School of Applied Human Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6451

The School of Applied Human Sciences (SAHS) consists of Criminology and Forensic Studies, Psychology, The Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS), and Social Work.

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A cause to unravel the role of criminologists in compiling pre-sentence report: a South African perspective.
(Taylor and Francis, 2020) Diko, Bongolethu.; Olofinbiyi, Sogo Angel.; Steyn, Jéan.
A sizeable number of individuals, including members of the criminal justice system, have limited knowledge of the value of criminologists’ proficiency to compile an intensive pre-sentence report. To fill in this gap and gain an in-depth understanding of how criminologists can contribute as active participants in the criminal court, a qualitative research paradigm involving one-on-one in-depth interviews was employed to collect the data information that was required for the study. The findings strongly suggest that criminologists, who are currently functioning peripherally in the CJS, can be employed to exert greater influence on the compilation of PSRs, not only in the Durban High Court but also across a diverse range of contemporary global societies. More elaborately, the study has adequately demonstrated that the professionalization of criminologists should not only be restricted to research and scholastic endeavours.
A content analysis of child neglect in the international journal, child abuse & neglect (2013-2022).
(2023) Richards, Lynne Althea.; Collings, Steven John.
Introduction: Child neglect has disastrous consequences for the normal development of a child; however, child neglect has purportedly been overlooked in the extant literature (Tingberg & Nilsson, 2020; Wolock & Horowitz, 1984). Objectives: This study seeks to summarise the research conducted on child neglect in the international journal, Child Abuse & Neglect published between 2013 to 2022. Furthermore, it seeks to provide an overview of published empirical research conducted on child neglect in relation to other forms of child maltreatment, highlighting trends concerning the research methodology and sample. Method: A content analysis of the publications on child neglect in the international journal, Child Abuse & Neglect (2013-2022) was conducted using Krippendorf’s (2018) method. Krippendorf’s alpha was assessed to be a=0.92, p < .001, indicating high interrater reliability. Findings:While no significant relationship was found between the types of child maltreatment that were studied, child neglect was consistently assessed the least. Contrarily, child ‘physical and emotional neglect’ was assessed the most. The increased assessment of child physical and emotional neglect aligned with the predominant use of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEQ), which are both used to assess physical and emotional neglect. Child neglect studies published in the international journal Child Abuse & Neglect (2013-2022) predominantly used cross-sectional designs and convenience samples. Moreover, these studies predominantly assessed samples in high-income countries. Conclusions: The current study suggests that the ‘neglect of neglect’ remains an issue in the literature. There is an increasing need for a universal and culturally sensitive definition from which to develop a suitable measure of child neglect. Moreover, research in low- and middle-income countries is essential to investigate the proposed relationship between poverty and neglect.
"Exile is a traumatizing horror, a nightmare of terror, a destabilizing drama, a suicidal downer, a dehumanizing outrage, a continuous bondage”: a psychobiography of Hugh Ramapolo Masekela.
(2024) Zimbaye, Sannah Tsatsawane.; Cartwright, Duncan James.
Various studies provide explorations and descriptions of the implications of exile. However, fewer South African studies give a psychobiographical account of the implications of exile on personhood and/or personality development. Psychobiography is qualitative in nature and refers to the systematic, descriptive, and explorative study of the life histories of past or present significant and influential members of society in light of psychological conceptions. The primary aim of this study is to give a psychobiographical account of the implications of exile on Hugh Ramapolo Masekela’s (1939-2018) psychodynamic life. Purposive sampling was used to select Masekela as the psychobiographical subject. His experience of exile for thirty years, extraordinary musical abilities, sociopolitical activism, and rich biographical data make him a suitable subject. Masekela’s musical abilities earned him global recognition as the father of South African jazz music. He employed his music, including live performances, as his political voice against the apartheid regime. The researcher established an analytical matrix to classify data and employed Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to systematically evaluate and extrapolate Masekela’s life history. Erikson’s theory emphasises how historical, social, cultural, and external environmental factors impact an individual’s personality development. The research findings revealed that Masekela’s sociohistorical context, including his early life and the occurrences of his external environment, complicated his identity development and, subsequently, his ability to cope and adapt during exile. Masekela experienced a sense of mistrust in himself and his external environment, exilic trauma, anxiety and personal destabilisation. He also experienced feelings of isolation, loss and inadequacy. Masekela’s experience of exile perpetuated his regression to past psychosocial conflicts, alongside his psychosocial moratorium and identity confusion. Even so, Masekela’s continuing sense of purpose and competence facilitated the development of his career fidelity. Masekela had two significant experiences which led to his catharsis and the eventual resolution of previous psychosocial crises, namely: (a) his return from exile and (b) rehabilitation from substance use. Lastly, this study contributes to South Africa’s progressing field of psychobiography as a methodological approach.
Low socioeconomic status (SES) as a predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents: a scoping review.
(2023) Slabbert, Angelique.; Valjee, Sachet Rabindranath.
Childhood trauma presents potential lifelong consequences for health and well-being. Research indicates that those with low socioeconomic status (SES) are disproportionately exposed to trauma and that childhood victimisation is associated with a higher risk for mental health problems. Existing literature in this field has predominantly focused on quantitative analysis and the adult population. There is a scarcity of research analysing the role low SES plays in the outcome of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) amongst children and adolescents within a low socioeconomic context. This study aimed to map and comprehensively analyse studies investigating low socioeconomic status as a predicting variable of PTSD among children and adolescents to generate insight and establish areas for future research. The present study was qualitative and utilised Kira’s taxonomy of trauma and assessment theory to support the objectives (Kira, 2001). A scoping review method was used guided by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The search period was from 2012 to 2022. The search strategy for this scoping review used two electronic platforms, Ebscohost and Wiley, which provided access to the following databases: Academic search complete, APA Psychinfo, APA Psycharticles, Medline, and ERIC. The researcher screened all studies independently, and an external reviewer evaluated eligible articles. Charting the data involved synthesising and interpreting data according to key issues using a table format. Further analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Five prominent themes were developed: 1) structural risk/protective factors, 2) stages of development, 3) gender differences, 4) study design, and 5) study outcomes. The findings of this study illustrated a positive relationship between low SES and PTSD by identifying that low SES increased the chance of developing PTSD due to situational factors (early life exposure), negatively impacting he cognitive appraisals of a child. Contextual factors (types of SES indicators), such as parental instability, increased interpersonal violence, and scarce resources, further perpetuate the cycle of poverty and traumatic exposure. The study also identified crucial gaps in the literature, such as the need for qualitative/mixed methods and longitudinal research studies and the need for standardised low SES measures, among others, which could inform future research about the incremental validity of SES measures when determining a complete child or adolescent victimisation profile.
Money laundering risks and the corruption factor, its management within the financial sector of Zimbabwe (1983-2017+)
(2022) Chikomba, Collins Prosper.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; De Wet, Johan Andrew.
This empiric contextual study on ML risks and the corruption factor and its management within Zimbabwe’s financial sector’ covering period (1983 to 2017) was undertaken to explore and bring better understanding of the phenomena: influences, nexus, ramifications and in the final, propose measures to enhance the effectiveness of AC & AML regimes in the country. Built on available conceptual literature and the empirical evaluation of multiple Zimbabwean contextual case studies in which intermediary institutions (banks/financial institutions and public officials respectively: their owner executives/management, and, their opposite in government, (hereinafter) cited as (PEPs) were/are implicated, the study employed a multiple/mixed case study design of quantitative approach, coupled with the utilisation of qualitative secondary data collection approaches dictated to by the aim and objectives of the study. The ‘head office’ approach, mirrored on the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in their ‘Retail Crime Costs’ surveys (1994): that of accessing target respondents at various of their organisations outlets to obtain data by postal questionnaire(s), was used on a drop and pick basis, in combination with door to door visits, e-mails and, follow-ups by phone and direct interviews. at (Police HQ, Ministry of Justice and the two banks). The approach is credited for accessing and aggregating large sample size data in good time and, at relatively low cost. Guided also by the overriding aim and objectives, a synthesis of two time-honoured, and, contemporary criminological theories in the main: the rational choice, and, social determinist perspective, complemented by four choice concepts: 1. ‘Public choice concept by Caiden (2001)’ et.al., 2. Bad apple theory by Graaf, (2003); 3. Situational action theory; and, 4. Organizational culture theory by Wilkstrom (2004); all, relevant, leading to a discourse that seek to explain factors contributing to corruption and ML and, their control using a triangulation of measures mainly: situational, and social plus tertiary, were employed to benchmark the research. The findings, broadly considered, reveal among others things that, firstly and secondly; the link between corruption and ML is symbiotic and, at least two fold in that the proceeds of corruption, particularly when substantial, are prone to be laundered, and that, when conjoined, the effects of corruption and poor governance can weaken the successful operations of AML regimes. Third but not last was/is that, corruption and ML collectively can, prove difficult to accomplish as the mutual relationship between them tends to be historically and bureaucratically skewed. In closing, are recommendations for banks and government to help enhance the effectiveness of existing and new AML structures/regimes, proliferated with justified emphasis on improved enforcement, legislations and regulatory measures (e.g.), emplacement of human, legal, technical and operation capacity (where non exist). Included also is under (Chapter 7), is the ‘premise’ of ‘cross-organisational isomorphism’: learning from other organisations, and/or, other people’s grand disaster experiences akin to the grand financial disasters suffered by the Zimbabwean victim banks studied herein – by way of communication through security risk awareness and prevention education and specific training.
National development plan: analysis of South African police service vision for 2030 to build safer communities.
(2022) Zulu, Bongiwe Matilda.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 aims to create an environment in South Africa (SA) where people living in the country will feel safe at home, on the street, at school, at work and in public spaces, and have no fear of crime. The NDP emphasises the safety and security of women and children. It further suggests an integrated approach to resolving the root causes of crime that involves an active citizenry and interrelated responsibilities and coordinated service delivery by both the state and non-state actors. This study sought to analyse how the South African Police Service (SAPS) was implementing the NDP Vision 2030 in building safer communities. It focused on the SAPS implementation of Chapter 12 of the NDP Vision 2030. In addition, it examined the attitudes and perceptions of actors and implementers regarding the NDP implementation within the SAPS. It analysed the translation of the NDP chapter 12’s five priority areas, and the SAPS understanding, alignment and internalisation of the NDP vision of building safer communities. It further examined the challenges the SAPS experienced and the progress it made in implementing the five priority areas in building safer communities. This study covered public policy implementation, theory of change and internalisation as conceptual frameworks. The study adopted mixed methodology as both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed. Literature and document analysis and reviews were conducted. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data from Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. The qualitative methodology consisted of a total of 306 community participants and 397 police participants who responded to a single public opinion question (Appendix 1) and a total of 13 individual experts who responded to 12 questions during semi-structured interviews (Appendix 2). A total of 807 (42,3%) police officers and 1 101 (57,7%) community members responded on the quantitative questionnaire (Appendix 3). The raw data gathered from the quantitative approach were captured on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) system and recorded. The data gathered from qualitative approach were grouped, categorised and themed. Eventually, they were analysed and interpreted. The findings of the study confirmed that the NDP was not without deep-rooted crises and factors influencing policy implementation in SA. These crises included failure to translate policies into long-term plans and lack of planning systems and competencies to implement policies. There were many legislative, policy and strategic response trajectories towards building safer communities in place, but there was lack of institutionalisation, monitoring and evaluation of their impact on community safety. A steady decline in communities feel safe nullified the NDP vision of the people living in SA feeling safe and having no fear of crime. Adverse basic living, social, health and economic conditions for the people of SA and ineffective execution of programmes to improve these conditions impacted negatively on community safety. The study validated the prevalence of juvenile delinquency and lack of trust and confidence between the police and communities. Based on theoretical framework of this study, a conclusion on the tripartite relationship between three interdependent critical variables in achieving safer communities was drawn. The interdependence of these variables on the policy implementation theory framework was founded on NDP implementation and theory of change. The researcher’s proposed Safer Community Model and Proactive and Integrated Model for Crime and Violence Prevention and the internalisation theory were grounded on the commitment of actors and implementers in shaping the direction of safer communities.
Psychological strengths of spirituality and transcendence and wellbeing of managers in the automotive sector.
(2024) Singh-Modi, Jasmé.; Buitendach, Johanna Hendrina.; Reuben, Shanya.
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of managers, drawing on the constructs of the PERMA model of wellbeing and on their respective challenges, as well as to examine the role and utilisation of the psychological strengths (PS) of transcendence, so as to overcome managerial challenges within the South African automotive manufacturing industry. This study employed a qualitative approach in its method of data collection and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis for interpretation and analyses. The data was hence analysed via an idiographic, inductive and interrogative approach. The Broaden-and-Build theoretical framework was implemented, as a broadened behavioural repertoire, over time, is said to also build skills and resources that enhance survival. Psychofortology provides a perspective of positive psychology from which this research was conducted. The study participants comprised twelve managers within the subsidiaries of the chosen company in the automotive sector, nationwide, who voluntarily participated in the research. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data and gain insight into the managers’ experiences of wellbeing, the challenges they experienced, the positive and negative factors that were taken into account, and their use of psychological strengths to negate these challenges. The intention of the study was to propose a set of guidelines that could be used to develop a holistic wellbeing intervention for managers by investigating and building on the PS of transcendence that promote wellbeing and that facilitate the capacity of an individual to “flourish.”The findings suggest that the PS of transcendence were utilised by managers in their experience of wellbeing; however, these were not adequately utilised to cope with challenges. This was due to managers not having a good knowledge and experience of the strengths. It was established that the implementation of existing positive psychological interventions (PPIs) is not adequate. The PPIs are not standardised and customised for each of the subsidiaries, and further development is required to suit the unique requirements of each subsidiary in order to address the specific challenges experienced as noted in the findings. The following recommendations for the study were made, and discussed in three parts. The first part discusses the more commonly used PPIs in the workplace, the mainstream or traditional approach. These PPIs are currently found to be implemented within the organisations to greater and lesser extents; however, they are not uniform, customised nor standardised across all 242 subsidiaries. A more user-friendly approach to the traditional approach was recommended for how existing PPIs may be further developed, utilising PS for transcendence and incorporating a more personalised approach. The second part comprises practical activities or mindfulness exercises that can be practised by managers either within or outside of the workplace to further develop their PS of transcendence. The third part discusses a less common approach which is only practised by some and generally practised outside of the workplace. This alternative approach provides a means to connect with and develop the inner working of the body or the internal state of being. Comparative, quantitative, empirical studies with larger samples are suggested to support the findings and to further explore this interesting phenomenon.

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