School of Psychology (SPsy.) Collections

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 307
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    ( 2025) Test, Author
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    Decolonization studies and mental health of graduate students at Makerere University
    (Makerere University, 2025) Cassatella, Andrea
    Students pursuing studies in decolonization are exposed to educational material that can have a significant psychological impact on their learning and well-being. While such an education might offer tools for enhancing critical and historical consciousness in view of advancing knowledge and informing social transformations, it can also challenge familiar models of identity, with this potentially leading to psychological destabilization that is relevant to mental health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between decolonization studies and mental health of graduate students at Makerere University, specifically those enrolled in the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) MPhil/PhD program in social studies. A qualitative study was conducted with 12 participants reflecting gender balance, different years in the program and national representation. The questions were administered by the researcher and data analyzed, critically and reflexively, through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that there is an important connection between education centered on decolonization studies and mental health. Such an education opens up colonial wounds and destabilizes familiar identities, as well as received cognitive and emotional patterns, with significant consequences for mental well-being. MISR students would benefit from the provision of psychological counselling and interventions tailored to their own context and type of education. MISR, Makerere University and National Higher Education Institutions that are sensible to the promotion of decolonization studies would benefit from further research on the connection between such education and psychology, as well as from policies that take into account the psychological dimension in their principles, guidelines and strategic planning.
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    Social support, resilience, and psychological well-being among postgraduate students of Makerere University
    (Makerere University, 2025) Katumba, Philimon
    Postgraduate education is often marked by intense academic demands and personal stress, placing students at risk for poor psychological well-being. This study investigated the relationship between social support, resilience, and psychological well-being among postgraduate students, with a specific focus on the moderating role of resilience. A crosssectional research design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 356 postgraduate students drawn from the ten colleges of Makerere University using cluster sampling. Standardized self-report questionnaires were used to measure the study variables. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic information and variable distributions. To address the first three objectives, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among social support, resilience, and psychological well-being. To address the fourth objective, PROCESS Macro moderation analysis was used to test the interaction effect of resilience on the relationship between social support and psychological well-being. The results showed that both social support and resilience were significantly and positively associated with psychological well-being. Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, such that the effect of social support on well-being was stronger among students with higher resilience levels. These findings indicate that resilience enhances the protective benefits of social support in promoting mental health. The study highlights the importance of strengthening both external and internal resources among postgraduate students. It recommends that universities integrate resilience-building interventions within student support programs to enhance coping and psychological well-being in the face of academic and personal challenge Keyword: Psychological well-being
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    Partner cohesion, perceived social support and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at Lira Regional Referral Hospital
    (Makerere University, 2025) Aporo, Sarah
    The purpose of this study was to examine how Partner Cohesion and Perceived Social Support influence adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH). The study was guided by three objectives which were; examining the relationship between Partner cohesion and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at LRRH; assessing the relationship between perceived social support and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at LRRH; and establishing the interactive effect of Partner cohesion and perceived social support on adherence to ART among couples living with HIV at LRRH. The study employed a cross sectional research design where data was collected using a questionnaire administered to 165 adult males and females who were cohabiting or married with the age above 18 years seeking medical attention at LRRH and who have been on ART for at least two years. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Spearman ‘s correlation analysis results revealed that couples with higher levels of cohesion are more likely to adhere to ART regimens (r=0.53**, p<0.01) thus having a supportive partner has been linked to better health outcomes and higher adherence rates compared to individuals without such support. Also, individuals who perceive higher levels of Perceived social support may tend to have better adherence to ART (r=0.55**, p<0.01). Partner cohesion predicts adherence to ART. Where Partner cohesion had an effect on adherence to ART (Wald=1.310, Exp(B)=2.152, 95% C.I.for EXP(B)=0.579 and 7.990) with each unit increase associated with a 7.66% increase in odds of adherence to ART while Perceived social support has a statistically significant effect on adherence to ART (Wald=10.394, Exp(B)=8.902, 95% C.I.for EXP(B)=2.356 and 33.630) with each unit increase associated with a 21.86% increase in chances (odds) of adherence to ART. The findings in this study reveal that perceived social support is a key factor that determines adherence to ART. The study therefore recommends that couples ensure they have effective communication, have supportive friends, share common goals and values, have supportive families among others to enhance perceived social support. Keywords: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Lira Regional Referral Hospital
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    Lived experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Kampala, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Busingye, Olivia
    Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in Uganda, with women often diagnosed at advanced stages and experiencing significant psychological, emotional, and social challenges. This study explored the lived experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Kampala District. A qualitative approach was adopted, specifically using a phenomenological research design. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 12 women aged 25–54 who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer within the past five years. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed manually using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis revealed key findings presented in themes: Initial Responses to diagnosis, Emotional Turmoil, Identity Crisis, Stigma, Social dynamic changes, Initial Perceptions, Empowerment through learning, Coping Mechanisms and Sources of Strength, Strengthening Health System Response and Structural and Financial Barriers in Healthcare. Findings revealed that women diagnosed with cervical cancer experience a complex interplay of emotional distress, social stigma, and shifting family dynamics. Despite these challenges, many relied on spirituality, family, and peer support to cope. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, holistic, and patient-centered interventions such as psychosocial counseling, financial and social support, clear patient education, and compassionate communication to improve the care and quality of life of women living with cervical cancer.