Se Talanoaga auā le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau Young New Zealand-born Samoan Perspectives on Talking about Mental Health

Within Aotearoa New Zealand, Pacific peoples experience a significant burden of mental health, and have higher rates of mental disorders and rates of suicide planning and attempts compared to the general population (Tiatia, 2012). Despite these concerning rates, Pacific peoples report lower rates of diagnosis and utilisation rates of mental health services. Of the Pacific peoples affected by mental health, both NZ-born Pacific peoples and young people are more at risk of challenges to mental health (Ministry of Health, 2008). This thesis sets out to explore the perspectives of young New Zealand born Samoan adults on talking about mental health. It explores the conversations they might be having, who they are having them with and what barriers might be present to discourage these conversations. It aims to look at what encourages their behaviours around talking about it, and how this influences their decisions around accessing mental health services and how this affects their sense of wellbeing and social connections. This research utilised Pacific cultural talanoa methodologies to engage with 5 participants residing in Wellington aged between 18 and 27. Engaging with the stories and experiences of young New Zealand born Samoan adults, this thesis creates greater understanding of mental health and offers different strategies to support the management of mental health. Thus, this thesis challenges pre-existing understandings of mental health within Development Studies, which has previously been limited in scope. Mental health issues have often been a neglected topic of Development, although issues like equity and housing instability are risk factors for mental health issues. Addressing conversations on mental health issues can uncover insights into the broader implications for Development, and support efforts to increase equality in general and the health outcomes of Pacific peoples in particular.