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Item Autism spectrum disorder : understanding and management through countering violent extremism strategies : a thesis presented in fulfilment if the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Power, AmyAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent social and cognitive deficits presenting in adolescent developmental phase. There are three categories of impairment that can occur; language skills, social behaviour, and cognitive functioning, which can lead to atypical interpretations of surrounding environments. Although expression of ASD characteristics varies across individual circumstances, common behaviours identified across the cohort are suggested to influence perceptions of social law and consequences, and susceptibility to radicalisation to violent extremism. Violent extremism (VE) is a global problem that has led countries such as New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, and Canada, to develop Counter-Violent Extremism strategies to minimize the impact of VE. The current research explores how these strategies attend to the specific needs and impairments of autistic individuals. Chapter one explores autism and violent extremism and how they may link. Examination is made of the current understandings around autism and how this neurodevelopmental disorder may be linked with expressions of violent extremism. Chapter two provides an account of the chosen methodology of Document Analysis, the analysis processes undertaken and the ethical considerations. Chapter three provides the results of the study, structured by way of themes and sub-themes found across the dataset. The final chapter consists of a discussion regarding each theme and how it corroborates with previous research. This chapter will also explore the strengths and limitations that occurred when implementing this study and outlines any recommendations of future research direction.Item Walking the line : the experiences of racism among non-stereotypical Māori : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Psychology), School of Psychology, Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Arnold-Hirini, TaniaAotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world (Dudley, Faleafa, & Yong, 2016; Ogden, 2007; Rocha, 2012; Stankov & Lee, 2009). Like other Indigenous cultures, Māori have been significantly impacted by historical, and ongoing, colonisation (Dudley, Wilson, & Barker-Collo, 2014; New Zealand Psychological Society, 2016; New Zealand Psychologists Board, 2018; Shepherd & Leathem, 1999). Due to NZ’s continually blending society, many bicultural Māori-Pākehā babies are born with blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. Features which conflict with the traditional phenotypical stereotypes associated with Māori, created via historical texts and perpetuated by the media (Sibley, Stewart, et al., 2011). Many bicultural Māori are socially assigned identities that are incorrect. In previous research among 8500 Māori participants, 25.8% (N=2198) believed they were socially assigned as solely Pākehā (Statistics New Zealand, 2018). A survey and four semi-structured interviews were used in this research and interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the data. The experience demonstrated how these bicultural Māori, occupying hybrid positions, can experience privileges due to their appearance and affinity with the Pākehā culture (Houkamau, 2016). However, they often have their authenticity as Māori challenged and describe were likely to develop insecure cultural identities. where they did not feel a true sense of belonging to their cultural heritages. These non-stereotypical Māori commonly experienced varying forms of discrimination and racism from both their Pākehā and Māori in-groups (Apiata, 2017b; Barnes, Taiapa, Borell, & McCreanor, 2013; Bassett, 2010; Fusitu'a, 2018; Hayden, 2019; Hura, 2015; Korako, 2018; MacDonald, 2018). They may perceive socially appointed limitations on their right to participate in cultural activities which leads them to feel ostracized from te ao Māori, potentially causing them to deny their Māori heritage entirely (MacDonald, 2018). This research presents unique experiences that add depth to the current body of research concerned with bicultural psychology. It reinforces the importance of cultural safety across public services, discouraging cultural blindness and assumptions regarding cultural needs outlines ways to overcome cultural stereotyping and better reflect Māori diversity (Bennett, 2018b; Kingi et al., 2017; Pack, Tuffin, & Lyons, 2016b; Wepa, 2018).Item Is the Kirogi a fairy-tale ending? : the lives of Kirogi : experiences as mother and woman in the New Zealand context : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Lee, AelynThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and understand the lives of Kirogi (Goose mother); their experiences as mother and woman in a New-Zealand context. The Kirogi represents a goose analogy because these animals are known for their lifelong commitment to their partners and devotion to their young. Thus, Kirogi is used to describe Korean mothers in a transnational family set-up who migrates to Western countries for her child’s education. Given the prevalent deficit mindset surrounding Kirogi mothers, this study sought to investigate these Kirogi mothers’ intimate lives and sought to flip the negative narrative. The epistemological underpinning that guided this research aligns with the constructivist paradigm, and data analysis was completed using narrative analysis strategies from Clandinin and Connelly’s (2000) three-dimensional narrative inquiry space. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of four Kirogi mothers living in the urban district of Auckland, New-Zealand. Utilizing Clandinin and Connelly’s (2000) three-dimensional approach, the researcher collected rich insights into the participant's life histories, current realities and future prospects. Participants provided in-depth narratives of their experiences as a Kirogi mother and women living in New-Zealand. After careful analysis based on multiple readings of the transcript four major themes with related sub-themes were discerned: (a) Escape from Korean society, (b) Different identities as women, (c) Martial quality- fidelity vs. infidelity, (d) Unique challenges experienced by Kirogi mothers.Item The 'perfect' gay man : an exploration of perfectionism with gay men in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Steadman, JessicaThis study explores the experiences of gay men in New Zealand who self-identify as perfectionists. The research had three aims: to explore how perfectionism is experienced throughout participants’ day-to-day lives, to understand how participants perceived their perfectionism to develop and change over time, and to investigate the self-perceived effects of perfectionism on participants’ relationships. Recruitment of participants was conducted with the support and assistance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer plus (LGBTQ+) organisations using the snowballing method. Six individuals who identified as male, gay and perfectionistic participated in semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, with participants’ voices located centrally throughout the research. Participants’ accounts were integrated to form three overarching themes: Contributions to Perfectionism, Living with Perfectionism and Journey towards (Im)perfection. It was found that most participants viewed their sexual orientation as contributing to the development of perfectionism, as they sought to compensate for not fulfilling heteronormative standards. Further, participants reported that their perfectionism changed over their lifetime, shifting from being central to their identity to simply being a part of who they are. Participants also reiterated sub-themes related to both positive and negative effects of perfectionism, as well as increased acceptance of their perfectionism over time that mirrored their self-acceptance. These findings challenge current understandings of perfectionism through the inclusion of wider societal and cultural impositions in the development of perfectionism. Further, the way in which participants reported that perfectionism has shifted for them over their lifetimes provides a unique understanding of perfectionism as being potentially changeable in nature.Item Impacts of the initial 2020 COVID-19 lockdown on volunteers aged 70+ years at New Zealand Red Cross : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Emergency Management at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Burns, KateIn addition to widespread economic implications, and impacts on physical health globally, epidemics can significantly negatively impact on people’s mental health and sense of wellbeing. The current COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have disproportionately negative impacts on vulnerable communities by compounding pre-existing social and economic. To add to this body of knowledge, the research question for this study is “What were the experiences of New Zealand Red Cross’ Meals on Wheels Volunteers, during aged 70 years and older, the initial 2020 response to COVID-19?”. This question was addressed by conducting an online survey, which ultimately received 81 respondents from around the country. Thematic analysis was undertaken within NVivo, to identify four key themes. The analysis revealed there were several volunteer motivations for choosing to join MoW including wanting to give back to their community, to connect with others, with the level of connection to family and friends being of primary importance in order to feel socially connected. Participants based in Auckland reported being more conscientious about adhering to COVID-19 protocols, and the majority of respondents reported increased use of technology, such as Zoom and FaceTime. Following a disaster NZRC typically help with evacuations, deliver essential supplies such as food and water, and provide emotional and social support to people in their homes and in the community. The findings of the research suggest that additional commitment is needed by NZRC in considering options for social support and recovery assistance for older adults in the wake of a disaster is needed.Item Older adults' experiences of a pandemic : how foods, routines, and socialisation have been impacted by COVID-19 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (by thesis) in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Richmond, AshleyThe objective of this research study was to investigate the experiences of older adults in New Zealand during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on how food habits were impacted. A great deal of disaster research fails to recognise first-hand experience, with an even greater shortage of research investigating how older adults cope during disasters. Such research is imperative in order to fully prepare to effectively support older adult populations during such disasters as the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaining first-hand experience via semi-structured interviews is an effective way to comprehend these experiences. In the present study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six older adults in New Zealand: four from the small town of Morrinsville and two from the large city of Auckland. A media analysis was also conducted to better understand the context of these experiences: news articles, government documents, and seniors’ newsletters were analysed. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes, with the overarching theme being that of resilience: each of the participants demonstrated a high degree of resilience throughout the pandemic lockdown. However, there existed a great deal of concern over being a burden to others as most of the participants were unable to do their own shopping due to government restrictions. All participants also experienced dramatically reduced socialisation and freedom, which proved challenging for the capable and independent people they were. The participants understood the reasons for having to stay at home and were supportive of the government’s decisions. They spoke of following the rules and the strategies used to protect themselves if they did go out. The participants were proactive in maintaining their routines as part of maintaining healthy habits and eating well. They recognised the crucial importance of staying in contact with friends and family. These older adults were resilient, proactive, and accepting in the face of adversity. Implications for future research include investigating older adults of other socio-economic statuses where resilience may be impacted by financial constraints. Additionally, investigating the role of culture, and especially the difference between collectivist and individualist cultures on the experience of a disaster would be valuable.Item Living through lockdown : coping strategies and perceived stress of New Zealand-based parents during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2020) Stoop-Maigret, RosannaThe current study examined coping strategies and perceived stress of New Zealand-based parents during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions. Two online surveys were administered. Survey 1 (N = 242) was available between May 7th and May 16th and covered the previous four weeks of Alert Level 4 and 3. Subject IDs were generated for those participants who opted to complete Survey 2 as well. Survey 2 (N = 125) was available between June 12th and June 19th and covered the previous four weeks of Alert Level 2 and 1. In both surveys, coping strategies were examined with the Brief COPE Inventory and perceived stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Participants were also asked questions on personal circumstances, appraisal of the lockdown, impact, daily routines, and the use of online coping strategies. Results showed that the number of adults who worked from home during the lockdown significantly and positively predicted perceived stress (i.e. increased perceived stress). Appraisal of the lockdown (as "positive", "mixed", or "negative") also predicted perceived stress. In Survey 1, 27% of the participants indicated that the lockdown had a negative effect on their mental wellbeing "fairly" to "very" often. This was associated with a significant increase in perceived stress. Participants who indicated that the lockdown "put a strain on relationships in their bubble" also experienced higher levels of perceived stress. The opposite was true for participants who indicated that the lockdown "allowed their family to slow down" or participants who "experienced less stress from work and/or school". Out of the coping strategies that were measured with the Brief COPE Inventory, self-blame, behavioural disengagement, self-distraction, venting, and planning predicted an increase in perceived stress. Emotional support and acceptance, on the other hand, predicted a reduction in perceived stress. The current study did not find any associations between perceived stress and the use of daily routines or online coping strategies. Based on these results, as well as the relevant literature, the use of (computer-mediated) interventions based on acceptance and commitment therapy is suggested to improve mental wellbeing and reduce perceived stress in New Zealand-based parents during COVID-19 related restrictions.Item Be(com)ing men in another place : the migrant men of Gandhi Nivas and their violent stories : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Mattson, AnthonyThe social issue of family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand is pervasive, profoundly gendered, and complexified through intersectionalities including poverty, unemployment, and ethnic and racial marginalisation. Speaking truth to power is important for victims of violence. However, men who use violence are often isolated and ignored because of their violence, and their stories are seldom heard. This research brings men who use violence back into our responses by exploring the complexities of their accounts using the conceptual apparatus of Deleuze and Guattari to rupture dominant representations and interpretations. This study is based at Gandhi Nivas, a community-led early intervention initiative in South Auckland. It follows a year of interactions with migrant men from India, South East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. All of the men have used violence against women. Unlike essentialising societal discourses that reductively characterise men who use violence as perpetrators, offenders, or deviant Others, the men’s stories are complicated and messy, with descriptions of authoritarian and patriarchal childhood experiences, obstructed agency and exploitation, anti-productive connections, and conflicting desires. The men’s gendered understandings move and their storying is often ambivalent and contradictory. Differences that emerge are not only differences between the men, but also for each man, and reflect movements that they make in their locatedness during their storying. To write these multiplicities and subjectivities into the thesis, I introduce a novel approach––Rhizography, or ‘writing the rhizome’––to disrupt the normalities of representation, interpretation and subjectivity. I am guided in this research by an ethic of care that is gendered, performative, and immanent, through which I plug into the research as a special kind of Deleuzo-Guattarian desiring-machine: a nurturing-machine that becomes a site of production to connect with men who use violence and hear their stories. A semi-autobiographical narrative also emerges in which I examine the tensions of simultaneously becoming ethical activist and researcher. The study contributes to new understandings about violence against women, by enabling movement beyond dominant perspectives of violence against women as pathologised behaviours to refocus analysis on the encounters between men who use violence and the broader social structures in which violence occurs.Item Instagram vs. reality : risk factors that make an adolescent more vulnerable to engage in an upwards social comparison on Instagram, resulting in poorer mental health : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Gifford, NicoleAim: For the past two decades researchers have been trying to understand how social media is affecting an individual’s mental health, however, social media platforms are rapidly changing, and new social media platforms are being developed and integrated into an adolescent’s life at a rapid rate. Therefore, research is quickly becoming outdated with a significant lag between the literature and social media existing. Instagram is an increasingly popular photo sharing social media application that offers individuals the opportunity to post photos of their lives. A consequence of Instagram being photo based is that users often apply impression management strategies, so that only the best parts of their life are presented. This creates a ripe environment for upwards social comparisons to occur, as the Instagram user compares their realities to the unrealistic images presented on Instagram. In particular, adolescents may be at risk of engaging in upwards social comparisons on Instagram, as they are the largest consumers of social media, and they are at a developmental period where social comparisons are crucial for constructing one’s identity and navigating the social world. However, little is known about how the positively skewed Instagram environment is impacting an adolescent’s mental health, which is concerning given the poor adolescent mental health statistics in New Zealand. Preliminary research from Instagram and other social media platforms, suggests that when individuals engage in upwards social comparisons on social media, it can lead to psychological distress. However, research has also suggested a poor get poorer effect is occurring, meaning only individuals who have certain vulnerability factors are at risk of engaging in an upwards social comparison, and thus experiencing the adverse psychological outcomes. Therefore, scholars have called for research to identify these vulnerability factors to enable a more nuanced understanding to be established. The aim of the current study was to focus on what vulnerability factors make an adolescent at risk of engaging in an upwards social comparison on Instagram, and subsequently experience depression and worry symptoms. The vulnerability factors that were of interest include: self-esteem, social comparison orientation, self-concept clarity, passive Instagram use, intensity of Instagram use and gender. This research hopes to provide mental health professionals with information regarding modern triggers that may be contributing to the high prevalence of youth depression and anxiety disorders, in order to guide prevention measures and interventions. Method: 853 adolescents in Auckland, New Zealand, between the ages of 13 and 19 years old completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of standardised scales to measure the constructs of interest, demographic questions and questions regarding Instagram use. Structural Equation Modelling was then utilised to test the hypotheses using a mediation model and a moderated mediation model, to determine whether the data corresponded well to the hypothesised models. Results: The results offered evidence that supported the poor get poorer effect for personality factors only. As it was identified that adolescents who have the personality traits of: a tendency to compare their abilities with others and have a low self-concept clarity are more likely to engage in an upwards social comparison on Instagram, resulting in greater depression and worry symptoms. The Instagram usage variables of: passive Instagram use and using Instagram intensely were not identified as risk factors for engaging in an upwards social comparison on Instagram. When looking at the gender effects it was identified that vulnerable females experienced more dire outcomes than males, as comparing ones’ abilities with others was only a risk factor for females and low self-concept clarity was a greater risk factor for females than males. Conclusion: The current study supported the idea that the false positive impressions displayed on Instagram can be detrimental for some adolescents’ psychological wellbeing and could possibly be contributing to New Zealand’s poor adolescent mental health statistics. The current study highlights the negative psychological impact that Instagram can have on an adolescent’s mental health, when they compare their realities to the positively skewed environment. This is concerning as social media is becoming deeply embedded into many adolescents’ lives. Therefore, this research prompts future research to further identify adolescents who are considered at risk so public health messages and interventions can be targeted towards these individuals.Item The relationship between problem gambling, spending on loot boxes, and loot box opening videos : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2020) Wilkins, Jed TaylorLoot boxes are in-game purchases in video games where the content is unknown before opening and is randomised. The content can have high or low rarity and can provide advantages in-game, encouraging ongoing purchasing behaviours through increased desirability of content. Loot boxes within video games operate on Variable-Ratio reinforcement similar to legally defined gambling and are argued to meet the criteria for gambling. Evidence shows a positive association between problem gambling symptomology and spending on loot boxes. However, there may be other factors in the relationship, one of these being loot box opening videos (e.g., on YouTube or Twitch). To date, one study has investigated the possibility that loot box opening videos are associated with loot box spending, which has suggested that this relationship between watching loot box opening videos and loot box spending exists; therefore, it is important to explore the association between problem gambling, loot box spending, and loot box opening videos, and also establish the problem gambling and loot box spending relationship in a New Zealand sample. We recruited a cross-sectional New Zealand sample (n = 313), and a convenience sample (n = 118) and conducted a survey investigating the relationship between loot box spending, problem gambling symptomology, and frequency and time spent watching loot box opening videos. The results from the two samples were mixed. There were few significant effects in the convenience sample; however, limitations (such as extremely low loot box spending) in the convenience sample suggest the findings from the cross-sectional New Zealand sample may be more valid. The results from the cross-sectional New Zealand sample revealed that higher problem gambling symptomology correlated significantly with higher loot box spending. Regression analyses showed that the interaction between problem gambling symptomology and time spent watching loot box opening videos explained a significant amount of variance in loot box spending, while the interaction between problem gambling symptomology and frequency of watching loot box opening videos did not. Results replicated previous research suggesting that people with higher problem gambling symptomology are spending more money on loot boxes. The results also suggest that the amount of time spent, not the frequency of, watching loot box opening videos in combination with problem gambling symptomology is associated with higher loot box spending. Further research is required to attempt to replicate the findings.