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Item Māori women's perspectives of raising a loved one who has autism (Takiwātanga) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2025-02-17) Hastie, Jeanette LouiseThis thesis presents research that explored the understandings, worldviews, and approaches of eight Māori māmā (mothers) with children (tamariki) or adolescents (rangatahi) who have been diagnosed with autism (takiwātanga) in Aotearoa New Zealand. An interpretivist qualitative research design was utilised that combined methods from Western methodologies and Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine theory and research. The methodology was transformative (whakaahua) in nature, as the concepts behind the Western methodological tools were transformed into the concepts of te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) through the application of Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine theory. Eight Māori māmā attended one of four small focus groups consisting of two māmā and the researcher, during which they were encouraged to create an artwork while telling their lived experience of takiwātanga through pūrākau (narratives). Over approximately four hours, the māmā were asked to describe how they navigated the New Zealand education and health systems, and their home and community, with their tamariki and rangatahi with takiwātanga. The pūrākau revealed that the māmā had brought about a transformation of their own by resisting the Western deficit-based model of autism and drawing on their cultural understanding of takiwātanga to change their negative Western-based experiences into positive Indigenous-based ones. This led to the development of a model inspired by the taiaha, a Māori weapon of war, that demonstrates how a deficit-based Western ideology about autism can be transformed into a strengths-based Indigenous ideology about takiwātanga, from both the researcher’s perspective and that of the participants. The findings also identified strong connections between the māmā and those professionals and others who supported them, whom they called “game changers”. Professionals who were not supportive were circumnavigated or dismissed as the māmā held onto their own expertise and developed their own knowledge about takiwātanga. The te ao Māori concepts of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), manaakitanga (showing respect, generosity and care for others) and tuakana-teina (the relationship between an older [tuakana] person and a younger [teina] person) were woven throughout the pūrākau, which the māmā drew on to strengthen their mana wahine (power as women) and mātauranga wahine (female knowledge). The thesis concludes that cultural competence for registered professionals in education and health should include formal assessments of their knowledge of te ao Māori concepts such as manaakitanga, whakawhanaungatanga, and tuakana-teina in relation to takiwātanga.Item An exploration of the experience and sense-making of refugee parents and children of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) : 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, 2018) Arif, AreejAccording to the UNHCR (2015), the number of people forcibly displaced globally was 65.3 million by the end of 2015; the highest since World War II. The drastic increase of numbers in recent years makes research on refugees, displaced persons, and asylum seekers particularly important. As a contribution to help those affected by the global crisis, the current study qualitatively explores one of the challenges that refugees face after resettlement, parenting. The study is based in New Zealand, which has also increased its refugee quota in recent years. Seven mothers from refugee backgrounds were interviewed following their attendance at an evidence-based parenting program; the Triple P Discussion Group Series. During the interview, participants discussed their parenting experiences before and after they had attended the program. Their children were also involved in the study by being asked to respond to a series of vignettes related to the Discussion Groups in order to explore their sense-making of parenting situations. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, where four main themes emerged related to the parenting struggles which were not resolved after completion of the programme, the influences on parenting, the parenting strengths of participants, and the usefulness of the programme. While the study suggests that the Triple P Discussion Group Series was useful for the participants, it also proposes that additions to the program would make it more useful and relevant. Suggested additions include addressing parental mental status and mental health, changes to family dynamics, and the development of acculturation gaps between refugee background parents and their children.Item Tracing the storyline from parent to child : insights into improved family therapy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Guidance Counselling at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2000) Fisch, Marta LynneThe effects of the application of attachment theory and classification measurements to family therapy was examined in order to judge its contribution to family therapy. A narrative case study analysis of attachment relationships was conducted of the first three counselling sessions with five solo mothers of European-origin seeking assistance with their children's behaviour. The Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan & Main, 1985) was a vital component of the application of adult attachment concepts within a family therapy setting. The results of the interview formed the basis for assessment of intergenerational transmission of attachment relationships, and the client's ability or readiness to be in a therapeutic relationship. This approach helped the therapist better understand the clients' conceptualisation of intimate relationships in order to more accurately address dysfunctional habits of relating. The findings suggest that the integration of attachment theory into traditional family therapy methods can greatly enhance the therapist's understanding of historical causes of the presenting problem. This enriched understanding can point to more comprehensive therapeutic interventions, which will contribute to fundamental and lasting improvements in family relations.Item Paediatric hospital visiting policies in Cameroon : the experiences of nurses and parents : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Nursing at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2001) Njeba, Patience YensehThis study explored the experiences of parents and nurses caring for hospitalised children with the parents either living-in or having only visiting rights. The participants were parents with children hospitalised for a minimum of three days and nurses working in the paediatric ward for a minimum of six months. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews and participant observation was used to collect the data and Burnard's (1991) thematic content analysis to analyse the data. Six themes were identified of which two (one from the nurses and one from the parents) are main themes. The main theme from the nurses relates the nurses' aim of meeting the children's need and getting them ready for discharge home. The main theme from the parents relates the parents' satisfaction with the care they receive and the difficulties they have as parents not always being able to be with their child at will. The roles of parents and the nurses with regards the cares of children are relatively distinct in the hospital. The parents' role seemed quite limited due to the poor information received from the nurses although they (nurses) had a better understanding of what these roles could be. It could be noted that attitudes and opinions of nurses and parents about the way children are cared for in hospitals are different. For some parents, living-in and carrying out basic cares such as bathing, changing, feeding and comforting the child is just normal. Others felt it is the nurses' responsibilities, hence were reluctant to do it. Nurses also had divided views with regards to providing this basic care for the children added to their nursing/medical cares. As well there were few nurses to provide the care. Despite the differences, the nurses and parents have a common goal of getting the child ready for discharge home. On the whole the nurses are happy to have parents live-in and parents are happy to stay, although some parents feel living-in is an obligation not a choice. Unlike the parents of the older children that are happy to live-in, the neonatal parents are not given that privilege to live-in and that is distressing to them. The different concepts of care in paediatric wards are examined and not all of the concepts can be applicable in the Cameroon context. The study suggests a possible concept of care to be used in the hospital after a review by the authorities. This study provides a base for future research in this domain.Item The highs and lows of sole parenting experienced by wāhine Māori : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Philosophy (Health) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2017) Matipou, RipekaWāhine Māori and their experiences of sole parenting is an important field of study although it is under-examined in the field of research. The topic is common in literature that is related to political, economic and educational issues of children being raised by a sole parent. An examination of the experiences of wāhine Māori sole parents is the focus of this study and is an area with very little academic research. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach relevant in exploratory research that focuses on experiences and perceptions of people, in this research wāhine Māori. A kanohi ki kanohi interview process enabled the voices of the wāhine Māori to be heard, prompting their detailed lived experiences. Kaupapa Māori, Māori-centred research and a Mana wāhine approach guided and influenced this research. The findings from this research showed that wāhine Māori identified the importance of education, therefore completing academic studies and seeking employment. Essentially they became role models for their tamariki. A major contribution was the significant supportive role played by the grandfathers who had fundamentally parented them then went on to manaaki their mokopuna. Other ‘good men’ had made an impact with the tamariki for example mentoring them through sporting ventures. A recognition for the wāhine Māori as sole parents was they were successful in parenting their tamariki for their future growth and development and therefore strived for the same outcomes as others in society. Finally, these insights provide the basis for recommendations to improve social services for wāhine Māori and principles to guide their future development.Item The effects of social policy upon the Tongan kainga : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy in Social Policy at Massey University(Massey University, 2004) Afeaki-Mafileo, EmelineIn New Zealand social policies are continually developed and lived out of a democratic society. Each day the New Zealand airport is busy with a growing number of foreign migrants arriving into New Zealand prepared to start a new life. Many of these migrants are Pacific Islanders who have left their beautiful, unpolluted seaside island and have come to New Zealand with a dream to seek opportunities and resources available to ensure a better quality of life for themselves and their families. Tongan migrants are amongst the many Pacific Islanders who arrive into New Zealand with this dream. This thesis describes the fononga (journey) of Tongan-born parents to New Zealand in the 1970s and their settlement with the birth of their first generation New Zealand-born Tongan children and the impacts of social policies effecting the construction of the Tongan kainga (family). As a practitioner (social worker) and an "inside researcher" within my own Tongan community I know and understand that the kainga (family) is who you identify with and how others identify you. For the purpose of this research, four families; seven individual parents (3 sets of a husband and wife group and one father) and twelve young individuals defined as youth aged between 15-25 years following consent participated in this research. I will present subjectively the conflicting views found as a result of intense qualitative interviewing of Tongan-born parents and their New Zealand-born children (youth) in the same family unit. This research is inclusive of a socio-historical overview of Tongan culture from the creation myth to the introduction of Modern Tonga, the monarchy, the migration of the Tongan-born parents to New Zealand and an illustration of the conflicting worlds that exist between the New Zealand born youth and their Tongan-born parents. This research will look at how social policy development is vital to minimising the gap between the two conflicting worlds.Item Adolescent-parent conflict as preceived by the adolescent : a study of the development of independence in adolescence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Arts in Education(Massey University, 1975) Chong, HelenThe development of independence is one of the major developmental tasks of adolescence. The development of two aspects of independence - economic independence and emotional independence - were considered in this study. It was postulated that when the individual is emotionally dependent on his parents, and acceptant of being so, the degree of conflict with parents is low and that during the period of striving for emotional independence the degree of conflict with parents rises to a maximum, then falls as emotional independence is established. After a consideration of factors stated in the literature to be related to adolescent-parent conflict the following hypothesis was developed and tested: for those adolescents living with their parents who are by law permitted to engage in full time employment there is an inverse relation between the degree of economic independence and the degree of conflict with parents, regardless of age, sex, socio-economic status and whether or not the adolescent is a student. A scale to measure degree of conflict was developed and used to assess degree of conflict with mother, with father, and with both parents together. From 133 responses to the questionnaire designed to test this hypothesis a sample of 85 Europeans, ranging in age from 15 to 19 years who came from families where both the natural parents were present was obtained. The hypothesis was not verified. Conflict with mother was found to decrease with age. No other factors were found to be related to degree of conflict. An analysis of the areas of conflict indicated, on average, a greater number of areas of conflict with mother than with father and a greater number of areas of conflict with father than with both parents together. Examination of the highest ranking areas indicated that adolescents argue more with their mothers about specific home-centered topics and more with their fathers and both parents together about abstract and external topics. This difference in the nature of adolescent-parent conflict was explained in terms of the structure of the New Zealand family and the role each parent plays in the family.Item An exploration of nurses' understanding of parenting in hospital : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Nursing) at Massey University(Massey University, 2000) Crawford, RuthParental involvement in their child's care in hospital is common place. Research indicates that parents want to actively participate in the care ot their child. Nurses' responses to parental presence in hospital have been examined in previous research, especially with regard to attitudes, perspectives and role division. There was however a gap In the literature with regard to nurses' understanding of parenting in hospital. Within New Zealand there was no research examining nurses' understanding of parenting. The research described in this 75 point thesis explored the nurses' understanding of parenting in hospital. Using focus groups as the research method, eight nurses were invited to share their understanding of parenting in a New Zealand hospital. The data was analysed using thematic analysis informed by Stevens (1996). Although the size of the study was limited, this research has been able to raise some important issues about nurses' understanding of parenting in hospital, including the conflict perceived between parents and nurses, and the participants 'ideal' parent-nurse relationship.Item Parent-teacher expectations : parent-child relationships and teacher-child interactions with new entrants in peninsular Malaysia : a thesis ... for the degree of Master of Arts in Education at Massey University(Massey University, 1976) Hashim, Mohamed Amir Sharifuddin binThe concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy used by Merton (1948) to explain large scale social and economic phenomena, such as prejudice in everyday life and the causes of bank failures, has been introduced into classroom research by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) in terms of teacher-expectation studies. This thesis reports a naturalistic study concerning teacher-pupil interactions in the classroom and parent-child relationships in the home arising from parent and teacher expectations of the children's ability, in the context of Malaysia – a non-Western culture. It was expected that the quality and quantity of teacher-pupil interactions in the classroom, and parent-child relationships in the home would be related to parent and teacher expectations of the children's ability. The general propositions guiding this study are given as a research model outlined below: i) Early in the child's life, even before he enters school, his parents have formed their expectations concerning the child's ability. ii) Parent expectations are translated into self-fulfilling prophecies. The quality of parent-child relationships may be determined by the parents' expectations of the child's ability. iii) When the child enters school, teachers also form their expectations regarding the child's ability. Perhaps because both parents and teachers are influenced by overt child behaviours, in most cases the expectations teachers hold towards the child would match the expectation held by the parents. iv) Teacher expectations are also translated into self-fulfilling prophecies. Thus teachers begin to treat each child differently in accordance with their expectation of the child's ability. v) Finally, the cycle of self-fulfilling prophecies operates so that the more able child finds support to develop his talents both at home and at school, while the less able child is constantly reminded of his weaknesses. The results from 30 hours of classroom observation of teacher-pupil interaction with 48 new entrants classified by their teachers (N = 4) as 'highs' (N = 24) and 'lows' (N = 24) using teacher-pupil observation schedules based on Brophy and Good (1969) and Ashcroft (1972) support the hypothesis that teachers treat pupils differently according to teacher expectations concerning the pupils' ability. The results from individual home interviews with parents of the same children using standardized interview schedules based on Marjoribanks (1971) also support the hypothesis that parents treat children differently according to parent expectations concerning the children's ability (high, medium or low). It is suggested that there exists a supportive network of expectations between the parents and the teachers. It is further suggested that closer attention be given to this network of expectations between home and school, and not expectations of each in isolation to explain the relative performance of children at school. The implications of the above results for Malaysia, in particular, is that current emphasis on educational improvement should also focus on the interpersonal factors arising from teacher and parent expectations of the children, and their consequences.Item Maintaining a loving vigil : parents' lived experience of having a baby in a neonatal unit : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing at Massey University(Massey University, 1997) Murphy, MaureenTechnological aspects of preterm birth and the care of preterm infants are continually examined, yet the impact of the event on families, and particularly parents, has not received the same attention. A review of the nursing literature illustrated that there are very few published articles examining parents' experiences in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and in particular the effect this has on parents as a couple. Most studies focus on the mother, and there are a small number specifically focusing on the father. This study sought to elicit the experience of both parents as a couple. This research used phenomenology to examine five couples' experiences following the births of their preterm infants and their subsequent care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the parents as a couple. While each couple viewed the experience through their special lens, this study identified themes experienced by all the couples. They described a struggling-within-themselves in an attempt to face and survive the experience. The parents were living through a time-of-uncertainty, and talked about the factors that helped them, and those that made the ordeal more difficult. The three relationships the parents described as being essential were: with each other, with their baby and with significant others. Although their concern for their babies never left them, eventually the parents were able to move-from-fear and feel increasingly comfortable with their experience as they participated more and more fully in the care of their baby. The research examined the parents' loving vigil with their baby and demonstrated the need for neonatal nurses to provide supportive intervention to influence positively the parents' struggle through the ordeal.