Simon Bennett
Doctor of Philosophy, (Psychology)
Study Completed: 2009
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Te Huanga o te Ao Maori: Cognitive behavioural therapy for Maori clients with depression - Development and evaluation of a culturally adapted treatment programme
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Mr. Bennett’s study had two main aims; first to develop a culturally adapted cognitive behavioural treatment programme that would be effective in treating Maori clients; and secondly to evaluate its efficacy with a community-based sample of adult Maori with depression. The 12-session treatment programme integrated Maori concepts with the traditional strategies associated with cognitive behavioural therapy. His results showed that appropriately adapted cognitive behavioural therapy can be an effective intervention for treating Maori clients with depression as indicated by low drop out rates from therapy and high levels of client satisfaction. Treatment efficacy was demonstrated by significant reductions in depressive symptoms, negative cognitions and improvements in well being across relevant Maori health dimensions.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Ross Flett
Dr Duncan Babbage