The Potential Role of Applied Behavior Analysis in the Cultural Environment of Māori Mental Health

Abstract

Significant mental health disparity exists in Aotearoa New Zealand between Māori and the non-Māori majority. Although much has been written about mental health and the cultural competence of health professionals, cultural context has not been specifically considered within the behavioral paradigm, and it was placed in the center of practice in multicultural societies by the behavioral community only recently. In this article, we discuss some of the problems encountered by Māori in the mental health system and the role of behavior analysts in addressing the divide in service provision. Dialogue with other disciplines that investigate the importance of indigenous cultural values is necessary. We conclude with some suggestions about strategies that may be implemented across services by behavior analysts in order to improve mental health outcomes for Māori. Keywords Māori. Health disparities. Cultural competence. Cultural awareness. Mental health Kei muri i te awe kāpara he tangata kē, māna te ao, he mā. Shadowed behind the tattooed face a stranger stands, he who owns the earth, and he is white.-An old prophecy made by a dying Māori chief

Barriers and Facilitators of Access to Psychological Services for Indigenous Populations: A Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis

“…However, a recent survey in New Zealand stands out as an example of the concerns Indigenous populations (Māori and Pasifika) have about the globalized model of evidence-based interventions built on a narrow, colonized view of evidence not aligning with Indigenous worldviews and undermining innovation (70). Plessas, McCormack and Kafantaris have discussed how the science of ABA can become responsive to Māori culture and how behavior analysts can make such contributions on all levels (practitioners, service providers and institutions) (30). A possible contribution of behavior analysts living and working in CANZUS countries could be to engage in collaborative initiatives with other fields of psychology in order to apply the technology of behavior to already constructed models of indigenous health and well-being (e.g., Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke, etc.…”

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“…However, it is important to recognise complexities of cultural identity. As Plessas et al (2019) point out, some Māori may not hold traditional values, or see Māori cultural practices as relevant or appropriate regarding their care. As with all nursing care, it must be based on the individual's preferences which can be ascertained through thorough communication with the Māori patient (Plessas et al, 2019).…”

Reducing seclusion use for tāngata whai i te ora through integration of Māori culture into practice

“…Similarly, it is important for staff, both Māori and non-Māori, to recognise the importance of incorporating Te Reo into their practice. Plessas, McCormack and Kafantaris (2019) identify the use of Te Reo within mental health practice as a recognition of identity as well as a show of respect. Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui (2014) also discusses the use of Te Reo in engaging and connecting with tāngata whai i te ora to aid in building stronger therapeutic relationships.…”