Pacific and Pasifika Theses
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The theses listed in this collection were all completed at Massey University in a range of different departments and institutes. They have been included in this collection if the topic is strongly related to Pasifika/the Pacific.
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Browsing Pacific and Pasifika Theses by Subject "451613 Pacific Peoples psychology"
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- Item"E lē ma’i, o le malosi!" = (He’s not sick, he’s strong!) : Pacific parents’ journey of raising autistic children in Aotearoa : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Nafatali, RochelleMinistry of Health data estimates there are 4,000 Pacific children in Aotearoa New Zealand officially diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This figure is likely underestimating the true prevalence of autism within Aotearoa Pacific communities, due to diagnostic disproportionality, and a lack of autism assessments completed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Children of Indigenous and ethnic minority populations globally tend to be diagnosed later, incorrectly diagnosed, or are not referred for autism diagnosis. Indigenous and ethnic minority parents regularly have their concerns dismissed by health professionals, face lengthy delays, and endure multiple attempts at diagnostic referral. Despite the growing autistic community globally, and Pacific peoples being the fastest-growing youth population in Aotearoa, Pacific peoples’ perspectives and experiences have not been included in autism research. Consequently, no reliable data exist on Pacific autistic people, and just six percent (6%) of eligible Pacific families are accessing Disability Support Services within Aotearoa. This first Pacific-led study (based on three Pacific-Indigenous research frameworks) focuses on Pacific parents’ expert knowledge from lived experience raising their autistic children, revealing key differences from a Pacific-Indigenous context in autism conceptualisation, support access, and language and culture maintenance. Fifteen Pacific parents of autistic children from the Pasifika Autism Support Group and Pacific community in Auckland Aotearoa, participated in eight research talanoa. Findings revealed parents sought an overall state of Diasporic Adaptation to Neurodiversity which involved acceptance, adaptation, and unlearning for Pacific parents. Four subthemes together explained the experience of Pacific parents of autistic children in Aotearoa: 1) Uncharted Islands: Understanding Autism; 2) Encountering Stormy Seas: Challenges; 3) Collective Unity through Relational Resilience; and, 4) Autism Support. Pacific-Indigenous knowledge and knowledge gained from Pacific parents was woven together to create the Tapasā a Tagata Sa’ilimalo (compass for people in search of success), which can be used for navigating the experiences of Pacific parents of autistic children within Aotearoa. Together with clinical implications provided, the Tapasā a Tagata Sa’ilimalo can guide clinicians, educators, and practitioners working with Pacific families of autistic children in Aotearoa to provide culturally appropriate, family-centred care and support prior to, during, and following autism diagnosis.
- ItemThe effects of mindfulness meditation on the well-being of Pasifika students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Uele, Miriam FBackground: Mindfulness application has become a topic of interest in academic research, primarily because it has been shown to support positive well-being. Mental health disorders disproportionately affect young adults aged 15 to 24, specifically Pasifika people. To the researcher's best knowledge, a mindfulness-based intervention implemented by Pasifika University students is lacking. For such reasons, the current study addresses the research gap by introducing a feasible exploratory study that aims to consider whether participation in a brief four-week mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR) can improve levels of subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being, and mindfulness of Pasifika University students. Method: The current study involved a single-group design utilising a quantitative method. Data was collected pre-and-post MBSR intervention using three self-report psychometric measures including the Well-being Index measure (WHO-8), Pacific Identity and Well-being Revised measure (PIWBSR-35), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-39). A paired samples t-test was conducted pre-and-post the MBSR intervention. Results: The findings revealed that subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being were significant post-intervention. However, mindfulness scores were insignificant. A further paired samples t-test was conducted on the individual factors of Pacific identity and well-being and the individual mindfulness facets. The analysis revealed that the mindfulness observation was significant. Conclusion: It can be proposed that a mindfulness meditation intervention could be appropriate for Pasifika University students aged 18 – 24 years old. While this is the case, it is crucial to consider these findings with caution. The current pilot study is a stepping stone towards further investigations that can promote the well-being of Pasifika people.
- ItemInterrogating concepts of resilience and vulnerability as applied to Pacific diasporic communities in relation to disaster response and recovery : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Satele, Petra JoyThe objective of this research is to interrogate the concepts of resilience and vulnerability among Pacific diasporic communities in the context of disaster recovery and response; the purpose is to explore Pacific indigenous resilience and redefine the vulnerability of Pacific communities – a narrative so often perpetuated by government and international policy. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on three transcripts from disaster-focused community forums which used talanoa – a Pacific qualitative methodology. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: 1) A history and a future of resilience; 2) Don’t tell us we’re vulnerable – listen and let us lead; and 3) A Pacific community is a strong community with solutions. These themes displayed an overwhelming level of resilience amongst Pacific communities and thus confirmed that Pacific communities are not inherently vulnerable. According to the results Pacific indigenous resilience can be defined as: 1) Learning from past generations to adapt and build forward better, 2) Supporting and serving communities for quick and immediate response and 3) Leading and partnering to activate solutions. Pacific indigenous resilience is action-oriented and activated, therefore it is already happening within communities today, though often overlooked. The findings of this study reflect the need for vulnerability and resilience to be reimagined through a cultural and indigenous lens, and for the resilience of indigenous groups to not be measured by an ambiguous, universal scale. Pacific indigenous resilience must inform policy if disaster response and recovery strategy is to be relevant, effective, and inclusive of Pacific communities.
- ItemPasifika practitioners' experiences : working with people engaged in harmful sexual behaviour : a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Gojak, NatasjaPacific peoples in Aotearoa continue to be over-represented amongst those who demonstrate harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). Given the stigma that often coincides with this behaviour, there is a paucity in existing literature that considers the experiences of those providing treatment for HSB, particularly among Pasifika communities. This becomes even more of a concern for Pasifika people providing treatment to Pasifika with HSB, given the hierarchies, protocols and boundaries that exist within Pasifika communities. This study posed the question; what is the experience of Pasifika practitioners’ working with Pasifika who have demonstrated HSB? The aim of this research was to provide insight into the experience of Pasifika practitioners in this space in the endeavour to provide an exploratory. The objective was threefold; (i) Establish a basis of knowledge that can be built on through future study to support the professional development of Pasifika and non-Pasifika practitioners working with HSB, (ii) Create greater awareness and support within the community for Pasifika practitioners working within the space of HSB, (iii) Determine recommendations for developing culturally appropriate treatment for working with HSB so practitioners can engage in evidence-based practice that is culturally safe. A Pasifika-appropriate Talanoa methodology was employed to navigate data collection with the participation from five Pasifika practitioners who include social workers and psychologists. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. In response to the research question, four overarching themes were identified to depict the experience of Pasifika practitioners; the centrality of the Vā, integrating culture into practice, service to the community and navigating heterogeneity. This study identified the need for future research to focus on a professional development framework for Pasifika practitioners working with HSB. It also highlights that efforts should be made to improve guidelines and supports for Pasifika practitioners working with HSB. Moreover, in the endeavour to create infrastructure and policy that further perpetuates appropriate methodologies, these goals should sought to be achieved in a way that is Pacific by Pacific for Pacific.