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    An evaluation of F.E. Fiedler's two measures of leadsership style : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1976) Righton, Barry
    A short history of research into the study of leadership up to and including an explanation of Fiedler's (1967) contingency model of leadership effectiveness is presented. Some doubt is raised as regards the validity of Fiedler's two measures of leadership style (A.So. and L.P.C. Scores) and a comparison between the two is attempted. Five groups of leaders (total N of 14) completed Fiedler's standardised measures of leadership style and scores for the two styles, measured by the A.So and L.P.C. were computed. A comparison between both sets of scores and between mean scores for each group suggested that, contrary to Fiedler's prediction, A.So. did not behave significantly similarly to L.P.C. with A.So. Score appearing to differentiate leadership styles in the generally expected direction whilst L.P.C. Score failed to differentiate leadership styles.
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    Women's attributions subsequent to miscarriage : an exploratory study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Kennedy, Fiona Margaret
    Although spontaneous abortion is a routine medical event, no definitive etiology exists, and research available indicates reactions can be problematic. To investigate the relationship of attributions about miscarriage and psychological well-being, a partial replication was conducted of an earlier study. In the present study, forty-eight women were interviewed about their attributions, emotional reactions and their level of information about miscarriage. Madden's (1988) format was used, and a well-being measure was administered. Few women made attributions to themselves or to others. Women were more likely to attribute responsibility to chance. The hypothesised relationships of attributions with psychological well-being, received equivocal support. As hypothesised, respondents generally reported low levels of information about miscarriage, and this was especially pronounced in women without prior experience of miscarriage. These findings are discussed, and suggestions made for future research both on attributions, and perinatal loss. Concluding remarks include observations about miscarriage as a life event, and the practical implications of the research.
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    Special education policies of the fourth Labour Government, 1984-1990 : an interpretative analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Administration at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1994) Brown, Colleen
    In the period 1984 - 1990 significant changes occurred in education in New Zealand due to a broad mix of political, social and economic influences. Within the field of special education, although the influence 'mix' was different, due to the particular characteristics of this field. This thesis examines special education as a 'case study' within the wider educational reform which occurred in this period. It draws its conclusions from current educational and political research, and is informed by first hand opinions from a number of the key players in policy development from those years. The role of the state in the educational development process is reviewed, and exclusionary traditions and practices which have informed special education legislation since 1867 are described. The various disability discourses that have informed regulations on special education policy in New Zealand for 130 years are discussed, and the effect of the emergence in the 1970's of the rights discourse is analysed in terms of its impact on legislation and policy development up to 1990. Up until 1987, education stood aside from the wider state sector reforms. However, government restructuring between 1987 - 1990 targeted educational administration, and sought to introduce market ideology to it. Central to this restructuring was the re-classifying of educational outputs as a 'private good' in the hands of all New Zealanders. This case study reviews the impact of the neo-liberal ideologies on the educational reform in the period is reviewed, with particular reference to special education policy development. Finally, special educational policy is examined in terms of the prevalent management theories applied to education, and the changing role of the state. Particular trends emerging in the period 1984 - 1990 are identified: ▫ the devolution of some decision making processes to community level during this period meant that those informed by the more restrictive disability discourses were left to interpret special edcuation policy at the community level often without sufficient training to understand the emancipatory legislation to apply it as it was intended. Any conflict with the state was now transported down to a local level. ▫ the passage of emancipatory policies has meant more money was put into special education at a time when fiscal controls were being sought in education. ▫ the change towards a more managed consultative process for education policy making did not apply to special education. ▫ the most far reaching neo-liberal special education policies advocated for in the period 1987 - 1990 eg. full contestability of funding were not implemented. The reforms in special education which were undertaken in the 1984 - 1990 period provide a platform for further development of this topic. This is for the future.
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    Young and feminist : negotiating 'identities' in the 1990s : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Court, Helena Rose
    This study explores the experiences of seven young feminist women in relation to a feminist poststructuralist understanding of 'idenitity' and subjectivity. A review of both the local and international literature reveals a dearth of material about young feminist women and their experiences. Semi-structured, multiple, in-depth interviews are analysed to explore how the young women in this study: • understand feminism and what it means to be feminist • develop their feminist 'identities' • negotiate their feminism in their family relations • understand the conflicts and contradictions that arise in this situation. Significant findings include the complexity and multiplicity of the ways the young women's feminist identities develop, their commitment to feminism and its imperative to achieving change, and the ways the women make sense of the contradictions in their actions to enable them to construct and maintain a coherent sense of self. Two interesting aspects of this study are its critique of feminist poststructuralism in light of the concept of 'sense-making' and its engagement with the principles of feminist research, in particular, an exploration of issues arising from the decision to include the researcher as a participant in the study.
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    From eco-degradation to sustainability : the debate between Marxists and Greens : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Marks, Steven
    The advent of a global ecological crisis has made the issue of eco-sustainable politics a central issue in current social debates. Above all, it is the rise of the Green movement that registers the importance of this issue, such that Green theory is now an important paradigm of contemporary social thought. Greens emphasise the failure of pre-exisiting theories to address eco-degradation. Indeed, they typically argue that pre-existing theories are part of the problem rather than its solution. In this vein, many key ideas advanced by Green theorists are highly critical of Marxist sociology. This thesis examines and evaluates the debate between Marxists and Greens. I situate the debate across four key areas: philosophical issues dealing with humanity's place in nature; theoretical issues concerning the relationship between technology, society and nature; issues arising historically from attempted paths to socialism; and political issues relating to questions of agency. In response to the Green critique, this thesis defends socialist anthropocentrism, an analysis of technological development that emphasises the importance of social relations, and a political strategy that centers on the revolutionary potential of the working classes. Although I acknowledge the importance of the Green critiques, I maintain that a Marxist materialist analysis of society provides the best framework for advancing towards a sustainable future.
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    The uptake of advance care planning by older adults in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu Campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Brown, Wendy
    Advance Care Planning refers to planning for end-of-life care in a proactive and comprehensive manner, preferably using a planning template. This is the first nationwide study since the formal introduction of Advance Care Planning to New Zealand in 2010, to look at the level of uptake among older adults in New Zealand. Four thousand and twenty-eight participants were surveyed about completion of living wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance care plans. Participants were also asked who they had discussed end-of-life matters with. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential methods, including analysising demographic data for correlations with Advance Care Planning activities. Following the survey, nine participants were chosen by convenience sample to be interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to the interview data. The interviews explored the contextual factors and decision-making processes underpinning end-of-life-care choices. The study found that uptake was low for all forms of planning documentation although enduring powers of attorney were the most commonly completed document. Advance Care Plan discussions occurred very regularly, with nearly half of the participants having discussions in the six months preceding the survey. These were most often with family and friends and seldom with health professionals. Bivariate correlation analysis showed weak to moderate correlations between age, physical health, gender, ethnicity, and Advance Care Plan activities. Logistic regression was used to explore the completion of advance care planning templates. This revealed that the most influential factors were completing a living will or enduring power of attorney; having a discussion with a legal representative; speaking with a spiritual advisor; and being non-Māori. The qualitative interviews found seven major themes covering knowledge of ACP, the process and timing of planning, independence, who should be part of the planning process and what had been learned from previous experiences. Overall, this study reveals that, despite health promotion efforts, uptake of formal Advance Care Planning remains low in New Zealand. Further work is needed to educate the public about Advance Care Planning and to support health professionals to initiate and maintain the ACP process.
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    Studies in historical geography, agrifood/forestry & geographic thought in New Zealand : a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Letters of Massey University
    (Massey University, 2016) Roche, Michael
    The work presented for this thesis includes journal articles, book chapters, and one book produced over the span of 30 years and falls into three main domains; historical geography, contemporary agrifood/forestry research, and studies in the history of geographic thought. The historical geography work is further divided into research on forest history in New Zealand, on society and environment, largely in New Zealand in the last decade of the 19th century and early decades of the 20th century, and writing on the discharged soldier settlement scheme. The agrifood research spans from pipfruit to the meat industry. The associated forestry research ranges from afforestation policy, to privatization, corporate forestry, and forest governance. The history of geographic thought research considers the beginnings and distinguishing characteristics of geography in New Zealand. These bodies of work make a sizable and diverse contribution to the geographical literature and to interdisciplinary enquiries amongst geographers, environmental historians, and rural sociologists.
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    Early childhood teachers' beliefs and experiences of identification and referral for early intervention services in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Baxter, Stacey
    This research addresses a gap in the literature related to the role of early childhood teachers in the identification and referral of children for specialist early intervention, particularly in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Extending on the prior work of Aspden (2003), this replicative study explored early childhood teachers’ experiences, attitudes and beliefs regarding the identification of children’s additional needs and subsequent referral for specialist early intervention. Two research questions framed this study: (1) what are early childhood teachers’ experiences related to identification and referral? and; (2) what factors, attitudes and beliefs influence early childhood teachers’ identification and referral practices? Seventy-eight early childhood teachers participated in an online survey. Key findings suggested that teachers’ identification and referral confidence was strongly influenced by a complex set of personal and external factors that included concerns around parental reaction and the adequacy of service provisions. Teachers reported low overall levels of confidence in specialist service provisions, creating a potential access barrier for children with additional needs. The findings support the ongoing need for teacher consultation in terms of current and future changes to the systems around specialist early intervention as well as enhanced professional support and development that targets teachers need for knowledge of and connection with specialist agencies.
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    Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth in New Zealand Surf Lifesavers : an analysis of age, gender, social support, & self-efficacy : 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, 2017) Rooke, Aimee
    Introduction. New Zealand surf lifeguards are exposed to a range of potentially traumatic events including search and rescue, trauma and medical care, and body retrievals. Although extensive training is required and peer support programmes are in place, little is known about the impact this work may have as there is a lack of published literature focusing on surf lifeguards. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was available to all current, paid and volunteer lifeguards, 17 years and older. Information was gathered on personal and surf lifesaving trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), perceived social support and perceived self-efficacy. Statistical analyses were performed to explore hypothesized relationships between these constructs and demographic variables. Results: A total of 181 lifeguards 17 years and older (M = 26.96, SD = 12.45), were included in the final analysis. Males reported significantly higher trauma exposure, yet females presented with higher posttraumatic stress symptoms. 7.8% of adolescents and 1.8% of adults scored above 40 on the PTSD measure suggesting probable PTSD. Adolescent participants reported both higher posttraumatic stress and PTG. Total trauma exposure, including surf lifesaving events, failed to show a significant relationship with trauma outcomes. However, personal traumatic events alone did show a small but significant relationship with both posttraumatic stress and PTG. The expected relationships between social support and self-efficacy with posttraumatic stress were not verified. Social support and self-efficacy did show a small but significant positive relationship with PTG. No moderation effect was found for either social support or self-efficacy. Exploratory analysis did show that age moderated the relationship between trauma exposure and both posttraumatic stress and PTG. Discussion. Results suggest that being younger may facilitate PTG but it may also make some vulnerable to posttraumatic stress symptoms under high trauma conditions. Traumatic events within Surf lifesaving were not related to trauma outcomes suggesting that personal trauma may have a stronger impact than lifeguard related trauma. The lack of evidence supporting the impact of social support and self-efficacy may be due to limitations in the measures used. Results and limitations are discussed with a focus on how this unique population could benefit from future research.
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    Food for thought : increasing nutritional diversity by adapting to droughts in Timor-Leste's permaculture/agroecology garden schools : a research project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Marra, Peter
    The main aim of the research was to explore community resilience, and specifically whether and how garden schools that use permaculture/agroecology principles may be usefully contributing to adaptation to climate change and nutritional diversity in Timor-Leste. The research also aimed to investigate the challenge of implementing garden schools in Timor-Leste. Specifically, targets of the Sustainable Development Goals relating to water conservation, resilience and food security were utilized to measure the progress of garden schools. The above is embedded in a conceptual agroecology framework that assesses the resilience of food growing systems in relation to climate change as the schools utilize permaculture/agroecology principles, with permaculture being a form of agroecology. Timor-Leste is now faced with extreme climate patterns as a result of climate change that can lead to more prolonged droughts. This study used a qualitative methodolology, which included interviews of teachers with school gardens, to help understand how teachers and their students are adapting to these droughts. The study also examines nutritional diversity in schools and the benefits and challenges of implementing school gardens. Furthermore, the study explores the transfer of nutritional and gardening knowledge from schools to the community to increase community resilience. The research revealed that garden schools internationally improve students’ scientific understanding and agricultural knowledge and their taste for locally grown fruit and vegetables. The school gardens in Timor-Leste have multiple benefits with regard to improving educational outcomes and community resilience as a school garden transforms a schoolyard into a green laboratory for students to learn about nutrition, mathematics and linguistics.