Abstract
Abstract
There is an increasing need for community-based rehabilitation programmes within Aotearoa New Zealand due to the continuing social and health impacts of problematic alcohol and other drug use. Māori and Pasifika are a high-risk population and so whānau-inclusive interventions are required that support Indigenous cultures within the rehabilitation process.
This qualitative research investigates the lived experiences of female family members (ngā wāhine o te tangata whaiora) of past residents (tangata whaiora) who took part in the Moana House residential therapeutic community. The ripple effect theory considers the outward effect of change on whānau although they are not the direct service user of the programme. The study examines the following objectives, to: (1) Explore the impacts and benefits of the Moana House residential programme for ngā wāhine o te tangata whaiora; (2) Evaluate the values and processes that contribute to any impacts and benefits that are discovered; and (3) Determine how Moana House can further support whānau of those involved in the programme.
An Indigenist (as opposed to Indigenous) framework alongside cultural humility was applied to the research process with a narrative approach reflecting the interface between the personal identity and the social, environmental, cultural and political context of the individual and their family.
Data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with thematic analysis applied to data interpretation. In applying thematic analysis to the data interpretation, six themes were identified. They are: ‘A sense of relief’ experienced when their family member entered the programme, ‘Personal change for whānau as a result of their family member attending Moana House’, ‘Support for ngā wāhine o te tangata whaiora within the programme’, whānau experiences of ‘Relationships and restoration’, ‘Strengthening identity’ of whānau members, and ‘The therapeutic nature of the interview process for whānau’. These themes then were discussed in relation the above three key objectives of the research.
The findings suggest that a whānau-inclusive approach supports both the tangata whaiora and family members in the process of rehabilitation and recovery. There is evidence the ripple effect theory has value whereby whānau are directly impacted by the positive or negative change of their family member whilst undertaking the Moana House programme. The study provides recommendations about practice and service development for Moana House, therapeutic communities and social services, and for funding and development entities, as well as outlining future avenues for further research.