Information
Dive into the latest research endeavors within Social Work and Psychology at COMPRES.
Discover how our innovative projects are shaping the future of these disciplines and addressing critical societal challenges
An electronic version of the current research projects are also accessible for download.
Empowering Child Protection Social Workers: Understanding Challenges and Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the South African Context
Primary Researcher: Associate Professor Elmien Crofford
Contact Details: elmien.crofford@nwu.ac.za
Overview: In our collaborative research effort with postgraduate students, our objective is to bolster cooperation within the child protection system and address impediments that hinder effective service delivery. Entitled "Empowering Child Protection Social Workers: Understanding Challenges and Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the South African Context," our project meticulously examines the obstacles confronted by child protection social workers in combating doing their work: protecting children against maltreatment. It also delves into the resilience demonstrated by these professionals and seeks to develop strategies for fostering resilience among them and other role players within the system.
Aim and Goal: Our endeavor aims to dissect the multifaceted challenges within the South African child protection system while proposing empowerment strategies. Our study underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, thorough exploration of systemic barriers, and interaction with parliamentary stakeholders through policy briefs. By engaging master’s and PhD students, our research endeavors to instigate transformative change in the system, utilizing initiatives such as "TheCave" web application [www.thecave.africa] to facilitate knowledge exchange and nurture a supportive culture within the child protection community. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance outcomes for vulnerable children in South Africa.
The Moderating and Mediating Roles of Resilience in the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence, Psychological Distress and Substance Use Among Individuals in an Intimate Relationship
Primary Researcher: Professor Choja Akpovire Oduaran & Victor Chidi Onyencho (PhD)
Contact Details: Choja.oduaran@nwu.ac.za
Aim: This study aims to examine the moderating and mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between intimate partner violence, psychological distress and substance use among individuals in an intimate relationship.
Objectives: In line with the aim of the study, the following research objectives were raised: (i) To determine the extent to which resilience moderate the relationship between IPV and psychological distress among individuals in an intimate relationship. (ii) To investigate the extent to which resilience mediate the relationship between IPV and psychological distress among individuals in an intimate relationship. (iii) To determine the extent to which resilience moderate the relationship between IPV and substance use among individuals in an intimate relationship. (iv) To investigate the extent to which resilience mediate the relationship between IPV and substance use among individuals in an intimate relationship.
Rationale: The study will add to the body of knowledge regarding how IPV impacts psychological distress and substance abuse among university students and staff who are in intimate relationships. Also, the moderating and mediating role of resilience in the relationship between IPV, psychological distress and substance use among this population will be explored considering the fact that this has not been adequately examined among this population (Fedina et al., 2021; Zhu et al., 2023). The results of this study will benefit relevant stakeholders such as government ministries that provide care support service and non-governmental organization that has the vision to protect against human right abuses. The results will help determine the most effective therapies to help this population live a life free of psychological distress. Furthermore, the university community and other relevant stakeholders will benefit from the findings of this study on how best to address psychological distress as a result of IPV. This will eventually increase productivity and foster better relationship among staff members.
Wellness Wardens: A Social Service Protection Initiative
Primary Researcher: Dr Lucé Pretorius
Contact Details: luce.pretorius@nwu.ac.za
Overview: Introducing “The Wellness Wardens: A Social Service Protection Initiative”! This research project embodies a commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of social service professionals, who tirelessly serve vulnerable populations amidst challenging and often stressful environments.
The term "Wellness Wardens" encapsulates the essence of guardianship and vigilance, reflecting our protective role in protecting these dedicated professionals. With a long-term research commitment, our initiative aims to address critical areas of safety and psychosocial well-being, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment for social service professionals to thrive.
Aim: Through meticulous assessment, customized interventions, and advocacy for policy changes, we seek to create lasting change in social service practice and the communities they serve.
Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to improving human well-being.
SafeStart South Africa: Protecting Children in High-Risk Communities (SafeStartSA)
Primary Researcher: Prof Lizane Wilson
Contact Details: lizane.wilson@nwu.ac.za
Overview: ”No violence against children is justifiable and all violence against children is preventable” (Dr. Krieger, Deputy Representative, UNICEF South Africa). The phenomenon of child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global problem and a growing concern in South Africa as one in five children is a victim of sexual abuse. This widespread problem impacts negatively on the victim, the family, the wider community and ultimately society. The emotional, psychological, and physical traumas that sexual violence victims experience can last for months, years, and for some, even a lifetime.
Children in South Africa often grow up exposed to high levels of violence in their homes, schools and neighbourhoods. It is acknowledged that the presence of various risk factors, such as family violence, crime, substance abuse and poverty in communities undermine efforts to develop effective prevention policies and the children in this community are more prone to become victims of CSA.
Aim and Goal: The prevention of sexual violence against children is increasingly being prioritised as a global priority but is still a neglected area. Although evidence-based strategies and programmes from other countries and regions that appear to hold promise should be considered, they must be adapted to the culture and context of South Africa’s children and families. Therefore this study aims to develop evidence-based multilevel culturally adapted strategies for preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) in high-risk communities.