Dear Postgraduate students,

My name is Lindokuhle Mbatha, I am currently registered for the Masters program in Clinical Psychology at UKZN, Howard campus.

You are being invited to consider participating in a study titled: investigating paternal involvement and its long-term effects on psychological distress and self-esteem among young adults at UKZN: A cross-sectional survey. Little is known about how young adults in South Africa perceive their fathers’ involvement, and how these relationships may influence their mental health and self-image today. This study aims to fill that gap by focusing on your voice and your lived experience.

The anonymous online survey should take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Please note that your participation is completely voluntary. The online survey questionnaire is designed to uphold strict confidentiality and anonymity. No personally identifiable information will be collected at any stage.

Eligibility criteria:

• Between the ages of 20 and 35 years.

• Registered postgraduate student in the College of Humanities, UKZN.

• Had a father or father figure present during your childhood and adolescent years.

If you are interested in being part of the study, kindly click on this link: https://qualtricsxm9gf5r7vht.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uDIatQUfP3YFBI

If you have any questions or queries, kindly email me on:  218048974@stu.ukzn.ac.za or lindombatha000@gmail.com

This study has been ethically reviewed and approved by the UKZN Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee as per protocol reference number: HSSREC/00008568/2025.

Kindly find attached the gatekeepers permission letter, ethical clearance letter, informed consent, and the information sheet, which outlines the details of this study.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

Lindokuhle Mbatha

Supervisor: Prof Steven Collings (COLLINGS@ukzn.ac.za)

Full ethical approval- L.Mbath >>>> Gatekeepers letter 2025.pdf Information Sheet.pdf Informed Consent.pdf