Browsing by Author "Kazantzis N"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Domestic violence, psychological distress, and physical illness among New Zealand women: Results from a community-based study
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2000) Kazantzis N; Flett RA; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    This study aimed to measure the prevalence of psychological distress and physical illness among women in New Zealand, and to identify the risk factors for psychological distress and health, with specific reference to domestic violence. A survey was carried out among a community sample of 961 women aged 19-90 years. Among all women surveyed, 25% were classified as experiencing psychological distress at the time of interview, 22% were classified as experiencing severe symptoms of physical illness, and 17% reported domestic violence by a family member at some point in their lives. Among those women who had experienced domestic violence, the perception that their life was in serious danger and the impact of the violence on their life each contributed significantly to variability in psychological distress (22% variance accounted). An estimated 12% of all cases of psychological distress and 7% of all cases of serious physical illness were attributable to domestic violence. The study underscores the need to improve policy for mental and physical health screening and care for abused women within health services in New Zealand.
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    Gender and ethnicity differences in the prevalence of traumatic events: Evidence from a New Zealand community sample
    (John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 2004) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    One thousand five hundred community residing New Zealand adults were assessed regarding their experience of traumatic events. Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed reported exposure to a traumatic event during their lifetime. Unexpected death of a close friend or relative was the most prevalent traumatic experience for the present sample, whereas combat and natural disasters were the least prevalent traumatic events. Consistent with prior research demonstrating gender differences in exposure to traumatic events, child and adult sexual assault was more common among women, and motor vehicle accidents and combat were more common among men. The present study also found that Maori individuals (indigenous people) had experienced a number of traumatic events to a greater extent than their European counterparts. These results are discussed within the New Zealand social context. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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    The impact of childhood sexual abuse on psychological distress among women in New Zealand.
    (2012-02) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M; Clark B; Edwards H; Petrik AM
    PROBLEMS: In order to better understand the long-term impact of child sex abuse, this study examined the association between women's experience of abuse, health symptoms, and psychological distress in adulthood. There is limited information about child abuse outside the United States. METHODS: Nine hundred sixty-one women participated in a structured interview. RESULTS: Participants who had experienced abuse (13%) were significantly more vulnerable to psychological distress in adulthood if they were younger, less satisfied with their standard of living, and resided in urban areas. CONCLUSION: Dissemination and evaluation of therapies for the treatment of sex abuse in the New Zealand context is warranted.
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    Training cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner in New Zealand: From university to clinical practice.
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2008) Kennedy Merrick SJ; Haarhoff BA; Stenhouse LM; Merrick PL; Kazantzis N
    The present study evaluated the transfer of skills taught in a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training programme to work practice. Seventy-three past trainees from varying mental health professions completed self-report questionnaires exploring key aspects of transfer. The results showed that, overall, there was a moderate degree of perceived transfer and a high degree of confidence in using CBT techniques. Statistically significant differences in transfer scores were found between groups with different current therapeutic approaches, age groups of clients, and therapy formats. Significant positive correlations were found between the transfer outcome and two variables: perceived confidence in using the CBT skills, and the perceived impact of the CBT training on skills and knowledge. The most helpful factors and influential barriers in the transfer of CBT training were identified. Results were consistent with findings from previous CBT studies and Goldstein and Ford's (2002) theory of the transfer process. Limitations and strategies to enhance the transfer of training are highlighted.
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    Traumatic events and physical health in a New Zealand community sample
    (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, 2002) Flett RA; Kazantzis N; Long NR; MacDonald C; Millar M
    Traumatic event exposure and physical health were examined in a community-residing sample of 1,500 New Zealand adults. Half (51%) reported past traumatic event exposure, 9% reported recent (past 12 months) trauma exposure, and 40% reported no exposure. After adjusting for gender, ethnic, and age differences, those experiencing crime and accident trauma exhibited significantly deteriorated physical health, as measured by current physical symptoms, chronic medical conditions, and chronic limitations in daily functioning. Further research is required to assess the influence of traumatic events on the physical health among adults from other countries, and to evaluate the factors that may mediate or moderate this relationship for different subgroups of the New Zealand population. Limitations of this study are outlined.