Proceedings of the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/843

This collection houses the individual papers from the following symposium:

Nikora, L.W., Levy, M., Masters, B., Waitoki, W., Te Awekotuku, N., & Etheredge, R.J.M. (Eds). (2003). The Proceedings of the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002: Making a difference. Proceedings of a symposium hosted by the Māori & Psychology Research Unit at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, 29-30 November 2002. Hamilton, New Zealand: Māori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 26

Taku Manawa: Patterns of alternative health care practices in Aotearoa/New Zealand
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Whangapirita, Laura
Currently, there are an increased number of Māori people seeking alternative solutions to their health needs. The use of Rongoa Māori is not just an alternative health practice, but also a traditional one, making the practice far more significant than one that simply meets health needs.
Ta Moko: Culture, body modification, and the psychology of identity.
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Te Awekotuku, Ngahuia
This paper outlines the context of Ta Moko in the Māori world, and locates the practice in the Pacific, and in the twenty first century. It describes the resurgence of the practice, and comments on the aims of the Marsen project. The three principal aims are: 1. To complete a comprehensive survey of the chant record and oral history with reference to archaeological, archival and artefactual materials. 2. To examine traditional whakairo carving in relation to Ta Moko. 3. To explore the nature of social relationships and ecologies that are supportive of, or resistant, to contemporary Ta Moko.
Bizarre thoughts, magical ideations, and voices from the unconscious: Exploring issues of anomalous experience
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Tamatea, Armon J.; Evans, Ian M.
This project was initially concerned with the clinical interpretations of ‘bizarre’ or ‘magical’ ideations (i.e., statements considered to have little or no validity in our predominant western culture). The first study explored clinical assessment issues of who determines the validity of expressed beliefs and what kinds of criteria such decisions are based on in the mental health field. The present study examined a particular type of magical ideation, an auditory phenomenon involving claims that forward spoken conversation contains hidden backwards speech embedded in the vocal sounds. Thirty-two participants were invited to listen to various audio samples of the alleged phenomenon and provide interpretations of what was heard. Participants were assigned to four groups, each differing in the level of pre-emptive information. A comparative measure revealed that priming and suggestion could not be dismissed as alternative explanations of the reported effects. Clinical and social implications will be discussed.
Nobody knows me even though I’m always there: Why Māori men do exist - in all the wrong places
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Stanley, Paul
In the study of psychology, Māori men are often only seen as the perpetrators of the problems. There is very little focus on finding solutions for Māori men, with Māori men. In the top eight causes of death for Māori males aged 15 to 24 are car crashes, homicide, and suicide. With respect to car crashes, there is a close link between alcohol-related car crashes and suicide. As a nation, we should be concerned with all of the above issues, as each of them is preventable. Invariably, we fail see the deaths of these young men as warning signs of much wider issues about why they wanted to die, or why they felt the need to kill someone close to themselves. The argument tendered in this paper is that the same way in which Māori as a group have been researched, as being “the problem”, equally applies to the way in which Māori men have continued to be have been researched: Māori men are only ever portrayed as “the problem” and are never portrayed as part of a solution subjected to this process as well. The lyrics of a well known song by UB40, One in Ten, exemplify this notion of being unknown, even though Māori men do exist in Aotearoa.
The intergenerational perpetuation of achievement messages in whānau
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Southey, Kim Marie
The current research is an open exploration of achievement messages that are carried from generation to generation in whānau, in relation to the mainstream education system of Aotearoa. Participant groups comprised of two to three generations within each whānau. A maximum of eight whānau will be asked to participate. A series of continuous conversations will be held with each member of the whānau, reminiscent of the narrative approach, but most recently described as a methodology that allows for ensuring that data is collected in its fullest form. Differing views about achievement and how it is negotiated within whānau will be explored; along with issues on what, and who, within whānau are the most predominant indicators of achievement views. Detracting from an ethnocentric view of scholastic ability (a common marker for achievement) is done through abandoning mainstream ideals. This research favours an open exploration approach allowing for differing values about what constitutes achievement, and what context achievement is based in. Outcomes of the research are intended to show patterns within whānau and among Māori on the mainstream school system, and how this system has contributed to achievement messages. The positive or negative nature of the contribution from mainstream education is highly important and relevant to further research goals, including the ability to use outcomes to suggest social change in education provision for Māori.
Te Aka Roa o Te Oranga, the far reaching vines of wellness: The development of a framework to evaluate alcohol and drug treatment for Māori
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Robertson, Paul; Pitama, Suzanne; Eramiha, Titaria; Harris, Annette; Armstrong, Pam; Fraser, Todd; Huriwai, Terry
The impact of alcohol and other drug problems for Māori is well documented. Substance use has been implicated in a range of physical and mental health problems, and a variety of negative social statistics such as high rates of imprisonment. To date there has been little systematic documentation of treatment practices, and limited operationalisation of Māori health frameworks. The evaluation of the outcomes of alcohol and other drug treatments is an area in which there is a paucity of documentation, in terms of methods and frameworks for evaluation, and actual data. Te Aka Roa O Te Oranga (TAROTO) was developed from a range of projects undertaken by the National Addiction Centre. The TARATO evaluation framework embraces a holistic perspective: developed to examine the interaction between the client, whānau, practitioner, and service/organisation. The aim of the framework is to clarify the complex relationships and interactions between stakeholders within the context of treatment. It will also help to elucidate the strengths and weaknesses of individual services. Within this framework, a range of indicators and outcomes of “successful treatment” will be explored. The current project is the first phase of a broader project that will make a significant contribution to improvements in Māori health via further developing effective treatments of alcohol and other drug related problems.
Poster Abstracts
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Lapsley, Hilary; Nikora, Linda Waimarie; Black, Rosanne Marjory; Waitoki, Waikaremoana; Williams, Margaret H.; Masters-Awatere, Bridgette; Levy, Michelle Patricia; Pattison, Rosina
These are the poster abstracts from the Proceedings of the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002.
Hōmai te Waiora ki Ahau: te ara whakamua - towards the establishment of construct validity
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Palmer, Stephanie
Hōmai te Waiora ki Ahau: te ara whakamua, is about the development of a tool to measure psychological wellbeing among Māori. Why is it relevant? Because a quick look at the June 2002 edition of New Zealand’s Journal of Psychology will show you that the wellbeing measures being used in this country are not responsive to the needs of Māori, are not based on Māori concepts or Constructs, do not facilitate Māori participation in te ao Māori and do not provide pathways through which Māori can develop a positive Māori identity. It is highly unlikely that the tools which psychologists use to measure wellbeing among Māori will help Māori to experience whānau ora and that, as we all know, is the paramount health objective for Māori (Ministry of Health, 2002). In this regard, it would seem that the powers that be in psychology are failing to meet their Treaty obligations to Māori. Therefore, Hōmai te Waiora ki Ahau simply aims to assist change. This presentation will briefly describe the context of the development of this measure, the methodologies used to develop this tool, the outcomes of a small pilot-study, and current challenges and future directions for Hōmai te Waiora ki Ahau.
Opening Address to the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002: Making a difference
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Nikora, Linda Waimarie; Levy, Michelle Patricia; Waitoki, Waikaremoana; Masters-Awatere, Bridgette; Te Awekotuku, Ngahuia
The opening address to the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002. This address introduces the themes of the conference: Kia matāra - negotiating the challenges in Māori development, kia mau – recruitment and retention, Tuhia mai, whiua atu – research and methodology, tinia mai – intervantions and treatment, taitaia i te ahi manuka – pride upon the skin.
Cultural tattoos: meanings, descriptors, and attributions
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Nikora, Linda Waimarie; Te Awekotuku, Ngahuia
Body piercing and tattoo/ta moko were initially seen to be practiced by sailors, criminals, specific cultural groups (e.g., Māori), or sub-cultural groups (e.g., bikers, gang members, adolescents). In recent times, these practices have become part of mainstream popular culture, and are enjoyed by a wide range of people. In this study, we set out to explore patterns of body modifying behaviour engaged in, or commented on, by a sample of university students. We invited undergraduate psychology students from two courses to complete an ‘online’ questionnaire. Students logged on to a web site, were presented with an information sheet, and invited to respond. In this paper, we present the reasons why people in this sample decided to obtain a tattoo and the meanings they ascribe to their modifications. We will also consider the observations that people make of those who have culturally inspired tattoos.
Rangatahi Wahine: Overcoming the odds – preliminary results
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Merritt, Kiri
The purpose of my research was to identify factors that have contributed to the development of resilience in young Māori girls’ lives. Incorporated into this was an exploration of their psychosocial competence makeup, to see whether their sense of self, sense of relationship to the world, and ability to negotiate life events, was unique.
An evaluation of the cultural supervision prototype undertaken within the Department of Corrections, Hamilton
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Masters-Awatere, Bridgette; Trynes, Mariella; Karapu, Rolinda; Robertson, Neville; Waitoki, Waikaremoana
Disproportionately high rates of offending and recidivism among Māori are well documented. As part of its attempt to better meet the needs of Māori offenders, the Department of Corrections is developing cultural supervision for staff in the Community Probation Service, the Public Prisons Service and the Psychological Service. The aims of cultural supervision include improving staff members’ knowledge of Māori cultural values, providing support for staff in managing complex cultural issues, and ensuring safe practice and culturally appropriate behaviour. During 2002, the Māori and Psychology Research Unit was contracted to conduct a survey of current practices in relation to cultural supervision and a process evaluation of a prototype of cultural supervision being trialled in the Waikato among probation officers (Hamilton Area) and sentence planners (Waikeria Prison) (Karapu, Masters, Robertson, Trynes, & Waitoki, 2002). Findings from the survey indicated that most staff had informal cultural support or advice available to them. Usually, this was in the form of Māori colleagues within the Department. Less commonly, support was sought from Māori in other organisations, from knowledgeable non-Māori within the Department, kaumātua and kuia, and whānau members. About a third of Corrections staff were receiving some formal cultural supervision, most of whom regarded it positively. Among other staff, both Māori and non-Māori, there was a high level of interest in cultural supervision, and a view that it would be beneficial to their professional practice. Overall, staff felt that the support and advice currently available to them was inadequate. Findings from the evaluation of the prototype suggested that while many of the participants viewed cultural supervision as important for their job, fewer considered that the supervision they were receiving was meeting their needs. Some experienced non-Māori staff seemed to be resistant to the idea of cultural supervision, feeling that they already knew how to relate to Māori offenders. Māori staff were generally enthusiastic about cultural supervision but wanted it to focus on their personal safety as Māori within a “mainstream” institution rather than on their practice. However, both Māori and non-Māori staff generally felt that the cultural supervision sessions provided a safe environment. The prototype appeared to be a good beginning and the model should be stronger when modified in the light of experience.
Biculturalism in practice, ‘Te Pounamu’: Integration of a Māori model with traditional clinical assessment processes
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Manna, Leona
Traditional clinical psychological assessment follows a western paradigm of interaction, which relies heavily on verbalisations of internal and external symptoms. This process relies upon the assumption of and acceptance that tangata whaiora (consumer/s) are able to do this. Training encourages a clinical psychologist to take into account differences which may or may not be obvious, e.g., differences in religious beliefs, gender, hearing, or sight. However, as clinicians we often neglect to assess tangata whaiora abilities to verbalise such information. Te Pounamu, as a Māori model demonstrates the underlying principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Providing the best treatment outcomes is about acknowledging all aspects of one’s wellbeing: physical, mental, spiritual, and whānau. Te Pounamu provides a process that acknowledges such aspects in a way of knowing that is healing. From clinical experience, the interactive mode that Te Pounamu utilises has been found efficacious in assisting tangata whaiora to understand how such factors contribute to poor mental health.
Keynote address: Dr. Catherine Love
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Love, Catherine
This keynote address for the National Māori Graduates of Psychology Symposium 2002 addresses the history and current state of psychology in New Zealand, with particular attention to issues affecting Maori.
Keynote Address: Barriers and incentives to Māori participation in the profession of psychology
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Levy, Michelle Patricia
It is well known that Māori are overrepresented within the client group of psychologists. Despite ongoing attempts to recruit and retain more Māori within the discipline of psychology, the numbers of Māori psychologists continues to remain low, raising serious concerns about the ability of the profession to effectively meet the needs of its clientele. The objectives of this study were to identify the, barriers to, and incentives for improving the recruitment and retention of Māori in the profession of psychology and Māori to gain and maintain registration as psychologists. This paper is based on the full report provided to the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board. The findings in this study clearly demonstrate that in order to attract Māori to participate in psychology, the majority of environments need to change substantially. It is simply not enough for organisations, whether they are educational, professional, or service delivery agencies, to identify the need for more Māori psychologists, yet still fail to commit to, and actively engage in, altering long identified environmental factors that are barriers to Māori participation.
Bucking the Trends: Increasing retention rates of Māori students enrolled in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses at the University of Waikato
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Levy, Michelle Patricia
Reports on the success of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Waikato’s monitoring and support for Maori students initiative. The aim of the initative was to implement a support system in the FASS that would enhance retention rates for Māori students in the Faculty.
Te Rau Matatini: Māori mental health workforce development
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Hirini, Paul; Maxwell-Crawford, Kirsty
Outlines the development and current projects of Te Rau Matatini, a charitable trust aiming to strengthen the Maori mental health workforce.
A collaborative approach to improving youth mental health.
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Goodwin, Debbie Waireka Tuhi
Nga Taiohi Whai Marama / Youth Connex was developed collaboratively by three organisations: Health Waikato Mental Health, Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa, and Linkage. These organisations had a vision of creating greater integration and improved pathways between youth and mental health services, as well as providing a service explicitly based on youth-friendly principles. The key aims of Whai Marama Youth Connex are to improve youth’s access to services and contribute to the development of a youth service-provider network. To fulfil this we aim to provide a range of services, integrated pathways and capacity building on several levels, the client level, the provider level and the funder level. Debbie Goodwin (Tuhoe) was employed as the Manager of the service and has a key role in developing the organisation, planning and shaping its services, and employing and managing its’ staff. She will give an overview of how the service is developing in partnership and biculturally, how youth-friendly principles are enacted, and what some of the key issues have been in its early stages.
Māori and bicultural positions: Professional development programme for Resource Teachers Learning and Behaviour
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Glynn, Ted; Macfarlane, Angus
The Ministry of Education has introduced a new and far-reaching policy initiative, Special Education 2000. One component of this policy is the provision of professional development for approximately 700 Resource Teachers [Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)]. These resource teachers will help schools to meet the needs of students experiencing mild to moderate learning and behavioural difficulties. An important aim of the professional development programme is to prepare RTLB to improve the quality of support to teachers of Māori students in conventional and Māori medium classes. The programme consists of four courses, one introducing key concepts, one focussed on class-wide interventions, one focussed on school and community, and the fourth being a professional practice folio. This paper describes the Māori and bicultural content of the first two courses within the RTLB programme. It assesses the extent to which the programme addresses critical questions (Bishop, 1994; Bishop, 1996) relating to the ownership and control of Māori content included in the first two courses.
Serendipity, shot-gun, strategic: Does it make a difference?
(Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato, 2003) Glover, Marewa
Kaupapa Māori research methodology demands practical outcomes of tangible benefit to Māori. This paper reflects on the steps taken to ensure benefit resulted from my PhD research on the cessation of Māori smoking behaviour, and I ask where is that benefit now? Ensuring benefit starts before the project begins when the idea is conceived. Thus, I first reflect back to the birth of the idea. Then the consultation undertaken, and the conduct of the research, is reviewed with a utilisation focus. The personal costs undertaking research are then considered the sections looking at contribution and career. Finally, the question from the title this paper is posed. Examples of the barriers to strategic action, such as, competition and the difficulty of achieving consensus are presented. Finally, the consequences of the research are outlined.

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