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Psychologist burnout: Exploring the causes, consequences, and coping strategies of burnout among public psychologists in New Zealand
No full textBurnout is a common experience among professionals working in the public health sector that can negatively impact their personal and professional life (Lu et al., 2020; Salyers et al., 2015; Stone et al., 2021; Zarei et al., 2019). Mental health workers are particularly vulnerable to experiencing burnout due to the demands of high needs clients and the lack of resources (Fischer et al., 2007; Kumar et al., 2011). Although burnout has been widely studied internationally, there are very few studies in New Zealand that have investigated burnout among psychologists. Additionally, the burnout literature has predominantly focused on quantitative reporting of prevalence, with limited qualitative studies hearing from psychologists’ personal experiences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences, implications, and preventative solutions of burnout among psychologists in New Zealand. I recruited 14 registered psychologists working in the public sector to complete one semi-structured interview about the causes, consequences, and protective ways of coping with burnout. I analysed the data using thematic analysis, results showed that systematic issues were the most common cause for burnout in particular high workload and understaffing. Burnout had serious implications for professional’s personal well-being, their professional identity, and their engagement with clients. Social connection and self-care were strong protective factors against burnout; in particular seeking support from managers, supervisors, and colleagues. This research brings attention to systematic issues within the public sector that contribute to burnout and highlights a need for increased awareness and normalisation of burnout within workplaces
Healing through culture: Kava-talanoa as a PTSD therapeutic framework
No full textIntroduction: The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasing, particularly among military personnel, first responders (police, fire, ambulance), and prison officers. PTSD is also a health economic burden, with costs linked to treatment, long-term morbidity, and increased mortality risk. Many cases go undiagnosed due to factors such as trauma-related avoidance behavior, which also negatively impacts PTSD therapy (Watkins et al., 2018, Front. Behav. Neurosci., 12:1-9). There is a significant unmet need for improved and culturally aligned PTSD treatments in the Pacific and beyond. Medical standards of care for acute anxiety/PTSD typically involve psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. These medications offer short-term relief only, carry addictive risks, are contraindicated for key populations (e.g., the elderly), and have had harmful effects in indigenous communities. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional, culturally significant Pacific Island beverage known for its soporific and relaxant effects, similar to benzodiazepine (Sarris et al., 2012, J. Hum. Psychopharmacol. Clin. Exp., 27:262-9). Unlike benzodiazepines, kava is non-addictive with regular use and extremely safe — regulated as ‘food’ in several countries (Aporosa, 2019, J. Drug Sci. Policy Law, 5:1-13). Kava does not induce marked euphoria or hallucinations (Aporosa et al., 2022, J. Ethnopharm., 291:1-15), and promotes productive discussion known as talanoa—a form of ‘talk therapy’ (Vaka et al., Issues Ment. Health Nurs., 37:537-544).
Methods: This ethics approved (21/372) study was guided by the faikava talanoa methodology (Aporosa et al., 2021, Pacific Dynamics, 5:74-92). Self-report experiences of Pacific-based UK and US military veterans and serving combat returnees (n=40) were documented in traditionally influenced kava-use spaces in which attendees engaged in talanoa. While exact kava consumption volumes were not measured, participants typically consumed 3.6 litres (6.33 pints) of kava—approximately 5,000 mg of kavalactones— over six hours. Focused coding was utilised to analyse participant comments.
Results: Participants reported that engagement in talanoa within traditionally influenced kava-use spaces increased their relational connectedness, improved meaning making of trauma experiences and promoted better sleep.
Conclusions: Aided by kava’s anxiolytic soporific effects, it is suspected that kava use with talanoa reduces the triggering of 'fear structures', minimizes avoidance behavior and aids sleep quality, contributing to symptom reduction. Further, we believe that kava-talanoa offers an innovative, culturally augmented, group-based CBT intervention (Aporosa et al., 2025, Front. Psychol., doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1460731). The findings serve as a foundation for clinical trials (underway) to determine the efficacy of the approach as a much-needed transcultural treatment of trauma that addresses the global PTSD burden
Characterisation of the ATP-dependent ligase, Lig E: An investigation into its significance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
No full textThe rapid rise in multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates has caused major public concern for the treatment of its sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhoea. Previously easily treatable, gonorrhoea is now spreading at alarming rates due to the bacterium’s ability to take up DNA from its environment without regulation. With approximately 106 million new cases annually, thorough investigations into novel gonococcal pathways that can be targeted to limit its survival and spread are crucial. One possible target is the disruption of its DNA repair systems, which include ligases that seal breaks in DNA, and would greatly discourage bacterial growth. Interestingly, in addition to its replicative ligase, N. gonorrhoeae expresses a minimal ATP-dependent ligase, Ligase E (Lig E), which contains a signal peptide that indicates a likely periplasmic location as opposed to the cytosolic location of genomic DNA. Hence, I hypothesise that Lig E is working on repairing fragmented extracellular DNA which has a role in both biofilm formation and bacterial competence, both of which would be greatly beneficial for the persistence and acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes in N. gonorrhoeae.
In this thesis, I focussed on characterising Lig E from N. gonorrhoeae (Ngo-Lig E) to determine its contribution to gonococcal phenotype, as well as its structure, function and cellular location. To analyse its biological role, several ngo-lig E mutants were created in vivo and their growth, stress response, biofilm formation as well as infection and adhesion to a human cell line were studied. I showed that Ngo-Lig E is not essential for normal planktonic N. gonorrhoeae growth and survival; however, it is important for its biofilm formation and subsequent adhesion onto human cells. Following this, I further investigated the potential role of Ngo-Lig E on biofilm formation by looking at its morphology via scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy after growing them under constant shear forces with a continual supply of fresh media. Data from this supported earlier indications that Ngo-Lig E is important for N. gonorrhoeae in biofilm formation, as well as the extent of damage the bacterium can cause to human tissue. Taking its natural competence into account, I also investigated the potential role of Ngo-Lig E in the uptake of fragmented DNA during transformation and found a decreased ability of N. gonorrhoeae to repair and take up nicked DNA when ngo-lig E was absent. Investigations into the potential location of Ngo-Lig E showed that it is likely transported into both the periplasmic and extracellular space in N. gonorrhoeae, where it may perform the aforementioned dual-role in biofilm formation and DNA uptake. Finally, I solved the three-dimensional structure of Ngo-Lig E, highlighting its minimal architecture and lack of complete encirclement around its substrate DNA.
The work presented in this thesis provides the first report of a solved structure of Lig E from a human pathogen, the first report of in vivo characterisation of this enzyme, as well as the first report of attempting to characterise its role and location. Collectively, this thesis has allowed for the establishment of important characteristics of Ngo-Lig E that were previously unknown. Although further research into this enzyme is necessary, the results presented here bring to light a potential novel pathway that may be targeted by future drug developments to tackle the emerging threat of multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae in our community
Social media and the evolution of vaccine preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic: Discrete choice experiment
No full textVaccine information and misinformation are spread through social media in ways that may vary by platform. Understanding the role social media plays in shaping vaccine preferences is crucial for policymakers and researchers.
Objective
This study aims to test whether social media use is associated with changes in vaccine preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, and whether trust in sources of information has a moderating role.
Methods
Our data consist of a balanced panel of 257 web-based respondents in New Zealand in August 2020, October-November 2020, and March-April 2021. We use a novel approach with stated choice panel data to study transitions between different vaccine preference groups. We analyze the associations between these transitions and social media use. We classify respondents as resistant (never chose a vaccine), hesitant (chose a vaccine between 1 and 5 times), and provaccine (chose a vaccine 6 out of 6 times) in each wave of data.
Results
We found a positive or neutral association between social media use and vaccine uptake. Facebook, Twitter (pre-2022), and TikTok users who are provaccine are less likely to become hesitant or resistant. Facebook and Instagram users who are hesitant are more likely to become pro. Some social media platforms may have a more positive association with vaccine uptake preferences for those who do not trust the government.
Conclusions
The paper contributes to the wider literature, which shows social media can be associated with reinforcing both pro and antivaccination sentiment, and these results depend on where individuals get their information from and their trust in such sources
“Mate Ni Vula”, “Masina”, “Vaʻine Fakahēʻaho”, “Eikura” Pacific sports women’s knowledge and experiences of menstruation
No full textPacific women's interest and participation in sports have increased rapidly throughout the decades. Recently, many have become competitive across a range of sports at regional, national, and international levels. Yet very little research is focused on Pacific sportswomen’s experiences, or how their cultural identities shape their performance, health, and well-being needs. This thesis focuses on Pacific sportswomen’s experiences of menstruation, and in so doing, makes an important contribution to both literature on Pacific sportswomen, and research on menstruation in sport. Research on sportswomen’s experiences of menstruation has grown significantly over recent years, but most of this research is conducted by white women on white sportswomen, with findings then generalized to all sportswomen. This thesis identifies a gap in literature, and the risks of excluding sportswomen’s cultural identities, practices, and values from research, policy, and practices focused on menstruation in sport.
Adopting a Masi methodology, this project included three methods: a survey of 206 Pacific sportswomen; Talanoa sessions with 21 Fijian sportswomen, and interviews with 16 Pacific sportswomen living in Aotearoa New Zealand. This project aimed to listen to, learn from, and amplify sportswomen's experiences and their understandings of menstruation, cultural beliefs, and the taboos that influence their menstrual experiences. This is a thesis with publication; some chapters are published articles, and others are manuscripts undergoing review. First, the thesis systematically identifies the gap in the literature with a scoping review of research focused on menstruation in sport, that shows that % of research ignores women’s cultural or ethnic identities. This chapter identifies the need for more culturally responsive research methods and culturally safe practices from sports and health professionals working with sportswomen from diverse backgrounds. Following this, results from the survey are presented, highlighting the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices associated with menstruation across the Pacific the survey also reveals the different cultural stigmas, beliefs, taboos, traditions, menstrual health, and sports performance of elite Pacific sportswomen. The following two chapters focus on findings from Fijian sportswomen, and then Pacific sportswomen living in Aotearoa New Zealand, with both amplifying the voices and experiences of Pacific sportswomen and their challenges of gaining culturally informed menstrual health information and support in sporting environments. These chapters describe how culture intersects with gender and other key variables (i.e., socio-economic considerations), and how these influence sportswomen’s experiences of menstruation.
Ultimately, this research makes an important contribution to research on menstruation in sport, highlighting the need for culturally responsive methodologies and approaches in research and practice. It provides new and current cultural knowledge that can be used to improve the health, performance, and social support structures for Pacific sportswomen. This knowledge can expand sports and health providers' understanding of Pacific sportswomen's culturally specific needs, knowledge, and values concerning menstruation. Finally, this research supports the development of sport in the Pacific by providing cultural knowledge on how to engage Pacific sportswomen in safe, respectful, and constructive conversations around menstruation in sport
The role of smart community microgrids in Aotearoa’s energy future
No full textThere is a pressing need to expand electricity production in Aotearoa New Zealand to meet sustainability goals and lower energy costs. This new generation needs to be based on renewable sources, chiefly wind and solar, for both sustainability and economic reasons. While there remains a role for the legacy grid, microgrids provide a means of co-locating generation with load, minimising transmission line investment and energy losses. This paper explores the advantages of smart community microgrids in this context, but also examines the challenges in terms of the existing legacy grid approach. Three case studies are given as examples, covering an isolated community with no grid connection, a more conventional residential community of 30 households, and a community with local commercial/industrial loads in addition to housing. These case studies show the benefits in terms of local consumption of locally generated electricity coupled with sharing or local trading within the community. Microgrids can support New Zealand’s transition to a more electrified, equitable, economical and low-emissions energy system, but their development does require not just exploitation of new technologies, but also adjustment to the legacy grid model and a fresh approach to electricity infrastructure planning and management
Grand Canyon landslide-dam and paleolake triggered by the Meteor Crater impact at 56 ka
No full textThis paper hypothesizes that the Meteor Crater impact in Arizona, USA, 56,000 years ago triggered landslides in Grand Canyon that dammed the Colorado River and formed Nankoweap paleolake. This is compatible with shock and earthquake physics for the impact that infer a M5.4 seismic event, attenuated to an effective magnitude of M3.5 at Grand Canyon. Results that support the hypothesis include radiocarbon dating of driftwood and luminescence dating of associated slack-water lake sediments that are preserved in caves up to 60 m above the modern Colorado River. Radiocarbon ages from two locations, including Stanton’s Cave, date the driftwood as 55.25 ± 2.44 ka (n = 4). Sediments associated with the driftwood gave a luminescence age of 56.00 ± 6.39 ka (n = 2). These six Grand Canyon dates, and three published ages for the Meteor Crater impact, show statistically indistinguishable results that support the hypothesis for a geologically instantaneous series of events with a mean age of 55.60 ± 1.30 ka. This work highlights the value of radiocarbon dating near the limits of the technique, integration of multiple dating methods, and seismic and landslide hazards associated with meteorite impacts in regions of extreme topography like Grand Canyon
Chemoecological investigations of predator-prey relationships in New Zealand nudibranchs for the discovery of new natural products
No full textThis study describes chemical ecology investigations of predator-prey relationships in New Zealand nudibranchs for the discovery of new natural products. Three predator-prey relationships were established, and twenty secondary metabolites were isolated and characterised from various New Zealand marine organisms, including five new compounds.
Predator-prey relationships were established for three nudibranch species, Polycera hedgpethi, Ceratosoma amoenum and Goniobranchus aureomarginatus by means of field studies and laboratory-based feeding-choice experiments. Results indicated that P. hedgpethi prefers the bryozoan Bugula neritina, while C. amoenum and G. aureomarginatus prefer feeding on the marine sponges Dysidea teawnui and Dictyodendrilla cf. dendyi, respectively. For two of the predator-prey relationships, common metabolites were found in both predator and prey. As such, Dysidea teawanui and C. amoenum both contain a sterol peroxide, while G. aureomarginatus and D. cf. dendyi both contain dictyodendrins C (209) and F (212).
P. hedgpethi and B. neritina specimens were also chemically investigated but common metabolites were not found. Additionally, three nudibranch species, Dendrodoris krusensternii, Dendrodoris nigra and Aphelodoris luctuosa, were chemically investigated and yielded a range of secondary metabolites previously reported from marine invertebrates. A polymeric 3-alkyl pyridinium salt (146) was found in high concentration within A. luctuosa and its eggs. Moreover, an endemic bryozoan, Amathia gracei, was chemically investigated and yielded a known brominated alkaloid.
Investigation of G. aureomarginatus samples by LC-MS screening, to determine metabolite distribution and any ecological role of the compounds isolated, indicated that dictyodendrins C (209) and F (212) were present in the digestive glands, while a norditerpene, gracilin was only present in the mantle. Quantitative NMR spectroscopy indicated that the polymeric 3-alkyl pyridinium salt (146) was present in higher concentration in the mantle of Aphelodoris luctuosa, consistent with a defensive purpose and with its presence in high concentration within the egg masses of A. luctuosa. Morphological analysis revealed oxea spicules within the digestive gland of Aphelodoris luctuosa, suggesting that it is possibly feeding on haplosclerid sponges.
An additional seven known polyaromatic alkaloids and five new sulphated denigrins alkaloids, denigrins H-L (262-266) were isolated and characterised from the sponge D. cf. dendyi by means of NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS guided isolation. The new and known metabolites isolated in this research were assessed in a general cytotoxicity assay against HeLa cells. Results indicated that the compounds were not particularly active (IC50 > 57 µM)
Exploring the duality of harm: Emotion regulation and the functions of non-suicidal self injury and outward-directed injury in young people in Aotearoa
No full textUnderstanding why young people engage in self-injurious behaviours is crucial for improving their well-being outcomes. While Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has been explored to some extent in New Zealand, research on Outward-Directed Injurious Behaviour (ODI) remains limited both within New Zealand and internationally. Although traditionally considered distinct, emerging research suggests that NSSI and ODI may share more commonalities than previously recognised, particularly regarding their role in emotion regulation. This study used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to examine the functions and emotion antecedents of NSSI and ODI among 16–30-year-olds in New Zealand. Eleven participants provided EMA data, and seven of these also participated in interviews, offering deeper insights. Findings reveal key similarities between NSSI and ODI as coping mechanisms for managing distress. NSSI was primarily used to reduce anxiety, while ODI was used to alleviate frustration. 'Neutral' emotions were the most common precursor for NSSI, while 'anger' was the main trigger for ODI. Interview material revealed that participants often felt tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or bored when selecting 'neutral,' as these emotions weren't available as response options. Feelings of shame led to a shift from urges to engage in either behaviour to NSSI, while ODI was closely associated with anger in similar situations. Despite differences in how these behaviours are expressed, both serve to regulate negative emotions, highlighting the need to consider their shared functions in therapeutic and research contexts. This is especially important for ODI, which has traditionally been viewed as a delinquent behaviour, rather than as a coping strategy
Ideological underpinnings of climate change beliefs: A 13-year longitudinal study
No full textResearch demonstrates that conservative political beliefs and ideologies underpin lower environmental concern, as well as climate scepticism and inaction. Our preregistered study extends this literature by examining the dynamic interplay between socio-ideological attitudes and climate change beliefs using longitudinal data spanning 13 years (2009-2022; N = 72,910). Specifically, we investigated potential gender differences in the temporal sequencing of Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), and the beliefs that climate change is real and caused by humans. Between-person results from a multi-group random intercepts crosslagged panel model reveal that individuals relatively high on both RWA and SDO across assessments reported lower levels of climate beliefs. Most importantly, withinperson increases in SDO predicted subsequent within-person decreases in climate beliefs for both men and women, while RWA only decreased climate beliefs for men. Moreover, SDO had a stronger influence than RWA on climate beliefs over time but a reciprocal association also emerged whereby within-person increases in climate beliefs preceded decreases in SDO for both men and women. Thus, support for hierarchical social structures fosters climate inaction, providing an important extension to the dual process model of ideology and prejudice