Research Articles (Psychology)

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

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The proactive personality: bright-side trait correlates
Furnham, Adrian; Cuppello, Stephen; Semmelink, David Sanele (Springer, 2025-10)
This study set out to establish to what extent demographic, ideological, self-esteem and work-related personality traits are correlated with the Proactive Personality (PP)? In all, 389 working adults completed a number of questionnaires including the well-established PP measure and a work-related, six trait measure. They also indicated whether they were junior, middle, senior or non-managers. Correlations and regressions showed that neither demography (sex, age, education) nor ideology (political and religious beliefs) were related to PP while many of the traits were strong correlates (Conscientiousness, Curiosity, Courage, Competitiveness). In all the traits accounted for 45% incremental variance over demography, ideology, self-ratings of optimism and self-esteem. The results highlight two traits hitherto not examined in this literature namely Tolerance of Ambiguity and Risk Approach (Courage) both related to PP. With Management Level as criterion variable, PP added only 1% variance above age and education, but the six traits added 11%. This suggests established personality traits are better predictors of Management Level compared to the PP measure. Implications and limitations, particularly sample diversity, are discussed.
The prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa : analysis of household survey data informed by lived experience experts
Moyo, Audrey; Sigwadhi, Lovemore Nyasha; Carries, Stanley; Sithole, Nokwanda; Moyo, Reuben Christopher; Bhana, Arvin; Nyasulu, Peter Suwirakwenda; Davids, Eugene Lee; Munyombwe, Theresa; Maposa, Innocent; Govindasamy, Darshini (BioMed Central, 2025-08-22)
BACKGROUND : Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental disorders (CMDs) affecting adolescents and young adults (AYA). CMDs often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, yet are frequently diagnosed in adulthood. Understanding the burden and correlates of CMDs is essential for informing public mental health interventions. However, limited research incorporates the perspectives of AYA with lived experience of mental health conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CMDs among AYA aged 15–24 years in South Africa, incorporating insights from those with lived experience. METHODS : First wave South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) mental health data, collected between March 2021 and April 2022 in three rural areas, were used. AYA with complete mental health information were included. CMDs were the primary outcome, defined as the presence of either depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2] score ≥ 3), anxiety symptoms (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2 [GAD-2] score ≥ 3), or both. Participatory workshops with 17 AYA aged 18–30 years with lived experience of mental health conditions informed the secondary data analysis and interpretation. Exposure variables included age, sex, living with both parents, relationship to the household head, school attendance, and occupation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examined correlates of CMDs, accounting for clustering by surveillance site. RESULTS : Among n = 11,346 AYA, CMD prevalence was 9.0% (n = 1026). Increased odds of CMDs were associated with having children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.54, p = 0.016), being the head of household, a spouse, or a sibling of the household head (aOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.29–1.89; p < 0.001), and being an extended family member of the household head (aOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08–1.46; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION : CMD prevalence among rural AYA in South Africa was 9.0%, with early parenthood and not being the child of the household head identified as key correlates of increased CMD risk. These findings suggest that early parenthood and family structure may contribute to CMDs. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of these correlates using longitudinal datasets, while considering broader contextual factors. KEY MESSAGE : A significant proportion of rural AYA report experiencing CMDs, with early parenthood and not being the child of the household head identified as key risk factors. These findings underscore the need for community-and-school-based social support interventions, alongside economic empowerment initiatives, to address the mental health needs of this population.
Trauma exposure as a predictor of general health outcomes and trauma-related beliefs among older adults living in an adverse environment
Matamela, Nyambeni A.; Wyatt, Gail; Johnson, Cameron Dale (Routledge, 2025)
OBJECTIVES : Older adults living in adverse environments such as crime-heavy areas within South African townships are often exposed to potentially traumatic and violent circumstances. Research has not sufficiently explored the relationship between trauma exposure and general health outcomes or trauma-related beliefs among older adults living in adverse environments. This study addresses this gap in literature. METHOD : This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. 195 participants completed the Life Adversities Screener (LADS), the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Trauma Belief Inventory (TBI). RESULTS : Explorative analyses showed that anxiety and insomnia were associated with female sex, discrimination, injury, family violence, and interpersonal violence. Moreover, four of the five trauma types were associated with self-perception, worth, and mistrust. CONCLUSION : In later life and in circumstances where trauma exposure is common, trauma remains associated with detrimental health effects, self-perception, mistrust, and a negative worldview. These findings argue for the prevention and treatment of trauma-related pathologies across the lifespan.
Symptoms of ADHD and other common mental disorders influence academic success in South African undergraduates
Mohamad, Nawal; Rousseau, Kim-Louise; Dowlut, Fatimah; Gering, Milton; Thomas, Kevin G.F. (Sage, 2025-03)
OBJECTIVE : ADHD symptoms are highly prevalent among university students. These symptoms, particularly the inattentive cluster, predispose students to poorer academic performance and worse academic adjustment. Moreover, ADHD symptoms are often comorbid with other common mental disorders; this comorbidity also leads to poor outcomes. South African students often have fewer resources to successfully transition to university. Hence, our longitudinal study used data from a sample of South African first-year undergraduate students to investigate (a) associations between ADHD symptoms and academic performance/adjustment, (b) separate influences of the inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsivity clusters on academic performance/adjustment, and (c) the influence of the combination of ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities on academic performance/adjustment. METHOD : We collected data three times through the first semester of 2023. Predictors within our regression models included sociodemographic variables, psychological variables (self-reported symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and risky alcohol use), and high school academic performance. Outcomes were first-semester GPA and self-reported academic adjustment (magnitude of change across the semester and overall adjustment at the end of the semester). RESULTS : Analyses showed that, unlike academic performance (N = 506), magnitude of change in academic adjustment (N = 180) was significantly predicted by ADHD symptoms and the combination of ADHD (p = .02), depression (p < .001), and anxiety symptoms (p = .01). Inattentive ADHD symptoms predicted both academic performance and magnitude of change in academic adjustment. CONCLUSIONS : Our findings suggest that the presence of ADHD symptoms (both with and without other common mental disorders) is associated with a smaller magnitude of academic adjustment, and that the presence of inattentive symptoms of ADHD is associated with both poorer academic performance and smaller magnitude of academic adjustment. These findings are significant in informing future interventions targeting the academic outcomes of first-year university students.
Methodological insights from health valuation studies in low- and middle-income countries : a scoping review
Gadsden, Thomas; Verstraete, Janine; Moyo, Audrey; Carries, Stanley; Sithole, Nokwanda; Davids, Eugene Lee; Besada, Donela; Angell, Blake J.; Jan, Stephen; Govindasamy, Darshini (Elsevier, 2025)
OBJECTIVES : Valuation studies generate utility values for health states using stated preference methods. These studies are complex and resource-intensive, posing implementation challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aimed to examine how valuation studies in LMICs have navigated these challenges. METHODS : A scoping review was conducted, with database (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL) and gray literature searches performed between April and June 2024. Inclusion was limited to valuation studies in LMICs using generic or disease-specific instruments and stated preference techniques with adult respondents and published in English. Results were narratively synthesized. RESULTS : A total of 36 studies from 22 LMICs were included. Studies were conducted across low (n = 2), lower-middle (n = 11), and upper middle-income countries (n = 9). Half were published since 2020. There were 33 studies that developed nationally representative value sets, 2 of which were based on patient preferences. Two pilot studies and 1 cancer-specific value set were also included. The EQ-5D-5L was used most (n = 16), followed by the EQ-5D-3L (n = 14), Short Form-6 Dimension (n = 4), Chinese medicine Quality of life-11 Dimensions (n = 1), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-8 dimension (n = 1). Methodological adaptations included “lite” protocols, portable tools, and crosswalk methodology. Comprehension aids were reported in 11 studies; 5 included illiterate participants, and 7 were conducted in multiple languages. CONCLUSIONS : Valuation studies are increasing rapidly in LMICs, and there is growing experimentation to reduce resource demands and enhance inclusivity. Although this is promising, the resource demands of valuation studies still limit their implementation in low-income settings. Therefore, these countries may still find it more cost-efficient to adapt value sets from neighboring countries rather than develop their own. HIGHLIGHTS • This review examines the use of strategies to reduce the resource demands and inclusivity of valuation studies in low- and middle-income countries. • Valuation studies have increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, and strategies are evolving to reduce resource burden (eg, “lite” protocols) and increase inclusivity. Nevertheless, the limited number of studies in low-income countries suggests that resource requirements remain a barrier. • Although further validation is needed, these emerging strategies have the potential to reduce entry costs for countries to conduct valuation studies and enable more inclusive, representative sampling.
Using interactive SMS support groups to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa : a qualitative analysis of social and psychological benefits
Crusto, Cindy A.; Pittenger, Samantha; Costeines, Jessica; Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka; Kydd, Anna; Visser, Maretha; Do, Thu; Dean, Andrea; Forsyth, Brian (Taylor and Francis, 2025-12)
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
Laher, Sumaya; De Beer, Marie; Maree, David J.F.; Bischof, David A. (AOSIS, 2025-03)
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
Davids, Eugene Lee (MDPI, 2025-09)
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
Furnham, Adrian; Corr, Philip J.; Semmelink, David Sanele (Hogrefe, 2025)
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
Eardley, Luyanda Kimberly; Cassimjee, Nafisa (Sage, 2025-09)
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.
Understanding barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among young people in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. A qualitative study
Jimu, Christopher; Nyamaruze, Patrick; Moyo, Freely Tanatswa; Makaye, Jeriphanos (Routledge, 2025)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective strategy for preventing HIV infection when taken as prescribed. Most studies have focused on adult populations and other vulnerable groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) while few studies have explored the barriers young people face toward PrEP uptake yet they contribute a worrying percentage of new infections and HIV related deaths. We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with young people aged 15–24 years and key informants in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. Findings highlighted that young people face numerous barriers such as fear of side effects, pill burden, and lack of PrEP awareness. We concluded that addressing challenges to PrEP uptake requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving accessibility and education, as well as addressing cultural and social barriers. Implementing these recommendations can significantly enhance PrEP uptake, ultimately contributing to national HIV prevention goals and better health outcomes for young populations
Self-assessed intelligence is a self-esteem variable, not a test proxy measure : the relationship between personality, self-estimated and test-derived intelligence
Furnham, Adrian; Semmelink, David Sanele (Elsevier, 2026-01)
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
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. (Nature Research, 2024-02-20)
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
Du Toit, Jacques Louis; Wagner, Claire (Taylor and Francis, 2022)
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
Visagie, Elne; Deacon, Elmari; Kok, Rumando (Frontiers Media, 2025-02)
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
Mostert, Sonja Nicolene; Martin, Jarred; Van Wijk, Charles (Via Medica, 2025)
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
Muller, Jacomien; Guse, Tharina (Springer, 2025-09)
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.
COVID-19 pandemic stress and anxiety among South African parents and their children
Gaxo, Ezethu; Salie, Muneeb; Bloom, Jenny; Lachman, Anusha; Davids, Eugene Lee; Theron, Linda C.; Pillay, Jace; Seedat, Soraya (Springer, 2025-04)
The global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) significantly impacted the mental health of individuals across all age groups. The Co-SPACE (COVID-19: Supporting Parents, Adolescents, and Children during Epidemics) study conducted in South Africa aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mental health of parents/carers and their children. The online survey involved 257 parents/carers of children (aged 4 to 10 years) and adolescents (aged 11 to 18 years) attending school in Grades R (pre-formal schooling) to 12. The survey assessed the stressors faced by parents/carers, evaluated children’s anxiety levels using the Pandemic Anxiety Scale (PAS), created to measure specific pandemic-related mental health factors, and gathered information on children’s concerns and time allocation. Study findings revealed that the COVID-19 lockdown had a detrimental effect on both parents/carers and their children. The top three sources of stress reported by parents/carers were their work, their child’s future, and their child’s education. Children and adolescents had average anxiety levels of 11.60 ± 6.14 and 14.62 ± 5.56 on the PAS, respectively. Factors such as the child’s age, household income, and family composition were associated with higher anxiety levels. This study highlights the experiences and stress levels faced by parents/carers during the pandemic, as well as the concerns of their children and adolescents. It underscores the importance of identifying vulnerable groups and understanding the factors contributing to their mental health difficulties. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the mental health challenges arising from COVID-19 and future crises. By recognizing and addressing these issues, society can better support families and promote overall well-being.
Bright and dark-side personality correlates of self-rated sins and virtues
Furnham, Adrian; Cuppello, Stephen; Semmelink, David Sanele (Elsevier, 2025-11)
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.
A scoping review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in Africa
Chigeza, Shingairai; Fadiji, Angelina Wilson; Matamela, Nyambeni A. (Sage, 2025)
Despite the immense interruptions to relationships and family life during the COVID-19 pandemic, only a few studies explicitly focused on family wellbeing. Therefore, the present study aimed to synthesize current evidence in the African context to provide a state-of-the-art representation of the pandemic's impact on family wellbeing. Using a scoping review, 22 articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in Africa were analysed. The results of the study showed a diverse and immense impact of the pandemic on family wellbeing. We noted that there were few studies on this topic and that wellbeing outcomes were measured from a deficit perspective rather than as a positive state of being. The theme of stigma was more pronounced in Western Africa, whereas domestic violence was linked more to Southern African contexts. Furthermore, the economic impact of the pandemic was emphasized in Eastern and Southern African countries than in Ghana and Nigeria in Western Africa. In line with the recommendations from the articles reviewed, a multifaceted policy response is needed to protect family wellbeing. Such interventions need to focus on family functioning, happiness and social wellbeing, and not just reactive and preventative approaches, to promote wellbeing.

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