ARTICLES
DOI DOI: 10.66434/ijspsy.v6i2.491

Influence of gender-based violence on the psychosocial well-Being of Zimbabwean rural men with disabilities

Theresia Joakim Kanyopa1, Munyaradzi Chidarikire2
  1. 1 University of the Free State, South Africa
  2. 2 Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has emerged as a critical public health concern not only in Zimbabwe but also globally, necessitating further investigation, particularly with respect to women and girls. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of research regarding the psychological ramifications of GBV experienced by men, especially in rural African settings. This qualitative study endeavoured to examine the psychological repercussions of GBV on Zimbabwean rural men who have disabilities. Grounded in an interpretive paradigm, the research engaged 17 participants purposively selected from Masvingo Central to participate in two focus group discussions, convened four times to deliberate on the subject matter. Participants were men and women aged 18 to 35 years, representing both employed and unemployed groups. The thematic findings elucidated that Zimbabwean rural men with disabilities endure various manifestations of GBV, including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. Participants disclosed that the psychological fallout from such violence can be markedly severe, with some men grappling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and even suicidal ideation. The study underscored the imperative for heightened awareness, enhanced support services, and counselling to address the distinctive challenges confronted by male survivors of GBV within this context. It culminates in a call for additional research aimed at elucidating the gendered dynamics and help-seeking behaviours of men experiencing GBV in rural African communities. The formulation of culturally pertinent interventions and the dismantling of deleterious gender norms are identified as crucial measures to bolster the mental health and well-being of male survivors of GBV.  

How to Cite

Kanyopa, T. J., & Chidarikire, M. (2026). Influence of gender-based violence on the psychosocial well-Being of Zimbabwean rural men with disabilities . International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 6(2), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.66434/ijspsy.v6i2.491
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

References

  1. Abrahams, N., Jewkes, R., Martin, L. J., Mathews, S., Vetten, L., & Lombard, C. (2018). Mortality of women from intimate partner violence in South Africa: A national epidemiological research. Violence and Victims, 33(3), 501–515. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.24.4.546
  2. Atherton, A., & Stacey, J. (2021). Exploring the Psychological Consequences of GBV On Men: A Mixed-Methods Research. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(9), 12–23. https://doi.org/10.47152/PrisonLIFE.D4.7_8
  3. Baker, T., Mundell, N., Koorts, H., Pebole, M., Rosenbaum, S., Ganakas, E., & Teychenne, M. (2025). Targeting mental health and wellbeing in women who have experienced gender-based violence through moderate-vigorous physical activity: a systematic review. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22(1), 49. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-025-01735-6
  4. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 16(2), 256–272. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
  5. Casey, E., Carlson, J., Two Bulls, S., & Yager, A. (2018). Gender transformative approaches to engaging men in gender-based violence prevention: A review and conceptual model. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 19(2), 231–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838016650191
  6. Chidarikire, M., Kanyopa, T. J., & Matseliso, M. M. (2025). Exploring the influence of absent father figures on the sexual behaviours of male orphan learners in rural schools. International Journal of Studies in Inclusive Education, 2(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsie.v2i3.2325
  7. Chirwa, M., Tembo, L., Ngulube, P., & Banda, E. (2020). Exploring the Relationship between Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 15(3), 120–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2012.664693
  8. Gallo, J. J., Murray, S. M., Creswell, J. W., Deutsch, C., & Guetterman, T. C. (2024). Going virtual: mixed methods evaluation of online versus in-person learning in the NIH mixed methods research training programme retreat. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 882. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12909-024-05877-2
  9. Hine, B., Bates, E. A., & Wallace, S. (2022). “I have guys call me and say ‘I can’t be the victim of domestic abuse’”: Exploring the experiences of telephone support providers for male victims of domestic violence and abuse. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(7-8), 5594-5625. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520944551
  10. Hoxmeier, J. C., & Zapp, D. (2022). History of sexual assault perpetration and violence-related prosocial tendencies among men by fraternity affiliation status. Violence against women, 28(9), 1965-1986. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012211037381
  11. Kanyopa, T. J. (2018). Learners transitioning from township to ex-model C schools: An invitational education perspective (Unpublished Master's thesis), Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, South Africa.
  12. Kanyopa, T. J. (2022). Understanding and enhancing learner integration in a selected ex-Model C school (Unpublished PhD thesis), Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, South Africa.
  13. Kanyopa, T. J. (2025). Unconditional love and support for humanity. Internationalisation of higher education for sustainable development: A Southern African perspective, 22, 72. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003494546-9
  14. Kanyopa, T. J., & Mokhele-Makgalwa, M. (2025). Teachers’ perspectives on the challenges of implementing inclusive education in Tanzanian rural schools. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(11), 483–494 https://doi.org/10.55214/2576-8484.v9i11.10912
  15. Kanyopa, T. J., Mokhele-Makgalwa, M., & Mufanechiya, A. (2024). Sociocultural experiences of first-year students: A case study of a selected university in South Africa. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(6), 6671–6680. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v8i6.3418
  16. Machisa, M., & Shamu, S. (2018). Mental ill health and factors associated with men’s use of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 376. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-018-5272-5
  17. Mhlanga, S., & Chidarikire, M. (2025). Masculinity and gender norms as risk factors in suicide and suicide ideation among male university students in Zimbabwe. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2025.2601064
  18. Montle, M. E., & Mogoboya, M. J. (2018). Depiction of Gender-Based Violence Against Black South African Women: A Postcolonial Literary Investigation into Sindiwe Magona's Beauty's Gift (2008). Gender & Behaviour, 16(1), 11035–11044.
  19. Mufanechiya, A., Kanyopa, T. J., & Mokhele-Makgalwa, M. (2024). Evaluating Primary School Teacher Professional Development Programmes in Zimbabwe: Pre-Service Student Teacher’s Views. Journal of Ecohumanism, 3(8), 6527–6538. https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i8.5282
  20. Munyaradzi, C., & Kamwendo, J. (2026). The ramifications of gender based violence on the psychosocial well-being of rural males in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 15(1), 190. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v15i1.4409
  21. Musoko, C. (2024). Media Framing of COVID-19 Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe: The Case of the Herald, Daily News, and NewsDay (2019–2022). In COVID-19 and Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe (pp. 109–129). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003494546-9