South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 103-115, March 2024.
Time-based prospective memory involves tasks that must be executed at a specific time in the future. Individuals can complete time-based prospective memory tasks using internal attention and external attention. Field-independent and field-dependent cognitive styles are two of the most well-known cognitive styles. Field-independent individuals and field-dependent individuals prefer to use internal reference and external reference to process information, respectively, which implies that there may be differences in the processing mechanisms of the two cognitive styles when performing time-based prospective memory tasks. This study focused on differences in time-based prospective memory performance and processing mechanisms between field-independent and field-dependent cognitive style individuals under different time monitoring conditions. A total of 119 participants were recruited through an Embedded Figure Test and divided into four groups. Time monitoring conditions consisted of a free monitoring condition and a restricted monitoring condition. Participants in the restricted monitoring condition could only press the space bar once, whereas those in the free monitoring condition could check the time at any time and without restrictions. The results of the study showed that field-independent individuals expend less internal and external attention than field-dependent individuals. However, field-independent individuals have higher attention effectiveness and employ more strategies for processing time information. Field-independent individuals were also found to have better time-based prospective memory performance under both time monitoring conditions. Field-dependent individuals did check the time more often under the free monitoring condition, but their time-based prospective memory performance did not benefit from more external attention because although they expended more external attention, they did so less effectively. In short, compared with field-dependent individuals, field-independent individuals had better time-based prospective memory performance under both time monitoring conditions because they have higher attention effectiveness and adopt more strategies for the processing of time information.
Category Archives: South African Journal of Psychology
Acknowledgement of reviewers
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 138-139, March 2024.
Beyond the shadows of trauma: exploring the synergy of emotional intelligence and distress disclosure in Nigerian adolescents’ trauma journey
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 35-50, March 2024.
Although adolescence is a critical period marked by increased vulnerability to trauma, the mechanisms underlying how adolescents cope with such experiences remain underexplored. This study is anchored in Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory and Porges’ polyvagal theory, which together suggest that emotional intelligence and distress disclosure are critical resources for adolescents coping with trauma and investigated the interplay of distress disclosure in the relationship between emotional intelligence and trauma among secondary school adolescents. A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted with 491 adolescents enrolled in public secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria, selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and trauma symptoms were assessed using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale, Distress Disclosure Index, and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and mediation analysis were employed. The results indicated significant negative relationships between emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and adolescent trauma. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that distress disclosure partially mediated the relationship between the latter two. These findings have practical implications for designing interventions and support systems that foster emotional intelligence and promote distress disclosure among Nigerian adolescents and others exposed to trauma. Future research should explore additional protective factors to enhance the robustness and generalisability of the findings.
Although adolescence is a critical period marked by increased vulnerability to trauma, the mechanisms underlying how adolescents cope with such experiences remain underexplored. This study is anchored in Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory and Porges’ polyvagal theory, which together suggest that emotional intelligence and distress disclosure are critical resources for adolescents coping with trauma and investigated the interplay of distress disclosure in the relationship between emotional intelligence and trauma among secondary school adolescents. A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted with 491 adolescents enrolled in public secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria, selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and trauma symptoms were assessed using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale, Distress Disclosure Index, and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and mediation analysis were employed. The results indicated significant negative relationships between emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and adolescent trauma. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that distress disclosure partially mediated the relationship between the latter two. These findings have practical implications for designing interventions and support systems that foster emotional intelligence and promote distress disclosure among Nigerian adolescents and others exposed to trauma. Future research should explore additional protective factors to enhance the robustness and generalisability of the findings.
“I just want to stay here and sleep forever”: South African patients’ lived experiences of chronic fatigue in endometriosis
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 23-34, March 2024.
Chronic fatigue is a distressing symptom for endometriosis patients but is not widely investigated in the literature. Our aim was to explore patients’ lived experiences of chronic fatigue and how they make meaning of it. We analysed a subset of data from seven severely fatigued endometriosis patients, drawn from a broader qualitative study in South Africa, using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes and eight subordinate themes were developed. The three superordinate themes were powerlessness, which was a core aspect of the chronic fatigue experience among participants; struggle and anguish, as their lives had become a daily struggle resulting in feelings of despair and anger; and otherness, as they felt different from their peers due to the fatigue. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching effects that chronic fatigue has in the lives of endometriosis patients, including on their self-perception, and highlights the critical need for fatigue management strategies within treatment protocols.
Chronic fatigue is a distressing symptom for endometriosis patients but is not widely investigated in the literature. Our aim was to explore patients’ lived experiences of chronic fatigue and how they make meaning of it. We analysed a subset of data from seven severely fatigued endometriosis patients, drawn from a broader qualitative study in South Africa, using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes and eight subordinate themes were developed. The three superordinate themes were powerlessness, which was a core aspect of the chronic fatigue experience among participants; struggle and anguish, as their lives had become a daily struggle resulting in feelings of despair and anger; and otherness, as they felt different from their peers due to the fatigue. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching effects that chronic fatigue has in the lives of endometriosis patients, including on their self-perception, and highlights the critical need for fatigue management strategies within treatment protocols.
Leveraging adversity during pandemics: the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals of self and others in mental health outcomes among students
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 90-102, March 2024.
Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa (n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.
Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa (n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in psychology: a commentary on AI’s emerging role and the ensuing conversation
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 130-137, March 2024.
This brief commentary explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in the field of psychology in South Africa. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, research, content production, and professional services, but it also presents some challenges to academic and professional psychology in South Africa. While some generative artificial intelligence can produce written work, such as assignments, literature reviews, and theses, they currently cannot replace human reasoning and the critical thinking abilities required to argue a particular point (at this stage). Artificial intelligence chatbots can also act as teaching assistants and even provide complex psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. In research and publication, artificial intelligence can increase efficiency and provide new insights and perspectives by detecting patterns and relationships that may have been overlooked by human researchers. However, the use of artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns, particularly around ownership and authorship of artificial intelligence–generated content, potential biases, and errors. The commentary concludes that as artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, and with the human–artificial intelligence partnership continuing to unfold, it is important to recognise the risks associated with its use in academic writing and ensure that psychology students develop appropriate research skills.
This brief commentary explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in the field of psychology in South Africa. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, research, content production, and professional services, but it also presents some challenges to academic and professional psychology in South Africa. While some generative artificial intelligence can produce written work, such as assignments, literature reviews, and theses, they currently cannot replace human reasoning and the critical thinking abilities required to argue a particular point (at this stage). Artificial intelligence chatbots can also act as teaching assistants and even provide complex psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. In research and publication, artificial intelligence can increase efficiency and provide new insights and perspectives by detecting patterns and relationships that may have been overlooked by human researchers. However, the use of artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns, particularly around ownership and authorship of artificial intelligence–generated content, potential biases, and errors. The commentary concludes that as artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, and with the human–artificial intelligence partnership continuing to unfold, it is important to recognise the risks associated with its use in academic writing and ensure that psychology students develop appropriate research skills.
Exploring primary mental healthcare nurses’ perceptions of the post-treatment needs of women admitted for psychiatric treatment
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 65-75, March 2024.
Primary mental healthcare nurses are an essential workforce that provide necessary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Continuity of care has become a significant aspect of the provision of mental health services. However, caring for South African healthcare users comes with challenges, including difficulties accompanying the provision of care for acutely ill patients with complex mental health problems. Therefore, this study explored the perceptions and experiences of primary mental healthcare nurses concerning the continuity of care required in post-inpatient psychiatric treatment for mental health users from low-income communities in the Western Cape. Through undertaking a study using a qualitative exploratory design and purposive sampling technique, and in which nine primary mental healthcare nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in the Western Cape were interviewed, the researchers were able to obtain a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences. Four themes were identified during the reflexive thematic analysis namely: the roles and responsibilities of primary mental healthcare nurses, the lack of support within the current continuity-of-care system, barriers to continuity of care for women patients, and suggested improvements for quality of mental healthcare. It was evident that both women patients and primary mental healthcare nurses experienced various forms of marginalisation, discrimination, and gendered oppression. This intersectionality accentuates systemic issues within the current public healthcare system and highlights the stigmatisation of mental illness, especially among women. Overall, primary mental healthcare nurses have a plethora of roles and responsibilities within the primary healthcare sector, which hinder their ability to provide mental health services to women patients. Their reports highlight the needs of a specific patient population that first need to translate into changes that will assist in improving their roles as primary mental healthcare nurses. Their shared experiences of a lack of support from South Africa’s healthcare system were the focal points of this study.
Primary mental healthcare nurses are an essential workforce that provide necessary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Continuity of care has become a significant aspect of the provision of mental health services. However, caring for South African healthcare users comes with challenges, including difficulties accompanying the provision of care for acutely ill patients with complex mental health problems. Therefore, this study explored the perceptions and experiences of primary mental healthcare nurses concerning the continuity of care required in post-inpatient psychiatric treatment for mental health users from low-income communities in the Western Cape. Through undertaking a study using a qualitative exploratory design and purposive sampling technique, and in which nine primary mental healthcare nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in the Western Cape were interviewed, the researchers were able to obtain a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences. Four themes were identified during the reflexive thematic analysis namely: the roles and responsibilities of primary mental healthcare nurses, the lack of support within the current continuity-of-care system, barriers to continuity of care for women patients, and suggested improvements for quality of mental healthcare. It was evident that both women patients and primary mental healthcare nurses experienced various forms of marginalisation, discrimination, and gendered oppression. This intersectionality accentuates systemic issues within the current public healthcare system and highlights the stigmatisation of mental illness, especially among women. Overall, primary mental healthcare nurses have a plethora of roles and responsibilities within the primary healthcare sector, which hinder their ability to provide mental health services to women patients. Their reports highlight the needs of a specific patient population that first need to translate into changes that will assist in improving their roles as primary mental healthcare nurses. Their shared experiences of a lack of support from South Africa’s healthcare system were the focal points of this study.
‘Crushed all over again’: the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 51-64, March 2024.
Counselling psychology in South Africa has recently emerged from a tumultuous period, stemming from regulatory efforts in 2011, which negatively impacted on the profession’s status and viability. While the definition and scope of counselling psychology arguably demonstrate improvements in aligning with global practices, concerns persist surrounding the work opportunities and professional experiences of counselling psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa. The pool of participants were 10 early career counselling psychologists (females = 7, males = 3, period in service = 1–10 years). The participants completed semi-structured interviews on their early career professional experiences, as well as the meanings they attributed to these experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three group experiential themes: (1) the complexity of finding and securing work; (2) navigating an array of personal, professional, and systemic challenges, and (3) self-acquiring support. The findings suggest that despite the unique and valuable skills and knowledge counselling psychologists possess, the participants struggled to successfully transition into the workforce, resulting in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and professional disillusionment. The findings indicate enhanced support is needed at various levels to address the needs and bolster the wellbeing, utilisation, and retention of counselling psychologists in their transition into the South African workforce.
Counselling psychology in South Africa has recently emerged from a tumultuous period, stemming from regulatory efforts in 2011, which negatively impacted on the profession’s status and viability. While the definition and scope of counselling psychology arguably demonstrate improvements in aligning with global practices, concerns persist surrounding the work opportunities and professional experiences of counselling psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa. The pool of participants were 10 early career counselling psychologists (females = 7, males = 3, period in service = 1–10 years). The participants completed semi-structured interviews on their early career professional experiences, as well as the meanings they attributed to these experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three group experiential themes: (1) the complexity of finding and securing work; (2) navigating an array of personal, professional, and systemic challenges, and (3) self-acquiring support. The findings suggest that despite the unique and valuable skills and knowledge counselling psychologists possess, the participants struggled to successfully transition into the workforce, resulting in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and professional disillusionment. The findings indicate enhanced support is needed at various levels to address the needs and bolster the wellbeing, utilisation, and retention of counselling psychologists in their transition into the South African workforce.
South African fathers’ experiences with healthcare providers during their partners’ medically high-risk pregnancy and childbirth
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 9-22, March 2024.
Obstetric research in sub-Saharan Africa largely focuses on the material, physical, and psychosocial aspects of pregnancy and childbirth in relation to mothers. This research aimed to address a research gap in terms of fathers’ experiences of pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in the context of a medically high-risk pregnancy. Specifically, this article focuses on fathers’ interactions with the healthcare system and healthcare professionals throughout the antenatal and neonatal periods. This study was exploratory and qualitative in nature. Eight fathers whose partners had experienced at least one medically high-risk pregnancy participated in semi-structured interviews that were examined using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicate that fathers’ experiences vacillated between healthcare providers being supportive and informative versus them being uncompassionate and not conveying adequate information. Importantly, the distinctions were largely attributed to the type of healthcare facility (i.e. public or private) that was attended. This research offers recommendations to healthcare workers to enhance fathers’ experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in potentially traumatic situations.
Obstetric research in sub-Saharan Africa largely focuses on the material, physical, and psychosocial aspects of pregnancy and childbirth in relation to mothers. This research aimed to address a research gap in terms of fathers’ experiences of pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in the context of a medically high-risk pregnancy. Specifically, this article focuses on fathers’ interactions with the healthcare system and healthcare professionals throughout the antenatal and neonatal periods. This study was exploratory and qualitative in nature. Eight fathers whose partners had experienced at least one medically high-risk pregnancy participated in semi-structured interviews that were examined using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicate that fathers’ experiences vacillated between healthcare providers being supportive and informative versus them being uncompassionate and not conveying adequate information. Importantly, the distinctions were largely attributed to the type of healthcare facility (i.e. public or private) that was attended. This research offers recommendations to healthcare workers to enhance fathers’ experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in potentially traumatic situations.
Bodies, bruises, and blisters, and the struggle for/of the feminine/muscular body: the ways in which women CrossFitters transgress gendered boundaries
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 116-129, March 2024.
Gender is a fundamental element of social life but is premised on the notions of socially and culturally constructed differences which are almost always hierarchical in nature, imbued with power(lessness), and reinforced by binary thinking. Sport is one domain where gendered hierarchies, power struggles, and binaries have been most notable. CrossFit is a relatively new sport which is said to offer women a space for alternative gender performances. This article draws on autophotographical and photo-elicitation interview data generated with 13 women CrossFitters. Informed by feminist poststructuralism and using reflexive thematic analysis, the researchers generated two paradoxical themes which illustrate the ways in which women CrossFitters can transgress but also inadvertently reinforce gendered boundaries. We present and interrogate the themes of bodies, bruises, and blisters, and the struggle for/of the feminine/muscular body as paradoxical processes for women CrossFitters. These paradoxical processes permit women CrossFitters to experiment with performances of both femininity and masculinity that could be transformational and non-gendered and allow these women to transgress normative bodily ideals and gendered norms.
Gender is a fundamental element of social life but is premised on the notions of socially and culturally constructed differences which are almost always hierarchical in nature, imbued with power(lessness), and reinforced by binary thinking. Sport is one domain where gendered hierarchies, power struggles, and binaries have been most notable. CrossFit is a relatively new sport which is said to offer women a space for alternative gender performances. This article draws on autophotographical and photo-elicitation interview data generated with 13 women CrossFitters. Informed by feminist poststructuralism and using reflexive thematic analysis, the researchers generated two paradoxical themes which illustrate the ways in which women CrossFitters can transgress but also inadvertently reinforce gendered boundaries. We present and interrogate the themes of bodies, bruises, and blisters, and the struggle for/of the feminine/muscular body as paradoxical processes for women CrossFitters. These paradoxical processes permit women CrossFitters to experiment with performances of both femininity and masculinity that could be transformational and non-gendered and allow these women to transgress normative bodily ideals and gendered norms.