Māori psychology minor for university ‘world first’
A world-first kaupapa Mā ori minor in psychology is starting at Waikato University next month.
The minor programme, (a secondary subject in a bachelor’s degree) has been developed by associate professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere (Te Rarawa, Ngā i te Rangi, Tū wharetoa ki Kawerau). She expects it to add real value to the perspectives of Mā ori, Pā kehā and other ethnicity students. Asked about the tangible benefits of looking at psychology through a kaupapa Mā ori lens, Masters-Awatere said it was ‘‘a step in the right direction to recognising and reflecting the significance of Mā ori world views’’ alongside other psychological theories, methods and models.
‘‘By situating learning in relation to te Tiriti o Waitangi, Waitangi Tribunal Claims and Mā ori development, opportunities arise for wider indigenous content,’’ she said.
Students would have the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and take it into their employment in the public and private sectors, as well as into further study.
Mā ori are over-represented in negative mental health statistics. Noting that only about 5% of Aotearoa’s 4000 registered psychologists were Mā ori, MastersAwatere said there was a disproportionate need for culturally informed and appropriate services. ‘‘That need cannot be met by the small number of Mā ori psychologists.’’
The minor provided a specialist knowledge base for those intending to focus on psychology as a degree major or as a career.
‘‘The over representation of Mā ori in all negative statistics . . . and as users of psychological services highlight the need as well as the opportunity for students with appropriate psychological training, knowledge and skills,’’ she said.
Masters-Awatere said that helping understand te reo and Mā ori history could help psychologists and others working in mental health. Pronouncing names correctly and the impact this can have on the development of a therapeutic relationship is huge.
‘‘Knowing the historical context of the land [where] we live and work, has huge implications for the formation of working relationships.’’
Head of psychology professor Vincent Reid said that while there are psychologists who have a kaupapa Mā ori approach there’s nothing systematic related to training they receive at university. ‘‘By offering the qualification as a minor, we’re providing tomorrow’s psychologists with a head start on that way of thinking and engaging with mental health issues.’’