Cultural connection key to wellbeing for Pacific diaspora youth

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-08 03:00

Australia; New Zealand; Pacific

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Research into the wellbeing journey of Pacific diaspora youth finds that strong cultural connection is important to thriving in their host countries. Reviewing several studies, the authors highlight challenges faced by Pacific youth in Aotearoa and Australia, such as mental illness, social exclusion, and poor educational outcomes. The underlying causes include struggles with identity, lack of knowledge about their Pacific cultures, and differences in culture between home and school. Connecting with their languages and cultures, and having positive role models, contributes to 'island pride' and underpins the resilience of many Pacific diaspora youth.

Expert Reaction

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Dr Dion Enari is a Senior Lecturer at AUT.

The main message we, the authors, want to send is that Pacific culture(s) is a carrier -- not a barrier -- to mainstream success for Pacific diaspora youth. They draw upon their Pacific cultures to better navigate the host country they are in. More initiatives that have Pacific youth in them need to understand this to better culturally tailor their services to this cohort, who use their culture as their competitive advantage in mainstream society.

Last updated: 06 Aug 2024 10:03am

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Declared conflicts of interest Dion Enari is an author of the study.

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Research Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Web page

Journal/
conference: MAI Journal

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: AUT University, University of Waikato

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