School of Psychology (SPsy.)

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  • Item
    The expression of grief among orphans of the AIDS' epidemic in South Uganda
    (Makerere University, 1999-11) Ursula, Sharpe
    The AIDS pandemic in the south of Uganda has left hundreds of thousands of bereaved orphans. The tremendous loss of life has also created radical changes in ageold cultural practices governing family life. Where once clan and families absorbed orphans into the .extended family, now the numbers of orphans often makes this impossible. Families are disrupted with large numbers of children being cared for by elderly relatives or in some cases, the eldest in families of children bear totalresponsibility for the Younger ones. In the past grieving was structured over aprolonged period of time With the immense number of deaths which are occurring now, this grieving period is often contracted into a few brief days. The purpose of this research is to study how these circumstances impact on children by looking at how orphans experience grief and how they express their feelings, in order to determine if that expression is adequate for dealing with the losses which they have suffered. Analysis of this data reveals that children do not always have the opportunity to grieve adequately The research highlights those practices and beliefs that hinder and prevent adequate grieving as well as those customs which are helpful. The extent of this problem will continue to grow as AIDS continues to spread. The importance of adequate grief resolution is well documented in western literature. This study is a step towards understanding this problem in an African context. Recommendations are made to train counselors in bereavement counseling in order to establish bereavement support groups for the orphans and for their guardians, and for individual counseling for those who need it. Education for teachers and those working with orphans on grief resolution is also recommended. Further research is recommended particularly to look at why some orphans have good grief resolution and others do not, and the consequences of this maladjustment.
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    Stressors, coping strategies, anxiety and depression among mental health proffessionals
    ( 2006-07-30) Ssenyonga, Joseph
    The study examined stressors, coping strategies, anxiety and depreesion among mental health professionals. Eighty mental health professionals from Butabika hospital participated in the study. The majority were female, psychiatric nurses, married, protestant and in the age range of 30-39 years. Results showed that mental health professionals faced alot of stressors. work stressor caused higher of stress compared to family stressors.The majority of respondents suffered from anxiety and depression and used functional coping strategies. Dysfunctional coping strategies were related to anxiety and depression. Dysfunctional coping strategies and functional coping strategies were negatively related. Stressors were associated with anxiety and depression. Stressors were negatively related to functional copying strategies and positively related to dysfunctional coping strategies.
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    Ethical evaluation of immunisation programme : a comparative study of Busiro and Kyadondo Counties, Wakiso District
    (Makerere University, 2007) Mitanda, Peter Lwanga
    A study was about "Ethical evaluation of immunization programme: a comparative study of Busiro and Kyandoddo counties Wakiso District. There was a general reluctancy or skepticism of parents and guardians to have their children immunized in spite of government efforts to ensure that all children below the age of five years are fully immunized against communicable and preventable diseases. A study was carried out to examine the factors that inhibit parents or guardians to have their children immunized. It was hypothesized that the level of education, the fear of side effects and inaccessibility to immunization centers greatly influence parents to take their children for immunization. Using interviews and questionnaires information was elicited from randomly sampled households. While group discussions were used to elicit information from health workers. The level of education, access to immunization centers and fear of side effects are significantly associated with the response to immunization. It is therefore important for the MOH in conjunction with the local Government authorities to sensitize the public about the side effects of vaccines and the importance of immunization programmes. Also safety and effectiveness of vaccines should be ensured.
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    NGO psychosocial support, unresolved grief and depression among AIDS orphans
    (Makerere University, 2007) Kazuo, Hosomi
    The objectives of this study were to examine the level of unresolved grief and depression between the supported and the non-supported AIDS orphans. Eighty AIDS orphans receiving support, and 80 who were not yet supported participated in this study. Results revealed that AIDS orphans from both the supported and the non-supported group showed high levels of unresolved grief, and the non-supported group were more depressed than the supported. The study highlighted that the more unresolved grief they had, the more depressed they were. In general, AIDS orphans in Uganda continue to battle with unresolved grief and depression long after the bereavement. The importance of adequate NGO psychosocial support was highlighted.
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    Internal displacement, locus of control, happiness and hope among children
    (Makerere University, 2008) Kasujja, Rosco
    The study set out to investigate internal displacement (ID), locus of control (LOC), happiness and hope among children. A total of 240 school-going internally displaced (ID) and non-displaced (ND) children less than 18years old of either sex were enrolled into the study. A causal-comparative research design and proportionate stratified sampling were applied. Standardized scales were used in this study that is Child's Perception of Control Scale (CPCS), Children's Hope Scale (CHS) and Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). In conclusion, there was no significant difference in either LOC or hope between ID and NO children. There was a significant difference in happiness between ID and NO children. There was no overall interactional effect between internal displacement, locus of control, happiness and hope.
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    Self-disclosure, accessing counseling services and psychological well-being among HIV-positive women.
    (Makerere University, 2009) Namale, Joyce Matovu
    The purpose of the study to was to find out whether self-disclosure significantly affected accessing counselling services and psychological well-being. It also investigated the relationship between accessing counselling services and psychological well-being. A correlational study design was used to compare 150 HIV-positive women who had self-disclosed and 150 women who had not self-disclosed attending Mulago PMTCT and MTCT plus programme. The independent t-test was used to test hypotheses 1 and 3 and Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient was used to test hypothesis 2. Results indicated that self-disclosure significantly affects accessing counselling services and psychological well-being and that there is a relationship between accessing counselling services and psychological well-being.
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    Socio-economic status (SES), reproductive health knowledge (RHK), parent-adolescents relationship (PAR) and HIV/AIDS-risk behavior
    (Makerere University, 2009) Ntegana, Aziida
    This study set out to investigate the relationships between socio-economic background and Reproductive Health Knowledge of adolescents, Parents- Adolescent relationship, and vulnerability to HIV / AIDS-risk behavior. This study was done in two districts of Wakiso and Kampala involving adolescents from three sampled types of schools (one day, one boarding, one single-sex school) focusing on issues such as media, discos, internet, and pornography among others on how they affect the adolescent’s behavior. From the study, it was concluded that adolescents have unique conditions, which explain their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS-risk behavior. There was a positive significant relationship between reproductive health knowledge and HIV/AIDS risk behavior though there was no significant relationship between SES status of adolescents and HIV I AIDS risk behavior and there was a significant relationship between parent-adolescent relationship and HIV/AIDS risk behavior.
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    Deafness, parental bonding, self-esteem and depression among adolescents.
    (Makerere University, 2009) Kiwanuka, Mary
    The study compared the quality of perceived maternal bonding style, level of self esteem and depression in deaf and hearing adolescents, and also examined the relationship between perceived maternal bonding, self esteem and depression. A total of 160 secondary school deaf and hearing adolescents enrolled in the study. Participants completed measures of parental bonding style, self esteem and depression. Results indicated that more deaf than hearing adolescents perceived their mothers as employing affection less control bonding style. The deaf adolescents had significantly lower self esteem and more depression than hearing adolescents, though the depression was mainly in the mild degree category. In both groups depression was significantly associated with affection less control maternal bonding style (low care, high over protection). In conclusion deafness, perceptions of low maternal care and high over protection and low self esteem predicted depression.
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    Teachers’ attitudes, perceptions and responses towards children’s mental distress
    (Makerere University, 2009) Kahima, Maureen
    The study sought to examine teachers’ attitudes, perceptions and responses towards children’s mental distress. The study used a qualitative research design. Fifty-seven qualified primary school teachers from Mbarara Municipality participated in the study. Teachers’ attitudes towards children’s mental distress drew feelings of sympathy, anger and concern. Sympathy and anger were the most commonly mentioned feelings, although concern was expressed for most indicators. Children’s mental distress was perceived as largely originating from the child’s family and the child’s nature, which could also be influenced by the family. School-related issues, though minimal, were mainly to do with the teachers and other pupils. Teachers’ responses to children’s mental distress were mainly teacher-child focused and very minimal for parent-teacher interventions. This was seen as rather contradictory, bearing in mind that children’s mental distress was largely attributed to the family.
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    Operant competences, emotional competences, role clarity and perceived performance of executive directors
    ( 2009-07-20) Nakalema, Joyce
    The study highlights the relationship between Operant competences, emotional competences, role clarity and perceived performance of the Exective Directors. The study involved 50 respondents selected from 50 organizations from kampala district. The data was collected using questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Cross tabulation was used to describe the demographic samples used in the study. Factory analysis was carried out to unravel the underlying dimensions from the large variable and summarize the variables into factors that were used as input variables for pearson correlation and regression analysis. Pearson correlation was used to establish the magnitude of relationship between variables while regression analysis was used to establish which of the study variables affected perceived performance the most. The role of the Exective Director was coded and described using the qualitative data management guidelines forwarded by Huberman 1994. The findings indicated that there was a relationship between operant compentences and role clarity, emotional compentences and role clarity are related and role clarity had an impact on perceived performance of Executive Directors. Operant compentences, Emotional compentences and Role clarity predicted 73% of perceived performance
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    Self-esteem, violent behavior and peer relationships among adolescents that witnessed domestic violence
    ( 2009-08-08) Nyemara, Novatus
    The study investigated the relationship between witnessing domestic violence and adolescents’ violent behavior, self-esteem, and peer relationships. The study used a correlation design. Data was collected on 210 adolescents, ages 14 to 17, studying in form three. Participants were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data was analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs). Results indicate that adolescents’ violent behavior is positively related to witnessing domestic violence. Further, adolescents’ self-esteem is negatively related to witnessing domestic violence. In addition, adolescents’ peer relationships are positively related to witnessing domestic violence. It is recommended that early interventions should be adopted to assist adolescents to build up their self-esteem and improve their relationships with their peers. This could involve interventions designed to help avert the development of distressing symptoms. Further, families and communities should be sensitized to work toward creating a safe place for children.
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    Students’ attitudes towards pornography, sexual attitudes, and sexual practices2009
    ( 2009-08-08) Tukamuhabwa, Anne Muhumuza
    This study presents the relationships between students’ attitudes towards pornography, sexual attitudes and sexual practices. Respondents were 286 senior four students selected from four government-aided secondary schools in Kampala District. A significant positive relationship was found between attitudes towards pornography and sexual attitudes (r = .219; p < .10) and between sexual attitudes and sexual practices (r = .287; p < .01). For attitudes towards pornography and sexual practices, the analysis showed no significant relationship. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed an interaction between attitudes towards pornography, sexual attitudes and sexual practices. Therefore results indicated that, although attitudes towards pornography do not affect sexual practices directly, they do so indirectly by influencing sexual attitudes. Implications of the results and recommendations for further research were discussed.
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    Parenting styles and adolescent drug abuse
    (Makerere University, 2009-09) Lukabala, Edward
    The study was conducted in five mixed day secondary schools in Kampala District. It took a correlation approach to investigate on the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent drug abuse, the frequency of drug abuse and age, and whether there was a difference in drug abuse between boys and girls. Drug abuse and Parental Authority Questionnaires were used to obtain data from 452 adolescents of both sexes of the late and early adolescence. On analysis, using the (SPSS), results indicated no significant relationship between parenting styles and drug. It was also found that at an early age adolescents were more likely to abuse drugs than the late ages and that girls abused drugs just like boys. Parents need to give equal care to girls as it is for boys. The study also made conclusions and possible recommendations.
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    Operant competence, organizational social capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour
    ( 2009-09) Kakobyo, Angela Kabarungi
    The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between operant competences, organizational social capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior among primary school teachers. A survey was carried out using a sample 250 teachers in Kiira County (Wakiso District) and Nakawa Division (Kampala District). Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and regression analysis. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between organizational social capital and organizational commitment, organizational social capital and OCB, operant competences and OCB, organizational commitment and OCB but a negative and non significant relationship between operant competences and organizational commitment. The study showed that organizational social capital and operant competences are significant predictors of OCB. From the study, it was established that OCB of employees in any organizations can be improved by improving levels of trust and associability, improving existing institution programmes for capacity building to facilitate members to acquire competence and identifying factors that enable employees identify with organizational goals.
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    Sex, Social Support and Self-Disclosure of People Living With HIV/AIDS
    (Makerere University, 2009-11) Nkayivu, Hannington
    The study examined the sex differences in seeking social support and self-disclosure, the relationship between social support and self-disclosure, and the interaction effect between sex and social support on self-disclosure. Questionnaires were administered to 128 people. Data was analyzed using the t-test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Analysis of Variance. Results established that there was no significant difference between females and males in seeking social support (p = .192) or in self-disclosure (p = .30); there was a significant positive relationship between social support and self disclosure (rs =.307; p = .002) and there was no interaction effect between sex, social support and self-disclosure ( p = .88). The study recommended that social support services for people living with HIV and AIDS should integrate mechanisms that enhance self-disclosure.
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    Disclosure of HIV diagnosis, psychological distress and adherence to medical regimens in HIV–infected children
    (Makerere University, 2009-11) Nalubega, Jane Frank
    The study set out to investigate disclosure of HIV diagnosis, psychological distress and adherence to medical regimens in HIV-infected children. A total of 120 HIV-infected children both males and females were enrolled in the study. Correrational study design and purposive sampling techniques were applied. Standardized scales were used in the study that is Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Morisky Medical Adherence Scale (MMAS). Caregivers were also interviewed to offer additional information concerning their children in relation to the variables used in the study. In conclusion, there was a significant relationship between disclosure and psychological distress among HIV-infected children, there was no significant relationship between either disclosure and adherence or psychological distress and adherence among HIV-infected children.
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    Operant competence analysis and profiling : a reflection in action learning framework for articulating individual and managerial competences
    (Makerere University, 2010) Nansubuga, Florence
    This study highlights the need to translate tacit knowledge into job tailored explicit operant competences that can allow the individual managers and their organizations improve performance. The study is built on the review of some of the popular competence models used in management of performance in organizations. The study focus is on testing an operant competence analysis and profiling (OCAP) framework which purports to address some of the existing gaps in the reviewed competence models. The key constructs used to test the claims of OCAP include; reflection in action, competence mix, role clarity, job context, adaptability to work environment and performance. The study design was a quasi experimental, non equivalent group design. It involved a pretest (baseline measurement) for two groups (the treatment group and the comparison group) and a posttest. After the pretest the respondents in the treatment group were trained in operant competence analysis and profiling. During the posttest a third group (second comparative group) was included to control for the effects that may arise as a result of interacting with the other groups during the pretest. The study covered nine districts while focusing on all heads of departments and units in those districts. The sample comprised of 56 respondents in group one, 58 respondents in group two and 74 respondents in group three. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire. The results were analysed using Pearson product moment correlation, regression analysis, t-test (independent sample and paired sample) and ANOVA. All the hypotheses tested showed that the variables were positively related and significant. When the means of the treatment group at the pretest stage were compared with the means at posttest stage using the paired sample test, the results showed a significant difference with a greater eta effect on all variables. The results indicated that reflection in action enables managers to determine a mix of relevant competences, perceive the work clearly and act proactively when faced with work environmental challenges. Qualitative results generated by the OCAP intervention were managed using Miles and Huberman (1994) qualitative displays and Gibbs (2006) memos of concepts and ideas. The OCAP intervention allowed managers to put emphasis on examining the past experiences, reflect on their actions and modify their operant competences to address the challenges in their work environment as a way of improving performance. The study recommends that employers should regularly provide their employees with continuous opportunity to reflect on actions in their past experiences. In addition employees should periodically review their competence profiles and redefine or modify their job descriptions according the current organization job demands and objectives.
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    Job insecurity, coping strategies and resilience
    (Makerere University, 2010) Wakudumira, Anne Nabunya
    The purpose of the study was to find the relationship between job insecurity, coping strategies and resilience of employees who stay on to work after others have been laid off through restructuring. Questionnaires were given out to 300 employees in various organizations in Kampala and Jinja who had experienced restructuring. Data was analysed using biserial and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between job insecurity and coping strategies, between coping strategies and resilience. Results also showed a significant negative relationship between job insecurity and resilience. The use of coping strategies, both problem-focused and emotion-focused, was associated with resilience of employees who experience job insecurity. Effective use of appropriate coping strategies can bring positive outcomes.
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    The relationship between teachers’ competences, role clarity, organizational citizenship behavior and school performance
    (Makerere University, 2010-10) Ssentongo, Thomas
    The problem of the study is the presence of malpractices that led to antisocial behavior among teachers and poor secondary school performance. The study dealt with the relationship between the following variables: secondary school teacher competences (SSTC), role clarity (RC), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and secondary school performance (SSP) among secondary schools in Mukono district. Six objectives generated from the variables guided the study. The study involved 126 respondents from 30 schools. A correlational research design was used in the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. The population had teachers in 30 schools. The size had 126 respondents, 4 teachers in each school. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Pearson correlation established the magnitude of the relationship between variables while regression analysis established which of the study variables affected the dependent variable most. Qualitative data was analyzed using networks and matrices as described by Miles and Huberman (1994). The findings indicate that SSTC are positively related to RC, RC is negatively related to OCB, and OCB is positively related to SSP. RC is negatively related to SSP, SSTC is negatively related to OCB, and SSTC is positively related to SSP. Lastly, SSTC, RC, and OCB predict 27% of the variance in SSP with SSTC being the greatest predictor of variation among the three. Qualitative findings indicate that there are many factors that combine to influence SSP. From the above findings, the researcher discussed the recommendations and made suggestions for further research.
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    Performance management practices and managed performance: The moderating influence of organisational culture and climate
    (Makerere University, 2010-10) Kagaari, James R.K
    The study attempted to explore and explain the existence and implementation of performance management practices to facilitate the achievement of managed performance. A mixedmethod study approach (Qualitative and Quantitative) was adopted. A sample of 900 employees was drawn using a disproportionate stratified purposive sampling approach that yielded a 53 % response rate. Twelve participants were purposively selected from top management members and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Using Nvivo software and Miles and Huberman (1994) approaches, interview data was managed and analysed. Qualitative data results revealed that employees in public universities are involved in planning, mobilising resources, problem solving, evaluating performance and adopting ICT to deliver cost-effective quality services/products. The hypotheses were tested and revealed a significant positive relationship between performance management practices and managed performance(r = .25, ρ < .001). A moderating influence of organisational culture and climate on performance management practices and managed performance was also established and confirmed (∆R² = .012) significantly above zero (ρ = .015). However, crosssectional studies by their nature are subjected to common method variances; a replication of the study using a longitudinal approach was recommended. Also, further studies should be supplemented with in-depth interviews or case studies where possible to tap salient issues from the respondents. The study called for continuous refinement of theories that explain performance management practices. Public universities should have visionary futuristic managers who can think of new approaches to managing people in a dynamic hyperchanging technological environment.