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Stressors and coping in the lives of Aotearoa/New Zealand children: An exploration of their experiences, meaning making and supportDownload this presentation (Part 1) - 468KB PDF Author and SpeakerFiona PienaarOrganisationUniversity of Auckland, AucklandChildren have been largely ignored in studies about stress; in particular those that ask them to personally narrate their own experiences, and voice their own opinions. This qualitative study consults with Aotearoa/New Zealand children in seeking to understand how they define and articulate language about 'stress'. In addition, it investigates children's experiences, meaning making and support in relation to personally identified life stressors. The research will also involve an exploration of whether children identify, and are vicariously affected by, external, global stressors. This paper presents the qualitative findings of the initial focus group discussions with children over the age of eight in Primary schools around Aotearoa/New Zealand (n=60). The presenter aims to increase understanding of children's 'stress' language; identify and articulate the nature of their stressors; develop understanding of how they make meaning of life stressors and how they cope and seek support; and highlight potential gaps between their identified needs and the support systems available. The presentation will include examples of the multi-media methods children used to explore the presenting topics during the focus groups. PresentationPaperBibliographyFiona Pienaar has a background in primary and intermediate school education and counselling. She is currently involved in part-time lecturing in the Department of Social Sciences at Manukau Institute of Technology, primarily in areas of counsellor education, abuse issues, child protection and stress. She has recently assisted in the development of a new Diploma in Counselling specialising in working with children and young people in an Aotearoa/New Zealand context. Fiona is also involved in private counselling for children and adolescents and the professional supervision of school counsellors and tertiary students. Currently Fiona is engaged in her PhD in the Social and Community Health Section of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Fiona's passion lies in supporting and advancing the mental, social and emotional well-being of children and young people and, in particular, their right to have their voices heard and their needs and opinions considered and respected. |
