HPCOS81
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 762179
DUE DATE: 8 AUGUST 2025
,Research Methods and Proposal
Table of Contents
RESEARCH PROPOSAL ............................................................................................... 2
Introduction to the Topic .............................................................................................. 2
Background ................................................................................................................... 2
Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 3
Main Research Question .............................................................................................. 4
Research Sub-Questions and Purpose Statements ............................................... 4
Research Objectives ..................................................................................................... 4
Research Deliverables (Expected Outcomes/Benefits) .......................................... 5
Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 5
Introduction: Search Process and Key Themes .................................................. 5
Definition and Focus .............................................................................................. 5
Key Themes from Literature .................................................................................. 6
Importance of the Topic per Literature ................................................................. 6
Framework Showing Relevance ............................................................................ 7
Gaps Identified and How This Study Will Address Them ................................... 7
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 8
List of References ......................................................................................................... 8
Appendices .................................................................................................................. 11
Appendix A: Screenshot of Home Page of Referencing Software ...................... 11
Appendix B: Screenshot of Signed Plagiarism Pledge ........................................ 12
Appendix C: Turnitin Submission Receipt (Optional but Recommended) ......... 12
, RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title:
The Impact of Social Support on Mental Health Outcomes Among University Students in
South Africa
Name:
Student Number:
Course Code: HPCOS81
Assignment 3 – 2025
Supervisor:
Turnitin Similarity Index: [Insert exact % here – Must be less than 30%]
Introduction to the Topic
The transition to university life introduces a range of psychological stressors that impact
the mental health of students. In South Africa, where socioeconomic challenges and
academic pressures are widespread, many university students report symptoms of
depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. As mental health concerns grow among
this population, understanding the protective role of social support becomes
increasingly relevant. This research focuses on exploring how different forms of social
support — from family, peers, and institutional services — influence students' mental
well-being and coping mechanisms. The study will be conducted within South African
public universities, where support structures are often under-resourced or underutilized,
particularly among first-generation students.
Background
The literature underscores the critical link between social support and mental health in
student populations. According to Pretorius and Padmanabhanunni (2021), students
with stronger perceived social support networks demonstrate lower levels of
psychological distress and greater resilience. However, many students experience
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 762179
DUE DATE: 8 AUGUST 2025
,Research Methods and Proposal
Table of Contents
RESEARCH PROPOSAL ............................................................................................... 2
Introduction to the Topic .............................................................................................. 2
Background ................................................................................................................... 2
Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 3
Main Research Question .............................................................................................. 4
Research Sub-Questions and Purpose Statements ............................................... 4
Research Objectives ..................................................................................................... 4
Research Deliverables (Expected Outcomes/Benefits) .......................................... 5
Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 5
Introduction: Search Process and Key Themes .................................................. 5
Definition and Focus .............................................................................................. 5
Key Themes from Literature .................................................................................. 6
Importance of the Topic per Literature ................................................................. 6
Framework Showing Relevance ............................................................................ 7
Gaps Identified and How This Study Will Address Them ................................... 7
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 8
List of References ......................................................................................................... 8
Appendices .................................................................................................................. 11
Appendix A: Screenshot of Home Page of Referencing Software ...................... 11
Appendix B: Screenshot of Signed Plagiarism Pledge ........................................ 12
Appendix C: Turnitin Submission Receipt (Optional but Recommended) ......... 12
, RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title:
The Impact of Social Support on Mental Health Outcomes Among University Students in
South Africa
Name:
Student Number:
Course Code: HPCOS81
Assignment 3 – 2025
Supervisor:
Turnitin Similarity Index: [Insert exact % here – Must be less than 30%]
Introduction to the Topic
The transition to university life introduces a range of psychological stressors that impact
the mental health of students. In South Africa, where socioeconomic challenges and
academic pressures are widespread, many university students report symptoms of
depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. As mental health concerns grow among
this population, understanding the protective role of social support becomes
increasingly relevant. This research focuses on exploring how different forms of social
support — from family, peers, and institutional services — influence students' mental
well-being and coping mechanisms. The study will be conducted within South African
public universities, where support structures are often under-resourced or underutilized,
particularly among first-generation students.
Background
The literature underscores the critical link between social support and mental health in
student populations. According to Pretorius and Padmanabhanunni (2021), students
with stronger perceived social support networks demonstrate lower levels of
psychological distress and greater resilience. However, many students experience
