Browsing by Author "Wild, Lauren"

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Adolescents' responses to the distress of others: the influence of multiple attachment figures via empathic concern
    (2016) Profe, Wade Byron; Wild, Lauren
    Despite its importance for the successful maturation of adolescents, relatively little is known about the development of prosocial behaviour during this life period. Attachment theory, although largely absent from the literature in this area, provides an informative theoretical description of how prosocial behaviours in response to the distress of others may be socialized. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative influence of attachment security to mothers, fathers, closest grandparents, and friends on the response to others' distress among early adolescents, via the mediation of empathic concern. Cross-sectional, quantitative survey data from 520 adolescents (aged 11-14) from 9 schools in Cape Town were used in the analyses. Zero-order correlations confirmed the expected positive relationships between attachment security to all four figures and empathic concern, as well as self-reported prosocial behaviour, but not for teacher-reported prosocial behaviour. Structural Equation Modelling revealed that empathic concern completely mediated the relation between attachment security and both self- and teacher-reported prosocial behaviour. Furthermore, when controlling for attachment security to mothers, fathers, closest grandparents and friends simultaneously, peer attachment emerged as the only significant indirect influence on self-reported prosocial behaviour. For teacher-reported prosocial behaviour, however, the indirect effect of friend attachment failed to reach significance. The results of this study provide theoretical insight into the influence of secure attachments on prosocial behaviour, and highlight the importance of supportive same-age peer relationships in adolescence.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    "--are you gonna wait until it kills you or are you gonna kill it?'' : narratives of individuals dependent on crystal methamphetamine
    (2008) Ajodah, Anju; Wild, Lauren; Pluddemann, Andreas
    The aim of this study was to investigate the current crystal methamphetamine problem and its trends of abuse as manifested in the local context of Cape Town, South Africa. Twelve individuals (four ex-users, five users in recovery and three current users) who were dependent on crystal methamphetamine took part in the study. They ranged between the age of seventeen and twenty eight years. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to gather participants' stories about their subjective understanding of their dependence on crystal methamphetamine. Onset of use was often driven by curiosity and/or peer pressure, as well as to avoid states of psychological discomfort. Crystal methamphetamine use was usually maintained due to the enjoyment of its rewarding effects. Smoking the substance became especially important with more regular use as it served as a powerful, albeit temporary, stress eliminator. Crystal methamphetamine ubiquity appeared to be highly influential in the onset as well as maintenance of the substance's consumption. A range of debilitating physiological and psychological symptoms comprised the state of dependence. The presence of psychotic symptoms was rife within the sample and was often indicative of severe and prolonged crystal methamphetamine use. An inability to function within the external 'drug-free reality' was characterised by participants not being able to fulfill responsibilities and thus was also suggestive of maladaptive patterns of use. Polydrug use was generally common among participants. Some female participants' narratives also pointed towards the association of crystal methamphetamine use and sexual risk-taking behaviours. Identifying an external motivating factor was important in encouraging cessation of use but internal motivation often appeared to be just as significant in attaining as well as sustaining abstinence. Sleeping was the most common strategy used in dealing with the state of severe withdrawal which followed post use. In general, most participants did not perceive treatment as being the most useful means of achieving sobriety. Identifying goals and a perceived sense of purpose appeared important in motivating the individual along the path towards recovery as well as in the maintenance of abstinence.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The association between grandparental involvement and adolescent psychological well-being independent of parental involvement
    (2012) Gaibie, Fairuz; Wild, Lauren
    Background and objective: Grandparents have the potential to play a supportive and nurturing role in the lives of their grandchildren. Grandparents have always had an important role to play in South African society. Traditionally, developmental psychology has not focussed much attention on the role grandparents have to play in the adjustment of children and adolescents. The current study aimed to determine: (a) whether there is an association between grandparental involvement and adolescent well-being; and (b) whether that association remained when parental involvement was taken into consideration. Method: Cross-sectional survey data was collected from a convenience sample of 217 adolescents, aged 13 to 15 years of age. Grade eight and Grade nine learners were purposively selected from a single school. Correlational and multiple regression analyses tested relationships between a grandparent involvement measure, scores on the five sub-scales of the self-rated version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for 11- to 17-year-olds, and a parental involvement measure. The SDQ was used for the measure of adolescent well-being.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The association between sleep problems, learning disabilities and substance use in adolescence
    (2007) Fakier, Nuraan; Wild, Lauren
    The current study focused on investigating the relationship between sleep problems, learning disabilities and substance use in adolescence. The literature suggests that adolescents with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to engaging in risk behaviours than adolescents who do not have learning disabilities. Early childhood sleep problems also seem to be a robust marker for substance use in adolescence. The prevalence of sleep problems among adolescents is increasing and is particularly high among those with learning disabilities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Associations between grandparental involvement and psychological outcomes in adolescents facing family adversity
    (2016) Westwood, Sarah Anne; Wild, Lauren
    With an increase in life expectancy, there is greater potential for grandparents to be involved in the lives of their grandchildren. The aim of this study was to investigate whether grandparental involvement was related to fewer negative psychological outcomes (i.e. peer, emotional, hyperactivity and conduct problems), and whether this association remained as a protective effect when adolescents faced high levels of family adversity. A cross--‐sectional study consisting of 536 Black and Coloured adolescents (ages 13--‐15 years) from two schools located in the greater Cape Town area was conducted. The results of bivariate and SEM analyses demonstrated that grandparental involvement was associated with a reduction in the presence of all negative psychological outcomes, which shows that grandparental involvement can play a compensatory role in adolescents' lives. The results of a path analysis indicated that grandparental involvement only has a protective effect for reducing peer problems for female adolescents who are experiencing high levels of family adversity. No other association between grandparental involvement and negative psychological outcomes was significant when the adolescent was facing high levels of family adversity. Together the results of this study suggest that grandparental involvement can have a positive effect in adolescents' lives, and therefore future research should move beyond simply looking at an adolescent's immediate family as a source of support.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Caregiver, child and family characteristics associated with parenting stress in rural KwazuluNatal
    (2019) Mitchell, Joanie; Wild, Lauren; Rochat, Tamsen
    Parenting Stress (PS) has been shown to negatively impact on various areas of child development. Additionally, clinically significant levels of PS have been shown to be fairly stable over time and thus unlikely to decrease without intervention. Understanding factors that contribute to PS is therefore important for developing preventative interventions. Despite this, PS has largely been understudied, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The present study aimed to explore PS among 1535 caregivers of primary school-aged children in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The data were collected by experienced fieldworkers, in interviewer style, over three visits, and underwent checks for completeness and quality assurance, prior to data entry. The analysis for the present study included using logistic regression techniques to examine contributing caregiver, child and family factors, as well as content analysis to examine caregivers’ most prominent concerns about their children. Around 16% of this sample were experiencing clinically significant PS. The following factors were found to increase risk of PS: the mother becoming HIV infected post-pregnancy, the family experiencing recent food insecurity, the child exhibiting internalizing or externalizing behaviours and the child having academic or other problems at school. Two factors were linked to a reduced likelihood of PS, namely the child being helped to learn shapes and sizes at home and maternal participation in a breastfeeding study. The content analysis revealed that caregivers most frequently reported having psychosocial concerns about their children, including specific personality traits such as low levels of conscientiousness and poor self-regulation. These findings illustrate the need for early intervention and support for mothers and children in LMICs. Furthermore, this research showed the impact of parental HIV and the need for comprehensive life-course approaches to curb future adversities for HIV infected women and families.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Children of mothers with physical disabilities : perceptions of parenting, the mother-adolescent relationship and the adolescent's engagement in risky behaviour : five case studies
    (2006) Deglon, Under; Wild, Lauren; Swartz, Leslie
    This qualitative study investigated the effect of a mother's physical disability on the mother-adolescent relationship, parenting and the adolescent's engagement in risky behaviour. Interviews were conducted with five mothers with visible physical disabilities and with their adolescent children. The adolescents comprised two boys and three girls between the ages of 12 and 15 years. All five mother-adolescent dyads were black, with low maternal educational levels, from low socio-economic backgrounds, and lived in neighbourhoods characterised by unemployment, gangsterism, substance abuse, violence and crime. The multiple case study design was used to compare and contrast evidence from the individual cases. Two separate semistructured interviews, covering the same topics, were conducted with both the mother and the adolescent in order to triangulate the data. The interviews focused on perceptions of (a) the impact of the mother's disability for mother-adolescent relations; (b) disability-related stigma and the adolescent's awareness of the mother's difference on the mother-adolescent relationship; (c) the ways in which the mother's disability and other contextual factors affect parenting and the adolescent's engagement in risky behaviour. The results illuminated a range of barriers andfacilitators to parenting with a physical disability but the variability notwithstanding, the majority of the families reported positive relationships and experiences given the cumulative stressors that they face.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The development of children's interpretation of emotion in music
    (1996) Wild, Lauren; Oxtoby, Richard
    The relationship between music and emotion is complex, and has defied explanation for a great many years. The present study addressed one particular aspect of this issue: to what extent can young children interpret the emotions expressed in short musical excerpts drawn from larger works, and how do their interpretations differ from those of adults and change as they mature? Following an appraisal of current theoretical approaches and empirical research, a structural model of emotions incorporating the ideas of fuzzy, prototypically organised emotion concepts based on underlying dimensions of degree of pleasure and arousal or activation (Bullock & Russell, 1984, 1986; Russell, 1989) was used to reveal and interpret patterns and developmental trends in children's understanding of emotion in music. 5-year-old, 7-yearold and 9-year-old children and adults (n = 30 in each age group) participated in the main study. They were asked to link 18 musical excerpts to an emotion word/facial expression pair selected from the following alternatives: calm, happy, excited, scared, angry/cross and sad. These were presented to the subjects in a set of three tasks utilising different combinations of musical excerpts and emotion words.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Does HIV matter when you are poor and how ? : the impact of HIV/AIDS on the psychological adjustment of South African mothers in the era of HAART
    (2007) Brandt, Rene; Wild, Lauren; Dawes, Andrew
    The study investigated the psychological adjustment of HIV -infected South African mothers living in poverty in the era of HAART. One hundred and eighty adult women living in long-term poverty who were the primary caregiver of at least one child under 18 years were administered a structured questionnaire. The sample comprised infected women (n=130), some but not all of whom were on antiretroviral therapy, as well as a comparison group of non-infected women from the same community (n=50). Of those who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (n=80), half had just commenced treatment and half had been on treatment for six months. In addition, five women were selected as case studies and followed up with in-depth interviews for six months. Data were analysed using analysis of variance, planned comparisons and multiple regression, and narrative analysis respectively. Results showed that HIV status had a significant, independent impact on levels of depressive symptoms but not anxiety. HIV positive women exhibited significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety than seronegative women, regardless of their stage of disease. An irregular household income, poorer perceived physical health and the use of avoidant coping predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms amongst infected women, while less active coping and greater avoidant coping predicted higher levels of anxiety. Avoidant coping was the best predictor of levels of depression and anxiety amongst women, independent of HIV status. When assessed at six months after commencing treatment, antiretroviral therapy had had no impact on anxiety. However, levels of depression were lower than amongst women who had just commenced treatment. Qualitative data of women's own accounts supported the role of HIV in psychological distress, but pointed to poverty as an underlying narrative through which women's experiences of living with HIV were continually filtered. While HIV was sometimes the source of disruption and disturbance, it typically lacked salience in the presence of HAART and for women who were relatively asymptomatic, particularly given the substantive poverty-related stressors that women faced on an ongoing basis. Key findings indicated that HIV status contributed to the mental health burden experienced by women living in poverty, and that longer-term use of antiretroviral therapy was associated with reduced depression. Since avoidant coping was the best predictor of poor psychological adjustment, it may be an appropriate focus for future targeted mental health interventions for this population group. However, the fact that poverty had considerable, and even greater, salience for women at times, should also inform the planning and provision of services.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Evaluation of a school-based intervention programme for South African children of divorce
    (2009) Botha, Cornelius J; Wild, Lauren
    Currently, parental separation in South Africa affects an estimated 30 000 children under the age of 18 annually. These children spend a great part of their day at school where they have to interact with peers and teachers and are expected to perform academically, but parental separation could have a significant impact on their ability to do so. Although research has found that children can be adversely affected by parental divorce, schools in South Africa do not offer any group interventions in an attempt to assist and guide children through what could be an ordeal for them. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the school-based Children of Divorce Intervention Programme (CODIP) at two South African schools. CODIP is a preventively oriented 12-week group programme for nine to twelve year old children. The aims of the programme are to create a supportive group atmosphere in which children can share divorce-related feelings and clarify misconceptions about divorce. Participants are also taught problem-solving, communication and anger management skills. Twenty-five boys of divorce from two schools (ages 10 to 13 years) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one delayed intervention control group. The boys' understanding of divorce was assessed through the completion of the Children's Belief about Parental Separation (CBAPS) scale. The Self Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) was used to assess children's perceptions of themselves, while the Parent-Child Interaction Questionnaire for Children (PACHIQ-R-CH) was employed to determine the boys' perceptions of their families. Questionnaires to determine the boys' general adjustment were completed by the boys, teachers and parents. Boys completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), teachers the Teacher-Child Rating Scale (T-CRS), the AML-R Behaviour Rating Scale and the SDQ, and parents completed the Parent-Child Rating Scale (P-CRS) and the SDQ.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Outcomes of sexual assault court cases involving people with intellectual disabilities within the Western Cape: the association between conviction of the perpetrator and the complainants level of intellectual functioning
    (2023) Jantjies, Roslyn Rolien; Shabalala, Nokuthula; Wild, Lauren
    People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) are more likely to be survivors of sexual assault than people without intellectual disabilities (ID). Their cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges increase their vulnerability and chances of being sexually assaulted. Despite this, individuals that disclose their sexual abuse face multiple barriers while seeking justice. This results in low prosecution and conviction rates of sexual offenders in cases involving complainants with ID. There is limited information available about specific factors that predict a court case outcome of sexual abuse cases involving PWID. This correlational study reviewed archival data of alleged survivors of sexual abuse with ID. The sample of 493 complainants had received assistance from Cape Mental Health (CMH) Sexual and Victim Empowered (SAVE) Program. This study showed that most of the complainants of sexual assault were female (86.8%), and 12.6% were male. Most complainants fell within the Mild ID range (54.6%), followed by Severe (20.3%) and Moderate ID (17%). More than half of the cases were withdrawn (58%), 22% of the perpetrators were found guilty, and 12% were acquitted of the charges. This study found that the ability to understand the consequences of sex and to refuse sexual advances increased the individual's ability to consent to sexual activity, while their ability to answer clarifying questions and take an oath significantly impacted their ability to testify in court. However, neither the ability to provide consent nor the ability to testify was significant in predicting the court case outcomes. This highlights the challenges complainants with ID face when seeking justice for sexual abuse. Sexuality education for PWID may mitigate their risk of sexual abuse and serve as a protective factor. Furthermore, the public's awareness regarding the rights of, and responsibilities towards, PWID may also decrease their vulnerability and protect PWID from injustice.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The prevalence and characteristics of sexting behaviours among adolescents and adults in Cape Town, South Africa
    (2013) Schloms-Madlener, Kim Cheryl; Wild, Lauren
    'Sexting' is defined as the act of sending sexually suggestive text messages (SSTMs), or the self-generation of nude or semi-nude images (NSNIs) and sending them to others via digital devices. It has recently emerged as a risk behaviour, particularly as it relates to adolescent sexuality. The consequences of sexting may include humiliation, ostracism, depression, anxiety, suicide and criminal or legal action. As such, research into the practice is vital in order to mitigate the risk to adolescents. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of sexting among a sample of adolescents and adults in Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The protective role of social support for the health of caregivers of children in HIV-endemic South Africa
    (2013) Casale, Marisa Angela Judy; Wild, Lauren
    In HIV-endemic areas of Southern Africa, the increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children in need of care have been taken in mainly by the extended family. Primary caregivers of children in poor HIV-endemic communities represent a high risk population for mental and physical health conditions, as a result of health risks associated with caregiving in difficult social and financial conditions. Evidence also suggests that caregivers living with HIV, and its related stressors, may be particularly at risk for poor health. In contexts of limited institutional support and formal health services, "informal" support from family, friends and the broader community may constitute a valuable resource for coping and health. Research with diverse adult populations - including HIV-affected individuals and caregivers of children - has shown more social support to be directly associated with better health outcomes (main effects) and/or to buffer against negative effects of stress or specific stressors on health (stress-buffering effects). However, the protective effects of social support on health have remained vastly under-explored in the Southern Africa region. Moreover, in Southern Africa and beyond, key gaps remain in our understanding of the mediating mechanisms and pathways explaining the support-health relationship.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The relationship between attachment and offending within a South African context
    (2018) Barber, Megan; Wild, Lauren
    International research has consistently documented a link between attachment and offending. Despite South Africa's high crime rate, research within this country's socio-political context has been limited. This current study aimed to fill this gap, by examining the association between attachment and offending within a South African context. It was hypothesised that: H1, an insecure attachment would occur more frequently in offenders than non-offenders; H2, high attachment-related avoidance would be positively associated with offending; H3, high attachment-related avoidance would be positively associated with antisocial behaviour; and H4, an insecure mother attachment would be more strongly associated with offending than an insecure father or intimate partner attachment. Two groups of participants were recruited: offenders (n = 49) and a community sample (n = 63). Each participant completed a questionnaire measuring attachment to mothers, fathers, and intimate partners, as well as socio-economic status and antisocial behaviour. Using a series of statistical tests including chi-square, logistic regression, and hierarchical multiple regression, the study found support for H1 and H2, whilst rejecting H3 and H4. Overall, this study found that insecure attachment, and specifically high attachment-related avoidance, was positively associated with offending. Conversely, it was found that low avoidance was associated with antisocial behaviour and that there was no association between specific domains (mother, father and intimate partner) of attachment and offending. These results provide support for the application of attachment theory to offenders within the South African context.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The relationship between maternal involvement and child adjustment in two parent and single parent families
    (2010) Adams, Natalie; Wild, Lauren
    This study explored the relationship between maternal involvement and child adjustment in two parent and single parent families. This study examined whether the amount of involvement by mothers differed according to family structure and whether greater mother involvement was associated with better adjustment in children. The study further examined to what extent maternal involvement accounted for the child's adjustment when other factors such as socio-economic status were taken into account.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Resilience amongst adolescents in a Namibian residential care centre : an exploratory study of why some youth succeed despite adversity
    (2009) Shaanika, Sigrid; Wild, Lauren
    The oblective of this mixed-method approach study was to explore and describe key protective factors that contribute to resilience among adolescents in long-term residential care in Namibia. The sample consisted of three caregivers and 61 male and female adolescents between the ages of 11-19 years (mean age=14.45, SD=2.26.) Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews and two self-report questionnaires including the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) and the Strengths and Difficulties Quetionnaire (SDG).
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The strengths and difficulties of adopted children: a pilot study
    (2012) Marufu, Tariro Accillia; Wild, Lauren
    International research has led to the conclusion that adopted children are at a greater risk of behavioural and emotional difficulties than non-adopted children. However, these findings have been inconsistent and inconclusive, and therefore cannot necessarily be generalised to a country such as South Africa with its diverse populations. This study explored the strengths of adopted children and the difficulties they face, in comparison with children who are raised by their biological parents, with a focus on the Cape Town area. Furthermore, this study sought to establish whether there was an association between demographic variables and adopted children’s total difficulties scores.