Massey Documents by Type

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    Hope and its Applications: A Scoping Review
    (University of Wollongong, 2025-12-19) Khoo E; Beban A; Mouat C; Kennedy K
    Despite a growing recognition and empirical base on hope and its value in educational contexts, there has been limited research into hope and hope-related strategies for transforming higher education (HE) teaching and learning practices. We report on a scoping review to uncover current perspectives of hope as contemplated and applied in contemporary HE teaching-learning contexts. Our study draws from six databases (A+ Education, ERIC, Education Source, Education Research Complete, PsychINFO, and Scopus) and thematically analysed 16 studies across the last decade to understand their context, theoretical framing, and practice-based orientations. Our findings highlight the range, use, and value of research into hope expressed as a multidimensional construct and variously understood through individual, sociocultural, and critical perspectives. While many studies adopt an individual view of hope as a measurable trait linked to student wellbeing and academic success, others emphasise relational, collective and community-based approaches, or frame hope as a transformative, collective force for social and political change. Each perspective engendered associated hope-based practices ranging from goal-setting, mindfulness training, dialogic and caring relationships with educators and students to cultivating possible education futures and justice-oriented teaching. We argue that this diversity reflects both the richness and the generative tensions that are thinly understood within current hope scholarship. Our findings contribute to the interdisciplinary, institutional planning and development of hope-based curricula and approaches and have implications for HE practice and the scholarship of hope.
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    Political polarization and wellbeing: Investigating potential intrapersonal harm From affective polarization
    (Ubiquity Press, 2025-12-01) McMurtrie B; Roemer A; Philipp M; Hebden R; Williams M
    Affective polarization—antipathy towards members of one’s political out-group—may pose challenges to social cohesion and personal wellbeing. Prior studies have suggested that one’s affective polarization may cause intrapersonal harm as well as interpersonal harm. It has been associated with reduced social support, increased stress, and worse physical health. This pre-registered study investigated the intrapersonal harm of affective polarization using a six-wave longitudinal survey (N = 470). Affective polarization, social support, perceived stress, and self-rated health were measured fortnightly for three months preceding the 2024 US presidential election. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models were employed to investigate the within-person effects of affective polarization on these indicators of wellbeing. Contrary to hypotheses, none of the hypothesized cross-lagged effects were significant, suggesting that changes in affective polarization did not predict changes in social support, stress, or health. However, cross-sectional analyses did reflect past findings, showing that higher levels of affective polarization were associated with lower social support, greater stress, and worse health. We additionally found evidence for perceived stress causing moderate increases in affective polarization. Stable differences by political orientation were also observed in our sample, with liberals reporting higher affective polarization and stress, lower social support, and worse health. Despite the lack of significant effects, potentially due to limitations such as sample size and measurement constraints, our findings underscore the importance of further investigations with appropriate robust designs to clarify the relationship between affective polarization and wellbeing. These results challenge the assumption that affective polarization directly drives declines in wellbeing.
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    ‘Through hybrid eyes : empathetic entanglement as a lens for human to animal metamorphosis in Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation’ and ‘Becoming Amphibian’ : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Creative Writing at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 10th November 2027
    (Massey University, 2025) Smith, Ryan
    This thesis comprises two sections: a 13,000-word critical exegesis of Annihilation (2014), a novel by Jeff VanderMeer, and a 27,000-word creative excerpt from an original speculative horror novella, Becoming Amphibian. In the critical portion of this thesis, I conduct a close reading of Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation in which I ask, how does empathetic entanglement provide a lens through which to look at human to animal metamorphosis in fiction? I investigate the human-animal metamorphosis of the unnamed biologist protagonist in Annihilation, particularly considering how her metamorphosis transforms the biologist’s perception of the nonhuman world, her relationships with nonhuman animals, and the benefits and challenges of expressing her new nonhuman abilities and agency. I argue that the biologist’s metamorphosis is an embodiment of philosopher Lori Gruen’s concept of ‘empathetic entanglement’ – a form of human-nonhuman cohabitation where human and nonhuman agency are valued more equally. I assert that the biologist’s unique Nagelian hybrid view of the world can be used as a lens to envision this empathetic entanglement. I also draw on ecocritical researcher Jack Dudley’s idea that actively embracing the trauma of transformation towards ecocentric relationships with animals is ultimately beneficial, and preferable to passively enduring Earth’s slow apocalypse. I further argue that VanderMeer’s fictional pristine ecosystem Area X – in which the bulk of Annihilation is set – could be read as a representation of ecofeminist theorist Donna Haraway’s Chthulucene, her suggested alternative to the current human-centred Anthropocene era. The creative portion of my thesis is an excerpt of an original speculative horror fiction novella called Becoming Amphibian. The narrative is centred around a human protagonist’s metamorphosis into an amphibian, and the metamorphosis of a mid-range clothes shop in the Wellington central business district into a swampland. My story picks up on similar contemporary animal studies research that is present in Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation – in particular, a push back against the human gaze; the value of nonhuman animal agency and behaviours in fictional depictions; and human-nonhuman entanglement. Becoming Amphibian also explores interspecies cooperation, as outlined in research by Donna Haraway, and Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari.
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    Deer velvet removal haemostasis : a product development investigation. EMBARGOED until 27th May 2028
    (Massey University, 2025) Sims, Gemma
    This project researched, designed, developed, and tested a haemostasis concept and prototype for the deer farming velvet industry, specifically to reduce bleeding after the removal of deer velvet antler.
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    Quantifying opponent process dynamics in pornography use and masturbation: An exploratory ecological momentary assessment study
    (Springer, 2025-11-21) Henry N; Pedersen M; Williams M; Donkin L
    The causal relationships between pornography use, masturbation, moral incongruence, and mental health are poorly understood. While the link between problematic pornography use (PPU) and depression is well documented, the temporal dynamics associated with pornography use and masturbation have not yet been quantified. Utilizing an exploratory ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design, we measured the temporal dynamics of cognitive and affective state variables collected from 22 participants before, during, and after pornography use and masturbation, and examined the moderating role of moral incongruence in these relationships. Participants completed an initial survey followed by a four-week EMA, capturing data on sexual activities and cognitive and affective state variables. Bayesian hierarchical mixed-effects models were employed to analyze temporal dynamics. Findings suggest that pornography use and masturbation were linked to changes in affective and cognitive states that spiked both before and after sexual episodes. These states were generally more pronounced and sustained in participants with high moral incongruence, who experienced transient increases in shame, guilt, difficulty thinking, relationship disconnectedness, craving for sexual intercourse, and mood deterioration after pornography use and masturbation. These shifts typically persisted for several hours before decaying to baseline levels. High-incongruence participants also experienced strong spikes in craving prior to sexual episodes, while low-incongruence participants experienced craving spikes after pornography use and masturbation, indicating possible sensitization effects. Our findings also signalled potential evidence for “brain fog” following pornography use in both low and high-incongruence participants. Further, we discovered opponent process dynamics in the mood of high-incongruence participants, providing a possible causal mechanism that may explain how PPU can lead to depression.
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    Genomic association and transcriptomic studies of bud break and fire blight resistance in apple germplasm for the development of cultivars better adapted to climate change : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Horticulture Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. EMBARGOED to 14 January 2027.
    (Massey University, 2025-11-26) Chen, Xiaoying
    This thesis investigates the genetic and phenotypic mechanisms underlying dormancy regulation and fire blight resistance in apples, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Employing a comprehensive approach that integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, and advanced phenotyping techniques, this research aims to provide insights that support the development of climate-resilient apple cultivars. The study identifies significant genetic loci and candidate genes involved in endodormancy and ecodormancy transitions. Key genes such as MdDAM1, MdDAM2 and MdDAM4 reaffirm their established roles in dormancy regulation, while novel candidates, including CYP716A15, WRKY48 and XTH2, emerge as critical regulators during the progression from deep endodormancy to dormancy release. Similarly, genes like PP2C6, HSFC1 and CIPK1 are highlighted for their roles in the transition from dormancy maintenance to release, contributing to the understanding of genetic control during these phases. For fire blight resistance, phenotypic evaluations reveal variability in susceptibility among accessions, with M. baccata gracilis and Aotea 39 showing promise as novel sources of resistance. GWAS identified loci associated with polygenic resistance mechanisms, and RNA-seq provided evidence for the involvement of key resistance genes, including WRKY transcription factors and SIS proteins, in pathogen defence. This research also highlights methodological advancements and limitations. The use of single-node cutting (SNC) proved effective in differentiating dormancy phases, but challenges remain in achieving consistent phenotyping across diverse genetic backgrounds. The study underscores the need for enhanced sampling strategies, such as longitudinal RNA-seq, and the incorporation of advanced diagnostic tools, like hyperspectral imaging, to improve precision in trait assessments. The findings from this thesis offer a foundation for future breeding programs aimed at developing apple cultivars with reduced chilling requirements and enhanced resistance to fire blight. By addressing critical genetic and phenotypic gaps, this research contributes to the resilience and sustainability of apple production in the face of climate change.
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    Essays on corporate finance in Indian markets : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Finance at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 10 November 2027.
    (Massey University, 2025) Puri, Swati Kumaria
    A strong and well-regulated financial system is essential for sustained economic growth. Financial sector reforms play a vital role in promoting efficient resource allocation, enhancing inclusion, mitigating business risks, and fostering long-term stability. India’s financial landscape has undergone a major transformation since the liberalization of the 1990s, transitioning from a highly regulated economy to a more open, market-oriented, and globally integrated system. Two landmark reforms—the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) introduced in 2016 and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) law enacted in 2013—have significantly reshaped India’s financial and corporate framework. The IBC has improved the ease of doing business by providing a structured mechanism for insolvency resolution and creditor protection, while the CSR law has institutionalized responsible corporate behaviour by aligning business goals with social and environmental objectives. Despite these progressive measures, India’s financial system continues to face persistent external challenges such as rising crime, which creates uncertainty, increases transaction costs, and undermines investor confidence. This thesis examines the impact of legal reforms, corporate social responsibility, and crime on debt financing and investment efficiency in the Indian context. It provides robust empirical evidence that well-designed legal frameworks and governance mechanisms significantly enhance corporate performance, while external challenges like crime hinder firms’ investment efficiency. Collectively, the three essays in this study underscore the pivotal role of institutional frameworks in shaping corporate behaviour and economic outcomes—beginning with legal reform and extending to governance and enforcement. The findings reveal that proactive policy interventions such as the IBC and CSR reforms can enhance credit access and investment efficiency, contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth. However, the persistence of crime highlights the need for complementary governance and transparency measures to mitigate investment inefficiencies. Overall, this research contributes to understanding how institutional mechanisms and external constraints interact to influence firm behaviour and economic development in emerging markets. Importantly, these insights extend beyond India, offering valuable implications for policymakers and businesses in other developing economies seeking to strengthen institutions, promote economic resilience, and achieve sustainable progress.
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    Part 1. Critical essay : Reconciling the Self – A Journey Through Memory in Annie Ernaux’s A Girl’s Story. Part 2. Creative essays : Let It Be a First Step : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Creative Writing at Massey University, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 7th October 2027
    (Massey University, 2025) O'Sullivan, Fiona Therese
    This thesis has two parts, a critical examination of the French writer Annie Ernaux with a particular focus on her nonfiction work, A Girl’s Story, and a creative which comprises a collection of essays that explore childhood memories and the formative influence of childhood experiences on our adult selves.