Eating Disorder Awareness Week: 24 February – 2 March 2025

by Web Admin | Feb 24, 2025 | Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Mental Health Calendar

Eating Disorder Awareness Week: 24 February – 2 March 2025

Reader’s Digest: An insight into eating disorders

Authors: Z. Hoosen, G. Burrow, R. Kangokar Rama Rao (The Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists’ Executive Committee)

The frequency of eating disorders has almost doubled globally in less than 20 years and continues to rise (Center for Women’s Health, N.D.). The American Psychological Association defines an eating disorder (ED) as “any disorder characterized primarily by a pathological disturbance or attitude and behaviours related to food” (APA, 2018). The ICD-10 classifies eating disorders into two principal syndromes: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Furthermore, binge eating disorder is also classified with this spectrum of disorders.

The Eating Disorders South Africa organisation briefly describes that anorexia and bulimia nervosa are commonly associated with the following behaviours: adherence to strict diets despite weight gain/loss, compulsive exercising for weight loss, binge eating large quantities of food, consuming laxatives or diuretics aimed at purging or expelling food intake, abuse of stimulants or similar substances such as appetite suppressants etc. More definitively, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that anorexia nervosa is characterised by a significant and persistent reduction in food intake resulting in low body weight in the context of age, sex, and physical health; an unrelenting pursuit of thinness; distorted body image and intense fear of weight gain, and severely disturbed eating behaviour (NIMH). Then, bulimia nervosa is characterised by bingeing (eating large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a loss of control) followed by behaviour that compensates for the binge, such as purging (e.g. vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or diuretics), fasting, and/or exercise. A common distinctive feature between anorexia and bulimia is that individuals suffering with bulimia can fall within the normal range for their weight. However, individuals suffering from anorexia often display a deep fear of gaining weight, desperately want to lose weight and experience persistent dissatisfaction with their body size and shape (NIMH).

The global burden of disease study found a significant burden of eating disorders (EDs), specifically among young women living in high-income countries (Williams et al., 2020). Correspondingly, Markino et al. (2004) had previously found that more females suffered from EDs and displayed abnormal eating attitudes than males in at least 11 countries. In contrast, Novotney (2024) argue that boys and men are increasingly becoming affected by mental health conditions such as body dysmorphia and subclinical disordered eating behaviours. It is reported that males now constitute approximately a third of those diagnosed with an eating disorder (Mitchison, 2019), highlighting a growing concern around this clinical concern.

Further, it was found that the prevalence of EDs in non-Western countries was lower than Western countries, although this has since gradually increased (Markino et al., 2020). Evidence suggests that gender and sociocultural influences play a role in this increase (Hoek, 2016; Markino et al., 2020). Commonly, the attitudes, social influences, and media depictions of physical features of ‘perfection’ such as ideal thinness or ideal muscularity are strongly cited as risk factors for both males and females. Unfortunately, the median onset of EDs is in the late teens to early 20s (Kessler et al., 2013; Glazer et al., 2021).

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that often manifest during adolescence, typically between the ages of 12 and 25. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. A combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors influences the onset of these disorders. Early intervention is crucial, as timely treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should be vigilant for warning signs, such as drastic weight changes, preoccupation with food or body image, and avoidance of meals. Promoting a healthy relationship with food and body image during these formative years is essential for prevention and early detection (Tan et al., 2022).

Treatment and support

A crucial aspect of treating EDs is detecting disorders as early as possible. Reports from practitioners highlight that being more aware of body image and eating concerns is an important part of the treatment process (Novotney, 2024).

Ideally, treatment for EDs involves a multidisciplinary approach, often including a range of licensed and qualified professionals, including a medical practitioner, a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, a nutritionist, and/or a dietitian. These professionals are identified as trained and educated to provide a holistic treatment for an individual that treats affected areas of functioning and equips the individual with the necessary intervention to recover.

An infographic of a treatment intervention is attached to this article for educational purposes. The aim of this infographic is to provide practitioners such as registered counsellors with an insight into a treatment plan that may be applied to a case where an individual suffers from an eating disorder. The summary formulation presented below is for educational purposes and highlights key aspects common in cases of eating disorders. This article and its contents do not serve as a medical or professional mental health opinion or diagnosis. If you or anyone you know might be experiencing any of the points below, we strongly urge you to reach out for support via the helplines and contact centres found at the end of this article.

Role of the registered counsellor

A registered counsellor (RC) in South Africa plays a vital role in early intervention, psychoeducation, and brief therapeutic support for clients with eating disorders (EDs). While RCs do not diagnose or provide long-term psychotherapy, they can provide preventative care, short-term interventions, and referrals to psychologists, dietitians, and medical professionals.

Eating disorders in South Africa are often underreported due to cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialist services. The RC’s role is to create awareness, offer psychoeducation, and provide short-term intervention using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and strengths-based approaches.

Please refer to the infographic attached for the example treatment plan.

Support services and organisations:

RecoverySpace.org focuses on promoting recovery from eating disorders. The site provides information on various eating disorders, as well as treatment options and recovery tools & tips. The organization provides support to individuals currently in recovery, and includes coaching (via e-mail and online sessions), as well as regular webinars.

Email: info@recoveryspace.org

Eating Disorders South Africa (EDSA) renders a variety of eating disorder treatment services including both in and out-patient services as well as aftercare for eating disorders. More information can be found at edsa.co.za.

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Click Here For Summary of Techniques

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference

by Web Admin | Feb 18, 2025 | Psychology Events, PsySSA Announcements, PsySSA Congress, Student Division (SD)

PsySSA & UNISA ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:

8TH SOUTHERN AFRICAN STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), is excited to invite students, researchers, and emerging scholars to the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference 2025. This exciting event provides a dynamic platform for students to showcase their research, engage in intellectual discourse, and connect with fellow psychology enthusiasts and professionals.

Conference Theme: Healing inter-and-transgenerational trauma: A Place for psychology in Africa’s future
Date: 8 – 10 July 2025
Venue: Kgorong building, Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria, South Africa.

This conference aims to explore the psychological challenges faced by today’s youth, with a focus on the impacts of intragenerational trauma and pressing social issues, while emphasising psychology’s critical role in healing the trauma. The approach is to integrate both indigenous knowledge systems and western psychological perspectives. The conference aims to propose culturally relevant interventions to tackle the psychosocial impacts of past and ongoing inequalities. The focus will be on the current state of the field and looking ahead, examining the future of psychology in Africa and how it can evolve to foster healing and resilience in the generations to come.

Call For Abstracts Are Now Open!

We welcome submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse psychology-related disciplines. Whether you have original research, case studies, or innovative theoretical contributions, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful discussions shaping the future of psychology.

Abstract submissions close on 15 April 2025.

Click Here To Submit Your Abstract

PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP’s) Meet and Greet – Johannesburg

by Web Admin | Feb 17, 2025 | Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Events and Announcements, Psychology Events

RCP Gauteng Meet-And-Greet!

The PsySSA RCP Executives are thrilled to invite you to our first 2025 in-person meet-and-greet event in Johannesburg. The event is open to members and non-members, too. The cost for non-members is only R70! The event will be held in Gauteng on 21 February 2025.

The highlights of our event include insightful sessions presented by an expert panel, David Bischoff, Martin Beukes, and Prof Nicola Taylor, covering diverse practice areas in Registered Counselling and Psychometry.

Furthermore, there will be networking opportunities to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and expand your professional network. Finally, we aim to engage you in critical conversation about professional self-care, regulation, and ethical practice as a professional.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, 21 February 2025
Time: 09h30-11h30
Location: JVR Academy, 15 Hunter Street, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
Cost:
- Free for PsySSA Members
- Non-Members – R70
Banking Details:
- Bank: ABSA
- Account Name: PsySSA
- Account Number: 4049-4070-45
- Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ
- Only EFT payments will be accepted
- Email your proof of payment to rcp@psyssa.co.za

Seats are limited so be sure to RSVP by 18 February 2025!

Light refreshments will be served.

Click Here To Register

Guest Speakers

RCP Representatives

Children’s Mental Health Week: 3-9 February 2025

by Web Admin | Feb 6, 2025 | Child and Adolescent Psychology, Mental Health Calendar, Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA)

PsySSA commemorates Children’s Mental Health Week (3-9 February 2025) with the theme: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.

CHILDREN”S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: 2025

PSYSSA is complimented for launching the 2025 MHC with the focus on Children’s Mental Health. Children have a special place in Society. They are the archetypal pride and joy of parents associated with fun, laughter, joy and playfully mischievous in a normal society. Parents generally promote their healthy living through social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. The seminal Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and amendments profoundly spell out how children must be cared for and protected.

While there were adverse conditions prior to the drafting of the above Act, the current children’s mental health needs have reached uncontrollable proportions. This in fact has given rise to grave concerns for their mental health and fears for their safety. It would make for un-sobering reading to take a snapshot view of how children are faring with their Mental Health globally. Space does not allow for such a broadside perspective. WHO (2022) presents the startling statistic that twenty five (25%) of children present with Mental Health issues. A UNICEF South African Report posited that sixty (60%) of youth needed mental health support. However, only 12.4 % of children and adolescents with mental health problems receive professional help (Kleintjies et al., 2015). This can be explained by the gross imbalance between psychologists and patients. According to the SAACP ( 2020) there were (3022)-Clinical Psychologists; (1598)-Counselling Psychologists: (1510).-Educational Psychologists.

This translates to a ratio of about 1 psychologist for 10 633 clients. At a systemic level this overwhelming inequity explains why children in general find it difficult to access Mental Health services. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the majority of the practitioners are in private practice. This begs the question what if any mental health intervention children from the rural area receive. The psychological services attached to the various districts in each province can hardly be considered to be a serious service provider of mental health. Statistics from eight DOE provinces (2020-2021) underscore the stark and gloomy reality of the effete mental health school provisions :

Province	Pupils	Psychologists
Eastern Cape	1 704 581	Unknown
Free State	541 959	15-20
Kwa Zulu Natal	2 758 831	83
Limpopo	1 245 095	30-35
Mpumalanga	745 838	25
North West	584 831	20-25
Northern Cape	272 411	15-20
Western Cape	1048 905	47
Gauteng	2 055 042	45

An overpowering disproportion between pupils and psychologists. It is noted that formal assessments cannot be administered for this reason. In any case it is apparent that psychologists only respond to a request from a school about twelve months later However, the inordinate disparity in numbers make access to mental health impossible for the majority of pupils. To a large extent detractors to the existence of school psychology are justified. It is an expensive service. It is a first world phenomenon in an under-developed third-world context.

The general public is hardly and selectively serviced, schools are poorly-serviced and the rural areas are abysmally non-serviced. Are we paying attention to the scary Big Picture or merely going through the motions like school psychological services. As the mental needs of our children get more complex and demanding are we psychologists playing the proverbial fiddle. Severe trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation are major psychological constructs that children experience. Their mental health needs are utterly under-provided. In the recent Mental State of the World Report released by Sapiens Labs South Africa ranked
 Second(2nd) Lowest on the Mental Health Quotient
 First as the most stressed country in the world

A recent advert notes that the “ difference is in the detail ”. We are patently aware of the appalling details. We need to step out of the comfort zones in our insulated ivory towers and make the difference.

Click Here To Read The Full Article

Blue Floral Illustrative Healthy Mind Quote Instagram Post (1)

Children’s Mental Health Week – Reflections on Self-Awareness as a Psychology Student

Children’s Mental Health Week, established in 2015, focuses on raising awareness of children’s mental health and emotional well-being. While this initiative originates in the UK, it aligns with local efforts such as Child Protection Week, Youth Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlight mental health challenges in childhood and beyond. This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” provides an opportunity for psychology students to reflect on their own childhood mental health, exploring how their experiences have shaped their self-awareness and career paths.

Reflecting on childhood mental health often reveals how early challenges, trauma, or environmental factors influenced our mental well-being and led us to pursue psychology. Such reflections form the foundation of self-awareness, which is important for professional practice. Many psychologists embody the concept of the wounded healer, where their own struggles and healing journeys inspire their ability to empathise with others. Self-awareness allows individuals to recognise and work through biases, blind spots, and unresolved issues. For this reason, postgraduate applications, such as honours and master’s programmes, often include reflective exercises like autobiographical essays or interviews. These assessments evaluate not only academic readiness but also insight into one’s personal growth.

Self-awareness is not a one-time exercise but a lifelong process. As students, individuals continuously uncover values, insecurities, and unresolved emotions that shape how they engage with others. Discoveries like these follow practitioners into their careers, where self-reflection and professional counseling are essential for managing personal challenges and ensuring that mental health does not negatively impact those they serve. Early mental health struggles, such as emotional stressors or disorders, may persist in different forms, but when approached with self-awareness, they become tools for empathy and professional insight.

Across psychology’s diverse fields, self-awareness is critical in varying ways. Clinical and counselling psychologists rely on this quality to manage transference, countertransference, and emotional regulation, ensuring effective care without compassion fatigue or burnout. Educational psychologists use self-awareness to recognise how their own experiences and biases influence their work with children, families, and educators, enabling culturally sensitive interventions. Research psychologists depend on reflexivity to remain ethical and objective, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. In neuropsychology, awareness of one’s emotional responses helps practitioners manage the toll of working with life-changing diagnoses, balancing empathy with clarity. For organisational psychologists, self-awareness supports the management of workplace dynamics, promoting systemic well-being and addressing burnout.

Children’s Mental Health Week encourages us to reflect on our own mental health, using this theme as a starting point for cultivating self-awareness. This reflection reminds us that self-awareness is a lifelong journey, essential for both personal growth and professional competency. By engaging in self-awareness, we enhance our ability to empower the individuals and communities we serve.

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World Cancer Day: 4 February 2025

by Web Admin | Feb 4, 2025 | Health Psychology (HP), Mental Health Calendar, The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP)

PsySSA commemorates World Cancer Day with the theme: United By Unique

Today the world commemorates World Cancer Day, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The theme for this year is “United by Unique”, which calls for patient-centered care. World Cancer Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer and the urgent need to address this pressing public health issue. For South Africans, this day is particularly significant as cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. This year, the theme is “Close the Care Gap,” urging communities, governments, and individuals to work together in creating equitable access to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and care.
Cancer has a tremendous impact not only on those diagnosed with the disease, but their families, friends, colleagues and communities.

Cancer is a growing concern in South Africa. The National Cancer Registry estimates that there are approximately 100,000 new cancer cases reported annually. The most common types of cancer affecting South Africans include breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The fight against cancer in South Africa hampered by socioeconomic disparities, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of awareness about cancer prevention and early detection contribute to late diagnoses and poor outcomes.

As a professional body for psychologists, PsySSA recognizes the psychological impact of cancer within our communities. Several researchers in South Africa have published psychosocial studies regarding cancer. Below are links to some of this research:

Purdy and Roomaney explored fertility preservation among female patients with cancer: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00812463231191437
Gallagher-Squires and colleagues explored how women with breast cancer coped during their treatment https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0081246320961761
Odendaal and colleagues explored the experiences of informal caregivers of patients with cervical cancer during Covid-19
https://www.sajgo.co.za/index.php/sajgo/article/view/399

What Can You Do?
Every South African has a role to play in the fight against cancer. Here are some actionable steps:
1. Get Screened: Regular screening can lead to early detection, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Visit your local clinic or healthcare provider to learn about available screening options.
2. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active.
3. Support Cancer Initiatives: Donate to or volunteer with local organizations to help fund research and community outreach programs.
4. Spread Awareness: Use your voice to educate friends and family about the importance of early detection and prevention. Encourage others to get screening if they mention any concerns to you.

A cancer diagnosis, while primarily a medical condition, triggers profound psychological responses that reverberate through various aspects of an individual’s life. The initial shock and fear of mortality that accompany a cancer diagnosis can cascade into a range of emotional and psychological effects, any of which persist long after the diagnosis itself.

Shock and Denial: Initially, many individuals experience a sense of disbelief. The reality of having cancer is often too overwhelming to accept immediately, leading to feelings of numbness or detachment. Denial can serve as a defence mechanism, helping individuals temporarily distance themselves from the severity of their condition.

Anxiety and Fear: One of the most immediate and common psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis is anxiety. Fear about the future, including concerns about treatment outcomes, the potential for recurrence, and the impact on family and personal life, can cause significant distress. The uncertainty about the course of the disease often exacerbates these feelings, contributing to a heightened state of worry and fear.

Identity and Body Image: A cancer diagnosis often challenges an individual’s sense of self, especially when treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation affect their physical appearance
or functioning. Changes in body image, such as hair loss, scars, or altered physical abilities, can lead to a loss of self-esteem or self-worth. This can be particularly difficult for those whose identities are closely tied to their physical appearance or sense of vitality.

Depression and Grief: The emotional toll of cancer can lead to depression and grief, not only over the diagnosis itself but also over the anticipated loss of health, lifestyle, and even the prospect of
one’s future. These emotions may be compounded by feelings of isolation, as individuals may find it difficult to relate to others who haven’t had similar experiences.

Impact on Relationships: The ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis extend beyond the individual to family, friends, and partners. Loved ones often experience anxiety, sadness, and helplessness, which can strain relationships. Partners may take on caregiving roles that disrupt the emotional and practical balance of the relationship, leading to feelings of frustration or exhaustion. In some cases,
individuals may feel emotionally disconnected or misunderstood by others, particularly if they have trouble articulating their emotional experiences.

Post-Traumatic Growth: While a cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly distressing, some individuals may also experience positive psychological changes as a result of their journey. This concept, known as post-traumatic growth, refers to the potential for individuals to gain new perspectives on life, develop a greater sense of resilience, or rediscover personal strengths in the wake of their illness. In some cases, the diagnosis may lead to reevaluating personal priorities, fostering deeper connections with others, or a greater appreciation for life.

In summary, a cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact an individual’s physical health—it sends ripples through their emotional and psychological world. The effects can be complex and multifaceted, with
anxiety, depression, and changes in identity often accompanying the diagnosis. However, with proper psychological support and a strong social network, individuals can navigate these challenges and, in some cases, emerge with a renewed sense of meaning and strength.

Click Here To View The UICC Approved World Cancer Day Action Toolkit

Student Division: Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

by Web Admin | Jan 31, 2025 | Student Division (SD)

Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

At the start of the year, it’s tempting to say yes to every exciting opportunity—new projects, extracurriculars, team roles—you name it. And sure, on paper, it might look like everything fits into your schedule. But have you considered the hidden costs of your commitments?

When you commit to something, it’s not just about time. Energy, accountability, and trade-offs matter just as much. Before saying yes, ask yourself:

Does this align with my priorities?
Is this more important than your current goals, like academic success or personal wellbeing?
What’s the long-term energy cost?
Will you still have the capacity to follow through, even when combined with other commitments?
Are there accountability factors?
Will others rely on you? If you drop the ball, how will it affect them?

Here’s the truth:

✔ Just because it fits your schedule doesn’t mean it fits your life.

✔ Saying yes to something now often means saying no to something else later. If your schedule is already full, you may have to let go of commitments or miss out on new opportunities that come your way.

✔ Overcommitting doesn’t just affect you—it impacts the people who depend on you.

Keep an eye out for Part 2!

In our follow-up post, we’ll delve into how to leave room for flexibility and deal with changing commitments throughout the year.

It’s good to have enthusiasm and energy, especially as students. Embrace your opportunities—but plan wisely to avoid burning out. Your time and energy are valuable, so invest them where it matters most.