Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.520505 Social psychology

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Do stress, depression and anxiety lead to beliefs in conspiracy theories over time? : 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, 2025-06-28) Fox, Nick
    Prior research has found positive correlations between various indicators of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and stress, and belief in conspiracy theories. However, whether these relationships reflect causal effects remains unclear. In this preregistered longitudinal study, we tested whether anxiety, depression, and stress affect – and are affected by – belief in unwarranted conspiracy theories. Participants (N = 970) from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom completed seven monthly online surveys between October 2022 and March 2023. Using a multiple indicator random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), we found support for only one of 15 preregistered hypotheses: a small within-person cross-lagged effect of anxiety increasing belief in conspiracy theories. Conversely, we found no evidence that belief in conspiracy theories increases psychological distress over time. These findings align with other longitudinal studies, suggesting that any reciprocal relationship between psychological distress and conspiracy beliefs is relatively small. This raises questions about the role of distress and existential threat as primary contributors to belief in conspiracy theories.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Conspiracy theories in modern society : an exploration of psychological and sociological factors : a research project in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Psychology) at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) Jeffries, Clare
    Conspiracy theories have the power to shape popular attitudes, beliefs, and actions, which makes their academic study crucial (Sunstein & Vermeule, 2009). Conspiracy theories can cultivate extremist viewpoints, undermine official narratives (e.g., public health campaigns and government initiatives), and weaken trust in democratic processes, leading to other detrimental socio-political repercussions. The aim of this research was to explore the psychological and sociological factors of conspiracy theories in modern society. With an Australasian focus, the research consisted of two studies. Study 1 surveyed (N = 100) participants using self-report scales, including the Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories (BCT), an adapted Australasian Conspiracy Belief (ACB) scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data analysis from Study 1 found a significant positive correlation between the BCT and the ACB (r = .804, p<.001) and a weak, non-significant positive correlation with the ACB and RSES (r = .014, p = .893). However, no significant correlation was found between the BCT and the RSES (r = -.057, p = .572). Results between the BCT and ACB supported a monological belief system, where belief in one conspiracy theory increases the likelihood of believing in others. Study 2 involved semi-structured one-to-one interviews with (N = 7) participants identified from Study 1. Data analysis from Study 2 found that participants had a range of conspiracy beliefs, with the most common being the existence of aliens. Thematic analysis highlighted key psychological and sociological influences and motivations behind their beliefs, including personal experiences and selective information processing, with mainstream and social media playing an important role. Participants demonstrated critical evaluation of information as well as scepticism toward conventional sources, particularly mainstream media and government narratives. Participants described facing opposition from others regarding their beliefs and used various strategies, such as selective engagement to maintain a sense of empowerment and control. In sum, this research contributes to current research by integrating psychological and sociological perspectives of participants within an Australasian context to gain further understanding of conspiracy beliefs.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Across borders and time : testing the competing perspectives of system justification : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025-08-29) Valdes, Evan Armando
    Why do people defend societal systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice? This question is increasingly relevant in today’s geopolitical climate, amid growing tensions between calls for progressive social change and maintenance of a traditional, sometimes polarized, status quo. System Justification Theory (SJT) posits that individuals are motivated—due to both dispositional and situational factors—to defend and justify existing social, economic, and political systems, even when doing so may conflict with their self- or group-interests. Competing theories, however, argue that system justification is largely a reflection of those interests. This thesis tests these competing perspectives on system justification across countries and time through four studies, using a consistent four-item measure of general system justification for comparability. Study 1 examined SJT’s status-legitimacy hypothesis in China and the United States, using both subjective and objective indicators of socioeconomic status (SES). Subjective SES consistently positively predicted system justification across cultures and time, aligning with self- and group-interest explanations. Objective SES, however, showed only weak and inconsistent support for SJT in China. Study 2 expanded the scope cross-culturally, comparing SJT to the social identity perspectives and Social Dominance Theory, using data from 42 countries. Results largely favored self- and group-interest explanations over SJT across cultures. Study 3 tested SJT’s claim that system justification provides psychological benefits in the form of enhanced psychological wellbeing using four waves of longitudinal data. Bidirectional cross-lagged panel modeling showed that system justification predicted greater subjective SES via increased life satisfaction over time, but not vice versa, supporting SJT’s claim that system-justifying beliefs can confer psychological benefits independent of materials self-interest. However, when assessing this model using more robust longitudinal techniques, no such effect was observed. Study 4 used a longitudinal quasi-experiment centered around New Zealand’s 2023 general election to compare SJT with the Social Identity Model of System Attitudes (SIMSA). Results showed that system justification generally coincided with self- and group-interests among electoral winners and losers in line with SIMSA. However, among disadvantaged electoral losers, perceived system threat [of SJT] better explained continued system justification than did optimism about the future [of SIMSA], providing stronger support for SJT. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that system justification arises from a complex interplay of individual, situational, ideological, and societal factors. While system justification often reflects self- and group-interests, under certain conditions it functions as an ideological mechanism that can conflict with these very interests to uphold societal structures – especially when those structures are perceived to be under threat. This supports the view of system justification as both an ideological disposition and a palliative mechanism, sustaining societal structures despite inequality. Such insights highlight the challenge of addressing systemic injustice and underscore the need to frame social change in ways that align with psychological motivation and a desire for stability.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The prevalence of violence and aggression towards remotely piloted aircraft pilots and their ground crew : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Aviation at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) Walton, Claire
    Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are unmanned aircraft (UA) which are controlled by a pilot on the ground from a ground control station or by using a handheld flight controller. RPA are used both recreationally, or commercially as a tool to support goods and services provided. Narrative-based accounts from those within the sector report a rising number of events of violence and aggression from the public towards RPA pilots and their ground crew. However, these concerns are based on social media reports, news articles, and anecdotal accounts, rather than through empirical research. Although current literature around public acceptance of UA sometimes includes those within the sector, the focus of extant research is squarely on the interests of the public rather than from the perspective of the RPA crew. The main purpose of this research is to identify how widespread or prevalent violence and aggression towards RPA pilots and their ground crew is; and, if identified, to ascertain the nature of these threats and aggression towards RPA pilots and ground crew. To address these questions, an online survey was undertaken which generated 337 responses, 293 of which were valid and comprised the sample. A mixed-method approach was taken to balance richness of data (qualitative, for describing experiences) and generalisability (quantitative, for user and flight characteristics). Given the wide range of data collected, a similarly wide range of analyses were used. This included an overall grounded theory approach to the qualitative data utilising both content and thematic analysis. The quantitative data utilised chi-squared goodness of fit tests, single sample t-tests, and regressions (linear, ordinal logistic, and binary logistic). This research identified 52.90% of participants had experienced violence and aggression during RPA operations, with the nature of these events being predominantly anger and verbal aggression. This research also revealed a small number of events (24) where the instances of violence and aggression involved firearms. Additionally, this research determined that professional RPA users with higher flight hours were more likely to experience violence and aggression while flying an RPA. Interestingly, this research identified that there was no single RPA application (e.g., photography) that attracted significantly more threats of violence and aggression than any other application. This suggests that violence and aggression towards RPA users may be a threat for the whole RPA sector rather than just one area. This thesis provides implications for aviation regulators, the police, and government agencies associated with public privacy regulations. One critical implication for both the aviation regulator and the police is to recognise the danger to public safety of an RPA pilot or crew member being distracted by angry members of the public. Although the intent from the public member may not directly be towards interference of the aircraft, the consequences of the angry public members actions may jeopardise the safety of the aircraft. For this reason, this research recommends further investigation into dealing with malicious behaviour towards the RPA and RPA user from the public. This research also determined the majority of these threats against RPA users were unreported to the aviation regulator or to the police. The implication of this, is that neither organisation will have an overall understanding about what is occurring in the sector and, therefore, will be unable to address this safety concern. Both organisations should encourage RPA users to report events of violence and aggression and explain the benefits for the RPA sector in reporting these issues. One possible reason identified in this research for violence and aggression towards RPA pilots and their ground crew was confusion around privacy regulations. A further recommendation from this was the benefit of education for the public around privacy regulations along with what the public can do in the event of misconduct by an RPA user.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Connected older citizens : ageing in place and digitally mediated care in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Media Studies at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Massey University Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025-05-07) Vonk, Lisa
    Amidst discussions of Aotearoa New Zealand’s ageing population, how to care for growing numbers of older people is a considered a preeminent social and political issue. Digital technologies are imagined to be a particularly desirable solution in contexts where social values of independence intersect with the neoliberal state’s desire to reduce the amount of money spent on medical and social care. There is a substantial market for gerontechnologies (technologies specifically designed for older people) aiming to capitalise on the ‘silver tsunami’. Yet, digital technologies such as smart phones, exercise watches and laptops are widely accessible in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are increasingly used by older people to maintain social connectedness, coordinate practical support, and manage health. The purpose of this research was to explore how this digitally mediated care functions for community-dwelling older people. Taking an innovative theoretical-methodological approach, I combined actor-network theory with political economy theory. This enabled me to robustly examine sociotechnical care networks, paying attention both to the role of technologies in producing care as well as analysing who benefits from older people’s engagements with technology for care. The research draws on interviews with sixteen community dwelling older people, marketing materials of technologies used by those interviewed, the interface of an exchange platform and a patient portal used by some of those interviewed, as well as government documents. This data was analysed using network mapping, thematic analysis, and interface analysis. I ultimately demonstrate that digitally mediated care practices enact a ‘connected older citizen’. Through digitally mediated care practices, older people adjust (and are adjusted) to a culture of connectivity. Digitally mediated care involves new forms of labour. Social connection is framed as a core social value. I argue that digitally mediated self-care redefines independence in terms of the ability to use digital technologies to manage connections to reduce visible dependence on others. Notably, I show the imagined benefits of digitally mediated care are often not realised in practice due to limitations of technologies used in care (such as patient portals). Significantly, the priorities and needs of older people are not often at the forefront of digitally mediated care.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Investigating enactments of whanaungatanga in social media for rangatahi Māori : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Osman, Natasha
    Social Media (SM) and Social Networking Sites (SNS) have become omnipresent features in the lives of rangatahi (adolescent) Māori. Not only has the use of SM and SNS expanded, but their functionality has changed in diverse ways. Consequently how SM and SNS are used by rangatahi is still a developing field of research. Furthermore, how rangatahi interact with others in the digital world, is yet to be explored in regards to how this use impacts rangatahi relationships, and their mental well-being. The present study aimed to investigate enactments of whanaungatanga (establishing and maintaining relationships) in online spaces and how these enactments might influence rangatahi mental well-being. Being underpinned by Kaupapa Māori Theory, the current research utilised aspects of whanaungatanga to source and engage with participants. Over several months, semi-structured interviews were conducted with male rangatahi Māori where they discussed their use of SM and SNS, the nature of their relationships online and in real life, and their perceptions of their mental well-being. The analysis of these interviews was grounded in a pūrākau (traditional Māori narrative) approach utilising aspects of narrative analysis to explore themes that emerged from the participants’ comments and connect these themes to broader understandings of whanaungatanga as they related to Māori perspectives of hauora (well-being). Four key findings were central to how the rangatahi experienced whanaungatanga. Firstly, the rangatahi were proactively using SM and SNS to maintain and enhance a sense of whanaungatanga with people they cared about. Secondly, the rangatahi used SM and SNS to develop their aspirations to strengthen their sense of whanaungatanga with others. Thirdly, how the rangatahi were navigating their relationships IRL and in online spaces to protect their well-being and that of their friends. Lastly, was that the rangatahi preferred to engage in their relationships kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) and the dynamics this preference. This thesis concludes with a discussion of the implications for those who care about rangatahi relationships and well-being, and suggestions for future research.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A mixed method investigation of historical narratives and representations within and across cultural contexts : implications for political culture and national identity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-12-18) Choi, Sarah
    Growing fragmentation in historical attitudes can be observed alongside increasing political polarization and conflict in many societies, with both of these trends mutually reinforcing each other. Amidst these dynamics, there is a growing urgent need to understand both the politics and psychology of collective remembering. Although there has been much theorizing about the ways that historical narratives are curated by political elites and institutions in ways that promote a positive and moral image of the nation, there has been a lack of research investigating the ways in which such narratives are actually received, internalized, appropriated, and/or resisted by the individuals that they are directed toward. To address this gap, the current thesis identifies and maps out popular historical narratives that are shared by lay individuals embedded in the national context of the United States. Importantly, how and the extent to which these narratives are connected to the present-day context of nations is a key consideration throughout this endeavour. According to theories of collective remembering (Assmann, 2013; Rigney, 2005), historical narratives that are ‘active’ in public discourse ought to incorporate elements from the nation’s distant, mythologized past in continuity with their more recent, living memories to connect the past meaningfully to the present, and to inform a meaningful and coherent sense of national identity over time. By investigating the dynamics of historical narratives, representations, and identity at the level of individuals, while still incorporating the political and social contexts that they are embedded in, the current thesis contributes to bridging the gap between psychology and politics in the domain of collective remembering. Chapter 2 investigated how communicative memories (memories of public events that have occurred within the lifetimes of people alive or personally remembered today) index the present-day climates of societies. The findings from this chapter demonstrated how recent memories of terrorism drive an extreme negative climate in Western countries, while recent memories of national independence underpinned a positive climate across majority world countries. In Chapter 3, I explored how historical narratives are articulated by individuals (embedded in the American context) to give meaning to these historical representations, and thereby orient the nation’s past to its present. This chapter identified popular historical narratives which were anchored in positive representations of national foundations, and in turn, were positively associated with national identification. However, these were identified alongside a popular counter-narrative that was critical of the mythologization of America’s past. Moreover, there was considerable plurality and fragmentation in the narrative landscape, with many American participants failing to articulate a distinct historical narrative at all. In Chapter 4, I employed an experimental approach to show how this fragmentation is reduced, while endorsement of positive narratives about the nation becomes tighter when individuals are reminded of: 1) national foundations (the past reinforcing the present) and 2) a present-day context of intergroup threat (the present reinforcing the past). In Chapter 5, I discuss the theoretical and methodological implications of the studies and their findings within a dynamic framework of historical narrative and identity. The societal relevance of these findings is discussed in relation to the declining resonance of positive national narratives in the United States, amidst increasing domestic polarization and recent failures of the state to respond to crises. This has implications for the narrative resources that are available to political leaders in their rhetoric to mobilize the national identity of their followers and audience. Nonetheless, such rhetorical work does not occur within a vacuum, and the changing social/political context (see Chapter 4) may (re)activate the narratives that are still available within the minds of ordinary Americans today (see Chapter 3)
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Developing a sense of self in the modern world : gaining deeper insight into the role of social media in young peoples’ lives : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-12-11) Clapperton, Alana
    In a world where the ability to connect globally and instantaneously has reached a profound level, the challenges and opportunities presented by digital environments are now greater than ever before. The current generation of adolescents represent the first generation to have grown up with 24-hour access to modern social media platforms, and are therefore at the forefront of social, cultural, political, and technological change. Thus, social media platforms now have far-reaching implications for identity development, social interaction, self-presentation, privacy, and connection. However, young peoples’ social media use occurs within a wider public discourse of risk and concern. Therefore, the aims of the research were to explore young peoples’ positive experiences of social media platforms, identify the narratives used by young people in discussing their online engagement, and to explore how social media informs young peoples’ identity practices and sense of self. To explore what could be learnt from taking an affirmative approach to social media, this study utilised cooperative inquiry as an action research methodology. Between 4-5 workshops were held with young people over the course of several weeks. Sixteen participants aged 16 and 17 were recruited through local secondary schools by way of advertisements and recruitment of friendship groups. Data gathered from these workshops was analysed through phenomenologically informed thematic analysis. Overall, participant responses were highly nuanced and insightful. They negotiated their engagement with platforms carefully and challenged dominant risk discourses with dialectical understandings. They also recognised contextual factors associated with developmental age and stage that influenced their engagement over time. However, the implementation of individual solutions were limited by sociocultural and political systems underpinning platforms, resulting in a sense of helplessness among participants. Additionally, young people criticised adults for not recognising their expertise and requested collaborative support to generate effective solutions. Social media platforms were also found to intimately shape the identity practices of young people through the utilisation of impression management strategies and development of safe spaces online. Importantly, cooperative inquiry was found to be a meaningful methodology for engaging with young people and highlights the importance of intentionally designing affirmative oriented research in this area.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    “Should we call campus security?” : a qualitative analysis of staff response to stalking on campus : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Rizvi, Firdose
    Generally, people acknowledge stalking as something that happens to others when news highlights it. However, every year thousands of victims are stalked globally. An old behaviour and new crime (Meloy, 1999), stalking has been an ancient parasitic disease typically preying on women for its survival in society. Women in the ages of 18-25 are at the highest risk of being stalked either by an unknown or a well-known perpetrator. There are very few studies conducted in New Zealand universities pertaining to assessing and managing stalking. The current study has explored how staff identify, assess and report on stalking incidents in a New Zealand university context. Eight university staff participated in semi-structured interviews to gain a better understanding of managing stalking on campus. Any potential barriers to management and reporting were discussed. Analyzing the qualitative data through thematic analysis showed six themes; ‘Identifying Stalking’, ‘Evaluating Safety’, ‘The Reporting Loop’, ‘Who gets Involved’, ‘Where is the Information?’ and ‘Barriers to Support’. Results indicate that participants have a functional understanding of identifying, assessing and responding to stalking incidents. Complications of reporting processes and work culture have an impact on individual response management of incidents. As New Zealand rates high among OECD countries in violence against women, future research in this area is essential.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    “It's not necessarily about first or second. It's just we have different roles” : Gen Z’s attitudes towards gender roles in heterosexual dating : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Olguc, Leyla Sanna
    Strict adherence to traditional gender roles was once the norm in heterosexual dating. As society has progressed, younger generations have resisted and redefined how they want to act, based on their own preferences, rather than social pressures. To explore this shift, this research sought to understand the attitudes and experiences of Gen Z towards gender roles in heterosexual dating. The framework for the research was social constructionism, using Foucauldian discourse analysis to analyse the impact of power both discursively and to make sense of wider gendered issues of equality and sexism. I interviewed seven men and seven women between the ages of 18-26 years old, all living in Auckland, who identified as heterosexual. The findings highlighted two main discourses for men - The perfect woman, The ‘place’ for gender roles, and two for women - The toxic male is out and Are we equals? Men articulated the perfect woman as one who fulfilled their bid for connection, by speaking up having compatible interests, being ‘attractive’ and regulating their emotions. Men endorsed dominant discourses surrounding female sexuality which promotes modesty and purity in line with a romantic desire for romantic reciprocity yet maintaining sexual morality in public perceptions of ‘their’ woman. The ‘place’ for gender roles illustrated men’s self- perceptions of responsibility, alongside their responses to power issues in chivalrous behaviours. Women passionately spoke out against all tropes of the ‘toxic male’, asserting their preference for a man who instead prioritized traits of intelligence, courage, leadership, and capability. Throughout Are we equals? women outlined the fundamental transactional nature within dating, expending to their control of chivalrous behaviour which is in line with their predetermined limits. Their opinions surrounding gender roles were conflicting, as they attempted to construct a future of ‘genderless’ roles in dating, yet they frequently referred to the faults, both experienced and imagined, of how essential they are to successful dating. Overall, participants expressed a desire to redefine dating norms, but their language consistently controlled, stereotyped and blamed the ‘other’ rather than taking accountability for their own subjectivity to gendered inequality. Both existing and newer constructions of gendered traits are emerging for Gen Z, showing that traditionalism still persists within the heterosexual dating landscape in Aotearoa.