Two studies examined the generalizability of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI; P. P. Heppner, 1988) through research with Black South African samples. Study 1 examined the generalizability of the factor structure of the PSI through confirmatory factor analysis. Study 2 examined the relationship between problem solving and psychological distress and tested a Problem-Solving Confidence mediational model of psychological distress through structural equation modeling. The estimates of the factor structure as well as other reliability and validity estimates provided strong support for the generalizability of the PSI to South African Black college students. The results also provided partial support for the mediational model of psychological distress.

This article reports on the psychometric properties of the UCLA Loneliness Scale employed with a sample of South African students. Respondents consisted of 659 undergraduate students (39.4% males, 60.6% females) at the University of Western Cape, South Africa. The mean loneliness score for this group was slightly higher than those reported for North American college students, and slightly lower than those reported for Puerto Rican and Iranian students. This finding is consistent with previously reported cross- cultural variability in the experience of loneliness. Size of house- hold was significantly related to loneliness score which would suggest that the family plays a role in the experience of loneliness. The scale demonstrated adequate reliability (coefficient alpha = .81) and factor analysis confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale for this sample. Tests for sex differences indicated that males reported more loneliness than females which are also consistent with previous studies. The obtained results underline the utility of the UCLA Loneliness Scale for use with South African students.

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This study investigates loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among a sample of young adults in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the role of fortitude in the interrelationship between these variables. Fortitude refers to the psychological strength to manage stress and stay well, and it is derived from positive appraisals of self, family, and support from others. Participants included 337 young adults who completed four self-report questionnaires: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and the Fortitude Questionnaire. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the direct, indirect, mediating, and moderating role of fortitude on psychological outcomes. The results demonstrated unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, and reduced life satisfaction among the sample. These levels were significantly higher than those encountered in previous studies in other contexts, as well as in studies of similar populations conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women reported higher levels of psychological distress than men. The results confirmed the mediating role of fortitude; however, they also suggested that the predictors (loneliness and anxiety) are the mediated pathways and fortitude is causally antecedent to loneliness and anxiety. These findings suggest a looming mental health crisis among young adults in South Africa and identify potential targets for intervention efforts. A strengths-based approach that focuses on enhancing individuals’ appraisals of coping and support may serve to build fortitude and potentially mitigate adverse mental health outcomes.

Recently, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several lockdown and stay-at-home regulations have been implemented worldwide. In this regard, loneliness has been identified as the signature mental health consequence of this pandemic. The aim of this study is to explore the associations among loneliness, hopelessness, depression, ego-resilience and life satisfaction in a random sample of young adults (N = 337) at a university in the Western Cape of South Africa. Parallel and serial mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that loneliness is associated with hopelessness, which in turn is associated with depression, and that ego-resilience mediates the association between all the negative indices of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that mental health interventions that boost ego-resilience and target loneliness may help in dealing with the mental health consequences of COVID-19.