Kirsten van Kessel

There is growing recognition of the psychological effects of the experience of anthropogenic environmental degradation. Pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) can be an adaptive response and may be influenced by value orientations and psychological processes. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data from 205 New Zealand adults was collected to determine how well value orientations and stress appraisals of anthropogenic environmental degradation predict PEB. Results showed biospheric values and primary appraisals predicted greater engagement in PEB. Qualitative data from 269 New Zealand adults showed that experiences of anthropogenic environmental degradation are multi-dimensional and reflected five themes: depressive emotions; anxious emotions; dissatisfaction and outrage; impact on behaviour and functioning; and hope. The generalisability of the findings is limited given our samples (predominantly female, Pākeha and young) do not reflect the diversity of the wider New Zealand population. Relevance of findings are discussed in promoting wellbeing of individuals and communities whilst maximising mitigation strategies.

Objective: The use of video technology in synchronous psychotherapy has increased over the last few years, with a particularly rapid uptake following the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review aims to provide an understanding of the key ethical considerations when providing video-based therapy. Method: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines, a systematic review was conducted of 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped based on characteristics and aims, and a thematic analysis was conducted based on a synthesis of the findings. Results: Four themes were identified in the literature—applying traditional ethical concerns to video-based psychotherapy, unique security and data safety concerns related to the use of video and streaming technologies, the establishment of clear boundaries prior to therapy beginning, and the accessibility and suitability of video-based therapy. Conclusion: Focus areas for best practice were identified. Areas for further research include consideration of cultural safety, equity of accessibility of care, and ethical concerns in video-based psychotherapy from the perspective of the client.

Objectives Examine attitudes to using online health and wellness services, and determine what barriers may exist to this in two rural communities in New Zealand. Design A thematic analysis informed by a social constructivist paradigm explored the attitudes of youth and adults to give voice to these communities. Eighteen focus groups—nine in each region—were held for an hour each, with between three and nine participants in each group. Setting Two rural areas at the Northern and Southern ends of New Zealand were chosen. In each area, we partnered with a local health centre providing primary care services. Three localities were identified within each region where we conducted the data collection. Participants Participants were youth aged 12–15 years, aged 16–20 years and adults over 21 years. Overall, 74 females and 40 males were recruited. Recruitment occurred through schools, community organisations or personal contacts of the facilitators, who were youth workers in their respective communities. Ethnicity of the participants was representative of each area, with a higher percentage of Māori participants in Northland. Results Eight themes were identified which described participants’ attitudes to technology use in healthcare. Themes covered accessibility, cost, independence, anonymity and awareness issues: technology makes health information easily accessible; access to technology can be limited in rural communities; technology can reduce the cost of healthcare but it is too expensive for some; technology increases independence and autonomy of people’s own health; independent healthcare decisions come with risks; anonymity encourages people to seek help online; technology can help raise awareness and provide peer-support for people with health issues; technology impacts on social relationships. Conclusions Participants—particularly youth—were generally positive about the role of technology in healthcare delivery, and interested in ways technology could improve autonomy and access to health and wellness services.

Mobile and tablet apps, ubiquitous and pervasive computing, wearable computing and domotics for health.

To pilot and compare the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-management programme with (MSInvigor8-Plus) and without (MSInvigor8-Only) the use of email support in reducing fatigue severity and impact (primary outcomes), and depressed and anxious mood (secondary outcomes). Randomized controlled trial using an independent randomization system built into the website and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were recruited through the local Multiple Sclerosis Society and hospital neurological services in New Zealand. A total of 39 people (aged 31–63 years), experiencing multiple sclerosis fatigue, able to walk with and without walking aids, were randomized to MSInvigor8-Only (n = 20) or to MSInvigor8-Plus (n = 19). MSInvigor8 is an eight-session programme based on cognitive behaviour therapy principles including psycho-education, self-monitoring, and changing unhelpful activity and thought patterns. Outcome measures included fatigue severity (Chalder Fatigue Scale) and impact (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 10 weeks. The MSInvigor8-Plus condition resulted in significantly greater reductions in fatigue severity (F [1,36] = 9.09, p < 0.01) and impact (F [1,36] = 6.03, p < 0.02) compared with the MSInvigor8-Only condition. Large between-group effect sizes for fatigue severity (d = 0.99) and fatigue impact (d = 0.81) were obtained. No significant differences were found between the groups on changes in anxiety and depression. MSInvigor8 delivered with email-based support is a potentially promising, acceptable, and cost-effective approach to treating fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis in New Zealand.

This paper describes the rate of violent episodes at a youth psychiatric unit, identifies significant clinical and demographic differences between service users who had admissions with violent episodes and those who did not, and describes characteristics of violent incidents, including antecedents, consequences, victim type, and severity of violence. A retrospective file audit over a 2‐year period reviewed 303 admissions. Characteristics of violent incidents (n = 242) and service users (violent/non‐violent) were recorded. Of 263 service users, 21.7% exhibited violent behaviour. Significant differences between admissions with and without violent episodes were found in terms of ethnicity, legal status, length of admission, and diagnosis. Staff were the most frequent victims and less severe incidents were most common. The most frequent antecedents to violence were positive symptoms of psychosis, hostility, and agitation, while the most common consequences were seclusion, physical restraint and ‘as‐required’ medication. This study has identified that violent incidents are a common and significant issue. The findings might help staff in reviewing current management approaches. Future areas of study have been identified.