School of Psychology (SPsy.) Collections

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 361
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    Self-efficacy, personal growth initiative and psychological distress among youths in Kiwoko Town Council, Nakaseke District.
    (Makerere University, 2025) Katwere, Enoch
    This study examined the relationships between self-efficacy, personal growth initiative, and psychological distress among youths in Kiwoko Town Council, Nakaseke District, Uganda. A sample of 239 participants aged 18-35years was selected using purposive sampling, and data was collected through using self-report instruments measuring general self-efficacy, personal growth initiative, and psychological distress. The results showed that 58.4% of the participants demonstrated high self-efficacy, while 51.8% reported high levels of personal growth initiative. However, a concerning 59.4% of the participants reported moderate levels of psychological distress, and 26.7% experienced high psychological distress. Inferential Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between Self-Efficacy, Personal Growth Initiative and Psychological Distress: higher self- efficacy was positively associated with personal growth initiative and negatively associated with psychological distress, indicating that youths with greater self-efficacy experienced more personal growth and less psychological distress. Personal growth initiative partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and psychological distress. In conclusion, these findings underscored the importance of fostering self-efficacy and promoting personal growth initiatives as strategies to mitigate psychological distress among youths. The study recommends the need for mental health programs that emphasize self- efficacy building and personal development in rural and underdeveloped areas. Qualitative research can also explore additional factors affecting these relationships over time.
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    Flexible work arrangements, work-life balance, and employee engagement among working mothers in the banking sector in Kampala District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Nyakato, Verenah Baguma
    This study examined the relationship between flexible work arrangements, work-life balance, and employee engagement among working mothers in the banking sector in Kampala District. The study sought to examine the relationship between flexible work arrangements and worklife balance, assess the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement, determine the relationship between work-life balance and employee engagement, and investigate the mediating role of work-life balance in the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 213 working mothers through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS Version 27. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were conducted. Findings revealed that flexible work arrangements showed minimal and statistically nonsignificant associations with work-life balance dimensions, indicating that flexible work policies did not substantially reduce work-family conflict. While part-time work exhibited a significant positive relationship with employee engagement (r = .182, p = .008), job sharing was significantly negative (r = -.170, p = .013). Other flexibility options, such as flexitime and remote working, showed no significant relationships with engagement. Similarly, work-life balance dimensions were weakly and insignificantly associated with engagement, and the mediation effect of work-life balance was not supported. Overall, the results suggest that although flexible work policies exist, their implementation is limited in practice. The study concludes that genuine managerial support, realistic workload adjustment, and an enabling organisational culture are essential for translating flexibility into improved engagement and balance among working mothers.
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    Depression, social support and adherence to psychiatric medication among patients in Arua District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Atim, Elizabeth
    The interaction between depression, social support, and adherence to medication is critical in the recovery process of mentally ill patients. The study aimed to examine the relationships among depression, social support and adherence to psychiatric medication. A cross-sectional, quantitative correlational design was utilized, with a purposive sample of 199 participants (112 female, 87 male) recruited from Arua Regional Hospital. Findings indicated that depression was significantly negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.43, p < .001), specifically regarding support from family, friends and significant others. Social support demonstrated a strong positive correlation with medication adherence (r = .61, p < .001), while depression was negatively correlated with adherence (r = -.26, p < .001). Furthermore, social support was found to mediate the relationship between depression and medication adherence. These results emphasize the critical role of social support systems in mitigating the impact of depression on treatment compliance. The study highlights the necessity for integrated mental health interventions that strengthen social support networks to improve adherence in low-resource settings.
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    Lived experiences of female sex workers in Kawempe Division, Kampala - Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Achan, Eve
    In Uganda, sex work is regarded as a profession of controversy and high risk. Understanding the social context that surround the services that sustain the well-being of sex workers is a great research concern. In Uganda female sex workers face disproportionately high levels human rights violations, including stigma, discrimination, and systemic exclusion due to punitive, restrictive legal and regulatory environment, often considered by people who are not familiar with the unique needs of this population. This, as a result, fuels violence in the form of physical assault, sexual and emotional abuse and discrimination, which negatively impacts on their social, physical, and mental health. The aim of this qualitative study was to produce an account of lived experiences of female sex workers including their mental health challenges in order to propose appropriate remedial mental health programs that promote their mental wellbeing. The key informant interviewing method was used to gather data from fourteen sampled female sex workers from Kawempe Division in Kampala. The study was founded on the basis of two theories; the social cognitive learning theory which is based on learning through the interaction between a person and his/her environment by watching others and through social interactions, they learn behaviours which may prompt them to imitate, and the general strain theory which posits that a high magnitude of strain or stress levels resulting from negative treatment by others may reduce one’s ability to observe laws, reduce concerns for the costs of crime and cause illicit behavior. An inductive thematic analysis was used incorporating Braun and Clerk’s 6- step method. This study revealed that unemployment, and the desire to fulfil financial needs drive women to join sex work, while financial stability, fulfillment of social obligation, financial independence and social connections are the gains that accrue from this job. The study also revealed that harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination are among the challenges of this work which consequently impact on mental health, yet mental health remedial services are a far cry to come by as they are less prioritized and if availed, considered as a subsidiary service.
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    Emotional labor, psychological flexibility and mental health of frontline employees in the banking sector
    (Makerere University, 2025) Mutonyi, Sophia
    Bank frontline employees frequently face the challenge of managing their emotions to suit the situation in which they are serving, balancing the needs of both customers and line managers, which can lead to potential strain on their mental well-being. This is characterized by a disparity between their inner, covert feelings and outward, overt expressions and manifestations. The study sought to investigate how psychological flexibility moderates the effect of emotional labour on the mental health of frontline employees in the banking sector in Kampala. The study was cross sectional, involving 178 frontline employees randomly selected from two banks in Kampala, Uganda. Data was collected using standardized questionnaires, and analysis was done using Pearson correlation and regression in SPSS v.27. Results of the study suggest that surface acting (and deep acting have a significant positive relationship with psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility and mental health have a significant relationship. There is a significant positive relationship between a) surface acting and b) deep acting with mental health. Psychological flexibility moderates the relationship between a) surface acting and b) deep acting with mental health. The results suggest that banking institutions in Kampala can improve employee mental health and job satisfaction by fostering psychological flexibility through targeted interventions. By supporting employees in navigating the emotional demands of their roles, banks can enhance resilience, reduce burnout, and improve overall workplace performance.