Bachelor with Honours Dissertations - open access
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The "Bachelor with Honours Dissertations - open access" collection contains digital copies of AUT University B(Hons) dissertations approved for open access.
B(Hons) dissertations are required to be open access from April 2022. Past students may contact the Tuwhera team (tuwhera.opentheses@aut.ac.nz) if they wish to make their B(Hons) open access.
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- ItemDeaf and Television News: Finding a Better Path to Knowledge(Auckland University of Technology, 2011) Mulrennan, Danielle
- ItemPractitioners’ Knowledge and Understanding of Acquired Brain Injury in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence in New Zealand(Auckland University of Technology, 2021) Durrant, Magdalena
- ItemExperiences of Pasifika Fathers Who Care for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Apulu-Pamatatau, Nicholas IloaThis research explored the parenting experiences of Pasifika fathers’ caring for a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder living in New Zealand. Although caregiving is a highly examined topic that focuses on the challenges and demands placed upon caregivers and the resources that help caregivers overcome the challenges and demands, Polynesian parents being a specific area of interest is not greatly researched. Objective and subject burdens can sometimes outweigh resources which lead to stress, depression, and financial burdens. Caregivers manage burdens through several emotional, cognitive, and action-based coping mechanisms, which include, daily routine and planning, seeking social support and getting educated and aware of autism spectrum disorder. Despite being valuable and effective, most of the established models were developed from maternal data compared to paternal experiences which are relatively unaccounted for. The national documented strategies and guidelines, specifically the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guidelines (2008), and the most recent New Zealand Carers Strategy Action Plan 2019-2023, make it appropriate to embark on qualitative research to reach a level of in-depth and thorough understanding of Pasifika fathers’ experiences in New Zealand. Five Pasifika fathers were recruited to participate in this research through advertisements which were shared by two Pasifika focused support groups. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via zoom. An interpretive phenomenological analysis was utilised to distinguish three superordinate theme categories: Support, coping mechanisms, and emotional aspects of parenting experiences. These superordinate themes consisted of seven emergent themes: 1) Experiences of support, 2) Support for Pasifika fathers’, 3) Getting educated and aware, 4) Pasifika cultural norms, 5) Daily routine and planning, 6) Positive emotions, and 7) Negative emotions. Furthermore, a subtheme was also identified which was ‘Reaction to diagnosis,’ and was categorised under coping mechanisms, emergent theme three. Research results support previous literature which highlighted the concerns for caregivers with children with autism, in terms of unmet information requirements and insufficient respite services. Furthermore, results also conveyed the significance and applicability of current government and organisational schemes, and recommendations can be applied to Pasifika fathers caring for a child with autism.
- ItemExperiences of Belonging for Malay Immigrant Youth in Aotearoa New Zealand: An Interpretive Description Study(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Harmi Izzuan, Husna Humaira BintiAlthough Malay youth have been immigrating to New Zealand since the 1950s, little is known about their experiences of belonging in this country. Experiencing a sense of belonging in one’s community context is important to health and wellbeing. Without a sense of belonging, immigrant youth may struggle to form positive relationships with their peers, family members, and the wider community. A lack of belonging is associated with feeling excluded or marginalised. For these reasons, this interpretive description study will focus on a growing immigrant group within New Zealand's multicultural society known as Malay youth. Consistent with Wilcock’s assertion that people’s sense of being, belonging and becoming is grounded in what they do, the position taken in this dissertation is that a sense of belonging is developed through engaging in meaningful occupations. Accordingly, this study addressed the question, "How does participation in home- and community-based occupations influence the experiences of belonging in New Zealand for Malay immigrant youth?". Following ethics approval, this research was advertised on various channels that Malay youth accessed, such as community pages, university noticeboards, and school newsletters. Once potential participants expressed their interest, a purposive sampling method was used to select five Malay participants aged 14 to 21. An online focus group discussion was conducted to collect data. Then, thematic analysis techniques were used to analyse the transcribed data. All participants resided in Auckland, New Zealand, when this study was conducted. The findings of this study uncovered new knowledge concerning the experiences of belonging in New Zealand for Malay immigrant youth. The analysis revealed that participating in shared occupations that enabled Malay immigrant youth to retain their cultural beliefs and values created a positive sense of belonging in their community. This knowledge is reflected in the first theme: Preserving the Home Culture. At times, participants anticipated that joining in with community occupations would conflict with preserving their cultural beliefs and values, so they felt like A Social Outsider in New Zealand’s Youth Culture. To overcome this conflict, the Malay immigrant youth developed alternative ways of joining in with the community, which are reflected in the last theme: Strategies for Belonging. The knowledge obtained from this study is beneficial for improving healthcare practice as it provides health practitioners with new understandings of belongingness from a cultural perspective. Additionally, this research paves the foundation for future research with the Malay population that can be built upon to enhance information on New Zealand’s multicultural society.
- ItemA Systematic Review of the Effects of Bhramari Pranayama on the Central and Autonomic Nervous System(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Vashista, Geet
- ItemPerceptions of Consent in Male-Initiated Versus Female-initiated Ambiguous Sexual Interactions(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Richardson, RebeccaSexual script theory explains that there are socially learnt gendered roles in sex which play an important part in the research of sexual consent. According to these scripts, it can be assumed that men prefer implicit consent, women prefer explicit consent, men’s consent can generally be assumed, and males will downplay theirs and other’s victimisation of unwanted sex. These assumptions are often supported by consent research which use methods relating to traditional scripts, such as vignettes depicting males initiating sex. It is unknown if the same expectations of sexual consent are present in a situation in which a female initiates sexual advances instead. The current study examines if there is a difference in how male sexual consent is perceived compared to female sexual consent by utilising two vignettes, one which depicted a male initiating sex with a female and one which depicted a female initiating sex with a male. Perceptions of consent by 127 participants were measured using a vignette and scale based on a those used in a previous study on sexual consent by Humphreys (2007). The vignette was adapted to create a variation where a female initiates sex with a male. When introducing a vignette depicting a female initiator, some findings still align with sexual scripts such as gendered implicit and explicit consensual preferences. However, the assumption that men generally always consent to sex due to an innate desire was not supported and the feminine role of ‘victim’ is also put into question. The findings highlight a need for modern revision of traditional sexual script theory as the basis of understanding consent.
- ItemPerspectives on Implementing a Chat Service Prior to Roll-Out(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Binney, Ellen
- ItemPrevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Positive Bacteria from Raw Milk, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Analysis in a Mastitis-Associated Streptococcus uberis Isolate from New Zealand(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Pettitt, Natalie
- ItemFactors Predicting Stress in Parents Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Arunthavam, NirmathaBackground: Previous studies have suggested that parents caring for children with ASD experience increased psychological distress in comparison to caring for children with other developmental and physical disabilities. Studies have also indicated that comorbidity symptoms in children with ASD cause higher levels of parenting stress. However, there is a lack of research focusing on factors such as comorbid conditions, problem behaviours and core symptoms of ASD displayed by children and the impact it has on parenting stress. Aim: Overall this study aims to examine the three factors listed: core ASD symptoms, problem behaviour, and comorbidities in an attempt to identify whether these contribute to the care-related stress of parents caring for a child with ASD. The study also analysed demographic variables of the child and parent along with mental and physical aspects of the parent’s stress. Method: A total of 133 participants were recruited through the support of a New Zealand autism organisation. All participants were above 18 and identified themselves as parents caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Data was gathered through an online questionnaire regarding their child with autism and parental experience in raising them. Results: Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted based on the data gathered. Regression analysis aided in identifying factors predicting stress in parents caring for children with autism. Variables such as language impairment, comorbid conditions, social behaviours, emotional and social reciprocity showcased by the child along with parental relationship-status and lack of rewards for parents were all analysed in this present study. Conclusion: The present study identified that parents caring for children with ASD experienced increased stress due to factors such as comorbid conditions, presence of behavioural problems and core ASD symptoms,
- ItemIs There a Link Between Alcohol Use and Long-Term Neurocognitive or Neurodegenerative Outcomes in Athletes With a History of Traumatic Brain Injury? A Systematic Review(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Munro, Tara
- ItemStrength-based Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Relational Trauma: A Scoping Review(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Tither, AliceBackground: Psychology is increasingly adopting strength-based approaches through philosophy, research, and practice. The field recognises the need to adapt psychotherapeutic approaches for various contexts and populations; however, a universal agreed theoretical framework of strength-based psychotherapeutic approaches for relational trauma is yet to be determined. Objective: The present study undertakes a scoping review of literature to explore what is known about strength-based psychotherapeutic approaches for relational trauma and maps the findings. The review examines data from the selected literature to clarify conceptual boundaries of both relational trauma and strength-based psychotherapeutic approaches. It investigates what constitutes a strength-based psychotherapeutic approach, the kinds of relational trauma studied, the types of approaches used in the treatment of relational trauma, and the contexts in which strength-based psychotherapeutic approaches are applied. Design: A scoping review protocol were followed to identify, find, select, chart, and collate data from relevant literature. Four online databases were searched to identify literature published between 2000-2022, from which 22 publications were selected. The selected articles examined strength-based psychotherapeutic approaches for relational trauma with adult participants aged 18 or older and were from United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Norway, Taiwan, Canada, Israel, Tanzania, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, and Australia. Results: Four key themes and 12 sub-themes were generated through reflexive thematic analysis. The key themes are healing relationships, trauma-informed, transtheoretical relevance, and balancing symptoms with wellbeing. Conclusions: While the quality or rigor of the studies were not examined, the findings informed six key conclusions: 1) there is paucity of research on the research topic, 2) evidence from the limited research was promising but not proven and future research might prioritise scientific rigor for clinical recommendations, 3) healing relationships span across relational layers relevant to the therapeutic context, 4) the research topic is transtheoretical and strengthening interdisciplinary terminology would be advantageous, 5) trauma-informed practices that include cultural competence and contextual adaptations are fundamental, and 6) a strengths-approach is a balanced approach that focuses both on symptom reduction as well as enhancing wellbeing
- ItemNurse Burnout Group Versus Individual Mindfulness Interventions: A Systematic Review(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Cascante Diaz, GabriellaBackground: Nurses are prone to burnout due to the physically and emotionally taxing characteristics of the job and the high workloads required. This has been particularly apparent in the context of COVID-19. In New Zealand, almost 50% of nurses have reported experiencing work-related burnout, although this is a worldwide phenomenon. Mindfulness-based interventions have been proven to mitigate burnout and foster resilience in healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to determine whether mindfulness interventions for burnt out nurses are better implemented in a group or individual format. Methods: A systematic review was chosen to investigate this question and the PRISMA systematic review guidelines were followed. The databases used to search for articles on this topic were CINAHL, Medline, EMCare, PsycINFO, Scopus and Science Direct databases. The searches occurred in September 2022 and included studies from 2012 to 2022. Studies were included if they treated burnout symptoms in nurses with mindfulness-based interventions. Studies had to be quasi-experimental, randomised control trials, non-randomised control trials and pilot studies that included pre- and post-burnout measurements. The study quality was assessed using the RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Two were randomised control trials, one was a non-randomised control study, three were a quasi-experimental study, and one was a mixed method study some of which were pilot studies. The seven studies used the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and the ProQOL scale. They used a mix of mindfulness-based interventions such as, mindfulness-based yoga, abbreviated mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention, and Mindful Living with Stress intervention and the Community Resilience Model mindfulness-based intervention. Five interventions used a group format and two an individual one. Both formats showed statistically significant improvements in burnout. Discussion: Findings showed that group and individual-format mindfulness interventions were both effective in improving burnout in nurses. Only one study specified the reasoning of using a group format, the other studies did not. It did not appear to be an important consideration although it is possible that aspects of both could have affected the outcome of the interventions. In the group format, coordination of groups appeared to be a barrier to engagement, but peer support may have been a beneficial aspect. In the individual format, participants reported liking the flexibility and brevity of practice. In conclusion, all studies showed an improvement in burnout scores, although not all were statistically significant. Overall, there was not enough evidence and the evidence included was varying in quality. Thus, it was impossible to conclude which format better supported an improvement in burnout for nurses. Therefore, further research is needed to further our understanding of the treatment of burnout for nurses.
- ItemThe Effect of Emotional Comments on Cortisol in Healthy Adults(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Brady, Niamh
- ItemVideoconferencing Technology for Clinical Purposes: Opinions and Experiences of New Zealand Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Olson, AmandaObjective: Telehealth is a distanced method for delivery of traditionally in-person clinical psychological and neuropsychological services. Much of the current research has focused on feasibility of the method and there is a lack of data on clinicians' perspectives of telehealth. This research will explore current experiences and opinions of clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists on telehealth practising in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Method: An anonymous sample of registered and practicing neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists were recruited to complete an online survey between August and October 2021. Closed-ended questions were analysed using SPSS and open-ended questions were analysed using a descriptive inductive Thematic Analysis method and Nvivo software. The survey queried non-identifiable demographic and practice details, prior knowledge of telehealth, clinical experience and explored telehealth in the context of three common practise aspects including: history taking interviews, assessments, and therapy/interventions. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey and results showed that 90% had used videoconference for clinical purposes. The mean clinical experience of the sample was 14.5 years, age ranged between 20 and 79 years and 78% were female. Assessments were the least common service used via telehealth (n = 19), more so history taking interviews (n = 62) and most for therapy and intervention (n = 71). Respondents spoke positively of Telehealth for use in specific circumstances. Thematic analysis identified four themes which illustrated professional opinions on the use of telehealth for clinical purposes: Accessibility of clinical services, client and clinician specific considerations, practical considerations, and shifts in the therapeutic relationship. Conclusions: Results of this study generated deeper insight into the current real-world practice of TH in NZ, by exploring the use and acceptability of TH from the perspective of clinically practicing psychologists in the context of rapid uptake during COVID-19. The study reinforced the importance of monitoring relative outcomes and effectiveness of TH for different areas of psychological practise, as requirements differed across different services and treatments.
- ItemQuality of Life and Experiences of Psychological Distress and Burnout Among Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Blayney, Marty
- ItemAttachment Insecurity and Psychological Intimate Partner Abuse: A Scoping Review(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Woodd, Anna
- ItemThe Synthesis of Phenol Glycosides as Markers for Smoke Taint in Wine(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) D'souza, ShaunWildfires can cause a number of different issues for the winemaker such as damages to crops and property, with the biggest issue being economic losses due to smoke-tainted wine. This project looked into finding a lasting solution to the problem of smoke-tainted wine. The main aim of this project was to synthesise the novel phenolic glycoside, para-cresol gentiobioside, which is one on many compounds that are responsible for smoke taint in wine. The compound, when synthesised will then be used by the industrial collaborators involved in this project to develop molecularly imprinted polymers to selectively remove the same or other closely-related compounds. All reactions in the proposed synthetic scheme for para-cresol gentiobioside were performed and were also optimised where necessary to obtain a better yield at that step. 0.0750 grams of the novel compound, para-cresol gentiobioside was successfully synthesised in this project. In the final stages of the project an alternative synthetic route which was more efficient and which could potentially provide faster access to other phenolic glycosides responsible for smoke taint was explored.
- ItemOverconsumption Consumer Behaviour Paradoxes: A Systematic Literature Review(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Powell, Sarah IreneThis research explores the factors related to consumer behaviour paradoxes of overconsumption, through a systematic literature review format. The main focus of this review was the notion of paradox, or tensions between opposing forces which create discrepancies in consumer behaviour where either option can be chosen, depending on the influencing factors present. Following the systematic literature review method (Paul et al., 2021), 33 articles were identified as appropriate to review. From the article sample collected, it was identified that there are 8 factors which interact with each other as both enabling and disabling factors to overconsumption from a paradoxical lens. The disabling factors to overconsumption are social factors, cultural and religious factors, economic factors, and consumer intentions. These were in balance with the enabling factors to overconsumption which include: the dominant social paradigm, materialism factors, marketing/business intentions, and external environmental factors. These values in tension were explored based on the insights gleaned from the article sample. Further to this, future research recommendations were made based on the identified gaps between the articles and were summarised in the future research recommendations section of this article. Limitations include the theoretical nature of this review, in how qualitative/qualitative/mixed method studies could help bolster the review by testing some of the factors in real-life situations. Further, the use of books or other varying types of literature could have been used, yet due to an inaccurate ability to gauge the quality of the other types of publishing were excluded. Further, more researchers from Eastern parts of the world could offer their unique cultural perspectives on this topic and conduct more studies to increase diversity and insights into paradoxes and overconsumption.
- ItemPrepared to Crash? A Preliminary Study on Traffic Accidents Caused by Risky Driver Behaviors Captured on Livestream Social Media(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Lalli, Jaspreet KaurRoad traffic incidents result in 1.3 million deaths a year (World Health Organization, 2022). Typically, an understanding of factors contributing to accidents is derived from external evidential factors such as witnesses, skid marks, and closed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. However, new technologies are now capturing driving behaviours inside a vehicle as they occur. The present study attempts to shed light on traffic accidents, utilising livestream video footage to conduct Ecological Momentary Assessments of these real-time driver behaviours. In an Archival study, data was collected from the online domain (i.e., electronic news sources, web-based video networking sites, social networking sites), carefully screening potential videos for inclusion and then coded into relevant categories. Fisher’s Exact Tests were then used to explore relationships between different variables (i.e., phone manipulation, driver injury, driving maneuverers and behaviours). Although statistical power was low, trends were observed indicating potential relationships between phone use and poor driving manoeuvres, namely interference from talking was impairing lane overtaking or lane turning. Specific cases were then examined, revealing that these traffic incidents involved intoxication, speeding for personal thrills, driver distraction, and mobile phone use. This study offers insight into the capabilities of the proposed roadside cameras that are currently being implemented to capture driver distraction.
- ItemThe Experience of Caregivers Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities During Hospitalisation: A Qualitative Study(Auckland University of Technology, 2022) Fuller, EmmaThis study aimed to explore the lived experiences of caregivers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) during hospitalisation within Aotearoa. Whilst there has been research that has examined the hospitalisation experiences of caregivers supporting adults with ID internationally, there has been little research undertaken in Aotearoa within this context. Identifying caregivers’ experiences of whether caregivers have been adequately supported during hospital stays supporting their adult with ID, and establishing what worked well and what did not work well, is a crucial element to understanding whether the caregivers were overwhelmed or had insufficient support at any point of the hospital stay with their adult with ID in Aotearoa. This study utilises a qualitative methodology as it enabled lived experiences to be shared, which will help to determine what services within the Aotearoa hospital system are necessary to better support this population in the future. Caregivers of six adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Transcripts from these interviews and thematic analysis have been used to identify key themes. The findings discovered the increasing reliance placed on caregivers of adults with ID whilst in hospital. These were highlighted through the interdependence within the themes developed in this research; advocacy, environment, lack of support, lack of awareness, interpersonal care, informed consent, communication, health experience and sense of abandonment. This study broadens the body of knowledge through understanding the challenges caregivers face. Caregivers involved in this study were predominately family caregivers, therefore non-qualified, supporting findings that they are involved in processes beyond their personal competencies. The findings highlight that caregivers experienced insufficient support whilst supporting their adult with ID when in hospital in Aotearoa. This study can be used to show awareness of the challenges that caregivers face in Aotearoa, with further research looking into how these challenges can be addressed. Future research needs to consider the use of artificial intelligence and technology advances that provide assistance with advocating, communication, and supporting ID adults, thus relieving their caregivers of some of these burdens. This is expected to provide positive outcomes.