliefs, and participants highlighted a need for additional support, including peer support. Parent’s perceptions of subjective well-being in the context of behavioural sleep interventions may influence program adherence and completion. Parents may experience improvements in well-being after the intervention, attributable to enhanced routine, child well-being and improved sleep. The findings from this study may assist practitioners to develop more tailored interventions, subsequently minimizing parental distress during intervention implementation.
Bright and dark-side personality correlates of self-rated sins and virtues
(Elsevier, 2025-11) Furnham, Adrian; Cuppello, Stephen; Semmelink, David Sanele
This paper reports on two studies associated with a new self-report measure assessing the Seven Cardinal Sins and Virtues. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of this measure and explore demographic, ideological, self-esteem and personality correlates. In the first study of 300 adults, we found the aggregates of Sins and of Virtues had good alphas and were predictably negatively correlated. Correlations indicated that males more than females, younger more than older, non- vs university graduates, who were less religious, optimistic and higher on the dark-side traits Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism scored higher on self-assessed Sins. The pattern was opposite for self-assessed Virtues but also included Self-esteem, but not Machiavellianism. The regressions indicate that four variables (age, optimism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathology) accounted for a quarter of the variance in self-assessed Sins. Likewise, age, education, religious beliefs, self-evaluations and psychopathology accounted for a similar amount of variance in the assessment of virtues. In the second study of 307 adults, participants completed the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), a measure of six work-related traits, as well as the Sins and Virtues measure. Results showed that less Conscientious, Adjusted and Courageous (Risk Approach) individuals rated themselves higher on Sins and lower on Virtues. Further, Competitive people rated their Sinfulness higher, while Curious people rated their Virtues higher. The results are discussed in terms of the questionnaire's use in other settings. Limitations concerning possible dissimulation and impression management, as well as common method variance, are acknowledged. HIGHLIGHTS • We devised new self-report measure assessing The Seven Cardinal Sins and Virtues. • Correlations indicated that younger males were higher on self-confessed sins • Those higher on Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism scored higher on Sins. • Four variables accounted for a quarter of the variance in self-assessed Sins.
Planning students’ experiences of interdisciplinary near-peer research mentoring
(Sage, 2024-12) Wagner, Claire; Du Toit, Jacques Louis; jacques.dutoit@up.ac.za
This article describes planning students’ experiences of an interdisciplinary near-peer research-mentoring program in the context of experiential learning. A group of final-year undergraduate planning students, who were required to conduct research and write a report, were mentored by master’s degree students in research psychology. Data obtained from independent focus group discussions with two cohorts of students yielded three themes. The merits and demerits of near-peer research mentoring are presented, and planning lecturers’ approach to improving students’ research skills by providing similar (especially interdisciplinary) programs is considered.
The precarious future of HIV and AIDS programs in Zimbabwe following international funding freeze : impact and strategic interventions
(Springer, 2025-06) Jimu, Christopher
Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, largely driven by international funding mechanisms such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. These initiatives have been instrumental in expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), implementing prevention programs, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region disproportionately affected by HIV. Zimbabwe, in particular, has achieved remarkable success in combating the epidemic, recently meeting the UNAIDS 95–95-95 fast-track targets, a testament to sustained international support and national commitment. However, the recent suspension of foreign aid, including funding for HIV programs, threatens to undermine these gains. For Zimbabwe, a prolonged freeze could lead to a resurgence of new infections, an increase in AIDS-related mortality, and further strain on Zimbabwe’s already fragile healthcare system. This commentary examines the potential consequences of the aid suspension on Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS response and explores strategies to mitigate its impact.
Intensive parenting of mothers in 11 countries differing in individualism, income inequality, and social mobility
(Elsevier, 2025-11) Lubiewska, Katarzyna; Zeglen, Marta; Lun, Vivian Miu-Chi; Park, Joonha; Runge, Ronja; Muller, Jacomien; Visser, Maretha; Adair, Lora; Borualogo, Ihsana Sabriani; Orta, Irem Metin; Glogowska, Karolina; Abudoush, Ahmad; Cheung, Hang Yi; Baker, Julieta; Russell, Natalie Asamoah; Al-Ja'afreh, Somaya; Sumer, Nebi; Yousef, Raghad; Cetin, Deniz; Taskesen, Nureda; Bostanci, Ezgi; Donnecke, Nadine; Van der Kaap-deeder, Jolene
Although intensive parenting has been found to be mostly detrimental for both children and parents, less is known about the correlates and sources of this type of parenting. This study aimed to examine associations between mother's primary involvement in caregiving and intensive parenting, as well as their potential sources, thereby focusing on: family social status, characteristics of the national economy (income inequality and social mobility) and culture (individualism-collectivism) in 11 culturally diverse countries. Participants were 2535 mothers of children aged between 6 and 10. Mothers reported on their intensive parenting behaviors, entailing both supportive and undermining aspects of meeting their child's needs, as well as their level of involvement in daily caregiving tasks and the subjective family social status. Hypotheses were tested controlling for country level response style. Results revealed that: mothers who were more often the primary caregiver across daily tasks used more intensive parenting behaviors; high social status mothers were using less child need undermining yet more supportive intensive parenting behaviors, and less frequently served as the primary caregiver for daily tasks; the undermining intensive parenting behaviors related positively to country-level individualism and income inequality, whereas relations with social mobility were mixed. HIGHLIGHTS • Supportive and undermining parenting are the two pillars of intensive parenting. • Intensive parenting mothers are likely to be primary involved in daily caregiving tasks. • Intensive parenting was found in lower social status families and individualistic countries with high income inequality.
Improving health informatics competencies : a scoping review of the components of health informatics academic programs
(Sage, 2024-10) Chikware, Arthur B.; Roman, Nicolette V.; Davids, Eugene Lee
Various terms describe Information and Communications Technology (ICT) use in healthcare, including Health Informatics (HI). HI use in healthcare is expected to positively impact healthcare through healthcare cost reduction and improve healthcare accessibility and decision-making. However, the effective application and use of technology in healthcare requires appropriate HI competencies. This research explored what constitutes health informatics education programs to improve health professionals’ competencies. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Twenty articles made the final inclusion from a total of 577. The articles were extracted from seven databases, namely, Academic Search Complete, Elsevier (SCOPUS), Science Direct, SAGE, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Springer. The research found HI education-related content in various healthcare education programs, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and dietetics. There were instances where HI was applied in interprofessional education, with other allied health professions such as psychology, radiology, and HI programs. Furthermore, profession-specific content such as nursing and medical informatics was identified. The content in computer literacy and Electronic Health Records seems applicable across multiple disciplines. However, HI curricula found for healthcare professions were insufficient for a distinguishable benchmark for HI education in academic disciplines of the healthcare professions.
Psychological transformation of the ‘self’ towards eco-sensitivity through high-risk nature-based sports : a South African context
(Routledge, 2024) Human, Nicolette; Steyn, Barend Johannes Marthinus
Mindless actions in the form of environmentally degrading behaviour constantly threaten the sustainability of healthy ecosystems. In this paper, the intrinsic value of strengthening the bond between humanity and nature through high-risk nature-based sports participation is explored. This interpretative phenomenological analytical study considers lived experiences of 10 skilled South African high-risk nature-based sports participants who take calculated risks through precautionary measures. Participant’s activities are performed in the wilderness in isolation from civilisation with minimal availability of human and medical resources in case of an emergency, which give rise to the term ‘high-risk.’ Phenomenological traditions from Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty navigate a hermeneutical understanding of theirbodily-being-towards-death. Evidence of meaningful psychological transformation towards an eco-sensitivity by way of high-risk nature-based sports participation is analysed, through first-hand narratives via semi-structured interviews. The sensitizing process of the ‘self’ can be effectively articulated in the synchronous relationship between the Eigenwelt, Mitwelt and Umwelt.
The experiences of race relations amongst student leaders at a historically white South African university
(PINS-Psychology in Society, 2024-12) Selowa, Hlengiwe; Motileng, Benny; benny.motileng@up.ac.za
Recent protest movements such as #Rhodesmustfall and #FeesMustFall have highlighted uneasy race relations at South African universities. Although such incidents are crucial, equally important are the everyday realities of race relations that continue to define student lives in these institutions. The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of student leaders’ experiences of race relations at a historically white South African university. Guided by a qualitative research approach, Critical Race Theory (CRT) was the framework we used to explore race relations amongst student leaders. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit six student leaders across racial groups. They participated in a forty-five-minute semi-structured interview. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that the history and identities of universities as racially segregated in an unequal society, impacts race relations. Racial discrimination and distrust hamper racial integration in the student body and external political factors also affect student leaders’ experiences of race relations. Our findings do show that friendships present an important opportunity to foster positive race relations, even though friendships are largely class dependent. We recommend that universities invest in personnel diversity training and the creation of platforms for intercultural and interracial exchanges.
Factors that affected South African students’ sense of self-perceived academic competence during the COVID-19 lockdown and the rapid transition to online learning
(MDPI, 2025-02) Law-Van Wyk, Eloise; Visser, Maretha; Masenge, Andries; eloise.law-vanwyk@up.ac.za
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions had significant impacts on the well-being and academic functioning of students worldwide. When universities closed campuses and moved teaching and learning online, students faced numerous challenges. The researchers conducted a study to establish which factors most affected South African students’ academic competence during the initial months of lockdown and the shift to online learning. Using an online survey that focused on students’ wellness, perceived academic competence and coping behaviour, data were collected from 3239 university students. Multiple linear regression showed that students’ subjective sense of intellectual wellness, coping behaviour, satisfaction with support from the university, and mental health were strong predictors of academic competence. Other factors that influenced students’ academic competence were emotional and spiritual wellness, perceptions of safety and security, and hopefulness. Females, undergraduates, and Faculty of Law students reported higher perceptions of academic competence. These findings have practical implications for universities as they identify factors that contribute to students’ academic competence, especially during times of crisis and online learning. Academic and support services staff at universities may find the findings valuable when developing policies to provide appropriate resources and services to promote and sustain students’ academic functioning.
The predictive value of study orientations on mathematics performance in South African Grade 9 learners
(AOSIS, 2024-09-10) Rajab, Pakeezah; Motileng, Benny
Mathematics achievement is core to South Africa’s readiness for digital innovation, yet current pass rates in this subject are below the global average. Simply attributing mathematics performance to intelligence does not fully account for the multifaceted reality of achievement in the subject. The current study investigated the value of both cognitive and behavioural factors in predicting mathematics performance, as well as explored the interactions between these factors. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed. Grade 9 learners (N = 187) completed the Ravens’ Standard Progressive Matrices and the Study Orientation towards Mathematics assessments to establish their fluid intelligence, study attitude, mathematics anxiety, study habits, problem-solving behaviours and study milieu. Pearson correlation coefficients established the relationships between fluid intelligence, study orientations towards mathematics, and mathematics marks. These factors were also included in a linear regression and dominance analysis to compare their relative weights in influencing mathematics performance. Study attitude and fluid intelligence were found to be the most dominant, significant factors in the model, which explained 39% of the total variance (R2 = 0.390, F(6, 180), = 19.2, p <0.001). Moderator regressions between fluid intelligence and each of the study orientations further found that fluid intelligence and study orientations, with the exception of study milieu, independently influence mathematics performance. CONTRIBUTION: This study proposes that educators and parents should support curriculum change that encourages positive attitudes towards mathematics and create supportive environments conducive to effective learning, rather than blaming a lack of cognitive potential for the disappointing mathematics pass rate.

Browse

Recent Submissions