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Submission information
Submission Number: 104
Submission ID: 898
Submission UUID: 1c28e1fb-1f67-4e0a-81ba-902614988f14
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:20
Completed: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:24
Changed: Wed, 05/07/2025 - 14:24
Remote IP address: 165.165.169.29
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Prof.
Boshoff
Pieter
North-west university
Prof Pieter John Boshoff is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychosocial Health at the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa. His academic and research interests centre on trauma and psychosocial wellness, with a particular focus on medical emergency workers and first responders exposed to occupational trauma. His work contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge on stress, burnout, coping, and intervention strategies within high-risk professions.
With over 13 peer-reviewed articles published in accredited journals, Prof Boshoff is a recognised voice in the fields of trauma-informed care and psychosocial intervention. He has successfully supervised more than 12 postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars and practitioners in psychosocial health and social work.
Prof Boshoff has been invited to present his research at various international platforms, including academic study visits and conferences at PXL Hogeschool in Hasselt, Belgium; Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands; as well as in Singapore, Dublin (Ireland), and Belfast (Northern Ireland). These engagements underscore his global academic footprint and contributions to cross-cultural understandings of trauma and wellness in healthcare settings.
Through his research, teaching, and international collaborations, Prof Boshoff continues to advocate for evidence-based support systems that enhance resilience and well-being among emergency personnel.
With over 13 peer-reviewed articles published in accredited journals, Prof Boshoff is a recognised voice in the fields of trauma-informed care and psychosocial intervention. He has successfully supervised more than 12 postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars and practitioners in psychosocial health and social work.
Prof Boshoff has been invited to present his research at various international platforms, including academic study visits and conferences at PXL Hogeschool in Hasselt, Belgium; Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands; as well as in Singapore, Dublin (Ireland), and Belfast (Northern Ireland). These engagements underscore his global academic footprint and contributions to cross-cultural understandings of trauma and wellness in healthcare settings.
Through his research, teaching, and international collaborations, Prof Boshoff continues to advocate for evidence-based support systems that enhance resilience and well-being among emergency personnel.
Yes
Ms.
van Huyssteen
Jean
PhD Student, North-West University
Jean van Huyssteen is a PhD candidate at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her doctoral research, titled “A Psychosocial Intervention Program Aimed at Reducing the Allostatic Load of Registered Nurses,” focuses on addressing the psychosocial challenges and cumulative stress experienced by healthcare professionals in high-pressure environments.
With a strong interest in mental health, stress management, and occupational well-being, Jean’s research aims to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that promote resilience and reduce the allostatic load among registered nurses. Her work contributes to the broader field of trauma-informed care and workplace wellness within the healthcare sector.
Jean plans to complete her doctoral studies by the end of 2025. Through her research, she aspires to influence both policy and practice in the support and mental health care of frontline nursing staff in South Africa.
With a strong interest in mental health, stress management, and occupational well-being, Jean’s research aims to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that promote resilience and reduce the allostatic load among registered nurses. Her work contributes to the broader field of trauma-informed care and workplace wellness within the healthcare sector.
Jean plans to complete her doctoral studies by the end of 2025. Through her research, she aspires to influence both policy and practice in the support and mental health care of frontline nursing staff in South Africa.
No
Abstract
The Experiences of Psychosocial Allostatic Load and Intervention Expectations of Registered Professional Nurses in a South African Private Hospital Group: A Quantitatvie Study
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Oral Presentation
The Experiences of Psychosocial Allostatic Load and Intervention Expectations of Registered Professional Nurses in a South African Private Hospital Group: A Quantitatvie Study
Authors:
Jean van Huyssteen, Pieter John Boshoff*, Mariette van der Merwe
Department of Social Work, COMPRES, North-West University; School of Psychosocial Health, COMPRES, North-West University; Centre for Child, Youth and Family Studies, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University.
Corresponding Author:
Pieter John Boshoff
Email: Pieter.Boshoff@nwu.ac.za
Phone: +27-082-771-2413
Presentation Format:
Parallel session presentation
Abstract:
Nurses are particularly vulnerable to elevated levels of psychosocial allostatic load due to their stressful working environment and nature of their profession. This study adopted a social work approach to examine the perceptions of psychosocial allostatic load and intervention expectations among registered professional nurses in a South African private hospital group. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed. A self-developed questionnaire was electronically distributed to an all-inclusive willing sample of 559 (n=559) nurses across various hospital units with 67 (n=67) valid responses received. Statistical methods used include frequencies, descriptive statistics, reliability, factor analysis and comparisons. Descriptive statistical analysis identified nursing profession-specific stressors as the most significant cause of work-related stress. Physical reactions such as exhaustion highlighted potential burnout. Unexpectedly positive stress was experienced slightly more often than the other stress levels and emotion focussed coping strategies were most commonly used. Inferential statistics revealed strong correlations between elevated stress levels and psychological and professional strain. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between stress reactions and avoidance coping raising concern about maladaptive coping mechanisms. The findings emphasise the urgent need of social work informed psychosocial intervention programmes that focus on improving interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict handling techniques to promote nurses’ well-being and professional sustainability.
Authors:
Jean van Huyssteen, Pieter John Boshoff*, Mariette van der Merwe
Department of Social Work, COMPRES, North-West University; School of Psychosocial Health, COMPRES, North-West University; Centre for Child, Youth and Family Studies, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University.
Corresponding Author:
Pieter John Boshoff
Email: Pieter.Boshoff@nwu.ac.za
Phone: +27-082-771-2413
Presentation Format:
Parallel session presentation
Abstract:
Nurses are particularly vulnerable to elevated levels of psychosocial allostatic load due to their stressful working environment and nature of their profession. This study adopted a social work approach to examine the perceptions of psychosocial allostatic load and intervention expectations among registered professional nurses in a South African private hospital group. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed. A self-developed questionnaire was electronically distributed to an all-inclusive willing sample of 559 (n=559) nurses across various hospital units with 67 (n=67) valid responses received. Statistical methods used include frequencies, descriptive statistics, reliability, factor analysis and comparisons. Descriptive statistical analysis identified nursing profession-specific stressors as the most significant cause of work-related stress. Physical reactions such as exhaustion highlighted potential burnout. Unexpectedly positive stress was experienced slightly more often than the other stress levels and emotion focussed coping strategies were most commonly used. Inferential statistics revealed strong correlations between elevated stress levels and psychological and professional strain. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between stress reactions and avoidance coping raising concern about maladaptive coping mechanisms. The findings emphasise the urgent need of social work informed psychosocial intervention programmes that focus on improving interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict handling techniques to promote nurses’ well-being and professional sustainability.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Luce
Pretorius
Yes
Education
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Prof
Roelf
Reyneke
Yes
Education
Accepted