http://hdl.handle.net/10386/45 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:12:33 GMT 2026-04-11T22:12:33Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5368 A narrative study on continuing bonds with deceased parents : a sample of University of Limpopo students, South Africa Molepo, Matome Calvonia Continuing bonds (CBs) after bereavement have been the subject of contemporary research interest. Unlike previously understood, maintaining bonds with deceased relatives has been shown to have some adaptive value. CBs have been investigated mainly within the general bereaved population, especially among bereaved spouses. However, comparative studies are lacking with parentally bereaved university students. The present study sought to fill this gap by exploring student narratives on the nature and role of CBs after the loss of a parent. A qualitative methodology was adopted using a narrative inquiry to capture the nuances of loss and CBs among the student population. Eleven (n = 11) participants were recruited and interviewed using the biographical interview strategy. Narrative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data wherein various facets of CBs were identified. The identified CBs were particularly magnified in times of distress or when the students were experiencing life challenges. The students reasoned CBs as comforting strategies that also improved their post-bereavement coping. The present study adds another dimension to CBs research and highlights the important role of CBs in the wake of bereavement. The outcomes of the study carry multiple implications for future research on continuing bonds (CBs) and for interventions regarding bereavement within the context of student population. Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5368 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5351 The role of an attachment style in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among high school learners in the Johannesburg East Region of the Gauteng Province Maluka, Antonette Caron The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among high school learners in the Johannesburg East region. Its aim was to understand how attachment styles affect health-related decision-making. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilising a sample of 303 participants. The study used established measures such as the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale—Revised Child Bried Version (ECR-RC Brief Version) to assess attachment styles; and self-constructed vaccination items to evaluate participants' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Data were analysed using logistic regression to explore the correlations between attachment styles as well as gender and age, and vaccine hesitancy. The results indicated that none of the independent variables reached statistical significance in their relationship vaccine hesitancy. Although students with anxious attachment styles exhibited tendencies towards higher vaccine hesitancy, and those with secure attachment styles demonstrated a greater willingness to vaccinate, these differences did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that while psychological factors like attachment styles may be relevant, they may not be the primary determinants of vaccine hesitancy among adolescents. Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5351 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5202 The relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent among female University of Limpopo Students, South Africa Van Wyk, Charlaine This study examined the relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent among female University of Limpopo students in South Africa. The primary hypotheses proposed positive associations between secure attachment and high contraceptive intent, as well as varying relationships for avoidant and anxious attachment styles. Utilising multinomial logistic regression analysis, the study found no significant overall relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent, with a chi-square value of 8.992 and a p-value of 0.774. Notably, avoidant attachment was associated with low contraceptive intent, while anxious attachment was associated with high intent. Secure attachment showed no significant effect. The Pseudo R-squared values indicated weak predictive power, with Cox and Snell at 0.023, Nagelkerke at 0.116, and McFadden at 0.106. These results suggest that attachment styles may not be reliable predictors of contraceptive behaviour, highlighting the need for further research into additional factors influencing contraceptive intent. The study underscores the complexity of reproductive decision-making and emphasises the importance of exploring diverse populations and contextual influences in future research. Thesis (M. A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5202 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5201 The moderating role of family structure on the association between attachment functioning and emotion regulations among vulnerable children in South Africa Van Vuuren, Jackie Jansen This study explores the moderating role of family structure on the relationship between attachment functioning and emotion regulation among vulnerable children in South Africa. The research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design, utilizing a sample of 33 children aged 7-12 from the Hlatlaganya Drop-In-Centre. The Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA) were administered to assess attachment functioning and emotion regulation strategies, respectively. Crosstabulation and 2-Way ANOVA were employed to examine associations and interaction effects among attachment functioning, emotion regulation strategies, and family structure. The results indicate a significant association between attachment security and the use of cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy. Furthermore, family structure was found to moderate this relationship, with the impact of attachment security on cognitive reappraisal being more pronounced in single-parent households compared to two-parent households. No significant effects were observed for expressive suppression. These findings underscore the importance of considering family structure in interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation in children, particularly those from single-parent households. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive measures and further research to elucidate the complexities of attachment and emotion regulation within diverse family contexts in South Africa. Thesis (M. A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5201 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z