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Subject: search.filters.subject.520304 Health psychology

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    Pacific media’s portrayal of type two diabetes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Eden, Chelsea
    Pacific countries experience the highest rates of type two diabetes (T2D) in the world. Type two diabetes is a chronic health condition, resulting from the bodies inability to regulate insulin, and when left untreated can result in serious health consequences. Diabetes is the nineth leading cause of death worldwide, and T2D is the most prevalent, accounting for 90% of diabetes cases. Little is known about how media frames T2D across New Zealand and the Pacific. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to examine Pacific print media, to identify the messages about T2D. Specifically, it looked into how T2D is described and portrayed, and the causes, effects, and solutions that are reported across the articles. The study analysed 103 online Pacific print media articles. Key themes were: the description of what T2D is, and the causes, effects and solutions of T2D. New Zealand articles tended to present a broader perspective, considering wider factors such as globalisation, neoliberalism and determinants of health, and the differing impact this has on populations. Contrastingly, the majority of articles originating in the Pacific, focussed on a specific aspect of T2D, such as a specific, cause, effect or solution. Articles varied in framing of T2D, its impacts, and explanations regarding its causes and effects. These framings included T2D being presented as a life-long condition, a treatable illness, a disease, and a lifestyle issue. However, the articles tended to lack depth of discussion, such as framing healthy eating as a solution and cure but not unpacking what this means. Western, neoliberal ideology dominated the media articles with no articles covering Pacific models of health. Many of the causes of T2D and its more serious consequences were attributed to the individual’s choices and globalisation. The effects across articles were often presented as dire and extreme, with articles generally focused on one effect (such as amputation). Solutions across articles again very much focused on what the individual should do, with articles focused on a single solution with little justification or alternative provided. There were few articles examining sustainable and value aligning changes that could be made to reduce the incidence of T2D and its consequences. Overall, the media portrayed T2D as a serious noncommunicable disease that is a burden on society with Pacific people positioned at risk.
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    The effects of mindfulness meditation on the well-being of Pasifika students : 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, 2023) Uele, Miriam F
    Background: Mindfulness application has become a topic of interest in academic research, primarily because it has been shown to support positive well-being. Mental health disorders disproportionately affect young adults aged 15 to 24, specifically Pasifika people. To the researcher's best knowledge, a mindfulness-based intervention implemented by Pasifika University students is lacking. For such reasons, the current study addresses the research gap by introducing a feasible exploratory study that aims to consider whether participation in a brief four-week mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR) can improve levels of subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being, and mindfulness of Pasifika University students. Method: The current study involved a single-group design utilising a quantitative method. Data was collected pre-and-post MBSR intervention using three self-report psychometric measures including the Well-being Index measure (WHO-8), Pacific Identity and Well-being Revised measure (PIWBSR-35), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-39). A paired samples t-test was conducted pre-and-post the MBSR intervention. Results: The findings revealed that subjective well-being, Pasifika identity and well-being were significant post-intervention. However, mindfulness scores were insignificant. A further paired samples t-test was conducted on the individual factors of Pacific identity and well-being and the individual mindfulness facets. The analysis revealed that the mindfulness observation was significant. Conclusion: It can be proposed that a mindfulness meditation intervention could be appropriate for Pasifika University students aged 18 – 24 years old. While this is the case, it is crucial to consider these findings with caution. The current pilot study is a stepping stone towards further investigations that can promote the well-being of Pasifika people.