Stress, depression and suicide : Rangitahi Maaori perspectives

Abstract

Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of suicide in the world. The 1995 statistics on suicide show that the number of rangatahi Maaori taking their lives each year is now higher than that of non-Maaori youths (per 100000 people). This thesis attempts to seek out some of the core reasons for these suicides by looking at stress, depression and coping mechanisms for rangatahi Maaori. Interviews were carried out with groups of rangatahi Maaori aged 16-18 years to find out their thoughts on these topics. From the findings of this study conclusions and recommendations are then offered in an attempt to promote the well-being of rangatahi Maaori as a way to reduce the suicide rate.