Abstract
Suicide rates in Aotearoa New Zealand have consistently remained above the global average, with Māori disproportionately and systemically affected by negative mental health outcomes. Suicide prevention that encompasses a strengths-based approach is imperative, and researching suicidal ideation (SI) provides an opportunity for prevention of suicide. The present study aimed to investigate the role of cultural belonging (CB) to Māori and non Māori in New Zealand and its association with SI. It was hypothesised that CB would operate as a protective factor (through a moderated relationship) against SI. The written responses from participants would allow a working definition of CB, as well as further explain the findings through statistical analyses. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional mixed methods approach, where participants (N = 335) completed questionnaires on SI, aspects of cultural identity and belonging, and holistic well-being. All participants had an opportunity to offer a written response to their perspective of CB and their cultural journey. Māori participants had the ability to provide written context and responses for all items in their questionnaires. The findings of the study had no significant differences in SI reported between Māori and non-Māori, nor by gender and ethnicity. A moderated relationship between ethnicity (used as a proxy to risk factors disproportionately affecting Māori), SI, and CB was not found. However, severe SI was significantly less probable when CB was greater (when ethnicity is not considered). Therefore, while the hypotheses were not supported, the findings are informative and meaningful regardless. These findings can be built upon in wider literature with the goal of reducing suicide in New Zealand and later utilised as future strengths-based suicide prevention models.