Editorial: Reporting on Research: Reflecting on and Mirroring the Psychological State of Our Nation

Abstract

W hen I conducted my usual thematic analysis of the articles due to appear in this issue of the SAJP, certain themes emerged, enabling me to group particular articles together in terms of five main themes: Evolving racial attitudes in South African society The value of and need for psychotherapy Aspects of help-seeking behaviour in student populations Counselling needs in South African schools Assessment as a multi-faceted aspect of psychological intervention These themes show that psychological research does, indeed, reflect what is happening in the broader society. That is to say, reported research replicates what is happening in real life, which is as it should be: theory should follow practice and not the other way round (Savickas, 2011). Seventeen years after the demise of apartheid, discourses on race continue to dominate the headlines in South Africa. Sadly, these discourses far too often deal with the disturbing race relations in the country and the dire consequences of an escalating racial divide. M ore recently, utterances of certain politicians, for instance, have stirred deep emotions and (if newspaper reports are to be believed) given rise to an increase in the number of people intending to emigrate from South Africa. In a country so deeply divided along racial lines, race issues need to be discussed widely with a view to promoting understanding and advancing more harmonious racial relationships at all levels. What needs to be clarified is the following: W hy are they saying what they are saying? Moreover, what are they really saying? W hat are people hearing and why are they hearing what they are hearing? Are these people being misunderstood? W hy is there so little attempt to engage not only them but also other influential people in constructive dialogue aimed at promoting harmony and understanding? Can it be so difficult to find and focus on common ground and strive towards a future that will provide space for all people in South Africa to design successful lives and make social contributions? W hy are rumours allowed to spread out of control? W hy have the voices of globally recognized role models such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu fallen ominously silent (so it seems)? Reconciliation will always remain a work-in-progress and not a fait accompli. Unless we deal unambiguously and successfully with racism, irrespective of who the perpetrators are, South Africa’s future will remain uncertain. Research on all aspects of racism is pivotally important and should be encouraged. Talking about issues of racial harmony (or the lack thereof) can in a sense be regarded as psychotherapy at national level. The second main theme (psychotherapy) in this issue links naturally with the first, and the accompanying articles offer valuable insights to professionals working in the field of racial attitudes. The articles confirm that access to modern psychotherapy (including counselling at all levels) remains largely inaccessible to the vast majority of people in this country with the poorest and most marginalised (read: black) populations the most disadvantaged. Of particular concern is the high unemployment rate in South Africa, especially among younger, poorer people. This highlights the need for career counselling for all citizens in the country and not only a select few who can afford this often prohibitively expensive service. A situation where many millions of people are unemployed with little hope of improving their lives is fraught with danger for the whole country. Allow me to repeat myself: Everyone in South Africa and, in fact, in the world should have access to psychotherapy and related services: