Massey Documents by Type

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

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 51

The relationship between loneliness and quality of life in informal dementia caregivers : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2024) Jenkins, Brieonie
Background Informal caregivers are an essential part of dementia support in New Zealand. The number of people affected by dementia is increasing. Previous studies have indicated that informal caregivers are at risk of poor mental and physical health outcomes, due to the stressors in the caregiving role. These stressors have been identified as risk factors for loneliness. Research in other populations highlights strong links between loneliness and poor health outcomes. This research explored the relationship between primary caregiving stressors, loneliness, isolation and quality of life (QOL) within the framework of the Stress Process Model. Methods This research investigated hypothesised factors leading to loneliness and quality of life in a New Zealand sample of informal dementia caregivers (n= 134). It used a cross-sectional survey design and structured questionnaire to explore background and context factors (care duration, hours per week caregiving, relationship length and help hours per week), primary stressors (Activities of Daily Living dependency, frequency of challenging behaviour, caregiver reaction and relational deprivation), loneliness, isolation, and quality of life. Descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were used to examine the relationships between variables and conduct mediation analyses. Results The findings indicated that QOL was moderate, with the average rating between ‘neither good nor poor’ and ‘good’. The psychological domain was significantly lower than all other domains. Within the sample there was a high prevalence of loneliness (88%) and lower prevalence of isolation (21%). Overall QOL and QOL domains were significantly associated with total loneliness. Among the primary stressors, only the frequency of challenging behaviour correlated to loneliness. Both the frequency of challenging behaviour and caregiver reaction had significant correlations to QOL. Total loneliness partially mediated the relationship between primary stressors and QOL. Social loneliness was also found to partially mediate this relationship while emotional loneliness did not. Conclusions The findings show that there was a high prevalence of loneliness in the sample. They also show that primary caregiving stressors are associated with loneliness and that loneliness is associated with quality of life. This research highlights the importance of addressing loneliness in this population, suggests targeted loneliness interventions and recommends caregivers be screened for loneliness to increase access to appropriate support.
The development of a psychosocial intervention that supports siblings of children and adolescents with serious chronic health conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University
(Massey University, 2024-11-12) Armstrong, Kathleen
Due to recent advances in medical care, many childhood chronic health conditions (CHCs) are less likely to be fatal and more able to be successfully managed. This has led to an increase in the prevalence of children living with CHCs, which presents the affected child, their parents, and their siblings with significant long-term consequences and challenges. Extant literature points to siblings of children with CHCs being a vulnerable population who are at increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, lower quality of life, and disruption to academic and social functioning. Consequently, there have been calls for the development of sibling support services both in Aotearoa New Zealand (New Zealand) and internationally. Recent needs-based research on siblings of children with cancer and other serious CHCs in New Zealand reported critical unmet needs across the following domains: Information about the illness; Dealing with feelings; Time out and recreation; Support from friends and other young people; Understanding from their family; and Relationship with their affected sibling. These findings emphasise the necessity of a nationwide intervention that provides siblings with support close to the time of their brother’s or sister’s diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to develop a needs-based psychosocial intervention for siblings of children with serious CHCs, which protects and promotes the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population and recognises their existing individual and familial strengths. A literature review was conducted to investigate the impact serious childhood CHCs have on siblings, and to establish whether the commonalities in sibling experiences justify taking a transdiagnostic approach in the development of a sibling intervention. This was followed by a systematised review of existing sibling interventions and an evaluation of their efficacy. Informed by the two major reviews and existing needs-based sibling research, a manualised intervention was developed to meet the self-reported unmet needs of siblings, using a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
Pakiaka Tupuora Parenting From the Start : evaluating a preventative intervention to improve attachment and health outcomes for mothers and their babies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Te Kungenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2024-12-06) Morrimire, Leith
Background: Parenting interventions can improve individual and societal outcomes but few are brief, preventative, or consistent with Indigenous knowledge. This is the first based on the latest multidisciplinary theory – the evolved developmental niche (EDN). Objective: To evaluate the one-day (8hr) preventative antenatal Parenting From the Start workshop in terms of infant attachment and other medium-term outcomes. Methods: Randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms open to pregnant residents of the Manawatū/Horowhenua regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. 57 English-speaking women aged 24 to 44 years were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 27) or wait-list control (n = 30) groups alongside standard free maternity care and parental leave. Retention rates were 81% at the home visit (n = 22 intervention; n = 24 control), and 74% at the clinic assessment (n = 20 intervention; n = 20 control). Primary analyses were based on maternal sensitive responsiveness as measured by the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scales, Mini-Maternal Behavior Q- Sort, and Observational Measure of Sensitivity and Responsiveness (11 to 24 months post birth) and infant attachment on the Strange Situation Procedure (11-22 months post birth). Secondary outcomes included a range of self-reported parenting intentions and strategies. Findings: Intervention group infants had higher rates of secure attachment (90%) than the control group (64%). This effect was significant at the level of 3-way attachment security (p = .011, Cramer’s V = 0.448), and attachment subcategory (p = .047, Cramer’s V = 0.552), but not 2-way attachment security (p = .059, Cramer’s V = 0.342). Maternal sensitive responsiveness did not differ across study conditions (p = .097, RBC = 0.288). Parenting intentions relating to breastfeeding, proximal care, room sharing, and elimination communication were significantly increased in the intervention group, as were responsive parenting beliefs, and frequency of positive care reported over the infants’ first year. Interpretation: The intervention significantly increased responsive parenting intentions and beliefs, positive care over the first year, and rates of secure attachment. Parenting From the Start warrants further study as a brief, preventative, bicultural intervention. Trial registration ACTRN12617000321347, universal trial number U111111840331. Trial information can be found at: http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12617000321347.aspx
Tongan indigenous approaches in the prevention and restoration of family violence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Havea (née Taufa), Sesimani
Substantive literature exists on intimate partner violence and the efficacy of various response programmes. There is only limited knowledge of Pacific-indigenous understandings of and responses to violence within the kainga (families). This thesis explores aspects of the inaugural application of the Tongan conceptual framework of Fofola e fala ka e talanoa e kainga (laying out the mat so families can dialogue) as part of the faith-based Kainga Tu’umalie (prosperous families) family violence intervention and prevention programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme is centred around weekend retreats involving Tongan households experiencing family violence. I was culturally immersed in observing, actively engaging in, and evaluating this programme during the retreats that involved 49 Tongan church kainga (families). Additionally, formal talanoa (a Pacific-indigenous way of engaging families in research) were conducted post retreat with seven faith-based community leaders to draw out their depth of cultural knowledge and how it was applied to the development and conduct of the programme. As well as drawing on the evaluative materials, talanoa were conducted with three participating families to further consider their experiences of the programme. Overall, this study found that Tongan indigenous cultural ways infused with faith-based values can be effective, transformational, and restorative for individuals and families experiencing violence. Core findings are encapsulated by three intersecting Tongan-Indigenous cultural concepts of: Ko e makatu’unga mo’ui mo e malohi (a powerful and living platform); Koe kolo malu mo e hufanga (a place of safety & refuge), and Fa’utaha (unity/harmony/peace). These concepts not only represent the interweaving of Christian faith and Tongan indigenous knowledge as symbolised by the Fofola e fala (laying out the mat) framework, but also inform our shared understanding of the intent and impacts of the Kainga Tu’umalie programme. These concepts also enlighten my analysis of the positive impacts of the programme on participating families’ and their commitments to engaging in efforts to transform their everyday interactions to create more harmonious relationships within which they can thrive together. Participant accounts foreground the importance and potential of working with key faith-based and cultural values to address patterns of violence collectively within Tongan kainga (families), and with support from wider community members. This research also speaks to the significance of leveraging collaborative partnerships between community-based agencies and faith-based communities in addressing social issues.
Disability work matters : employment opportunities for disabled people in the New Zealand disability sector : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023-12-30) MacNeill (née Crothall), Pamela
Although disabled citizens represent almost a quarter of the total population in Aotearoa New Zealand, they experience significant and persistent barriers to employment. This research examined the barriers and enablers to employment for disabled New Zealanders, both generally and those specifically relevant to the disability sector. The research had four aims: to examine the navigation of family, identity, and education by disabled people; to identify barriers to paid employment in both mainstream and disability sector settings; to investigate potential employment enablers; and develop recommendations. This research employed a qualitative thematic analysis approach, underpinned by the social model of disability and the theoretical concepts of Pierre Bourdieu, guiding interpretation of results. The study began with a focus group of six disabled people, to discuss possible themes for the research. Results from the focus group were then developed further to inform interviews with 13 disabled and 12 nondisabled people, on topics relating to: the navigation of family, identity, and education by disabled people; barriers to paid employment in mainstream and disability sector employment; and potential employment enablers. Key research findings include: the development of individual agency is critical to build the resilience necessary to navigate many environmental, structural, and attitudinal barriers encountered in education and employment; similar employment barriers are experienced by disabled people in all employment settings; the creation of opportunities for employers to meet with disabled people could be valuable and may lead to job offers; time-limited voluntary work, which includes pathways to paid employment, may assist to both allay employer apprehension, and enable disabled people to demonstrate capability. Research strongly suggests that the disability sector would benefit from including the lived experience of disability as a key competency for employment within a sector which exists in the name of disabled people. Ensuring disabled people achieve greater authority in their sector is an equity issue in urgent need of attention, and this study takes a step forward to address this need.
The whānau experience of suicide loss : what contributes to resilience and wellbeing? : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand
(Massey University, 2021) McAllister, Amber
The aim of this research was to explore and understand Māori whānau experiences of suicide loss and factors that increase resilience and wellbeing within this context. Māori have the highest suicide rates in New Zealand, yet there is limited literature that focuses exclusively on Māori whānau bereaved to suicide. Furthermore, there is limited literature that views Māori suicide bereavement through a family/whānau resilience lens. The present study took a Kaupapa Māori approach that validated Māori knowledge and tikanga and was cognisant of social structures and power imbalances that surround whānau. Six whānau bereaved by suicide were interviewed, as well as five Māori key informants who have extensive experience working with whānau in their various roles within community mental health, mental health services, and suicide prevention. Findings pointed to the ripple effect that a suicide has on a whānau and its members over the long term and intergenerationally. This is hindered by the stigma that is still evident in the dominant society and within Māori culture that creates a barrier to resilience and wellbeing. Resilience was enacted within whānau units, through wairuatanga, and connection to Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori. The current formal support available did not adequately support whānau resilience and wellbeing. The findings have implications at a societal level and for therapists or services engaged in supporting suicide bereaved whānau.
The lived experience of parents with children with genetically solved developmental and epileptic encephalopathies : 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) Jeffrey, Jennifer
Parents of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) are at high risk of developing mental health difficulties due to caregiver burden and the unpredictability of seizures. Identifying genetic pathogenic variants improves clinical outcomes for children with DEE by directing therapy and enabling accurate reproductive and prognostic counselling for families; however, the additional personal value of a genetic diagnosis is currently under appreciated. The present research aimed to explore parental experiences of having a child with DEE and the personal utility of a genetic diagnosis for families. Using the qualitative methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen families (seventeen parents) of children with a genetically solved DEE. The interviews stimulated discussion about the lived experience of caring for a child with a DEE when parents did not have a genetic answer, as well as what their experience was after they had received a genetic diagnosis. Families discussed the detrimental impact of living with constant uncertainty regarding the aetiology of their child’s DEE prior to the genetic diagnosis, which (in combination) with the uncertainty of seizures resulted in common trauma coping responses, such as hyperarousal, reactivity, vigilant monitoring, and avoidance behaviours. The diagnostic uncertainty prompted families to search for answers and attribute blame to themselves or others when they were unsuccessful. With regard to the genetic diagnosis, families reported that receiving a genetic label improved their knowledge about the likely trajectory of the DEE, increased their hope for the future and helped them communicate with others. The relief of finally having an answer for the cause of their child’s DEE alleviated parental guilt and self-blame as well as helped families to process their grief and move forward. Delay in receipt of a genetic diagnosis diluted its psychological impact. To date, the factors associated with the development of posttraumatic stress symptomology in parents of children with epilepsy have focused on caregiver burden and seizure frequency. The present study demonstrates that uncertainty regarding the aetiology of their child’s DEE may also contribute to the development of trauma responses in parents. In addition, the current research also demonstrates that identifying a genetic diagnosis for a child’s DEE may be a psychological turning point for families. Consequently, early access to genetic testing is therefore important as it not only increases clinical utility, but also increases personal utility with early mitigation of family stress, trauma, and negative experiences.
Family finds a way : experiences of multigenerational transnational new Chinese immigrant families in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2021) Ran, Guanyu
The Immigration Act 1987 fundamentally transformed New Zealand’s immigration policy from one that was race-based to one based on economic needs of New Zealand society. It opened the borders to immigrants from much wider regions. As a result of this “open-door” immigration policy, a substantial new Chinese immigrant community from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established in New Zealand. Building a closely-tied multigenerational family is an important feature of family life for this immigrant group. Often, multiple generations live together or within close proximity with one another in highly interdependent relationships. However, a growing number have also started to maintain their family lives transnationally, with different family members across generations living apart but maintaining close ties, with frequent interactions across national borders. Given this transnational family arrangement is very different from Chinese traditional practices of family maintenance, the impact of this change on the wellbeing and functioning of these families and their individual family members is an issue of increasing academic interest. This thesis responds to these concerns and explores the relationship between people’s experiences of transnational migration and their multigenerational family dynamics. Through engaging with individual life stories and perspectives of 45 participants across generations from new PRC immigrant families living in New Zealand, this thesis seeks to understand how those families with closely-tied multiple generations cope with dislocation and relocation during the process of transnational migration. It also investigates how transnational migration experiences contribute to new emergent domestic dynamics, including the development of new strategies and practices to maintain family traditions, interests and coherence across national borders, as well as shifting intergenerational relationships. The empirical data demonstrates that despite the increasing proportion of new PRC families living transnationally, their experiences of managing family lives vary. I argue that this diversification of transnational family experiences is largely attributed to the interaction of various impact factors associated with both the internal dynamics of immigrant families themselves and external contexts where those families are closely related. My research also attests that family members’ transnational migration experiences accelerate changes to the way they perform family life, particularly amplifying intergenerational differences and altering intergenerational dependency. Even though those changes introduce vital challenges towards multigenerational family maintenance and coherence, my research reveals that families are resilient and able to actively forge multistranded resources as well as engage various transnational activities in response to those challenges. While this thesis poses intriguing perspectives and culturally-specific scenarios to study immigrant families in New Zealand society, more importantly, it also contributes to the broad theorisation of transnational family formation and maintenance in the increasingly globalised world.
Relationships matter : caregiver experience of contact/access planning practice and outcomes for permanency : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2019) Nielson-Vold, Kristin
When children are removed from parental care and placed out of home it is generally expected that birth family contact will occur. This commitment to birth family contact is based on beliefs about its psychological and emotional importance for children and is protected and enshrined in national and international policy. Literature clearly outlines, however, that birth family contact is one of the most complex and contested areas of practice for social workers and is often difficult for caregivers. This research set out to examine how caregivers in New Zealand experienced social worker practice in relation to contact planning. The aims of this research were to: critically explore caregivers’ experience of social work practice in regards to contact planning for children progressing to their permanent care; and identify processes and practices that were helpful for caregivers, pre-permanency, which supported quality outcomes post-permanency. To achieve these aims, a qualitative approach was utilised involving six semi-structured interviews of seven kin and non-kin caregivers. Research questions included: · How did caregivers’ experience social work practice in regards to contact planning? · What processes and practices were helpful for caregivers to support post-permanency outcomes? · What recommendations do caregivers have to improve quality contact outcomes post- permanency? A rather disheartening picture of social work contact practice emerged with caregiver experiences generally ranging from dissatisfying through to distressing. Several key findings were identified by caregivers in this research including, exclusion from decision-making processes, lack of information, limited support, lack of assessment, and limited relational practice by social workers. The findings of this research echo similar research both in New Zealand and internationally in relation to social work contact practices and the experiences of caregivers. Given this consistency of experience for caregivers, additional factors were examined to help provide explanations for the ongoing issues for caregivers, including organisational practice and culture. Recommendations were made which focused on contact experiences, assessment processes, training, policy, and the importance of relationship, to strengthen practice in this challenging area of work and improve caregiver experiences.
"It's hard being a young parent, it's even harder being a young Māori parent" : young Māori parents' experiences of raising a family : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2019) Ware, Felicity
Young Māori parents play a significant part in growing the indigenous population of Aotearoa New Zealand and helping to raise the country’s future. Despite Māori only being about 15 percent of New Zealand’s total population, about half of all young parents in this country are Māori. While parents at any age may require support, being young and Māori while also needing support may present additional challenges. The disproportionate representation of young parents and of Māori in socioeconomic disadvantage has dual implications. These disparities fuel a deficit understanding of early parenting, indigeneity, and requiring assistance. The ongoing impacts of colonisation and racism further exacerbate these disparities and marginalise Māori. This research examines the historical, cultural, political and social contexts that influence early parenting for Māori. Key principles of Māori research, oral traditions and narrative inquiry were employed to explore the distinct experiences of young Māori parents. Māori principles were implemented throughout all of the research process; in the design, methodology and organisation of the research. A Māori narrative approach was developed to gather, present and analyse the perspectives of 19 young Māori parents from the Manawatū, New Zealand about support during pregnancy, birth and parenting. Their stories were examined using a Māori analytical framework. This approach identified interrelated layers of kōrero (story) that revealed how young Māori parents construct their own changing identity and contextualise their stories within significant relationships, a Māori worldview, and society. A cross-examination of their kōrero revealed that their experiences were also shaped by what it means to be a young person, a young parent, Māori and from disadvantage. This Māori narrative approach revealed a more complex and nuanced understanding of the interrelatedness and influence of societal expectations, indigeneity, Māori culture and whānau, on personal experience. The findings of the research demonstrate that support for young Māori parents in Aotearoa New Zealand is constrained by prevailing and intersecting ideas about being young, early childbearing, Māori identity and receiving welfare. For example, young Māori women are framed as more likely to become pregnant at a young age, have their education disrupted, require welfare assistance, and pass on socioeconomic disadvantage to their children. This deficit perception of their parenting potential is perpetuated in many different ways in society. This stigma and stereotyping has real consequences for the way young Māori parents construe their experience of parenting and how they are supported. This thesis discusses the consequences of deficit-based research, government rationalities for welfare provision, and the potential role of whānau. The kōrero from the young Māori parents resisted the assumptions that having a child at a young age and being Māori contribute to negative outcomes. As Māori they could draw on counter narratives about early parenting that may not be available to non-Māori. Māori understandings of reproduction, raising children and whānau celebrate a new baby as an extension of whakapapa (genealogy) and do not necessarily frame the age of the parents as an issue. However, young Māori parents also felt that taking up a Māori identity meant that their parenting was subject to increased scrutiny and there was added pressure to prove themselves as competent parents. Young Māori parents continuously navigate the tension between Māori beliefs and societal expectations in their own accounts of raising children. Whilst dominant narratives constrain whether they are treated as a suitable parent, Te Ao Māori beliefs help them to feel valued in their role as whakapapa nurturers and contributing whānau members. Support for young Māori parents would be helped by the authentic promotion of Māori knowledge, practices, language, identity and experiences associated with pregnancy, birth and parenting guaranteed in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Privileging the lived experiences of young Māori parents, such as those included in this thesis helps to critically deconstruct the negative assumptions about young parents and Māori, particularly those who are overrepresented in requiring assistance. The findings of this research are relevant to all people responsible for the outcomes of young Māori parents and will help to inform better research, policy and practice. Government, community, health and supporting professionals, iwi, and whānau all have important roles in supporting young Māori parents to develop positive identities, to reach full potential and to raise their children.

Massey Documents by Type

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results