Dr. Nyambeni Matamela

Dr Nyambeni Matamela, is currently a lecturer within the Psychology Department, at the University of Pretoria, in South Africa.

Her current research topic is titled: “Life Adversities; Mental Health Outcomes and Post-traumatic Growth of Older Person’s in South Africa.” The study will employ a mixed-methods sequential design. This specific methodology is divided into two phases. The first phase utilises a quantitative approach to gather data. This is then followed by the second phase in which the information is enriched through qualitative means.

The research study aims to explore the social, cognitive and psychological elements that characterize incidents of life adversities experienced by older persons. The intention behind this exploration is intended to provide an understanding, of the trajectories of post- traumatic growth, which influence the course and experiences of mental health outcomes. Dr Matamela is devoted to this specific research topic, as it is significant in terms of informing future research on the biopsychosocial effects of trauma in South African men and women ages 60 and above. This research study is important, as it will be instrumental in directing the long-term goal of developing interventions to reduce the effects of life adversities and traumatic stress among older persons.