Master’s student wants to hear from parental figures for research project

As Sarah Barnes progressed through her postgraduate studies with Massey, she developed a particular interest in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. Now, for her master’s thesis, she is seeking to better understand the mental health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parental figures in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Parental figures are key figures in a young person’s life, and understanding their perspectives and knowledge on mental distress and emotional wellbeing is really important for us to know. This knowledge can help with designing services that are more appropriate and responsive,” Sarah says.

For her thesis project, Sarah is undertaking a survey of parental figures, to help understand this key group’s knowledge about mental health and wellbeing in the youth population. The findings will contribute valuable data to a current research gap in Aotearoa New Zealand, and add to a wider body of overseas research on the topic.

Sarah’s supervisor is Senior Lecturer Dr Kirsty Ross from the School of Psychology. Dr Ross says parental figures hold a great deal of expert knowledge about their child, and it will be interesting to know how clinicians can support their understanding of mental distress. “Parental figures and clinicians working together with shared knowledge and expertise will lead to better outcomes for young people and more timely access to services that meet their needs.”

For the study, Sarah is inviting people who fit the following required criteria to participate in a survey:

• Are a parental figure of a child between the ages of five to 18. A parental figure includes a biological parent, guardian, or caregiver. 
• Are over the age of 21 
• Currently reside in Aotearoa New Zealand  
• Understand English (the survey will be in English) 

Sarah needs 300 participants who fit the criteria to take part. Survey participants will be required to complete a short survey, which will include questions related to three short fictional case studies about a young person. Participants will be asked to read and provide their thoughts on what may be going on for the young person, and how they might respond to the situation as a parental figure. All answers will remain confidential and anonymous.

If you meet the criteria, you can take the survey here.