Does being kind, warm and accepting towards yourself affect your well-being? : a study of construction apprentices in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2022
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
In Australia and New Zealand (NZ), young construction workers have alarming rates of suicide. Research from Australia has linked the high suicide rates to increased psychological distress and exposure to risk factors, such as workplace bullying, during young workers’ apprenticeship training. Despite this, no research has been conducted to explore the experience of psychological distress and bullying within NZ’s construction apprentices. Furthermore, there is a gap in research on factors associated with fostering psychological well-being and the development of strength-based interventions for the industry. One factor which is shown to be related to psychological well-being is self-compassion, or, the ability to be empathic towards oneself during times of suffering or failure. This study aimed to investigate whether self-compassion would predict psychological well-being in NZ construction apprentices. Additionally, it aimed to assess the levels of psychological distress and exposure to bullying among apprentices, as well examine the relationships between self-compassion, psychological distress and bullying. A sample of 265 construction apprentices completed self-report measures of self-compassion, psychological well-being, psychological distress and exposure to workplace bullying. Results indicated that self-compassion is positively and uniquely related to psychological well-being and negatively related to psychological distress. Experiences of workplace bullying and psychological distress are substantial, and workplace bullying is positively related to psychological distress. These results underline the need to address bullying and the mental health of the NZ construction sector, particularly 17-25 year olds. Further, results indicate that self-compassion interventions may have promise as a mechanism to improve the well-being of NZ construction apprentices.