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2. Get with the guidelines: management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in emergency departments in Europe and Australasia is sub-optimal.

Author

Furyk J., Stuart P., Bament J., Brown M., Greven-Garcia R., Scott M., Cheri T., Nguyen M., Wong C.-P., Wong T.W., Leung L.-P., Man C.K., Bryant M., MacDonald S., Lee T., Mahlangu M., Mountain D., Rogers I., Otto T., Saiboon I.M., Rahman N.H., Lee W.Y., Lee F.C.Y., Russell S., Lawoko C., Laribi S., Al Dandachi G., Maignan M., Hermand D., Tessier C., Roy P.-M., Bucco L., Carbone G., Cosentini R., Truta S., Hrihorisan N., Cimpoesu D., Rotaru L., Petrica A., Cojocaru M., Nica S., Tudoran R., Vecerdi C., Puticiu M., Schonberger T., Coolsma C., Baggelaar M., Fransen N., van den Brand C., Idzenga D., Maas M., Franssen M., Mackaij-Staal C., Schutte L., de Kubber M., Mignot-Evers L., Penninga-Puister U., Jansen J., Kuijten J., Bouwhuis M., Reuben A., Smith J., Ramlakhan S., Darwent M., Gagg J., Keating L., Bongale S., Hardy E., Keep J., Jarman H., Crane S., Lawal O., Hassan T., Corfield A., Reed M., Smolarsky Y., Blaschke S., Jerrentrup C., Hohenstein C., Brunnler F., Ghuysen A., Vranckx M., Ergin M., Dundar Z.D., Altuncu Y.A., Arziman I., Avcil M., Katirci Y., Kokkonen L., Valli J., Kiljunen M., Tolonen J., Kaye S., Makela J., Metsaniitty J., Vaula E., Duytsche N., Garmilla P., Kelly A.-M., Van Meer O., Keijzers G., Motiejunaite J., Jones P., Body R., Craig S., Karamercan M., Klim S., Harjola V.-P., Verschuren F., Holdgate A., Christ M., Golea A., Graham C.A., Capsec J., Barletta C., Garcia-Castrillo L., Kuan W.S., McNulty R., Tan C., Cowell D.L., Jain N., Devillecourt T., Forrester A., Lee K., Chalkley D., Gillett M., Lozzi L., Asha S., Duffy M., Watkins G., Stone R., Rosengren D., Thone J., Martin S., Orda U., Thom O., Kinnear F., Eley R., Ryan A., Morel D., May C., Thomson G., Smith S., Smith R., Maclean A., Grummisch M., Meyer A., Meek R., Rosengarten P., Chan B., Haythorne H., Archer P., Wilson K., Knott J., Ritchie P., Furyk J., Stuart P., Bament J., Brown M., Greven-Garcia R., Scott M., Cheri T., Nguyen M., Wong C.-P., Wong T.W., Leung L.-P., Man C.K., Bryant M., MacDonald S., Lee T., Mahlangu M., Mountain D., Rogers I., Otto T., Saiboon I.M., Rahman N.H., Lee W.Y., Lee F.C.Y., Russell S., Lawoko C., Laribi S., Al Dandachi G., Maignan M., Hermand D., Tessier C., Roy P.-M., Bucco L., Carbone G., Cosentini R., Truta S., Hrihorisan N., Cimpoesu D., Rotaru L., Petrica A., Cojocaru M., Nica S., Tudoran R., Vecerdi C., Puticiu M., Schonberger T., Coolsma C., Baggelaar M., Fransen N., van den Brand C., Idzenga D., Maas M., Franssen M., Mackaij-Staal C., Schutte L., de Kubber M., Mignot-Evers L., Penninga-Puister U., Jansen J., Kuijten J., Bouwhuis M., Reuben A., Smith J., Ramlakhan S., Darwent M., Gagg J., Keating L., Bongale S., Hardy E., Keep J., Jarman H., Crane S., Lawal O., Hassan T., Corfield A., Reed M., Smolarsky Y., Blaschke S., Jerrentrup C., Hohenstein C., Brunnler F., Ghuysen A., Vranckx M., Ergin M., Dundar Z.D., Altuncu Y.A., Arziman I., Avcil M., Katirci Y., Kokkonen L., Valli J., Kiljunen M., Tolonen J., Kaye S., Makela J., Metsaniitty J., Vaula E., Duytsche N., Garmilla P., Kelly A.-M., Van Meer O., Keijzers G., Motiejunaite J., Jones P., Body R., Craig S., Karamercan M., Klim S., Harjola V.-P., Verschuren F., Holdgate A., Christ M., Golea A., Graham C.A., Capsec J., Barletta C., Garcia-Castrillo L., Kuan W.S., McNulty R., Tan C., Cowell D.L., Jain N., Devillecourt T., Forrester A., Lee K., Chalkley D., Gillett M., Lozzi L., Asha S., Duffy M., Watkins G., Stone R., Rosengren D., Thone J., Martin S., Orda U., Thom O., Kinnear F., Eley R., Ryan A., Morel D., May C., Thomson G., Smith S., Smith R., Maclean A., Grummisch M., Meyer A., Meek R., Rosengarten P., Chan B., Haythorne H., Archer P., Wilson K., Knott J., and Ritchie P.

Published
2020

4. Rasch analysis of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire among adults from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

Author

Schutte, L, Wissing, MP, Ellis, SM, Jose, PE, Vella-Brodrick, DA, Schutte, L, Wissing, MP, Ellis, SM, Jose, PE, and Vella-Brodrick, DA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Meaning in life is a key indicator of subjective well-being and quality of life. Further developments in understanding and enhancing the construct will depend inter alia on the sound measurement thereof. This study is at the forefront of applying modern psychometric techniques to the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, a scale widely used to assess meaning in life. METHOD: The Rasch rating scale model was applied to the Presence and Search subscales of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire using a sample of 601 adults from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. RESULTS: The Presence subscale was insensitive at high levels of presence of meaning while the majority of the respondents fell in that range. Removal of item 9 ("My life has no clear purpose") and collapsing the response categories indicative of low and medium levels of the latent construct significantly improved the subscale's targeting and fit to the Rasch model, resulting in a subscale that exhibited differential item functioning on items 1 ("I understand my life's meaning"), 4 ("My life has a clear sense of purpose"), and 5 ("I have a good sense of what makes my life meaningful") for country, but none for gender, age group, or education level. The Search subscale yielded disordered category threshold calibrations, but after collapsing some of the response categories representing low and medium levels of the target construct, a subscale that demonstrated good fit to the Rasch model, good targeting, and no differential item functioning resulted. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of this particular scale, adaptation of the rating scale and removal of item 9 is recommended. Country-level parameter estimates may be needed for items that exhibited differential item functioning. The study also has significant implications for the theory, measurement, and practice of meaning in and quality of life in general. Reasons for and the far-reaching implications of the insensitivity of the Presence subscale for high levels of

Published
2016

32. Exploration of goals among adults in a matrix of presence of and search for meaning

Author

Heynike, P., Schutte, L., Wissing, M.P., Liversage, C., 13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor), 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor), 22593969 - Liversage, Joanie Christelle (Supervisor), Schutte, L., Dr, and Wissing, M.P., Prof

Subjects
Meaning, South Africa, motivation, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, goals
Abstract

MSc (Positive Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Much research has been done investigating the associations between goals and individuals’ sense of meaning, but very little research has explored how presence of and search for meaning (Steger, 2012) are associated with people’s choice of goals. Exploring how goals and the reasons why they are pursued are associated with meaning among adults, may point to new possibilities for enhancing meaning in life. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how presence of and search for meaning are associated with people’s choice of goals and the motives directing their goals. In a mixed methods study, participants (N = 180) were quantitatively selected from South African data collected in a larger project according to the values of the first and third quartiles of the MLQ search and presence scores. In this way a matrix of four profile groups were formed: high search, high presence (HSHP); high search, low presence (HSLP); low search, high presence (LSHP); and low search, low presence (LSLP). Thematic analysis of responses to semi-structured questions on life goals and the reasons for pursuing them revealed that levels of search for and presence of meaning are associated with the type of goals participants set for themselves. The HSHP profile group had a preference for relationship orientated goals. The HSLP profile group were inclined towards goals centred on work. Goals for the LSHP group were focused on goals related to personal well-being. The LSLP profile group was the only group with no discernible preference for a specific goal type, but was found to be heavily focused on positive affect as a reason to strive for goals. Individuals with high levels of presence of meaning exhibited a sense of personal agency with regards to their goals, demonstrating a belief in their ability to take action and to reach their goals, and proved to value reciprocal relationships. Low levels of presence of meaning were associated with a focus on intrapersonal goals and less value attached to reciprocal relationships. Individuals with low levels of search for meaning tended to have a hedonic focus when it came to goals, preferring goals that increased their personal well-being. The study reveals that goals and the reasons that people pursue their goals are associated with levels of presence of and search for meaning. Implications for interventions to increase psycho-social well-being are suggested. Masters

Published
2018

33. Concordance of goals and meaning in the spirituality domain: associations with socio-demographic variables

Author

Du Preez, Antonette, Liversage, C., Schutte, L., Wissing, M.P., 25734709 - Liversage, C. (Supervisor), 13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor), and 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor)

Abstract

MA (Positive Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Key constructs in the process of human flourishing towards well-being are goals and meaning. These constructs have been studied individually, but limited studies are available on how they are aligned in various domains of life. Both goals and meaning are often value-related and as such may have prominence in the spiritual domain of life. The link between them may, however, differ with age, gender, or other socio-demographic variables. Research on the alignment or concordance of goals and meaning in the spirituality domain of life is scarce, and no literature on the associations with socio-demographic variables in a South African context could be found. This study will address this gap and is an affiliated study of the FORT3 research project making use of data already gathered. The FORT3 research project investigated the prevalence of levels of psychosocial health with regard to the dynamics of and relationships with biomarkers of (ill) health in a South African social context. The aim of this study was to explore the patterns of concordance of goals and meaning in the spirituality domain, and how these patterns are associated with demographic variables. A mixed methods convergent parallel design was used with simultaneous cross-sectional collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Findings showed that very few people mentioned aspects related to spirituality as one of their three most important goals in life or the reasons therefore, but more mentioned spirituality as one of the three most meaningful things in their lives or the motivations therefore. Some indications of an association between socio-demographic variables and the different goal and meaning alignment patterns were found. Specifically, higher standard of living and level of education were associated with a higher probability of mentioning spirituality in goals and meaning. A possible contribution of this study may be that it provides knowledge for the development of well-being interventions towards the facilitation of eudaimonic well-being in life. Masters

Published
2020

34. Concordance between goals and meaning in the community domain of life: Association with well-being and socio-demographic variables

Author

Booysen, Thelma, Cromhout, A., Schutte, L., Wissing, M., 13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor), and 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor)

Subjects
Socio-demographic variables, Meaning, Concordance, Well-being, Community, Goals
Abstract

MA (Positive Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus According to the self-concordance model, people experience higher levels of well-being when their goals and the things they find meaningful in their lives are aligned. For eudaimonic well-being, meaning and goals are important aspects to consider. The alignment/concordant patterns between goals and the things people find meaningful, and how they are associated with indicators of well-being and socio-demographic variables, have scarcely been researched in the community domain of life. Making use of already gathered data from FORT3, the aim of this study was to explore four patterns of alignment between goals and meaning in the community domain, namely: no-goal-no-meaning, both-goal-and-meaning, only-goal-no-meaning, only-meaning-no-goal, and how these patterns are associated with indicators of well-being (SWLS, PANAS-PA, PANAS-NA, MLQ-P, MLQ-S, and MHC-SF-tot = Mental Health Continuum-Short Form Total, and socio-demographic variables, i.e., gender, age, standard of living, educational level, and marital status). This study employed a mixed methods convergent parallel design where quantitative and qualitative data were gathered simultaneously and cross-sectionally from a non-probability sample of South African participants (N = 585) who were 18 years or older and had at least a grade 12 level of education. The coded qualitative data were analysed to determine the degree of alignment/concordance between goals and meaning with indicators of well-being and socio-demographic variables in the community domain of life. Analyses were done to determine the frequencies with which community was mentioned as a goal or meaningful thing, or as a reason for a goal or meaningful thing. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine the associations between alignment patterns and socio-demographic variables and well-being indicators, respectively. Two-way ANOVA was applied to determine the interaction between alignment patterns, socio-demographic variables, and well-being indicators. Results indicated that community was more often mentioned as a goal or a reason for a goal than a meaningful thing or reason for a meaningful thing. The no-goal-no-meaning alignment pattern was most prominent in the community domain. There were statistically significant associations between alignment patterns and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Presence subscale (MLQ-P), and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form-Total. There were no statistically significant associations between alignment patterns and socio-demographic variables. A statistically significant interaction effect was found between alignment patterns, socio-demographic variables (standard of living) and well-being indices (satisfaction with life). The results contribute to a better understanding of the different alignment patterns between goals and meaning and these alignment patterns are associated with well-being indicators and socio-demographic variables. Sub-groups were small and caution should be applied when interpreting the results. Future research should replicate this study in larger samples. Limited support for the self-concordance model was found. Masters

Published
2020

35. Concordance of goals and meaning in the intrapersonal life domain: Associations with demographic variables and well-being

Author

Huisamen, Petronella, Schutte, L, Wissing, M P, and Cromhout, A

Subjects
concordance, meaning, goals, intrapersonal, demographic, well-being measures
Abstract

MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Goals and meaning are important facets of eudaimonic well-being. Scholars have studied goals and meaning separately, but research is sparse on the alignment of goals and meaning, especially in specific life domains and how these may be associated with demographic variables and other indicators of well-being. The FORT3 Research Project investigated the prevalence of levels of psychosocial health with regards to the dynamics and relationships with biomarkers of (ill)health in a South African social context. One aim of the FORT3 project was the exploration of the nature, sources, and motives for positive relationships, goals, and meaning with a mixed method approach; as well as the exploration of the connections between positive relational processes, goals, meaning, and other aspects of psychosocial well-being. Contextual variables and demographic aspects were taken into account. This study formed part of this FORT3 research project in addressing these objectives using data already gathered for this project. The aim of the study was to explore the concordance of goals and meaning in the intrapersonal domain, and how different patterns of concordance were associated with demographic variables and indicators of well-being. A mixed methods convergent parallel design was used with simultaneous cross-sectional collection of quantitative and qualitative data. The coded qualitative data on goals and meaning as manifested in the intrapersonal life domain were analysed to establish the degree of concordance thereof. The results showed that the intrapersonal domain featured stronger in the motivations of people’s goals and meaningful things than in the goals and meaningful things themselves. This highlighted the importance of intrapersonal processes as a central point from where motivation and values are initiated. The results from this study partially support the assumptions of the self-concordance model whereby people will pursue goals that are connected to the “self” (self-concordant goals) with more vigour. Associations with alignment patterns and some indices of well-being were detected for certain demographic GOALS AND MEANING IN INTRAPERSONAL LIFE DOMAIN iv variables, namely age, standard of living, education, and marital status. It is therefore important to take note that the life stage and context of people should be taken into account when planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions regarding the goals and meaningful things in their lives, as well as that a one-size-fits-all approach will not be suitable. Further research should also be pursued in order to determine the impact of similar methods in other life domains apart from the intrapersonal. This could provide valuable information regarding the use of the self-concordance model as basis for the application of eudaimonic well-being interventions across all life domains. National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) Masters

Published
2019

36. Revisiting the conceptualisation and categorisation of appreciation of beauty as a character strength : a narrative review

Author

Hort, Andrew Graeme, Wissing, M.P., Schutte, L., 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor), 13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor), and 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor)||13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor)

Subjects
Moral beauty, Virtues, Character strengths, Appreciation of beauty, Values in action, Natural beauty, Artistic beauty, Transcendence
Abstract

MA (Positive Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus In order to better understand the concept of human strengths, Peterson and Seligman (2004) developed the Values in Action (VIA) classification of 24 character strengths and six virtues. Appreciation of beauty (natural, artistic, and moral), classified under the virtue of transcendence, is one such strength and the focus of this research. A number of questions are raised within the literature regarding the categorisation of appreciation of beauty (AOB) under the overarching virtue of transcendence, the varied componential makeup of this strength, its distinctiveness from or possible associations with other character strengths, and the varied cultural perceptions relating to AOB. There is no previous research addressing these core conceptualisation and categorisation issues, with AOB in general being one of the least researched and least understood of the classified character strengths. The aim of the present study was to critically interrogate the conceptualisation and classification of AOB under the virtue of transcendence. A comprehensive narrative review, which entails a narrative overview of the literature, was deemed the best suited approach for this largely unexplored field. The seven-step approach as recommended by Onwuegbuzie and Frels (2016) was followed in this narrative review process. Specific attention in the methodology was given to the introspection and bracketing of the researcher’s worldview, search strategies for the identification of studies, criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of studies, the use of multimodal texts to supplement published literature, the thematic analysis and synthesis of selected information (data), and specific ethical considerations. Thematic analysis of the literature revealed five core categories, namely: finding beauty, positive emotional states, deeper cognitive states, existential issues, and related character strengths, which were further analysed for emerging patterns that could assist in answering the specific research questions. It was discovered, firstly, that beauty can be conceptualised as either a moral or a non-moral endeavour. While the major sources of beauty (natural, artistic, and moral) are seen as both related and distinct concepts, there are many similarities between natural and artistic beauty not found in moral beauty. The associated emotional states (awe and elevation) and associated existential issues (transcendence, meaning, and connectedness) as the second and third themes, respectively, also distinguished between moral and non-moral beauty. Fourthly, the deeper cognitive states (savouring, absorption, mindfulness, and flow) showed a closer association with natural and artistic beauty than moral beauty. Finally, it was concluded that appreciation of natural and artistic beauty joins cognitive strengths such as curiosity and love of learning under the wisdom virtue rather than the transcendence virtue, and that new virtue clusters should be considered with other combinations of character strengths. The scarcity of literature on AOB as a whole, most particularly from a classification stance, as well as the lack of diverse cultural perspectives of beauty were seen as limiting factors in this study. Further theoretical, empirical, and philosophical studies are thus necessary. An analysis of the conceptualisation and categorisation of AOB and an integration of the state of the art on information in this regard (as intended by this manuscript) may be a springboard for further empirical studies on this important but neglected character strength, and may facilitate the development of interventions to enhance people’s quality of life by appreciating the beauty that is already there. Masters

Published
2019

37. Validation of the basic psychological needs scale in a South African student group

Author

Cromhout, Amanda, Schutte, L., Wissing, M.P., 13012584 - Schutte, Lusilda (Supervisor), 10174524 - Wissing, Maria Philipina (Supervisor), and 13012584 - Shutte, Lusilda (Supervisor)

Subjects
Basic psychological needs, Criterion-related validity, Psychometric properties, Factor structure, Internal consistency reliability, Scale validation, Self-determination theory (SDT), Self-determination theory
Abstract

MA (Positive Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2016 During the past few years research has increasingly focused on the constituents of wellbeing, resulting in the development of various theories aimed at explaining what it means to be psychologically well. Self-determination theory (SDT), a metatheory of human motivation, discerns three basic psychological needs which are universal across cultures, namely autonomy, competence, and relatedness. According to basic psychological needs theory, a sub theory of SDT, all three basic psychological needs must be satisfied for growth and well-being to occur. When one or more of the basic psychological needs are not satisfied, it may result in maladaptive and compensatory behaviour patterns. Research also indicated that need satisfaction, need dissatisfaction, and need thwarting are different constructs, each with its own associations with different levels of well-being or ill-being. This emphasises the importance of having valid and reliable measures to assess an individual’s levels of need (dis)satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS), a measure of basic psychological need satisfaction, in a South African student sample, by exploring its factorial validity, internal consistency reliability, and the criterion-related validity. This study formed part of the FORT 3 umbrella project which was approved by the Ethics Committee of the North-West University, South Africa, with project number NWU 00002-07-A2. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed. The participants were a nonprobability sample of 322 students from multiple campuses from a South African university. Participants were between 18 and 54 years of age. Each participant completed a battery of measurement scales, including the BPNS. VALIDATION OF THE BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS SCALE iii Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the BPNS. The results indicated that neither a one-factor, nor a three-factor model fitted the original 21-item BPNS. After problematic items were removed a three factor, 17-item measure with a negatively worded method effect best fitted our data. However, the fit was only marginal and internal consistency reliability indicators remained low. Although the 17-item BPNS had good criterion related validity, the marginal factorial validity and low internal consistency reliability suggest that the scale should be used with caution in the present context. Specifically, an inspection of the remaining items indicated potential theoretical problems such as that the real meaning, or the full extent, of the intended constructs was not captured. There were also duplicated and ambiguous items. In addition, negatively worded items could tap a different dimension of each construct, while contextual and cultural factors could also have influenced how items operated in the present sample. Future research may focus on investigating the psychometric properties of the BPNS in different populations. An emic approach to understanding basic psychological needs in a South African context is suggested. Furthermore, the BPNS can be improved by rewriting or removing problematic items, and/or by constructing new items. Masters

Published
2015

40. Advancing Digital Health Equity: An Interdisciplinary Educational Approach to Digital Health Access and Inclusivity.

Author

Rees G and Schutte L

Subjects
Humans, Telemedicine, Digital Technology, Healthcare Disparities, Digital Health, Health Equity, Health Services Accessibility
Abstract

The innovatively structured BCIT Digital Health program is designed to build digital-care capacity within the healthcare workforce to improve outcomes across healthcare communities and optimize clinical transformation. An equity-oriented focus and an active commitment to reducing health disparities puts the patient voice at the centre of the program. To improve accessibility in digital health, the program focuses on inclusivity strategies such as capacity building, Indigenous perspectives, equity-oriented care and providing training to build an effective digital healthcare system. By combining clinical expertise with technological competencies and anchoring it all in a commitment to equity, this program will help reshape the future of innovative and equitable healthcare delivery.

Published
2024
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41. Development of a training programme for professional nurses in South Africa - An educational response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author

Jordan P, Iwu-Jaja C, Mokoka E, Kearns I, Oamen B, de Lange S, Schutte L, and Naidoo V

Subjects
Humans, South Africa, Pandemics, Critical Illness, Patients, COVID-19
Abstract

Aim: This paper describes the development of the training programme for South African professional nurses on how to manage critically ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care units and repurposed general wards., Design and Methods: The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation educational instructional design model guided the development of the training programme. A case-based study approach and blended learning were used to deliver the six modules., Results: The training programme was developed, reviewed and validated by the coordinating team of facilitators involved in the initiative. Implementation of the training programme and the result thereof will not be discussed as part of this manuscript., Conclusion: The training programme aimed to enhance the knowledge of professional nurses in the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19. As the pandemic evolves, a need for training and ongoing support was identified, which might address the need for surge capacity and hospital readiness planning., (© 2022 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Published
2023
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42. Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale in three South African samples: A bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling approach.

Author

Cromhout A, Schutte L, and Wissing MP

Subjects
Factor Analysis, Statistical, Humans, Psychometrics, Reproducibility of Results, South Africa, Latent Class Analysis
Abstract

The Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS) is still being used but validation studies that applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the scale has inadequate psychometric properties. CFA is based upon restrictive statistical assumptions that may result in biased parameter estimates. There are statistical developments that overcome these limitations. This study explored the factorial validity of the scale in three South African student samples who completed the English ( n  = 326), Afrikaans ( n  = 478), or Setswana ( n  = 260) version of the BPNS. CFA, bifactor CFA, exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) and bifactor ESEM were applied to the data. The three-factor bifactor ESEM model yielded the best fit, but model fit was inadequate for the English and Setswana versions, and almost adequate for the Afrikaans version. After removal of problematic items based on substantive reasons, high modification indices, and high expected parameter change values, reduced bifactor ESEM models displayed adequate fit. The general factor showed sufficient reliability scores for all language versions. Subscales exhibited insufficient reliability scores, except for the Competence and Relatedness subscales of the BPNS-Afrikaans. A reduced three-factor bifactor ESEM model was partially metric invariant for the English and Afrikaans groups. The BPNS-Afrikaans showed potential for use, but alternative measures of basic psychological needs should be considered for the English and Setswana groups in the current context. The cross-cultural application of basic psychological needs in a South African context is questioned. An emic approach to exploring and conceptualising basic psychological needs in African contexts is recommended.

Published
2022
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43. Further Investigation of the Dimensionality of the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being.

Author

Cromhout A, Schutte L, Wissing MP, and Schutte WD

Abstract

The dimensionality of the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being (QEWB) has been a topic of debate and divergent findings in the literature up to date. This study investigated the factor structure and measurement invariance of the QEWB in four culturally diverse South African samples using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor CFA, exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM), and bifactor ESEM. Three student samples completed the English ( n = 326), Afrikaans ( n = 478), or Setswana ( n = 260) version of the QEWB. An adult sample ( n = 262) completed the English version. The one-factor structure revealed poor fit for the student samples. Although the four-factor models generally showed slightly better fit than the three-factor models, the latter was preferred for parsimony. The bifactor ESEM model displayed good fit for the student samples, with the general factor and some specific factors attaining sufficient reliability scores, pointing to the potential use of the scale in these samples. Configural invariance between the student samples was supported, but not metric nor scalar invariance. For the adult sample, none of the models displayed good fit and the use of the QEWB in this sample is not recommended. The results point towards the existence of a global eudaimonic well-being factor and, at the same time, the interrelatedness of facets of eudaimonic well-being. It suggests that eudaimonic well-being may be represented by the same items across the three student groups. The influence of developmental phase on the manifestation and measurement of eudaimonic well-being should be explored in future., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Cromhout, Schutte, Wissing and Schutte.)

Published
2022
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44. The Inspired Life Program: Development of a multicomponent positive psychology intervention for rural adults in Ghana.

Author

Appiah R, Wilson Fadiji A, Wissing MP, and Schutte L

Subjects
Adult, Ghana, Humans, Mental Health, Optimism, Psychology, Positive, Rural Population
Abstract

Although several theories and studies have explored human strengths and mental well-being at the global level, these insights are rarely tested and translated into practice in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to describe the development of a 10-session multicomponent positive psychology intervention, the Inspired Life Program (ILP), designed to promote mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and negative affect in rural adults in Ghana. Guided by the Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, a seven-step iterative community-based participatory research approach was adopted to develop the ILP, based on constructs and principles of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral model. The final intervention components included a 10-session, two-hourly, once-weekly manualized program designed to promote meaningful and purposeful living, self-acceptance, personal growth, goal-setting and problem-solving skills, and positive thinking through group discussion and activity sessions. We describe the program theory and implementation strategy of the final intervention, and reflect on the challenges and lessons learned from applying this framework in the study context. The development of strengths-based interventions and practicality of methods to promote positive mental health in rural adults are feasible, and have important policy implications for mental health and social care in sub-Saharan Africa., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Published
2022
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45. Participants' experiences and impressions of a group-based positive psychology intervention programme for rural adults in Ghana.

Author

Appiah R, Wilson Fadiji A, Wissing MP, and Schutte L

Subjects
Adult, Ghana, Health Promotion, Humans, Qualitative Research, Psychology, Positive, Rural Population
Abstract

Introduction : There is growing evidence that group-based mental health intervention programmes can encourage the development of peer support, psychosocial skills, and collaborative therapeutic relationships with longer lasting effects. This study explored participants' experiences of, perceived benefits of, and recommendations to improve a 10-session group-based multicomponent positive psychology intervention (mPPI)-the Inspired Life Programme (ILP)-designed to promote positive mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and negative affect in a sample of rural Ghanaian adults. Method : Face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 18 randomly selected programme participants three months after their participation in the ILP. Data were analysed thematically with an inductive approach. Results : Participants described their experience of the ILP as a forum for growth that granted them the opportunity to introspect, practicalise and situate everyday life challenges, connect with others, and to develop a sense of mutual accountability. Results indicate that the ILP  led participants to develop a stronger sense of positivity and well-being, fructify their ideas, and to cultivate stronger social networks and relationships that led to increased vocational productiveness. Participants recommended that researchers include facets of physical health promotion in the programme and invite close relations of participants to participate in the programme. Conclusion : This study provides the first insight into participants' experiences of a group-based mPPI in Ghana. These findings may provide useful information to inform the design of context-appropriate community-based mental health interventions to fit participants' specific needs, capacities, and circumstances.

Published
2021
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46. Effects of a Community-Based Multicomponent Positive Psychology Intervention on Mental Health of Rural Adults in Ghana.

Author

Appiah R, Wilson-Fadiji A, Schutte L, and Wissing MP

Subjects
Adolescent, Adult, Female, Ghana, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Young Adult, Affective Symptoms therapy, Community Mental Health Services, Depression therapy, Psychology, Positive methods, Psychosocial Functioning, Psychotherapy, Group methods, Rural Population
Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence that positive psychology interventions (PPIs) enhance positive mental health and lead to a decrease in symptoms of psychopathology. This study examines the effectiveness of a 10-week multicomponent PPI (the Inspired Life Program; ILP) in promoting positive mental health and reducing symptoms of depression and negative affect in a sample of rural poor adults in Ghana., Methods: Using a quasi-randomized controlled trial design, participants from four rural poor communities were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 40) or control (n = 42) conditions. The intervention group participated in the 10-week ILP. Both groups completed a battery of mental health measures, including the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, at pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at 3 months follow-up. Hierarchical linear modeling was applied to evaluate whether the intervention was effective., Results: There was a greater improvement in positive mental health, with a marked reduction in symptoms of depression in the intervention group compared to the control group, immediately and 3 months after the intervention. There were also larger increases in the proportion of flourishers in the intervention group compared to the control group, immediately and three months after the intervention., Conclusions: The observed effects of the ILP intervention program suggest that group-based PPIs can promote positive mental health and buffer against psychopathology among people living in rural poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa., (© 2020 International Association of Applied Psychology.)

Published
2020
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47. Cochrane corner: personal protective equipment for preventing highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19 in healthcare staff.

Author

Iwu CJ, Jordan P, Jaca A, Iwu CD, Schutte L, and Wiysonge CS

Subjects
Africa, Humans, Personal Protective Equipment, Review Literature as Topic, COVID-19 transmission, Health Personnel, Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional prevention & control
Abstract

As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases continue to increase in Africa, healthcare workers (HCWs) have a high risk of being infected and the risks may be higher among those who work closely with patients. The risks of HCW infections can be mitigated with adequate precautions within healthcare facilities, especially with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We highlight and contextualise the findings of a Cochrane review on the type of PPE that protects best, the best way to put PPE on (donning) or to remove PPE (doffing) and how to train HCWs to use PPE. The review found low-certainty of evidence that full body PPE offer more protection, but HCWs may be faced with difficulty during donning and doffing. Following standard guidelines may be helpful in reducing infection and increasing compliance among HCWs. Video training and simulations may be better methods for training on the correct use of PPE than traditional methods of teaching. Countries must, therefore, ensure that HCWs undergo compulsory training on the correct use of PPE; regardless of their professional category. Of the 24 studies included in this review, none was conducted on the African continent. There is thus an urgent need for well conducted studies on the experiences of HCWs using full-body covering PPE within the African context. Such studies could lead to tailored interventions that will improve the proper use of PPE among HCWs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Chinwe Juliana Iwu et al.)

Published
2020
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48. Motivations for Relationships as Sources of Meaning: Ghanaian and South African Experiences.

Author

Wissing MP, Wilson Fadiji A, Schutte L, Chigeza S, Schutte WD, and Temane QM

Abstract

Afrocentric paradigms reflect assumptions of the overarching importance of interconnectedness and social bonds in meaningful experiences. It is, however, not known if types of relatedness vary in importance as meaning sources in the subjective experiences of laypeople, or what the reasons are that they ascribe to the importance of relationships. The empirical and theoretical substantiation of philosophical assumptions is needed to provide a scientific basis for appropriate well-being interventions in African contexts. Therefore, this study aimed to empirically explore the relative importance of various types of relationships as sources of meaning and in particular why relationships are important to laypeople in relatively collectivist African contexts. Using a bottom-up qualitative approach with quantification of responses, this study explored how prominently relationships featured as meaning sources compared to other domains of life and then, in particular, the motivations for the importance of various types of relationships as found in four African samples: a Ghanaian urban group ( n = 389), a South African multicultural, English-speaking urban group ( n = 585), and two South African Setswana-speaking groups ( n = 512 rural, n = 380 urban). Findings showed that the relational domains of life, namely, family, interpersonal relations, spirituality/religion, and community/society, made up a large proportion of responses on what provides meaning in life-in particular family and spirituality/religion with community/society occurring the least. The reasons for meaning experienced in various relationship types included domain-typical relational descriptors, such as contributions made or rewards received. However, many intrapersonal motives also emerged: inner well-being, happiness, joy, a sense of competence, and own growth. Material needs and harmony also surfaced as motivations for relational importance. Findings are aligned with African philosophical perspectives as far as the importance of relationships and the value attached to spirituality/religion are concerned, but contributed additionally by showing that different types of relationships vary in importance: close relationships are more important than community/societal relationships. Unearthing the reasons for the importance of relationships points toward a dialectic pattern of African individualism-collectivism in which independent and interdependent orientations flow together. Such knowledge is vital for the promotion of mental health and well-being in these contexts., (Copyright © 2020 Wissing, Wilson Fadiji, Schutte, Chigeza, Schutte and Temane.)

Published
2020
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49. Factorial validity of the Twi versions of five measures of mental health and well-being in Ghana.

Author

Appiah R, Schutte L, Wilson Fadiji A, Wissing MP, and Cromhout A

Subjects
Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Female, Ghana, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Self Efficacy, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Language, Mental Health, Psychometrics, Translating
Abstract

Background: Mental health is considered an integral part of human health. Reliable and valid measurement instruments are needed to assess various facets of mental health in the native language of the people involved. This paper reports on five studies examining evidence for the factorial validity of the Twi versions of five mental health and well-being measurement instruments: Affectometer-2 (AFM-2); Automatic Thought Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P); Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSEs); Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in a rural Ghanaian adult sample., Method: Measures were translated and evaluated using a research-committee approach, pilot-tested, and administered to adults (N = 444) randomly selected from four rural poor communities in Ghana. We applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor CFA, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and bifactor ESEM to the AFM-2, ATQ-P, and the PHQ-9, and CFA to the GSEs and the SWLS. The omega coefficient of composite reliability was computed for each measure., Results: A two-factor bifactor ESEM model displayed superior model fit for the AFM-2. The total scale and the Negative Affect subscale, but not the Positive Affect subscale, attained sufficient reliability. Two models (a four-factor 22-item bifactor ESEM model and a 5-factor 22-item ESEM model) fitted the data best for the ATQ-P. The bifactor ESEM model displayed a high reliability value for the total scale and satisfactory reliability values for three of its four subscales. For the GSEs, a one-factor CFA model (residuals of items 4 and 5 correlated) demonstrated superior model fit with a high reliability score for the total scale. A two-factor ESEM model outperformed all other models fitted for the PHQ-9, with moderate and satisfactory reliability scores for the subscales. A one-factor CFA model (residuals of item 4 and 5 correlated) demonstrated superior model fit for the SWLS, with a satisfactory reliability value for the total scale., Conclusions: Findings established evidence for the factorial validity of the Twi versions of all five measures, with the global scores, but not all subscale scores, demonstrating satisfactory reliability. These validated measurement instruments can be used to assess mental health and well-being in the research and practice contexts of the current sample., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Published
2020
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50. The course of sexual interest and enjoyment in head and neck cancer patients treated with primary (chemo)radiotherapy.

Author

Melissant HC, Jansen F, Schutte LER, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Buter J, Leemans CR, Sprangers MA, Vergeer MR, Laan ETM, and Verdonck-de Leeuw IM

Subjects
Aged, Constipation, Female, Head and Neck Neoplasms physiopathology, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Quality of Life, Weight Loss, Chemoradiotherapy, Head and Neck Neoplasms psychology, Head and Neck Neoplasms therapy, Sexuality
Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the course of sexual interest and enjoyment in relation to sociodemographic and clinical factors, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and symptoms of psychological distress in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with primary (chemo)radiotherapy., Methods: HNC patients (n = 354) completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35, including the sexuality subscale covering less sexual interest and enjoyment), and psychological distress (HADS) pretreatment, at 6-week follow-up and at 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-up (i.e., after treatment). Linear mixed models were used to analyze the course of sexuality from pretreatment to 24-month follow-up, and to investigate its relation to sociodemographic and clinical factors, HRQOL, and psychological distress as measured at baseline, and to investigate the course of sexuality from 6- to 24-month follow-up in relation to these factors measured at 6-month follow-up., Results: Before start of treatment, 37% of patients reported having less sexuality, which increased to 60% at 6-week follow-up, and returned to baseline level from 12-month follow-up onwards. Older age (p = 0.037) and trouble with social contact (p < 0.001), weight loss (p = 0.013), and constipation (p = 0.041) before treatment were associated with less sexuality over time. Female gender (p = 0.021) and poor social functioning (p < 0.001) at 6-month follow-up were associated with less sexuality from 6- to 24-month follow-up., Discussion: Less sexuality is often reported in HNC patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. Using PROMs in clinical practice may help identify patients who might benefit from supportive care targeting sexuality., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Published
2018
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