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    The right tool for the job : an investigation into men's help-seeking behaviours and attitudes in a sample of New Zealand construction workers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Walmsley, Andy
    There are major difficulties with mental health and suicide within the New Zealand construction industry; a salient feature of this industry is that it is male-dominated, and men face particular challenges when seeking help for mental health issues. Yet little is known about men’s help-seeking attitudes and behaviours within the New Zealand construction industry. The present study sought to identify factors which are associated with enhanced or decreased help-seeking behaviour among male construction workers. Male construction workers (N = 578) completed a survey that assessed intentions to seek help from different help-seeking sources, wellbeing, attitudes towards psychological help-seeking, barriers towards treatment and perceived stigma. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1985) was used as a guiding framework to measure and understand individual and social factors which could facilitate or inhibit help-seeking intentions among men. Open-ended questions were used to collect information on perceptions of stress, barriers to accessing mental health support within the workplace, and different ways that men could help other men access support. Results indicated that masculine gender roles have a negative impact on help-seeking intentions among men within the construction industry. Stoic attitudes towards mental health, perceptions that help-seeking is a sign of weakness or failure, and self-reliance were identified as barriers towards seeking help. Greater adherence to masculine gender roles was also linked to lower levels of wellbeing. The implications of this finding are that men who strongly subscribe to masculine gender roles are more likely to reject talking-based therapies, and shoulder to shoulder interventions, such as workshops and mental health sports-based interventions. Within the TPB model, attitude towards help-seeking was the strongest predictor of help seeking intentions. Results indicated that perceived stigma and barriers to treatment were non-significant predictors of help-seeking intentions within the model. In regard to supplementary variables used within the TPB model, prior positive experiences of working with a counsellor and/or psychologist was a significant predictor of help-seeking intentions within the TPB model. Key barriers identified within the study included time, cost, and having a conversation with a site manager to leave the worksite to access mental health support. The present study identified several areas of opportunity to support men along the help-seeking journey. Areas for intervention included: challenging negative aspects of masculinity within the workplace, including mental health conversations within daily work practices, and creating visible and accessible help-seeking pathways.
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    Migrant construction workers’ demography and job satisfaction: A New Zealand study
    (Emerald, 2021) Rotimi JOB; Ramanayaka C; Olatunji O; Rotimi FE
    Purpose: The demand for construction-related occupations has increased consistently over many years in New Zealand (NZ). This has necessitated recourse to migrant workers to address capacity and capability requirements. Migrant construction workers hail from various backgrounds with a complex set of their needs being met through employment in NZ. Research on understanding the satisfaction levels of this category of construction workers is scarce. With recent insinuations about migrant exploitations, research investigations into this knowledge area are significant. In this study, the authors sought to establish the moderating effect of migrants' demography on the determinants of job satisfaction in NZ's construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained from migrant construction workers of Chinese extraction through a structured questionnaire survey. From 200 questionnaires administered, 108 samples were completed by migrant construction workers involved in major projects in Auckland city, NZ. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the moderating effects of their demography on job satisfaction. Findings: Results from this study support the internal validity and reliability of these personal characteristics as moderators of job satisfaction for migrant construction workers. These results suggest the relevance of personal characteristics of Chinese migrants in any improvement initiatives being developed for this group of construction workers. Research limitations/implications: The findings from this study contribute to the discourse on the relevance of construction migrants as a strategic alternative to addressing skill shortages within the NZ construction sector. They also provide evidence that contributes to an improved understanding of the migrant workforce to meet their aspirations and enhance their general well-being. Originality/value: Although the study is ethnic-specific, the conclusions show the relevance of personal characteristics in the experiences of construction migrant workers. The study is representative of the catchment of temporary migrant workers in the construction industry in NZ. The study provides insights for organisations employing migrants about putting in place appropriate measures to enhance their satisfaction levels. Finally, this study's findings may contribute to policy initiatives on the optimal categories of migrants engaged on construction activities to derive the maximum benefits for NZ.