New Voices in Psychology

The Influence of Culture and Religion in Coping with a Mental Illness by the Residents of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Odwa Sikrweqe, Ulricha De Klerk , Yaseen Ally — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Culture and Religion are significant constructs in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, and acknowledging culture and religion is thus essential to effectively engage with all people seeking mental healthcare. This study sought to explore the role of culture and religion in coping with mental illness among people of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative exploratory-descriptive approach, with 101 participants taking an online questionnaire as a convenience sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings suggested that there is a link between religion/culture and how people cope with mental illnesses. The study's findings highlight the importance of public education initiatives that recognise and appreciate people's cultural variety and collaboration between traditional and medical experts.

Current Situation of Mental Health of Older Adults: A Case from Henan Province, China

Xin Li, Minerva B. De Ala , Fengxia Wang , Yi Zhang — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The population ageing process has changed the world’s population composition. China's population is ageing rapidly, and many researchers have focused on the psychological problems of older adults.

Objective: To investigate the current state of mental health of older adults in China, understand the current level of mental health of older adults in China and its influencing factors, provide a reference for the formulation of mental health intervention measures, and scientifically protect the mental health of older adults.

Methods: Convenience sampling was used to select 196 older people aged 60 and above in the Central Plains of China as the research objects. The questionnaire survey method was used to investigate the mental health status of older adults.

Results: Among the 196 older people, 145 had no psychological symptoms, accounting for 74.0%; 45 had mild psychological symptoms, accounting for 23.0%; 4 had moderate psychological symptoms, accounting for 2.0%; 2 had severe psychological symptoms, accounting for 1.0%. There were statistically significant differences in the mental health scores among older adults with different ages, marital statuses, number of chronic diseases, and economic income (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The mental health status of older adults in China is average. Age, marital status, number of chronic diseases, and income level impact the mental health of older adults. The whole society should pay attention to the mental health ofolder adults.

Implementing Guidelines to Manage Perinatal Depression: Exploration of the Healthcare Provider’s Perceptions

Saara Hatupopi, Hellena Nuumbosho, Matride Amwaalanga — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Perinatal mental health guidelines are still lacking in more than 80% of low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization has outlined the importance of an evidence-informed approach for developing and sustaining high-quality integrated mental health services for women during the perinatal period.

Method: The study explored healthcare providers' perceptions of implementing guidelines to manage perinatal depression in primary healthcare settings in Namibia. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was applied to collect data from a purposively selected sample of 12 healthcare providers. This involved two focus groups with healthcare providers. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted simultaneously with data collection.

Findings: The study highlighted three major themes for successfully implementing the guidelines to manage perinatal depression: the significance of implementing the guidelines, integration of the guidelines into perinatal care settings, and barriers to implementing the guidelines.

Conclusion: Healthcare providers were aware of poor maternal mental health provision within perinatal care settings and were ready to implement the guidelines to manage perinatal depression. Professional training and continuous education on perinatal depression are fundamental components in fostering quality of care and community awareness, as well as improving stigma within the community and healthcare providers.

Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre - A Short Psychological Review of the Book

Sibani Londa Zungu — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is a philosophical novel that explores daily life through the lens of existentialism. The story follows a broken man named Antoine Roquentin, a historian afraid of his existence living in a French seaport town, as he grapples with feelings of alienation and the meaninglessness of human existence.