Kathryn Nel

Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences and Challenges of Adolescents during Pregnancy

This study explores and describes the experiences and challenges of pregnant adolescents (N = 9, mean age = 16.33 years, SD = 1.58 years) by focusing on their thoughts and feelings about their pregnancies and future prospects. The expectant mothers were in their in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. All participants were poor working-class Black South Africans from different ethnic groups. Two were Tsonga, three Zulu and four Tswana speakers. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings suggest that family relationships after disclosure of the pregnancy were strained, particularly the father-daughter relationship. The teens expressed unpreparedness for the challenges of motherhood, uncertainty about the future and feelings of anger, regret and anxiety.

Stereotypical attitudes amongst black students at a rural historically black South African university

This study investigated stereotypical attitudes towards race amongst Black students (N=274) attending a historically Black South African university (females=62%; mean age of 22.15 years; SD=3.00 years). Data on group stereotyping by race were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analysed for themes using discourse analysis. The findings indicated that Black students from a rural background stereotyped those from urban centres as lacking in African culture and being overly westernised. Conversely, rural Blacks from urban settings stereotyped those from rural areas as respectful, cultured and materially poor. Regardless of geographical origin, the Black students perceived English-speaking Whites as competent and friendly, while Afrikaans-speaking Whites were stereotyped as racist, aggressive and hardworking. The Black students perceived Indian South Africans as unethical and deceitful whilst Coloureds were noted to lack culture and to be aggressive. Findings suggest stereotypical racist language or discourse to be persistent among a student population with historical disadvantage.

Reparative sexual orientation therapy effects on gay sexual identities

The study explored gay males’ identities and experiences with sexual reparative therapy. The sample consisted of five white Christian males (age range 24 – 41 years), who responded to a semi-structured interview on their self-identity with reparative therapy. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used for the thematic analysis. Findings indicated that the gay males identified with their homosexual sexual orientation despite counselling for an alternative heterosexual identity. Their identities were associated with early childhood social development, and the formation of concepts of heterosexual self – identities in a patriarchal society, which did not match their sexual identity as homosexual.

Career support needs of learners with historical disadvantage: an exploratory study

This study explored the career support needs of learners from a historically disadvantaged rural South African school setting. Participants were a convenience sample of 20 high school learners (females=60%; males=40%; age range 15–17 years; schools grades 9–10). They completed focus group interviews relating to their career awareness and needs. The data were thematically analysed. The results suggested learners have significant in-school career awareness and support needs. The learners accessed career related information informally from social networks they were using out of school rather than in the educational setting.

The Social Value of Lobola: Perceptions of South African College Students

The present study reports on the social value of lobola (dowry payment) as perceived by a convenience sample of college students (N = 30; females = 60%; males = 40%) attending a majority Black university. Qualitative data were collected from the students on aspects of the sociocultural significance of lobola in the context of changing cultural norms. The results suggest that the students held positive attitudes towards the institution of lobola. Some perceived the practice of lobola to place women at risk for abuse by males and families

Perceptions towards HIV and AIDS condom use and Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) amongst students at a previously disadvantaged South African tertiary institution

Abstract The study focuses on risk behaviour, stigmatization, social perceptions, voluntary counselling and HIV testing (VCT) amongst a sample of four hundred students at a rural tertiary institution in South Africa. Statistica was used to calculate descriptive statistics from the quantitative data and Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The mean age of students is 22.85 years and the Standard Deviation (SD) = 2.08. Overall the findings indicate that students have knowledge about condom use, risky sexual behaviours and VCT but this does not always translate into positive sexual behaviours. For instance, thirty-seven percent (37%) of the sample had little or no intention of using a condom. The results point towards the spread of the pandemic as a noteworthy percentage of participants indulge in high risk sexual behaviours and display negative attitudes towards Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), condom use and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Experiences and opinions of first-year students at a previously disadvantaged medical university in South Africa about alcohol consumption

Background: The use of alcohol amongst first-year students in institutions of higher learning is problematic as it often leads to social and academic problems, for instance high dropout rates and high-risk sexual behaviour. Research on first-year students’ opinions regarding their own use of alcohol at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus, was seen as pertinent as this institution trains medical doctors, dentists and other health professionals. The findings could inform appropriate interventions by policy-makers at the institution. This paper presents the qualitative data nested from a larger study on alcohol use among first-year medical students. Methods: A sample of 217 first-year students was obtained, to whom a questionnaire was administered which included open-ended questions formulated from discussions with a focus group of eight first-year students. The open-ended questions were formulated in a manner that allowed participants to give an account of their experience and opinions related to the drinking of alcohol. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results: The participants comprised 90 (41.5%) females, 13 (6%) White, 196 (90.3%) Black, 4 (1.8%) Asian and 4 (1.8%) Coloured students. The study revealed substantive views relating to first-year students’ opinions and experiences of alcohol consumption. Themes gleaned from the interpretation were awareness, physical location of the campus, economic opportunities, health considerations, identity, belief in alcohol use, and interventions. Conclusion: The results indicate that first-year students have varying opinions and experiences concerning alcohol consumption at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus). Social identity and peer pressure are motivating factors in students’ use of alcohol.

The Undize Phenomenon—South African Childhood Sex Games and Their Contribution to Early Sexual Experiences

This study retrospectively explored the experiences of a group of urban males and females with respect to a hide and seek game that indigenous South African children play (Undize), in early learning about sexuality. A focus group discussion of 16 indigenous cultural background adults (Age range of sample = 18 to 50 years; females = 50%, average age 30 years; males 50%, average age 32.5 years). They responded to questions on how they felt when these games were played. The data were thematically analyzed. Findings suggest Undize might not be coercive, although some participants may be uncomfortable in their recall later life when they understand the associated risk for sexual abuse.

Constructions of social selves living with HIV/AIDS: A Jungian phenomenological study

This study explored sense of social well-being influences on self-identity and the stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Informants were 15 PLWHA from a rural background in a South African community (female = 87%, age range = 26 to 64 years; and males = 13%, age range = 55 to 64 years). They completed semi-structured interviews on their lived experiences relating to a sense of social inclusion and belongingness. We thematically analysed the data, and interpreted the findings applying Jungian archetypes of the Self, Shadow, and Persona. Findings suggest PLWHA’s sense of a dominant Shadow to be a barrier to self-acceptance whereas a Persona (mask) was guided by a need to be socially acceptable. A positive sense of social well-being among PLWHA is important to their health and well-being.

An Investigation into Alcohol Use among Female Undergraduate Psychology Students at the University of Limpopo, South Africa

ABSTRACT This paper investigates alcohol use among female undergraduate students at the University of Limpopo, South Africa using a cross-sectional survey. The sample was 700 female undergraduate psychology students. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographic information, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test – revised, five questions from the Protection Motivation Theory, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification self-report test. One hundred and thirty questionnaires were completed (19%) of the first-year students, 27.1 percent had attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 22.9 percent had lost a job, 16.7 percent have liver problems, 18.8 percent had been arrested for drinking and driving, and twenty-five percent had been in trouble at the university. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) between respondents across different years of study for these results. First-year respondents had the most alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use in a significant proportion of female students is concerning. Many participants had not considered stopping using alcohol and would not change their drinking behaviour.