Department of Psychology

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    The Neuropsychological And Psychosocial Predictors Of Juvenile Delinquency: Comparing Detained Delinquents And Matched Control Group
    (University of Ghana, 2020-11) Turkson, S.M.A.
    The causes of juvenile delinquency are varied. Research has focused largely on psychosocial factors although there is growing evidence that brain factors are equally implicated. Identifying the causes of delinquency is very important as it helps with rehabilitation of youth who are caught in the world of crime or at risk of becoming delinquent. In the present study, the objectives were to investigate broadly, psychological and social predictors of delinquency. Specifically, the objectives were to examine the extent to which selected neurocognitive abilities and psychosocial characteristics can predict delinquency. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used to collect data from 84 detained delinquents and 31 matched controls between the ages of 14 and 18 years. Using the logistic regression analysis, results indicated that poor verbal ability was a robust neuropsychological predictor of juvenile detention. In addition, low socioeconomic status more than doubled the likelihood of juvenile detention. Somatic complaints and rule breaking behavior were emotional/behavioral problems that almost doubled the likelihood of juvenile detention. Inadequate parental supervision; low parental education and childhood abuse/trauma may account for the findings. Recommendations include, extensive neuropsychological evaluations need to be included in the legal decision-making process at the juvenile courts. Prison officers should be trained on the care and management of children with neuropsychological deficits. Teachers should be trained to identify children who are at risk for delinquency, so that early interventions can be made
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    Job Insecurity And Burnout Among Private Security Officers: The Roles Of Work-Family Conflict And Procedural Justice
    (University of Ghana, 2022-01) Mahama, S.
    Numerous studies have documented the detrimental impact of job insecurity on burnout among different employees. However, the roles of contextual factors such as procedural justice and work-family conflict in the relationship between job insecurity and burnout have received little attention. Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, the study sought to examine the roles of procedural justice and work-family conflict in the relationship between job insecurity and burnout. One hundred and eighty-four (n = 184) employees working in private security organisations in the Greater Accra region of Ghana conveniently served as the respondents for the study. The Job Insecurity Scale (JIS, Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFCS), Justice Perceptions Scale (JPS), and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), which has two dimensions (job disengagement and emotional exhaustion), were used in data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was the software used in analysing the data. The data were analysed using bivariate correlations and multiple regression analysis). Findings of the study indicated that job insecurity was positively related to the disengagement and exhaustion dimensions of burnout. Work-family conflict moderated the relationship of job insecurity with exhaustion but not disengagement. Procedural justice mediated the relationship between job insecurity and the components of burnout (job disengagement and emotional exhaustion). These findings suggest the need for managers in private security organizations to implement measures to reduce work-family conflict and ensure procedural justice to help minimize the impact of job insecurity on security officers.
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    Exploring Suicidal Behaviours Among Adolescents In Orphanages In Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2023-03) Adibrosu, J.A.
    Prevalence studies among adolescents have shown that in sub-Saharan Africa suicide is a common phenomenon and a growing concern. However, no study in Ghana has focused on suicidal behaviours among adolescents in orphanages given their vulnerability and the stressful psychological outcomes of residential care placement identified by some researchers. This study therefore explored the presence of suicidal behaviours (that is, the 12-month prevalence rate of suicidal behaviour), the factors associated with suicidal behaviours in the target population, and the significant predictors of suicidal behaviours in the sample. Using a quantitative approach, two hundred and fifty-six adolescents from orphanages within the Greater Accra, Central and Eastern Regions were purposively sampled to complete measures on a general psychosocial functioning questionnaire. Findings showed that the 12—month prevalence estimates of suicide ideation, suicide planning and suicide attempt were 29.2%, 11.3%, and 5.1%, respectively. Furthermore, factors associated with suicidal behaviour were found to be multi-contextual: psychological (depression, anxiety and stress), psychosocial (sense of belonging, quality of life), health risk behaviours (smoking status), and social (media reportage of suicide). What is more, the significant predictors of suicidal behaviour identified by the present study were narrowed down to two main factors: psychosocial (sense of belonging) and demographic characteristics (sex: male). The Ideation-to-Action Framework and the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of suicidal behaviour are used to explain prevalence estimates. Again, the multi-contextual nature of the correlates of suicidal behaviour is explained with the Ecological Theory of suicidal behaviour. Suicide prevention and clinical practice implications are also highlighted.
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    Experiences Of Living With Diabetes And The Influence Of Diabetes Complications And Self-Care On Psychological Outcomes
    (University of Ghana, 2022-01) Adade, A.E.
    Self-care activities are critical in managing diabetes and lead to better recovery responses. However, adherences to these activities are poor among patients. This results in improper disease management, increases in diabetes complications, and consequently poor psychological health. This study examines the lived experiences and the influence of diabetes self-care activities and complications on psychological outcomes (depression, diabetes distress, and quality of life) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Multiple regression, and Linear regression were used to analyze the quantitative data obtained whereas thematic analysis was employed for the examination of the qualitative data. Results from the quantitative study revealed that no significant differences exist in the distress and depression levels between patients with two or more diabetes complications and those with no diabetes complications. Also, there were no observed differences in self-care activities between patients with two or more, and those with no diabetes complications. Furthermore, quality of life was significantly predicted by exercise but not medication. Interestingly, diabetes duration neither predicted depression, diabetes distress nor quality of life. Findings from the qualitative study, it was revealed that most patients experienced negative emotions when diagnosed with diabetes. Some challenges to effective diabetes management were identified to be distance to health care facilities, the use of herbal drugs, and the fear of medication side effects. Despite support and coping tools, patients still experienced some form of distress due to complications and death from these complications. Limitations of the study and their implications for future research are discussed.
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    Experiences Of Living With Diabetes And The Influence Of Diabetes Complications And Self-Care On Psychological Outcomes
    (University of Ghana, 2022-01) Adade, A.E
    Self-care activities are critical in managing diabetes and lead to better recovery responses. However, adherences to these activities are poor among patients. This results in improper disease management, increases in diabetes complications, and consequently poor psychological health. This study examines the lived experiences and the influence of diabetes self-care activities and complications on psychological outcomes (depression, diabetes distress, and quality of life) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Multiple regression, and Linear regression were used to analyze the quantitative data obtained whereas thematic analysis was employed for the examination of the qualitative data. Results from the quantitative study revealed that no significant differences exist in the distress and depression levels between patients with two or more diabetes complications and those with no diabetes complications. Also, there were no observed differences in self-care activities between patients with two or more, and those with no diabetes complications. Furthermore, quality of life was significantly predicted by exercise but not medication. Interestingly, diabetes duration neither predicted depression, diabetes distress nor quality of life. Findings from the qualitative study, it was revealed that most patients experienced negative emotions when diagnosed with diabetes. Some challenges to effective diabetes management were identified to be distance to health care facilities, the use of herbal drugs, and the fear of medication side effects. Despite support and coping tools, patients still experienced some form of distress due to complications and death from these complications. Limitations of the study and their implications for future research are discussed.
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    Occupational Stress And Job Embeddedness Among Personnel Of The Ghana Navy: The Moderating Roles Of Job Satisfaction And Commitment.
    (University of Ghana, 2022) Ackam, J.
    The Ghana Navy over the last few decades has recorded some early voluntary release and Absence without Leave (AWOL) incidences. These turnover behaviours do not only affect the service but affects the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the entire nation and therefore needs critical attention from high command and policymakers. This study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and job embeddedness and the possible roles that job attitudes (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) play in this relationship among personnel/ratings of the Ghana Navy. Four hundred and fifty-six (456) personnel were sampled from the units and commands of the Ghana Navy. The study used the quantitative cross-sectional design in which personnel were required to respond to items on a set of questionnaires measuring demographic factors, occupational stress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and job embeddedness. Pearson Correlation analysis, Standard Multiple Regression Analysis, Hierarchal Regression and Regression analysis using Haye’s Process Macro (for assessing the moderation effects) were used for analyzing the statistical data. The results indicated that occupational stress, job satisfaction and organizational commitment recorded significant positive relationship with job embeddedness with organizational commitment strongly predicting job embeddedness compared to job satisfaction and occupational stress. Furthermore, it was indicated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment played a moderating role in the relationship between occupational stress and job embeddedness such that the relationship was enhanced at higher level of the moderators. The findings and implications were discussed and recommendations were made for future research. The Ghana Navy over the last few decades has recorded some early voluntary release and Absence without Leave (AWOL) incidences. These turnover behaviours do not only affect the service but affects the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the entire nation and therefore needs critical attention from high command and policymakers. This study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and job embeddedness and the possible roles that job attitudes (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) play in this relationship among personnel/ratings of the Ghana Navy. Four hundred and fifty-six (456) personnel were sampled from the units and commands of the Ghana Navy. The study used the quantitative cross-sectional design in which personnel were required to respond to items on a set of questionnaires measuring demographic factors, occupational stress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and job embeddedness. Pearson Correlation analysis, Standard Multiple Regression Analysis, Hierarchal Regression and Regression analysis using Haye’s Process Macro (for assessing the moderation effects) were used for analyzing the statistical data. The results indicated that occupational stress, job satisfaction and organizational commitment recorded significant positive relationship with job embeddedness with organizational commitment strongly predicting job embeddedness compared to job satisfaction and occupational stress. Furthermore, it was indicated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment played a moderating role in the relationship between occupational stress and job embeddedness such that the relationship was enhanced at higher level of the moderators. The findings and implications were discussed and recommendations were made for future research.
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    The Relationship Between Occupational Stress And Organizational Commitment In The Banking Sector Of Ghana: The Role Of Psychological Contract Breach
    (University of Ghana, 2022-04) Lartey, S.N.
    The role of organizational commitment of employees in general cannot be overemphasized as it one of the main predictors of employee attitudes and behaviour. This study sort to examine the role of psychological contract breach in the relationship between occupational stress and organizational commitment. The relationship between occupational stress, psychological contract breach and the dimensions of organizational commitment were tested. A correlational research method was used as the study sort to examine potential relationships with data gathered from 218 participants in the banking sector of Ghana. The study found a significant negative relationship between occupational stress and the dimensions of organization commitment (affective, normative and continuance commitment) as expected. There was a significant negative relationship between psychological contract breach and affective commitment. Also, the study found that psychological contract breach moderated the relationship between occupational stress and affective and normative commitment but not continuance commitment. From the finding, employees in the banking sector may reduce their commitment to the organization in the face of occupational stress and psychological contract breach. The findings of the study imply that there is a need for policies that create an opportunity for staff bonding, recreation, and health promotion. They also imply that there is a need for a realistic job preview during recruitment in order to reduce the occurrence of psychological contract breach.
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    Working From Home During Covid-19 Pandemic: Experiences Of Career Women At Unilever Ghana Limited
    (University of Ghana, 2022-01) Ofosu, V.
    The outbreak of the novel corona virus has changed the scope of human activity in several ways. In the corporate environment, workers are forced to work from home as part of measures to control the spread of the virus. This poses challenges that presents gender dynamics requiring academic enquiry since men and women face peculiar challenges working from home. This study, therefore, sought to study the experiences of career women working from home to uncover the gendered challenges of work-family balance faced by career women. The study which adopted a strictly qualitative method was conducted at Unilever Ghana Limited using a sample of 17 career women. Using thematic analysis, the study found that stressors relating to working from home can be viewed from perspectives of psychological stress. The study captured varied opinions regarding the effect of working from home on employee performance. One section of the respondents admitted having their output increased while others stated otherwise. Furthermore, working from home comes with peculiar challenges ranging from erratic power and internet supply to an unconducive working environment at home due to either lack of supporting work structures or distractions from other domestic duties especially in the case of women. It is noted that the issues relating to working from home are not having the same bearing on both genders as women are faced with peculiar challenges of balancing work with other domestic duties. The study recommends that special incentives should be given to career women to enable them to focus on discharging their duties amid the demands of domestic duties to be done as the mother of the house. Again, award schemes should be organised for best performing employees working from home, with particular attention paid to women given their peculiar challenges.
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    Learning Style Assessment And Its Relationship With Sensory Modalities; A Study Among Third – Year Medical Students At University Of Ghana.
    (University of Ghana, 2021-07) Senanu, J.
    Background: Cognitive ability refers to the overall mental ability including conceptualizing, rationality, organization, critical thinking and learning. Research into various field such as neurocognitive and andragogy have identified different types of learning. Understanding and easing the learning process is the ultimate goal educating. Therefore, attention has been drawn to learning styles. Though there is considerable debate in research, the auditory, visual and tactile learning styles are often identified in students. Individuals differ in their preferred sensory modality for absorbing, retaining and processing of information. Whiles various researches have been conducted on learning style little is known about the role sensitivity plays. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between sensitivity to sensory modalities and cognitive performance. Method: The Barsch questionnaire was administered to 94 pre-clinical students to identify the preferred learning styles. Average performance in Pelli Robsin contrast sensitivity test was accepted as a measure of visual sensitivity, average performance in puretone audiometry, frequency discrimination task and frequency modulation task were accepted as a measure of auditory sensitivity and average performance in two point discrimination task were accepted as measure of tactile sensitivity. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare sensitivity scores among the four groups (visual, auditory, tactile and no/equal preference). Results: Majority of the participants were unimodal learners 76.6% and the most preferred unimodal learning modality was visual, 41.5%, followed by auditory, 25%, and tactile, 9.6%.The visual learners had higher sensitivity Pelli Robsin contrast sensitivity test of 88% while auditory learners had a higher sensitivity in the puretone audiometry task, ( 20 ± 5)Hz for the right ear and
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    Sex Education In Ghana: The Perspectives Of Adolescents And Parents
    (University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Owusu, J.O.
    The extant literature has explored sex education from the perspectives of adolescents, but the views of parents are largely neglected. The few studies that have examined the views of both parents and children are selective in scope, coverage, and assessment. Thus, there is a dearth of data on the type of topics discussed and the frequency of parent-child sexual communication. The present study sought to explore adolescents' and parents' perspectives on sex education. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research design with a semi-structured interview was employed. Thirty parents and adolescents were conveniently sampled from Ablekuma South Metropolis, in the Greater Accra Region. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in analysing the data. Three superordinate themes were extracted from the data. Participants’ responses generally clustered around parent-child sex communication, perception of sex education, and impact of sex education. It was recommended that stakeholders ought to institutionalize diverse behaviour change interventions such as interpersonal communication and adult role modeling (in which adults share their experiences of navigating adolescence, with a focus on sexual abstinence). The Ghana Health Service must collaborate with the Ghana Psychological Association to organize training programs aimed at empowering youth to develop and acquire personal skills such as assertiveness training, refusal skills, and goal setting.