The Perspectives of Samoan Parents: The Use of Digital Technologies and e-Mental Health Interventions to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing for Young Samoan People

Abstract

Pasifika young people are more at risk of suicide than any other group within New Zealand and are also approximately twice as likely to have depression, be anxious, or to make suicide attempts compared to the rest of the population (Statistics New Zealand and Ministry of Pasifika Island Affairs, 2011). E-mental health interventions have been credited globally as an effective method in addressing mental health concerns and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, little to no evidence is present on the efficacy or acceptability of e-health interventions for young Samoan people. There is also little to no evidence considering familial perspectives and the acceptability of e-mental health support suitable for young Samoan people. The purpose of this research is to investigate and examine the views of Samoan parents regarding the use of technology to support mental health and wellbeing for their children. This study aims to contribute towards making digital support and interventions appropriate, useful, and more effective for the young Samoan population. This research uses a qualitative approach and a method of a grounded theory data analysis. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 10 Samoan parents. As part of the qualitative interview process, parents were given two examples to discuss. This included an explainer video and an e-mental health intervention app, which was designed by HABITs (Health Advances through Behavioural Interventions Technology). Parents were from a variety of occupational backgrounds, representing diverse positionalities and all resided in Auckland. The requirements for study participants were that they were parents of a young person between the ages of 11 to 18 years of age and also that they identified as Samoan. The findings of this study found that participants’ diverse positionalities influenced the ways they weave together their knowledge and understanding from both Western and Samoan worldviews of mental health. The findings of this study suggested that familial conceptualizations of mental health were influenced by personal, professional, and cultural experiences. This, in turn, influenced parental awareness and the use of mental health support. Parents had similar concerns regarding the use of digital technologies and their young person having access to online content. Parents, however, valued how e-mental health interventions were able to bridge the communication gap between parents and young people. Overall, parents preferred an emental health intervention tool that was age-appropriate, simple, realistic, and relatable, and lastly, a tool that reflects the culture of the users. The recommendations from this study will help guide the development and implementation of e-mental health interventions, specifically for Pasifika and young Samoan people. E-mental health interventions are proven to be effective, which holds potential for young people who experience common barriers to mental health support. Gaining familial and parental perspectives regarding mental health support is vital within the realm of mental health due to the collectivist nature of Samoan people. This research may be of benefit to policymakers, researchers, mental health services, practitioners, youth-related services, and, more importantly, Samoan and Pasifika young people and their aigā.