Research Articles (Psychology)

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

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South African parents’ perspectives and experiences of child sexual abuse prevention education during early childhood
Theron, Lana; Muller, Jacomien (Routledge, 2026)
Childhood sexual abuse is an increasingly urgent concern, particularly as technological advancements have made it easier to create and distribute harmful content. In South Africa, the incidence of child sexual abuse is very high. Child sexual abuse prevention education, which teaches children about privacy, bodily autonomy, and safety strategies, is a key approach to mitigating risk. However, child sexual abuse prevention remains under-researched in South Africa, particularly regarding parental involvement, and during early childhood, despite evidence that parents play a critical role in educating children about protective behaviors. This study explores South African parents’ perspectives and experiences on implementing child sexual abuse prevention education during early childhood. A qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 parents, was employed. The use of reflective thematic analysis identified three main themes: 1) the child sexual abuse narrative, 2) parental experiences with child sexual abuse prevention education, and 3) childhood sexual abuse prevention as a collective effort. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in South Africa to empower parents in early childhood child sexual abuse prevention, emphasizing a collaborative approach to protecting children.
Perceptions of child and adolescent mental health services in rural communities of the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Jinoyi, Nomava Siyasamkela; Davids, Eugene Lee (NISC Pty (Ltd) and Informa Limited (trading as Taylor & Francis Group), 2026)
BACKGROUND : Globally, child and adolescent mental health services are a priority. Efforts are being made to highlight the gap in health systems concerning the lack of these services and to provide evidence for their necessity, particularly in disadvantaged areas such as rural communities in low- and middle- income countries. OBJECTIVE : This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of child and adolescent mental health services within primary healthcare facilities and secondary schools in rural communities of the Chris Hani District in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHOD : The study employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design, recruiting 36 participants, including 12 professional nurses and 24 secondary school teachers, through purposive sampling. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews (n = 12) with professional nurses and focus group discussions (n = 6) with teachers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS : The findings demonstrated a lack of child and adolescent mental health services in both primary healthcare facilities and secondary schools in rural communities, where children and adolescents could potentially access such services. Specifically, primary healthcare facilities reported having no mental health patients under the age of 18 years. Both healthcare professionals and schoolteachers indicated a lack of expertise in implementing services. CONCLUSION : Child and adolescent mental health services are lacking in rural communities of the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
A marriage skills intervention to improve the marital competencies of couples in multicultural resource-limited communities in South Africa
Visser, Maretha; Saunders, Marilyn Cathleen (Routledge, 2025-08-16)
Despite the importance of healthy marriages in family and community health, couples in South Africa receive limited preparation and training to equip them for married life. Research shows that participation in couple relationship education can help couples to strengthen their relationship skills, enhance relationship quality, and increase marital satisfaction. This research aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a group-based marriage skills intervention in a multicultural context that is accessible to couples in resource-limited communities to improve couples’ marital competencies and satisfaction. An action research approach was used, starting with a situation analysis, using mixed-methods. An 18-hour intervention, based on the marital systems theory and the needs of couples in this community, was presented to 14 couples (divided into small groups of four to five couples) whose cultural backgrounds were diverse. A mixed-methods evaluation showed significant improvement in couples’ communication and conflict management, awareness and empathy for each other’s emotions, and they developed more closeness and commitment. The intervention showed promise to improve relationships in a low-resourced multicultural context. Such marital interventions can contribute to the mental health of families and the community.
Exploring healthcare professionals' preparedness for health informatics in healthcare in a South African metropolitan city
Chikware, Arthur B.; Roman, Nicolette V.; Davids, Eugene Lee (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 2025-07)
INTRODUCTION : The increased use of computing technologies has led to the integration of digital technologies in most human activities. The term health informatics (HI) is synonymous with the application of digitisation in healthcare. The increasing digitisation in the health sector necessitates HI and digital competencies. Accordingly, healthcare professionals need to be proficient in technology applications to be effective users. Consequently, this research explored healthcare professionals’ preparedness for HI and digitisation in the healthcare sector. METHODS : The guidelines of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) steps were employed to conduct the study. 31 participants were acquired through purposive and snowball sampling strategies. The interviewed participants comprised healthcare students, lecturers and practitioners from medicine, social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics and dentistry disciplines. The data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis. RESULTS : The findings revealed that most participants possessed basic knowledge, except for a few technology enthusiasts. However, most were eager about healthcare digitisation. Most participants acquired computing skills through basic computer literacy classes during their education and work training programmes, but they were not adequately prepared for the inevitable complex digital technologies in healthcare. CONCLUSION : Considering current and future anticipated technological innovations, it is crucial to address healthcare professionals’ HI and digital competencies, which are likely to be further exacerbated by the fifth industrial revolution. It is imperative that healthcare stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, prioritise engagement and strategies regarding the use of HI and technologies in healthcare.
Silent struggles : exploring social anxiety and its impact on Nigerian adolescents
Muhammed, Shuaib Abolakale; Omidire, Margaret Funke (LED Edizioni Universitarie, 2025)
Social anxiety affects adolescents’ ability to navigate social interactions, influencing their academic performance and mental well-being. However, research on its prevalence among Nigerian secondary school students remains limited. This study explores the incidence of social anxiety among students in Ilorin, Nigeria, with a focus on gender and age differences. Using a descriptive survey design, 400 students were selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected via the Incidence of Social Anxiety Questionnaire (ISAQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicate that students commonly experience anxiety in social situations such as eating in public (83.5%), interacting with authority figures (61.8%), and public speaking (61.5%). While age had no significant effect, female students reported higher social anxiety levels than males. The study underscores the need for increased awareness among educators and parents, along with targeted interventions to support adolescents, particularly females, in managing social anxiety. Creating a more inclusive and understanding school environment can help mitigate its effects and enhance students’ overall well-being.
Redemption narratives and rehabilitation? Life story (re)construction among child sexual offenders
Balwanth, Karmini; Liccardo, Sabrina; Guse, Tharina (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
Understanding the life stories of child sexual offenders are essential to inform effective treatment and prevention strategies for child sexual abuse. This study conducted individual interviews to explore the life stories of 12 offenders who were convicted and sentenced for child sexual abuse in South Africa. The offenders constructed redemptive narratives of personal transformation and moral coherence by neutralizing their criminal identities and positioning prosocial identities. The possible association between prosocial identity constructions and behavioral change is relevant to mental health practitioners, correctional officials, and affected communities. We conclude with recommendations for the treatment and prevention of child sexual offending.
Editorial : The psychology of hope
Guse, Tharina; Krafft, Andreas; Fadiji, Angelina Wilson (Frontiers Media, 2025-12-17)
Since the inception of the field of positive psychology, with its interest in understanding factors that make people thrive, hope has featured prominently. Hope is essentially about thoughts, emotions and behaviors related to the future. How individuals view the future, will also influence how they act in the present (Pleeging et al., 2022). Hope thus offers a mechanism for navigating adversity and envisioning possibility, making it an important construct in furthering knowledge and developing interventions to promote wellbeing. However, as the field of positive psychology matures into its third wave and beyond (Lomas et al., 2021; Wissing, 2022) there are calls to revisit our understanding of key wellbeing concepts. More specifically, (van Zyl and Dik 2025) proposed a paradigm shift in examining positive psychology constructs and processes, arguing for a move toward person-centered, ideographic, bottom-up approaches that are more inclusive and context-sensitive. It may be an opportune time to consider hope research against this backdrop.
Students' experiences of learning research methods in an interdisciplinary project-based multi-stakeholder collaboration
Wagner, Claire; Du Toit, Jacques Louis (Indiana University Press, 2026-03-15)
Teaching research methods is a challenging endeavor in any discipline. Approaches that offer beneficial and rewarding learning opportunities to students could improve their experiences of methods courses. This article describes research psychology students’ and urban planning students’ experiences of an approach that combines experiential and interdisciplinary scholarship in a university–science council research collaboration. Qualitative data from a focus group discussion and in-depth interviews generated three themes: Learning about research in the real world, experiences of multidisciplinary teamwork, and the professional and personal development of emerging researchers. These themes underline the importance of offering opportunities for learning about research in real-world settings, particularly when it is possible to involve external partners. We present implications of and recommendations for the implementation of the interdisciplinary project-based learning strategy for teaching research methods.
The dark side of workplace personality : examining the relationship between Horney's neurotic needs, self-esteem and the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI)
Furnham, Adrian; Cuppello, Stephen; Mhlanga, Njabulo; Semmelink, David Sanele (Elsevier, 2026-05)
This exploratory study examined demographic, self-esteem, and work-personality correlates of a measure of Horney's Neurotic Needs : Moving away (Detachment), moving against (Aggression), and moving toward (Compliance) others. In all, 319 adults completed the Horney-Coolidge Tri-dimensional Inventory (HCTI), High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), and a short measure of self-esteem. The internal reliability of all main factors was satisfactory. Correlational analysis at the factor level showed that none of the Horney scales were significantly correlated with conscientiousness, but all were negatively correlated with adjustment. With the six HPTI traits as the criterion variable, demographics, self-esteem, and the three Horney factors were entered as predictor variables. All regressions significantly explained between a tenth and a quarter of the variance. The analyses of traits adjustment, risk approach and competitiveness accounted for most of the variance. The analysis was repeated using the nine Horney facets. The results suggested that the three Horney traits could be considered “dark-side” variables and a useful measure of personality in applied settings.
Using a cash transfer plus SMS nudge package to improve the wellbeing among caregivers of adolescents living with HIV during the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa : a pilot randomised controlled trial
Carries, Stanley; Mkhwanazi, Zibuyisile; Sithole, Nokwanda; Sigwadhi , Lovemore; Moshabela, Mosa; Nyirenda, Makandwe; Goudge, Jane; Davids, Eugene Lee; Govindasamy, Darshini (Public Library of Science, 2025-05-16)
Caregivers of adolescents living with HIV encounter multiple economic and psycho-social challenges which impair their wellbeing and provision of optimal care. Cash transfers combined with short message service (SMS) nudges may address the financial and mental barriers to caregiver wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility outcomes of this multipronged approach for improving caregiver wellbeing. We piloted the Caregiver Wellbeing intervention in the eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (i) the intervention arm (n = 50) received three cash payments (of ZAR 350, approximately 21 USD), coupled with behaviourally-informed mobile SMS nudges over a 3-month period; (ii) the control arm (n = 50) received a standard SMS encouraging linkage to health services. The primary outcome was change in psychological wellbeing at four-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes were changes in depressive symptoms and caregiver burden scores, recruitment pace, retention, uptake, acceptability and costs. Trial Registraion Number: PACTR202203585402090. The n = 100 caregivers (mean age = 42.3 years, 87% female) enrolled at baseline were recruited within six weeks. Compared to controls, there was a non-significant increase in psychological wellbeing (β = 3.14, p = 0.319). There was a 1.32 unit (p = 0.085) decrease in depressive symptoms and a reduction in caregiver burden (β = -1.28, p = 0.020) in the intervention arm. Participant retention was 85%, with high intervention uptake (95%). Caregivers expressed appreciation for the intervention as the cash component allowed them to fulfil their carer responsibilities and the SMS brought a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. Total societal cost of the intervention was US$13,549, and the incremental cost per increase in wellbeing score was US$1,080. Results suggest a cash transfer plus SMS nudge package, whilst feasible and acceptable, may require longer duration and an economic empowerment component to enhance caregiver wellbeing as part of post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Fanon on gaze and voice in a Dying Colonialism
Hook, Derek (Sage, 2026)
The prayer with which Frantz Fanon ends Black Skin White Masks (“O my body, make of me always a man who questions!”) begs the question of how the relation between how these two registers of experience – bodily and enunciative subjectivity – might be secured. This is a crucial question given the alienating force of the colonial gaze to which Fanon has been subjected, a gaze which results in the bodily schema being “thingified,” in mind and body inhabiting different worlds. What kind of decolonial object or activity is needed to hold together the existential registers of bodily, enunciative/subjective and social/communal experience for the colonized subject? Fanon himself seems to provide examples of such a decolonial object in two chapters from A Dying Colonialism, namely, the veil (in the chapter entitled “Algerian unveiled”) and the voice (in “This is the Voice of Fighting Algerian”). This article explores Fanon’s descriptions of the anti-colonial, re-humanizing potentiality of these objects. It offers an expansion on Fanon’s theorizing, via a brief foray into the psychoanalytic notion of the drive, and concludes with a series of speculations regards how a decolonial object provides “ontological resistance” to colonial subjugation.
Psychosocial factors influencing the sexual risk behaviour of adolescents living with and affected by HIV who reside in HIV-affected homes in Uganda
Kiirya, Stephen Kisembe; Visser, Maret; Masenge, Andries (Springer, 2026-05)
We examined the psychosocial factors that predict sexual risk behaviour of adolescents who reside in HIV affected homes in Uganda, to provide evidence for developing suitable interventions. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data about these adolescents’ psychosocial and sexual experiences. The scales and data were verified for precision and reliability using factor analyses, while the predictors of sexual risk behaviour were examined using general linear models. Results showed that having been female, in the younger adolescence stage and a Muganda or Lango, living with one caregiver, being a recipient of HIV/psychosocial care and vulnerable to negative peer influence, personal threats, interpersonal problems, psychosocial distresses (e.g. psychosis and delinquency) and coping by deflecting problems, significantly enabled sexual risk behaviour in these adolescents. However, attending school, religious conviction, experiencing orphanhood especially of the mother, living with two caregivers, and experiencing poverty, judgmental HIV stigma, distress (e.g. inattention and depression), self-control and social support significantly deterred it. These results highlight the centrality of gender, age, HIV care, family situations, sociocultural and peer norms, community stressors, psychosocial distresses, and negative coping methods in influencing sexual risk behaviour of adolescents who reside in HIV affected homes. Interventions by families, schools and agencies are needed to prevent or mitigate these risk factors.
Psychosocial experiences and sexual risk behaviour of the adolescents living with and affected by HIV who reside in HIV affected homes in Uganda
Kiirya, Stephen Kisembe; Visser, Maretha; Masenge, Andries (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
We compared the levels of psychosocial and sexual experiences of adolescents aged 10–19 years who were living with (ALHIV) and affected by HIV who resided in HIV-affected homes of Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated using factor analysis. The levels of psychosocial and sexual experiences of these adolescents were compared using variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results showed that whereas these adolescents were exposed to each observed factor, the ALHIV were significantly more vulnerable to lower education levels, living with sick people, death of both parents, changing homes, living with caregivers who were relatives or alcohol users, negative peer influence, poverty, personal and interpersonal problems, distress, sexual risk behaviour, and negative coping methods, compared to those not living with HIV or unaware of their HIV status. Hence, despite the higher primary education achievement and access to HIV services, ALHIV face a lesser sense of belonging, a higher burden of caring for their family members’ sicknesses, higher vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases, and poorer coping abilities compared to the other adolescents in the same home. Interventions are needed from families, schools and agencies to address the risk and protective factors among these adolescents.
Cognitive behaviour therapy-informed guidelines for type 2 diabetes self-management : a Delphi method study
Visagie, Elné; Deacon, Elmari; Kok, Rumando (Sage, 2026)
This study aimed to evaluate the content and quality of cognitive-behavioural therapy-informed guidelines that healthcare professionals can implement to improve self-management of adults with type 2 diabetes. A qualitative design using the Delphi method was employed. This method facilitated two rounds of feedback from a panel of 12 healthcare professionals, enabling collaborative refinement of the guidelines. Four major themes emerged during the first round of feedback: (1) the CBT-informed guidelines are clear and concise, (2) a need for information regarding role clarification, (3) the need to consider the patient’s readiness to change and (4) the consideration that the guidelines may be time-consuming. The second round reiterated the clear, practical nature of the guidelines. The guidelines propose a framework that supports a holistic approach to self-management. The guidelines’ flexibility enables healthcare professionals to adapt them to the diverse needs of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A synthesis of dimensions of wellbeing among adolescents and young people living with HIV from Sub-Saharan Africa for measurement in economic evaluation : a qualitative overview of reviews
Carries, Stanley; Nyasulu, Juliet; Moyo, Audrey; Davids, Eugene Lee; Odendaal, Willem; Govindasamy, Darshini (BioMed Central, 2026-03)
BACKGROUND : Adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face intersecting structural and psychosocial challenges that compromise their wellbeing, yet these realities are poorly captured by generic wellbeing measures used in economic evaluations. This overview of reviews synthesised evidence from SSA to identify key determinants of social wellbeing to inform the co-development of a contextually relevant wellbeing scale suitable for economic evaluations in the region. METHODS : We searched reviews published between January 2000 and September 2023 across ten databases on EBSCOhost, Ovid, and Web of Science. The conduct and reporting of this overview followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews guidelines. Eligible reviews included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies examining wellbeing or mental health among AYPLHIV aged 10–24 years in SSA. Review quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data were synthesised thematically, mapped onto Keyes Social Wellbeing framework, and study selection presented with a PRISMA flow diagram. RESULTS : Sixteen medium-to-high quality reviews were included. South Africa (n = 15) and Uganda (n = 14) were the most represented countries. Most reviews focused on adolescents aged 10–19 years (n = 11). Our analysis identified five recurring themes central to the social wellbeing of AYPLHIV: social support, acceptance and belonging, self-acceptance, aspirations and goals, and coping. These themes aligned with Keyes’ Social Wellbeing model, with social support and acceptance and belonging reflecting social integration, and aspirations and goals reflecting social contribution. Key psychological wellbeing constructs identified included positive relationships, self-acceptance, purpose in life, and environmental mastery. CONCLUSIONS : These domains reflect both personal experiences and structural realities yet remain underrepresented in commonly used wellbeing measures. This is a critical limitation, as economic evaluations often rely on generic instruments that fail to capture what matters most to AYPLHIV in SSA. Future research should develop a wellbeing scale that incorporates these domains, is sensitive to socioeconomic context, and can be collected alongside socioeconomic status indicators. Embedding such a measure into evaluation systems would improve the accuracy, equity, and policy relevance of economic evaluations and ensure that investments reflect AYPLHIV’s lived realities.
Virological failure and risk factors among people living with HIV taking second-line ART in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Feyissa, Bekelech Bayou; Sisay, Abay; Davids, Eugene Lee; Yalew, Anteneh; Setswe, Geoffrey (Public Library of Science, 2026-02)
BACKGROUND : Virological failure (VF) presents significant challenges in the emergence of drug resistance, and elevated risk of transmission, higher mortality rates, and a diminished quality of life. Various factors contribute to VF, but documented information on this issue is lacking in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of VF and identify the risk factors among people living with HIV who are on second-line antiretroviral treatment (ART). METHODS : A concurrent mixed-method study using quantitative and qualitative data was conducted at selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28, Stata version 18.5, and R for quantitative data and thematic analysis with Atlas.ti version 24 software was used for qualitative data. RESULT : Among 369 adults living with HIV taking second-line ART enrolled in the study, 191 (52%) were male with a median age of 44 years. The prevalence of VF was 55 (14.9%, 95% CI: 11, 19), with an incidence density of 27.2 per 10,000 person months (95% CI 21.1, 35.5). Lost to follow-up significantly increased VF risk [AHR: 2.52 (95% CI: 1.35, 4.69, p-value: 0.004)]. Patients transferred from other health facilities were two times at higher risk of VF compared to those receiving ART at the same facility [AHR: 1.97 (95% CI: 1.07, 3-64, p-value: 0.029)]. Likewise, clients with a history of regimen change were at a higher risk of VF [AHR = 2.05, (95% CI: 1.08, 3.88, p-value = 0.027)]. The qualitative data also supported these findings. CONCLUSION : This study underscores the need for improved ART adherence and consistent care to reduce virological failure in PLHIV to improve the quality of life.
The lived experiences of individuals with Tourette syndrome following anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation : an interpretive phenomenological analysis
Cassimjee, Nafisa; Muller, Jacomien; Van Coller, Riaan (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
PURPOSE : Tourette syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite the recent increase in the use of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of refractory Tourette syndrome, few qualitative studies have explored the post-surgical experiences of individuals. This research aimed to explore the lived experience of individuals who underwent deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome. METHOD : This qualitative study was informed by the phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the first cohort of five individuals to have undergone anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation in South Africa. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to analyse the data. RESULTS : Four key themes were identified: (1) Battle with Tourette syndrome; (2) Temporal journey with deep brain stimulation; (3) Transformation: (Re)constructing the self in context after deep brain stimulation; and (4) Fusion: brain, technology and me. CONCLUSION: Living with Tourette syndrome was described by the participants as a fight for control, with symptoms having profound effects on family and social relationships. Identity reconstruction following surgery was complex, but treatment led to a change in social interactions and personal growth. Improvement was not immediate but rather a gradual process to find optimal settings. Most participants managed to integrate the device successfully into their identity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • Tourette syndrome is a complex disorder impacting physical, psychological and social functioning. • Deep brain stimulation is a neurotherapeutic treatment option for refractory Tourette syndrome, yet limited research is available on the lived experiences of individuals following deep brain stimulation. • Clinicians should provide comprehensive pre-operative counselling and neuropsychoeducation to patients and their families regarding the expectations, risks and psychosocial implications of deep brain stimulation. • They should provide continuous multidisciplinary patient management and psychological support to address adjustment challenges, optimise outcomes and monitor psychosocial well-being after surgery. • In addition, they need to adopt an integrated and individualised rehabilitation approach informed by multidisciplinary perspectives.
The lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa
Shube, Sekelo Atalia; Davids, Eugene Lee (Sage, 2026-03)
Complex trauma is experiencing a traumatic event, in the form of abuse, which is chronic, interpersonal, and begins in childhood. Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of complex trauma on parenting. The current study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, the study included 10 biological mothers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data tell the story of how mothers with a history of complex trauma prioritise the well-being of their children while neglecting their own needs. In addition, their experiences of complex trauma result in protecting their children from potential traumas, leading to overprotective parenting. The findings highlight the role of complex trauma on parenting, particularly among biological mothers in South Africa, and provide recommendations for society, practice, and research.
Subcultural webs of (health)care in kinked communities of gay fist-fuckers
Martin, Jarred H. (Routledge, 2026)
Existing research on kink-identified people’s healthcare experiences has focused largely on encounters with mainstream systems, where disclosing kink practices can invite stigma, misunderstanding, or denial of care. Far less attention has been given to the alternative forms of (health)care cultivated within kink subcultures themselves. This article reports findings from a qualitative study of such practices among fist-fuckers. An international sample of 20 kink-identified gay men participated in four online focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) skill and resource exchange; (2) emotional and psychological support; (3) placemaking care; (4) embodied and experiential knowledge; and (5) communal care and resilience. Framed through queer worldmaking, the findings show how everyday care practices among fist-fuckers form subcultural webs of health promotion and (health)care grounded in reciprocity, intimacy, and collective responsibility rather than hierarchical biomedical models. These practices are affective, emergent, and distributed through embodied knowledge and a communal ethics of care. The article argues that fist-fuckers enact queer worldmaking through the construction of health-and kink-sustaining subcultural webs that allow them to flourish in their kink. In doing so, they offer a critical rethinking of what counts as care, who provides it, where it takes place, and the ethics which organise it.
“I feel locked out the community” : the experience of community for rural-living fisters
Martin, Jarred H. (Springer, 2026-02)
Research has highlighted the important role that communities of kink play in the social and sexual lives of kinksters. Existing literature has not examined the experience of community for rural and remote-living kink-identified individuals, where access to communities, networks of playmates, and spaces for kink may be limited by virtue of social and geographic isolation. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of community among self-identified cisgender gay men who engage in fist-fucking and live in rural areas. A qualitative study was conducted with a multi-national sample of 40 fist-fuckers, each of whom participated in an online semi-structured individual interview. Guided by a interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data, six themes were developed: (1) the experience of isolation in the formative journey of self-discovery; (2) geographic, logistical, and financial burdens in accessing community; (3) feelings of (dis)connection from the community and the struggle for kink identity; (4) the absence of community networks and resources in supporting healthcare needs; (5) the opportunities and challenges of online communities and connections; and (6) the lack of communal spaces and local networks of partners in fostering sexual satisfaction. The findings revealed that participants shared lived experiences of personal isolation, sexual frustration, and social exclusion from urban-based fisting communities. For some fist-fuckers, their rural-living circumstances produced not only social and sexual dislocations from their communities but, also, a disconnectedness from their kink identity. For others, the remoteness of their living contexts forged new modes of online community building, strategies for sexual and erotic resilience, and experiences of community.

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