South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 416-428, September 2023.
In this article, perspectives of South African clinical psychologists (based in KwaZulu-Natal) regarding multicultural issues in clinical practice and training are presented. The discussion focuses on emergent themes from 13 qualitative semi-structured interviews. Themes from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and techniques from a grounded theory approach. While the study focused on a number of contextual multicultural issues both in service delivery and in training, this article documents the experiences of clinical psychologists regarding multicultural challenges and concerns, as well as approaches and capacities used to improve service delivery in this area. These perspectives are important in the multicultural and multilingual South African context, where there is limited literature in this area as well as related aspects such as cultural competency. There are many different belief systems as well as historical and sociopolitical factors that may influence how clinicians and individuals presenting for treatment may understand their experience and symptoms. This article seeks to document some of the challenges this may present in terms of service delivery in this context. Understandings of the term cultural competence as well as suggestions (primarily as noted by participants) to address the gap between training, competencies, and the realities of service delivery are also presented. Questions and considerations for future research are also raised.
Category Archives: South African Journal of Psychology
Knowledge, misinformation, stigma, and disclosure hesitancy among women receiving curative treatment for cervical cancer at a tertiary hospital in South Africa
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 315-326, September 2023.
The high prevalence and burden of cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries have spurred much research into preventing and screening for the disease. However, little research has focussed on the experience of living with the disease and undergoing treatment in South Africa. Our aim was to explore knowledge, misinformation, stigma, and disclosure hesitancy among women receiving curative treatment for cervical cancer at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 women who completed curative treatment for cervical cancer at an academic hospital in South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. In this article, we describe participants’ knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer, their experience of misinformation and stigma and hesitancy to disclose their illness to others. Participants reported little knowledge about cervical cancer. They reported many sources of misinformation, such as family members and even medical professionals, which at times contributed to delays in seeking diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, participants reported feeling stigma associated with their diagnosis. We highlight the central role that communication can play in increasing knowledge, reducing stigma and misinformation, and facilitating disclosure among women with cervical cancer. We include recommendations for health care practitioners and researchers.
The high prevalence and burden of cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries have spurred much research into preventing and screening for the disease. However, little research has focussed on the experience of living with the disease and undergoing treatment in South Africa. Our aim was to explore knowledge, misinformation, stigma, and disclosure hesitancy among women receiving curative treatment for cervical cancer at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 women who completed curative treatment for cervical cancer at an academic hospital in South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. In this article, we describe participants’ knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer, their experience of misinformation and stigma and hesitancy to disclose their illness to others. Participants reported little knowledge about cervical cancer. They reported many sources of misinformation, such as family members and even medical professionals, which at times contributed to delays in seeking diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, participants reported feeling stigma associated with their diagnosis. We highlight the central role that communication can play in increasing knowledge, reducing stigma and misinformation, and facilitating disclosure among women with cervical cancer. We include recommendations for health care practitioners and researchers.
Intersectionality in South African health care – what is to be done?
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 305-314, September 2023.
The World Health Organization established a 2005 commission that sought to investigate the Social Determinants of Health and develop mitigating strategies and policies. This marked a shift from the individualized understanding of health and focused on systemic and socioeconomic factors that determine access to health care services and the quality of the available services. This is primarily important in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa, where poverty, unemployment, inequality, and other historical factors play a significant role in health care. Furthermore, the lingering impact of the apartheid system continues to define the social engineering of South African society, and the availability of resources between the rich and the poor, and between different racial groups, with the Black majority receiving subpar services compared to the White minority. The post-1994 dispensation, which is characterized by corruption, mismanagement of funds, continued health service deficits, and other factors exacerbate the inadequate services that poor Black people receive. Therefore, this article proposes the application of the intersectional theoretical framework in understanding and addressing public health challenges. According to Crenshaw, the theoretical framework may be defined as the prism through which to understand the constellation of factors that affect one's identity in relation to systems of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization.
The World Health Organization established a 2005 commission that sought to investigate the Social Determinants of Health and develop mitigating strategies and policies. This marked a shift from the individualized understanding of health and focused on systemic and socioeconomic factors that determine access to health care services and the quality of the available services. This is primarily important in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa, where poverty, unemployment, inequality, and other historical factors play a significant role in health care. Furthermore, the lingering impact of the apartheid system continues to define the social engineering of South African society, and the availability of resources between the rich and the poor, and between different racial groups, with the Black majority receiving subpar services compared to the White minority. The post-1994 dispensation, which is characterized by corruption, mismanagement of funds, continued health service deficits, and other factors exacerbate the inadequate services that poor Black people receive. Therefore, this article proposes the application of the intersectional theoretical framework in understanding and addressing public health challenges. According to Crenshaw, the theoretical framework may be defined as the prism through which to understand the constellation of factors that affect one's identity in relation to systems of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization.
Interweaving xenophobia and racism in South Africa: the impact of racial discrimination on anti-immigrant hate violence among people of colour
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 354-365, September 2023.
Self-reported experiences of racial discrimination are quite prevalent among the adult population of colour in South Africa. This article will argue that ongoing experiences of racial intolerance encourage participation in hate crime. To validate this thesis, two models are tested: (a) the Common Ingroup Identity (CII) and (b) Social Identity Threats (SITs). The former suggests that experiences of discrimination can help create a shared ‘disadvantaged’ identity that produces intergroup tolerance. The latter contends that group discrimination undermines social norms and the stress caused can encourage aggression. The study examined participation in anti-immigrant violence as well as behavioural intention towards the same. Nationally representative survey data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey was used. Multinomial regression analysis found that experiences of perceived personal and collective discrimination influenced participation in hate crime. This finding was consistent with the SITs model rather than the CII model. Socio-economic status was found to buffer the influence of racial discrimination, showing how economic advantages helped people cope with adverse situations. Study outcomes demonstrate how the legacy of white settler colonialism has contributed to xenophobia in the post-apartheid period. Policy interventions (especially those targeting the poor) that reduce racial discrimination will decrease public participation in hate crime.
Self-reported experiences of racial discrimination are quite prevalent among the adult population of colour in South Africa. This article will argue that ongoing experiences of racial intolerance encourage participation in hate crime. To validate this thesis, two models are tested: (a) the Common Ingroup Identity (CII) and (b) Social Identity Threats (SITs). The former suggests that experiences of discrimination can help create a shared ‘disadvantaged’ identity that produces intergroup tolerance. The latter contends that group discrimination undermines social norms and the stress caused can encourage aggression. The study examined participation in anti-immigrant violence as well as behavioural intention towards the same. Nationally representative survey data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey was used. Multinomial regression analysis found that experiences of perceived personal and collective discrimination influenced participation in hate crime. This finding was consistent with the SITs model rather than the CII model. Socio-economic status was found to buffer the influence of racial discrimination, showing how economic advantages helped people cope with adverse situations. Study outcomes demonstrate how the legacy of white settler colonialism has contributed to xenophobia in the post-apartheid period. Policy interventions (especially those targeting the poor) that reduce racial discrimination will decrease public participation in hate crime.
Call for papers: Psychology and the Climate Emergency
South African Journal of Psychology, Ahead of Print.
RETRACTION NOTICE: Emotional experiences and challenges faced by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who attend a support group in Ghana
South African Journal of Psychology, Ahead of Print.