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    Traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder in Aotearoa New Zealand : characteristics, correlates, and the role of social cognition in an inpatient addictions treatment sample : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the qualification of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025-11-25) Marshall, Hannah L. M.
    Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) often cooccur, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions remain unclear. One potential explanation is that TBI disrupts neuropsychological functioning, particularly Social Cognition, thereby increasing the risk of SUD. The overall objective of this thesis is to explore these relationships in depth. To achieve this, the first study aimed to gather a detailed history of head-injury characteristics among individuals with SUD in Aotearoa, including TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC). By ascertaining these characteristics, the second study aimed to examine their association with neuropsychological outcomes. Third, our final study aimed to explore the potential role of Social Cognition in explaining the relationship between TBI and SUD. A total of 77 adults (aged 18-64) engaged in residential treatment for SUD, participated in the current research. During their residential treatment program, participants completed self-report questionnaires to ascertain head-injury, TBI and SUD history, mental health, and TBI-related symptom severity. Of this sample, 70 went on to complete neuropsychological tasks. Study 1 revealed that one hundred percent of the sample endorsed one or more lifetime head-injury events. 81.8% of the sample had experienced a self-reported TBI featuring LOC, with the remaining 18.2% having a history of a ‘possible TBI’ where they sustained a head-injury event without LOC. Overall, 91% sustained multiple lifetime head-injuries (either with or without LOC). Compared to the general New Zealand population, this sample featured a higher rate of TBIs of moderate severity, and most events were untreated. Many individuals sustained head-injuries at a young age and sustained repeated injuries into adulthood. Study 2 found that individuals who had a high number of lifetime head-injuries showed significantly lower scores on executive functioning and self-reported experiencing more cognitive difficulties. Study 3 found that within Social Cognition, the interpretation of complex social cues, particularly those involving deception and subtle social intentions, may mediate the relationship between TBI and SUD. This research contributes to identifying unique rates, patterns, and outcomes of head-injury including TBI among treatment-seeking substance users and highlights factors which may increase individuals’ vulnerability. Social Cognition appears to be a mechanism worthy of future exploration as it may explain the relationship between TBI and SUD. Implications of these results for treatment and rehabilitation and directions for future research are discussed.
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    Neuropsychological functioning and pesticide exposure in children aged 6-11 : 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, 2018) Brinkmann, Yanis
    Pesticide exposure has been linked with numerous health concerns in both adults and children, including problems with cognition and behaviour. Research in this area is complicated by different pesticide exposure profiles across different countries, and results may not generalise to a New Zealand context. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure in New Zealand children. It extended previous research by studying more cognitive domains, thus providing a more thorough understanding of effects on cognitive functioning. Four hundred and forty three children from the Wellington and Hawkes Bay regions were assessed using subtests from the NEPSY-II, WISC-IV and TEA-Ch. Pesticide exposure was measured using questionnaire and dust sample data which served as proxies for both pre- and post-natal exposure. Prenatal exposure was found to be significantly associated with lower memory scores, while postnatal exposure was associated with lower scores in working memory, facial memory and executive functioning. No effects were found for attention, motor speed, processing speed, verbal memory, and social perception. These results suggest the presence of effects of pesticide exposure on some aspects of child neuropsychological development in New Zealand. While the results are based on initial analyses, and are thus preliminary, the thesis will contribute to a larger project looking at pesticides and public health, and provide important information for regulators around public safety in the future.
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    The effects of the type A behaviour pattern, perceived stress and social structure on depressive symptomatology, alcohol consumption, and smoking behaviours : secondary analysis of an interaction model : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts with endorsement in Clinical Psychology, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1988) Leech, Barry J
    A theoretical interaction model is pre­sented relating perceived stress, the Type A Be­haviour Pattern (assessed by means of the Struc­tured Interview method), and the psychosocial var­iable close friends, with psychological and prob­lematic behavioural outcomes, The model was tested in a secondary analysis of data from a community sample of 524 New Zealand males ages between 30 and 55 years. (Spicer et al, 1981). As an adaption and elaboration of the original study model, stress variables included combined upset/excitement scores, upset alone, undesirable events, life events total, workload, loss upset, and bereavement upset, The latter two stress vari­ables were constructed out of the original data, Outcome variables included depressive symptomatol­ogy, alcohol consumption, and smoking behaviours, Consistent with findings in Spicer et al. (1981), interaction effects show Type As more likely to smoke and consume more alcohol than Type Bs, when under stress. Another significant finding is that number of close friends did not moderate the rela­tionship between the Type A Pattern and health outcomes, The Buffering Effect was therefore re­jected for this group, Overall, evidence showed the benefits of adopting an interaction strategy consequent upon the discovery of no main effect relationship among variables of interest. A notable few interactions were not in the expected direction, including the finding that Type As tended to drink more alcohol the more friends they had. Limitations of the present model focused on the relatively unsatisfactory performance of the workload and friends variables. Future studies of this type might well benefit from the inclusion of a qualitative component for each.
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    Biosecurity and exotic disease surveillance in the New Zealand pig industry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) Neumann, Eric James
    The New Zealand commercial pig industry is modern and highly productive. The industry is free from many of the important infectious diseases present in much of the rest of the world. However, alongside the commercial industry are a large number of non-commercial pig holdings operated with minimal attention to biosecurity. The extent to which the activities in the non-commercial sector might negatively impact the commercial sector was unknown therefore a series of projects was undertaken to explore the likelihood of an exotic disease occurring. A risk assessment was undertaken to determine the likelihood porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus would be introduced into New Zealand through imported fresh pork. The study estimated that at least 4.3 pig herds per year were likely to become infected with PRRS and that 36% of these incursions would spread to additional herds. It was recognized that the data describing the interactions between commercial and non-commercial pigs could be improved so a prospective study was undertaken to collect information about the movements of pigs and genetic material between farms. To assist in development of a national surveillance programme, two additional studies were then initiated. First, a study was conducted to determine the effect of blood sample mishandling on the performance of ELISA assays and second, a retrospective analysis of data from a national abattoir-based lesion recording system (PigCheck) was conducted. These studies were done with the realization that future surveillance activities would need to incorporate creative means of generating high-quality surveillance data, from various surveillance components, using both laboratory- and field-based staff. Investment Logic Mapping was then used to assist the industry in establishing a biosecurity and surveillance strategy. A single strategy ‘improve surveillance’ was identified as the key area for biosecurity investment. In response to this finding, modelling of potential surveillance activities was completed and a surveillance programme was proposed costing approximately $0.50 per pig annually. The work presented in this thesis demonstrates the New Zealand pig industry is susceptible to introduction of an exotic disease and that the population of non-commercial pigs must be considered when developing biosecurity, and disease readiness or response plans for the commercial industry. The described studies show that a cost effective national disease surveillance programme can be implemented through use of a combination of existing and newly developed sources of surveillance information.
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    Individuals' perspectives of causes and influences on their diagnosed anxiety disorders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) Birrell, Lyn
    Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorder in New Zealand, as they are in the Western world. However, little research has been done on how persons with anxiety disorder conceptualize their respective diagnoses. This small community based, qualitative study interviewed seven individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders and tried to capture the content and complexity of their disorder. Volunteer participants responded to a flyer placed at an anxiety disorders clinic, located in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants included one male and six females, aged from mid 20 to early 40s. Criteria for participation included being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a health professional. Participants generally spoke in terms of their problems in living, as well as the development and course of their disorder. All participants reported that (1) their disorder was chronic and pervasive; (2) their condition was debilitating at times; (3) their condition was complicated by depression; and (4) dysfunction or disruption was present in their early family life. Most participants talked about the early onset of disorder. Recognizing and acting on the need for help was problematic for most participants. Thematic analysis was undertaken to best account for the data, which unfolded as a coherent, consistent and holistic narrative. Three common broad developmental themes were identified: traumatic early life, troubled school life and problems with living. Two broad themes were created to capture participants’ thoughts and feelings following diagnosis: rationalisation and post-rationalisation. Discussion specifically suggested the need for further research into the aetiology of anxiety disorders, including the role of maternal controlling behaviour and early onset of the disorder. Further research is also needed to understand and facilitate the help-seeking process for persons suffering from anxiety disorders. A need was identified for the accurate detection of anxiety disorders, particularly when masked by a presentation of depression or other symptoms. Findings suggest that a developmental/ social/contextual model may be most useful in conceptualizing and guiding prevention, intervention and treatment plans. In addition, the impact and meaning of the diagnostic event on people with anxiety disorders requires examination to fully understand all the dynamics and ramifications. Implications from this study include the need for initiatives to aid early recognition and generally to educate people about the nature of anxiety disorders, including the fact that they are common, serious and treatable.
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    Adults' perspectives of causes and influences on their depression : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Bradley, Hilary
    Parallel robots have been found in many applications where the work requirements are beyond the capabilities of serial robots. Mouth movements during the chewing of foods are ideally suited to the parallel robot due to relatively high force together with 6 degree of freedom (DOF) motion all occurring in a small workspace. The Massey Robotic Jaw (MRJ) is a life sized mastication robot of 6RSS parallel mechanism designed with human physiology in mind, and to be capable of recreating the movements and forces of human mastication. The MRJ consists of a movable mandible attached to a fixed 'skull' through 6RSS crank mechanisms enabling six degree of freedom motion. In order to perform targeted movements of the MRJ, inverse kinematics of mechanism are solved. Target movements of the lower jaw can then be translated to six individual movements of each actuator. The synchronised motion of all six actuators is implemented using appropriate motion control to create the desired motion at the lower jaw. Motion control in context of the MRJ involves position control during the non-occluding phases of the mastication cycle. The kinematic and dynamic models of a generic 6RSS robot are discussed and are then simplified considering the special features of a practical chewing robot and the requirements of controller design. The issue of dynamic position and force control of a chewing robot with a 6RSS mechanism is addressed. An impedance control scheme is proposed to achieve the position and force control of the robot. A detailed description on the steps to implement the controller is also presented. The application of the 6RSS parallel chewing robot to food chewing experiments was described. The force vector applied on the active molar was calculated from the measured torques applied on the six actuators using an analysis of forces through the linkage mechanism. A series of experiments were carried out using model and real foods. The work shows promise for application of the robot to characterise food texture, however a number of future developments are required. To make the robot more human-like, a tongue, cheek and mouth chamber need to be included. Furthermore, accurate force sensing and position sensing of the mandible in Cartesian space is suggested as a means to validate the impendence control method proposed and to verify the force measurement strategy implemented in chapter 6.
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    The reliability of retrospective methods for exploring onset of height fear : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2008) Chin, Edwin Chun-Hong
    The non-associative framework on fear argues that evolutionary-relevant fears, such as heights and water, are largely innate and do not require associative conditioning experiences to develop (Menzies & Clarke, 1993a, b; Poulton & Menzies, 2002a). However, this framework has been criticized for its reliance on retrospective recall for empirical support (Mineka & Öhman, 2002), which has been found to be highly unreliable (Taylor, Deane, & Podd, 1999). Thirty height-fearful undergraduate students completed the Origins Questionnaire-II (OQ-II; Menzies & Parker, 2001) and were classified into one of the several associative and non-associative pathways of fear onset based on their responses. A control group of 43 non-fearful students completed a modified version of the OQ-II to report any past experiences with heights. To examine the stability of these responses over time, the same questionnaires for both groups were completed again three months (Time 2) and 12 months (Time 3) after the initial administration of the test, along with measures of fear severity. Results showed that neither associative nor non-associative accounts took precedence over the other in explaining the onset of height fear. Instabilities in pathway ascriptions were observed in 18.18% of cases over three months (between Time 1 and Time 2), and 27.27% of cases over nine months (between Time 2 and Time 3). The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed with consideration of some of the study’s procedural and instrumental limitations. In light of these limitations, this study identified a substantial role of non-associative pathways on the development of height fear, and provided further support for the limitations of retrospective recall for ascertaining the pathway to fear onset.