The Intergenerational Views of Wellbeing amongst Tongan Women in New Zealand

Abstract

More than half of the Tongan population in New Zealand are New Zealand born Tongans, and this statistic is steadily increasing (New Zealand Statistic, 2013). Research indicates that there are intergenerational differences in psychological thinking and behaviour between older island born and younger New Zealand-born Tongan peoples. This is attributed to the differences in upbringing, parenting styles, mainstream culture and diversities in the struggles one faces. As a result, it is possible that wellbeing may be constructed in different ways and across generations. This research aims to explore the intergenerational views of wellbeing among young Tongan women (16-24 years), Tongan mothers (mothers of daughters between 16 and 24 years) and Tongan grandmothers (over 65years). It is hoped these outcomes will deepen our understandings of what mental wellbeing means, not only across generations, but particularly for Tongan women. This qualitative study involved three focus groups with a total of 25 participants, eight young females, nine mothers and eight grandmothers. With the guidance of the kakala methodological research framework, this study also employed the talanoa and noa methodologies to undertake interviews. A semi structured interview schedule helped guide the focus groups and the data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. Tongan women in this study associated wellbeing with mo’ui lo tolu (pertaining to the body, mind and spirit). Tongan women in this study also expressed differences in their viewpoints of wellbeing. Each age range believed differences in the perceptions of wellbeing is a result of diverse upbringings and environmental influences. Tongan women also expressed the lack of communication between generations as well as the lack of understanding and maintaining cultural knowledge and cultural connection between generations. This study highlights the complex intergenerational views of wellbeing amongst some Tongan women. Findings from this study may be used to help inform better health outcomes for Tongan women. This study also contributes to an evidence base focusing on strategies seeking to promote positive wellbeing and/or meaningful ways to engage with Tongan women.