International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Nov 8, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Introduction: Using a multi-faceted approach from the disciplines of Theology and Pacific Studies... more Introduction: Using a multi-faceted approach from the disciplines of Theology and Pacific Studies, the three key areas of investigation included how young Pacific women perceived images of God and faith; how it impacted upon their mental resilience and their responses to mundane and significant life events; and explored their personal constructs of mental wellbeing. Method: Qualitative group interviews (Talanoa), with 64 research participants aged between 17-24 years old; identified with multiple ethnicities, with at least one being Pacific; identified as Roman Catholic with varying degrees of faith practice; and were based in Auckland, Aotearoa. The Praxis Model methodology was employed throughout the research process and speaks to the interdisciplinary nature of the project. Intersectionality theory was utilised as the lens to view each research participants' multilayered self-identities. Findings: Out of the 64 participants, 82% (n=52), generally agreed that their image of God aided a positive state of mental wellbeing, five women were unsure and six stated, that it was something else in their faith practice which primarily supported their mental wellbeing. Part of the reason women felt their image of God offered hope for their future, derived from their belief in an afterlife beyond physical death, which they felt, reduced anxiety about their family members who had died or faced sickness and trauma throughout their lives Conclusions: There is a need for more denomination-specific and culturally responsive foci around mental wellbeing, therefore recognising the unique experiences of faith traditions and the challenges faced by multi-ethnic young Pacific women.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to ... more Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to addressing climate-related health equity may be more suitable, appropriate, and appealing to under-resourced communities and countries. In support of this argument, this commentary describes an approach by a network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to promoting climate-related health equity in Small Island Developing States and low- and middle-income countries in the Pacific. We identify three primary sets of needs related to developing a regional capacity to address physical and mental health disparities through research, training, and assistance in policy and practice implementation: (1) limited healthcare facilities and qualified medical and mental health providers; (2) addressing the social impacts related to the cooccurrence of natural hazards, disease outbreaks, and complex emergencies; and (3) building the response capacity and resilience to climate-relate...
Co-design is a relatively new method employed in public health-based interventions to identify pr... more Co-design is a relatively new method employed in public health-based interventions to identify problems, generate and implement solutions through harnessing knowledge and creativity of citizens and staff . Researchers use different co-design steps in the design and implementation of intervention programmes. The co-design approach has been successfully used in redesigning health care services to fit the needs of the consumers and has extended to develop health interventions for communities . In New Zealand, co-design methods have been used to develop health interventions among minority and indigenous groups. Previous research highlighted that co-design fits well when collaborating with these groups as it allows tool redevelopments and re-fining based on the socio-cultural needs of participants. This method captures and understands the needs of the Tongan community, as well as foster expression, reflection, and sharing to inform the development of the intervention. The generation of d...
Although most adolescents are healthy, epidemiological studies show that a significant number exp... more Although most adolescents are healthy, epidemiological studies show that a significant number experience mental health challenges, and that Indigenous and ethnic minority youth tend to have poorer mental health outcomes. However, ethnic classification in adolescence is complex due to increasing multi-ethnic identification, and little is known about how different classification methods affect research conclusions. This study used a nationally representative adolescent sample from Aotearoa New Zealand (N = 8275; ages 12–18; 55% female; 32% multi-ethnic) to investigate the effects that five ethnic classification methods have on substantive findings in three mental health outcomes: overall psychosocial difficulties, deliberate self-harm, and suicide attempts. The results showed that, depending on the classification method used, reported outcomes within the same nominal ethnic group varied by an effect size (d) of up to 0.12, and the reported magnitude of difference between nominal ethni...
There are more than 40 diverse Pacific ethnic groups in New Zealand Pacific peoples were the fo... more There are more than 40 diverse Pacific ethnic groups in New Zealand Pacific peoples were the fourth-largest major ethnic group in 2013, behind Pakeha, Māori, and Asian ethnic groups (7.4%) Median age 22.1 years. There are more children in Pacific peoples group than in any other ethnic category (0-14 years at 35.7%) Samoans remain the largest Pacific ethnic group Almost two-thirds are NZ-born 92.9% live in the North Island. Almost two-thirds live in the Auckland Region By 2026, the Pacific population will comprise 10% of the NZ population
On average, at least 60 people are directly impacted by a suicide death (i.e. family, friends, co... more On average, at least 60 people are directly impacted by a suicide death (i.e. family, friends, colleagues, school peers). As a result, in most cases, there is a lack of support for the suicide bereaved, mental health issues are intensified, there is increased suicide risk, a strain upon family relationships, there are poor coping skills, and for some, financial difficulties. What is also less known is the culturally relevant support needs of Pacific individuals, families and communities bereaved by suicide in Aotearoa New Zealand. An 18-month mixed methods project was designed to include an online survey, focus groups and fono (a commonly used term by some Pacific groups to refer to a ‘meeting’). This was undertaken among Pacific communities as well as service providers who worked with Pacific peoples bereaved by suicide. The results of the Pacific community survey are presented. The Pacific community survey drew a total of 173 unique responses, 153 conducted online and 20 via hard ...
Introduction: Exploring New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Cook Islands youth worldviews acknowledges the... more Introduction: Exploring New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Cook Islands youth worldviews acknowledges the diversity that exists amongst Pacific peoples in New Zealand. By improving mental wellbeing and its potential to inform Pacific ethnic specific suicide prevention, it is important that a Cook Islands focus to suicide prevention is applied. Thus, reinforcing the notion that although some approaches may be similar to other Pacific populations, current policy and strategies should not be generalised to a one size fits all. Aim: The aim of the study was to provide some understanding to NZ-born Cook Islands young peoples’ perceptions around positive mental wellbeing with the view that their voices help to inform the development of Cook Islands-specific strategies towards positive mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Methods: This qualitative study involved 21 face-to-face interviews with NZ-born Cook Islands youth (16-24 years) who resided in Auckland. A talanoa Pacific research methodol...
ABSTRACT Provides readers of the book access to additional resource material in area related to P... more ABSTRACT Provides readers of the book access to additional resource material in area related to Pasifika mental health. The bibliography will be helpful for students, researchers, and practitioners, providing further information to enrich understandings of issues raised in the book.
In this literature review, we analyze existing research on climate change and its impact on menta... more In this literature review, we analyze existing research on climate change and its impact on mental health and well-being, primarily among Pacific Islanders. To compensate for a lack of research in this area, we also address some of the projected mental health implications resulting from disasters linked to climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones. This broader scope enables the identification of areas where more research into mental health concerns related to climate change in the Pacific is needed. In closing, we provide recommendations for further research into the mental health and well-being of Pacific peoples and suggest ways to develop resilience to the effects of climate change.
Sometimes, reading is very boring and it will take long time starting from getting the book and s... more Sometimes, reading is very boring and it will take long time starting from getting the book and start reading. However, in modern era, you can take the developing technology by utilizing the internet. By internet, you can visit this page and start to search for the book that is needed. Wondering this listen to the silence is the one that you need, you can go for downloading. Have you understood how to get it?
The aim of this study was to describe the population of Pacific young people in the Auckland regi... more The aim of this study was to describe the population of Pacific young people in the Auckland region who were treated at Emergency Departments as a result of a suicide attempt. Data collection involved a review of Auckland regional public hospital Emergency Department (ED) medical records of Pacific young people (16-25 years) who made suicide attempts from 01 January 1999-31 December 1999. A total of 56 records were reviewed. Results indicated that: 71% were young Pacific females and 29% were young Pacific males; just over half identified as Samoan; 19 year olds presented more than any other age group between the ages of 16-25 years; 43% were employed; the highest month recorded for presentations was June; there was a low incidence of attempts between midnight and 6 am; the most common method used was poisonings by solid or liquid solids; the majority of attempts were at home; 62% were not under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; and 85% were given a post-discharge treatment ...
Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 2014
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the engagement of Pacific peoples in mental hea... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the engagement of Pacific peoples in mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific strategies for suicide prevention. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study involved 22 interviews with Samoans who had made a suicide attempt and/or had suicide ideation, were engaged in a mental health service. Findings – Narratives of mental health services and suicide prevention focused on issues of cultural competency, the importance of family involvement, dichotomous views of western and traditional beliefs around mental illness and the unsuccessful engagement of Pacific youth. Originality/value – This research argues that cultural considerations for Pacific communities are of paramount importance if mental health service engagement and developments towards Pacific suicide prevention strategies are to be effective.
This research explores Samoan young people’s suicidal behaviours in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Apart f... more This research explores Samoan young people’s suicidal behaviours in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Apart from anecdotal evidence, there is little known in the area of Samoan youth suicidal behaviours and possible suicide prevention strategies relevant for the Samoan community in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This research is an attempt to recontextualise youth suicidal behaviours with the objective of informing the development and opportunities for Samoan and possibly Pacific people’s suicide prevention. This research comprises two parts, part one is a descriptive analysis via a medical record review of 27 incidences, and part two involves in-depth face-to-face interviews with 20 young Samoan individuals who had attempted suicide. The overall aim of this research is to investigate the perceptions of Aotearoa/New Zealand Samoan young people (16-25 years) regarding factors they perceive impact upon their suicide attempts as well as examining their prospective reasons to live.
Spirituality is often ignored in a public health approach to suicide prevention, despite research... more Spirituality is often ignored in a public health approach to suicide prevention, despite research concluding that the spiritual world is considered a positive feature and should not be ignored as a potential suicide prevention resource. This contributiuon reveals that in the planning and development of suicide prevention strategies, spiritual or religious components must be included for there to be any meaningful impact for Samoan young people.
A recent special section on cultural diversity across the Pacific, in this journal, highlighted t... more A recent special section on cultural diversity across the Pacific, in this journal, highlighted the need for greater alignment between human services and cultural diversity in the region. Alignment entails detailing a local context. Samoan cultural constructs of emotion, particularly anger and shame, may precede suicidal behaviours among New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Samoan youth. These behaviours can stem from perceived ruptures in family unity, as youth partly identify with majority norms. A barrier to integration faced by acculturating youth is that the young person either lives with the shame of their offence, or avoids it by taking their life. It seems Samoan cultural constructs of emotion must be considered in effective service delivery for this population. Consistent with the articles in the special section, suicide prevention should focus on developing culturally competent tools tailored for NZ-born Samoan youth, so they may communicate their feelings without fear of disrupting...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Nov 8, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Introduction: Using a multi-faceted approach from the disciplines of Theology and Pacific Studies... more Introduction: Using a multi-faceted approach from the disciplines of Theology and Pacific Studies, the three key areas of investigation included how young Pacific women perceived images of God and faith; how it impacted upon their mental resilience and their responses to mundane and significant life events; and explored their personal constructs of mental wellbeing. Method: Qualitative group interviews (Talanoa), with 64 research participants aged between 17-24 years old; identified with multiple ethnicities, with at least one being Pacific; identified as Roman Catholic with varying degrees of faith practice; and were based in Auckland, Aotearoa. The Praxis Model methodology was employed throughout the research process and speaks to the interdisciplinary nature of the project. Intersectionality theory was utilised as the lens to view each research participants' multilayered self-identities. Findings: Out of the 64 participants, 82% (n=52), generally agreed that their image of God aided a positive state of mental wellbeing, five women were unsure and six stated, that it was something else in their faith practice which primarily supported their mental wellbeing. Part of the reason women felt their image of God offered hope for their future, derived from their belief in an afterlife beyond physical death, which they felt, reduced anxiety about their family members who had died or faced sickness and trauma throughout their lives Conclusions: There is a need for more denomination-specific and culturally responsive foci around mental wellbeing, therefore recognising the unique experiences of faith traditions and the challenges faced by multi-ethnic young Pacific women.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to ... more Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to addressing climate-related health equity may be more suitable, appropriate, and appealing to under-resourced communities and countries. In support of this argument, this commentary describes an approach by a network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to promoting climate-related health equity in Small Island Developing States and low- and middle-income countries in the Pacific. We identify three primary sets of needs related to developing a regional capacity to address physical and mental health disparities through research, training, and assistance in policy and practice implementation: (1) limited healthcare facilities and qualified medical and mental health providers; (2) addressing the social impacts related to the cooccurrence of natural hazards, disease outbreaks, and complex emergencies; and (3) building the response capacity and resilience to climate-relate...
Co-design is a relatively new method employed in public health-based interventions to identify pr... more Co-design is a relatively new method employed in public health-based interventions to identify problems, generate and implement solutions through harnessing knowledge and creativity of citizens and staff . Researchers use different co-design steps in the design and implementation of intervention programmes. The co-design approach has been successfully used in redesigning health care services to fit the needs of the consumers and has extended to develop health interventions for communities . In New Zealand, co-design methods have been used to develop health interventions among minority and indigenous groups. Previous research highlighted that co-design fits well when collaborating with these groups as it allows tool redevelopments and re-fining based on the socio-cultural needs of participants. This method captures and understands the needs of the Tongan community, as well as foster expression, reflection, and sharing to inform the development of the intervention. The generation of d...
Although most adolescents are healthy, epidemiological studies show that a significant number exp... more Although most adolescents are healthy, epidemiological studies show that a significant number experience mental health challenges, and that Indigenous and ethnic minority youth tend to have poorer mental health outcomes. However, ethnic classification in adolescence is complex due to increasing multi-ethnic identification, and little is known about how different classification methods affect research conclusions. This study used a nationally representative adolescent sample from Aotearoa New Zealand (N = 8275; ages 12–18; 55% female; 32% multi-ethnic) to investigate the effects that five ethnic classification methods have on substantive findings in three mental health outcomes: overall psychosocial difficulties, deliberate self-harm, and suicide attempts. The results showed that, depending on the classification method used, reported outcomes within the same nominal ethnic group varied by an effect size (d) of up to 0.12, and the reported magnitude of difference between nominal ethni...
There are more than 40 diverse Pacific ethnic groups in New Zealand Pacific peoples were the fo... more There are more than 40 diverse Pacific ethnic groups in New Zealand Pacific peoples were the fourth-largest major ethnic group in 2013, behind Pakeha, Māori, and Asian ethnic groups (7.4%) Median age 22.1 years. There are more children in Pacific peoples group than in any other ethnic category (0-14 years at 35.7%) Samoans remain the largest Pacific ethnic group Almost two-thirds are NZ-born 92.9% live in the North Island. Almost two-thirds live in the Auckland Region By 2026, the Pacific population will comprise 10% of the NZ population
On average, at least 60 people are directly impacted by a suicide death (i.e. family, friends, co... more On average, at least 60 people are directly impacted by a suicide death (i.e. family, friends, colleagues, school peers). As a result, in most cases, there is a lack of support for the suicide bereaved, mental health issues are intensified, there is increased suicide risk, a strain upon family relationships, there are poor coping skills, and for some, financial difficulties. What is also less known is the culturally relevant support needs of Pacific individuals, families and communities bereaved by suicide in Aotearoa New Zealand. An 18-month mixed methods project was designed to include an online survey, focus groups and fono (a commonly used term by some Pacific groups to refer to a ‘meeting’). This was undertaken among Pacific communities as well as service providers who worked with Pacific peoples bereaved by suicide. The results of the Pacific community survey are presented. The Pacific community survey drew a total of 173 unique responses, 153 conducted online and 20 via hard ...
Introduction: Exploring New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Cook Islands youth worldviews acknowledges the... more Introduction: Exploring New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Cook Islands youth worldviews acknowledges the diversity that exists amongst Pacific peoples in New Zealand. By improving mental wellbeing and its potential to inform Pacific ethnic specific suicide prevention, it is important that a Cook Islands focus to suicide prevention is applied. Thus, reinforcing the notion that although some approaches may be similar to other Pacific populations, current policy and strategies should not be generalised to a one size fits all. Aim: The aim of the study was to provide some understanding to NZ-born Cook Islands young peoples’ perceptions around positive mental wellbeing with the view that their voices help to inform the development of Cook Islands-specific strategies towards positive mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Methods: This qualitative study involved 21 face-to-face interviews with NZ-born Cook Islands youth (16-24 years) who resided in Auckland. A talanoa Pacific research methodol...
ABSTRACT Provides readers of the book access to additional resource material in area related to P... more ABSTRACT Provides readers of the book access to additional resource material in area related to Pasifika mental health. The bibliography will be helpful for students, researchers, and practitioners, providing further information to enrich understandings of issues raised in the book.
In this literature review, we analyze existing research on climate change and its impact on menta... more In this literature review, we analyze existing research on climate change and its impact on mental health and well-being, primarily among Pacific Islanders. To compensate for a lack of research in this area, we also address some of the projected mental health implications resulting from disasters linked to climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones. This broader scope enables the identification of areas where more research into mental health concerns related to climate change in the Pacific is needed. In closing, we provide recommendations for further research into the mental health and well-being of Pacific peoples and suggest ways to develop resilience to the effects of climate change.
Sometimes, reading is very boring and it will take long time starting from getting the book and s... more Sometimes, reading is very boring and it will take long time starting from getting the book and start reading. However, in modern era, you can take the developing technology by utilizing the internet. By internet, you can visit this page and start to search for the book that is needed. Wondering this listen to the silence is the one that you need, you can go for downloading. Have you understood how to get it?
The aim of this study was to describe the population of Pacific young people in the Auckland regi... more The aim of this study was to describe the population of Pacific young people in the Auckland region who were treated at Emergency Departments as a result of a suicide attempt. Data collection involved a review of Auckland regional public hospital Emergency Department (ED) medical records of Pacific young people (16-25 years) who made suicide attempts from 01 January 1999-31 December 1999. A total of 56 records were reviewed. Results indicated that: 71% were young Pacific females and 29% were young Pacific males; just over half identified as Samoan; 19 year olds presented more than any other age group between the ages of 16-25 years; 43% were employed; the highest month recorded for presentations was June; there was a low incidence of attempts between midnight and 6 am; the most common method used was poisonings by solid or liquid solids; the majority of attempts were at home; 62% were not under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; and 85% were given a post-discharge treatment ...
Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 2014
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the engagement of Pacific peoples in mental hea... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the engagement of Pacific peoples in mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific strategies for suicide prevention. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study involved 22 interviews with Samoans who had made a suicide attempt and/or had suicide ideation, were engaged in a mental health service. Findings – Narratives of mental health services and suicide prevention focused on issues of cultural competency, the importance of family involvement, dichotomous views of western and traditional beliefs around mental illness and the unsuccessful engagement of Pacific youth. Originality/value – This research argues that cultural considerations for Pacific communities are of paramount importance if mental health service engagement and developments towards Pacific suicide prevention strategies are to be effective.
This research explores Samoan young people’s suicidal behaviours in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Apart f... more This research explores Samoan young people’s suicidal behaviours in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Apart from anecdotal evidence, there is little known in the area of Samoan youth suicidal behaviours and possible suicide prevention strategies relevant for the Samoan community in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This research is an attempt to recontextualise youth suicidal behaviours with the objective of informing the development and opportunities for Samoan and possibly Pacific people’s suicide prevention. This research comprises two parts, part one is a descriptive analysis via a medical record review of 27 incidences, and part two involves in-depth face-to-face interviews with 20 young Samoan individuals who had attempted suicide. The overall aim of this research is to investigate the perceptions of Aotearoa/New Zealand Samoan young people (16-25 years) regarding factors they perceive impact upon their suicide attempts as well as examining their prospective reasons to live.
Spirituality is often ignored in a public health approach to suicide prevention, despite research... more Spirituality is often ignored in a public health approach to suicide prevention, despite research concluding that the spiritual world is considered a positive feature and should not be ignored as a potential suicide prevention resource. This contributiuon reveals that in the planning and development of suicide prevention strategies, spiritual or religious components must be included for there to be any meaningful impact for Samoan young people.
A recent special section on cultural diversity across the Pacific, in this journal, highlighted t... more A recent special section on cultural diversity across the Pacific, in this journal, highlighted the need for greater alignment between human services and cultural diversity in the region. Alignment entails detailing a local context. Samoan cultural constructs of emotion, particularly anger and shame, may precede suicidal behaviours among New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Samoan youth. These behaviours can stem from perceived ruptures in family unity, as youth partly identify with majority norms. A barrier to integration faced by acculturating youth is that the young person either lives with the shame of their offence, or avoids it by taking their life. It seems Samoan cultural constructs of emotion must be considered in effective service delivery for this population. Consistent with the articles in the special section, suicide prevention should focus on developing culturally competent tools tailored for NZ-born Samoan youth, so they may communicate their feelings without fear of disrupting...
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