8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference – Abstract Submissions Extended- 30 April 2025

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference – Abstract Submissions Extended- 30 April 2025

Attention Students!

Great news! We’ve heard your requests and are excited to let you know that the abstract submission deadline for the upcoming Student Conference has been extended to 30 April.

If you haven’t submitted your abstract yet, now’s your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your work and connect with fellow students and professionals in the field!

Check out the submission details below and get yours in before the new deadline.

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.

 

Student Division: Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop

Student Division: Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop

Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop

The PsySSA Student Division presents a workshop on Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop. This will be an interactive, three-hour session, and we are excited to help participants prepare for the application, selection, and interview processes with confidence.

 Workshop Details:

  • Date: Saturday, 15 March 2025
  • Time: 09:00 – 11:00
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Cost: Free

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and prepare for success!

Selina Masetle

Intern Counseling psychologist Charis Psychological Services

  • Autobiography and Motivational Letter
  • Individual Panel Interview: Possible Questions and Approach
  • Role Play

Katlego Senoelo

Intern Counselling psychologist: Charis Psychological Services

  • Self-awareness and Personal Development Preparation Strategies
  • Realistic Expectations
  • Managing Uncertainty and Exploring Alternative Pathways

Martha Moagi

Intern Counselling Psychologist: UFH

  • Category-Specific Knowledge: Counselling Psychology
  • Research Interview
  • Group Interview: Case Study and Approaches

Presenting at an Academic Conference: A Workshop for Students by Student Division

Presenting at an Academic Conference: A Workshop for Students by Student Division

Presenting at an Academic Conference: A Workshop for Students

The PsySSA Student Division presents a pertinent workshop on Presenting at an Academic Conference as part of the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference, organised by UNISA in partnership with PsySSA. This is the only free pre-conference workshop, designed to equip students with essential skills for the entire conference presentation process—from writing and submitting an abstract to delivering a confident and professional presentation.

Workshop Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, 18 March 2025
  • Time: 18:00
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Cost: Free

Whether you’re new to academic conferences or looking to refine your skills, this session will guide you through abstract writing, submission processes, and effective presentation techniques.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and prepare for success!

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference – Abstract Submissions Extended- 30 April 2025

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference

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.

 

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

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

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:

  1. Does this align with my priorities?
  2. Is this more important than your current goals, like academic success or personal wellbeing?
  3. What’s the long-term energy cost?
  4. Will you still have the capacity to follow through, even when combined with other commitments?
  5. Are there accountability factors?
  6. 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.

Student Division Webinar: African Spirituality and Mental Health

Student Division Webinar: African Spirituality and Mental Health

About The Webinar

The PsySSA SD Multidisciplinary subcommittee presents a webinar on African Spirituality and Mental Health.

The psychology curriculum in South Africa tends to focus on  Western approaches while neglecting an African epistemological paradigm (Baloyi, 2021). Research shows that almost 80% of South Africans seek health care from traditional healers (Boum et al., 2021). These figures suggest the need for psychological services to be mindful of Indigenous knowledge systems and the often overlooked spiritual dimensions of mental illness.

Nompumelelo Prudence Kubheka, clinical psychologist & traditional healer, and Gogo Xolly, a traditional healer share with us their journey, insights, and knowledge on working with mental illness, incorporating holistic intervention, and how psychology students can gain cultural competency.