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Indigenous youth mental health: an ecological approach to understanding risk and protective factors for Māori youth in Aotearoa New Zealand

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From Māori Health Review Issue 118
Authors:
  • Clark TC et al.
Summary:

Addressing inequitable mental health harm means addressing the wider social ecosystems disproportionately affecting Māori youth, according to an analysis of Māori participants (n = 1528) from the Youth19 survey. Female sex, functional disability and sexual abuse were identified as individual risk factors for mental health harm. Housing precarity, household deprivation, bullying, and racial discrimination were identified as wider social risk factors. The concept of whanaungatanga (relationships/connection) with whānau, and feelings of safety in social ecosystems including home, school, and neighbourhoods, were key protective factors. Risk and protective factors were broadly similar across outcomes for wellbeing, depressive symptoms, suicide thoughts and suicide attempts.

Comment:
The ecological approach taken here underscores that inequities for rangatahi wellbeing arise not from inherent ‘vulnerability’, but from unequal exposure to harmful social ecosystems shaped by colonisation. What stands out is the strength of whanaungatanga and feelings of safety as powerful protective factors, affirming that connectedness and culturally grounded belonging are necessary to help rangatahi flourish.
Reference: BMC Public Health. 2025;25(1):3600.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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