title: The Emotional Lives of Men: The Complexities of Expressing Emotions

authors: McKenzie-Norton, Esmae

subjects: men

abstract: This research responds to the widely held view expressed in academic and popular literature that men have difficulties expressing themselves emotionally. Both popular and academic literatures on men’s emotional lives often approach the topic as though men are in crisis, in need of change, and that they require instruction from professionals on how to express themselves. This thesis explores the complexities of how men express themselves emotionally. Six male participants took part in individual interviews about their emotional lives. Four of these participants also took part in a focus group discussion on the same topic. Findings challenge stereotypes of men as emotionally challenged. All participants were competent in expressing a range of emotions and did so verbally, through body language, in particular settings and using a range of material objects. These accounts provide insights into their emotional lives. The participants’ candour, when talking about their emotional lives, challenges common stereotypes of men’s reluctance to talk about their emotions. My analysis suggests that stereotypes of men’s inability to adequately express their emotions need to be qualified as they are not applicable to all men. This demonstrates the need for a broader range of research and literature which includes multiple groups of men and their views of their emotional lives.

text: The Emotional Lives of Men: The Complexities of Expressing Emotions This research responds to the widely held view expressed in academic and popular literature that men have difficulties expressing themselves emotionally. Both popular and academic literatures on men’s emotional lives often approach the topic as though men are in crisis, in need of change, and that they require instruction from professionals on how to express themselves. This thesis explores the complexities of how men express themselves emotionally. Six male participants took part in individual interviews about their emotional lives. Four of these participants also took part in a focus group discussion on the same topic. Findings challenge stereotypes of men as emotionally challenged. All participants were competent in expressing a range of emotions and did so verbally, through body language, in particular settings and using a range of material objects. These accounts provide insights into their emotional lives. The participants’ candour, when talking about their emotional lives, challenges common stereotypes of men’s reluctance to talk about their emotions. My analysis suggests that stereotypes of men’s inability to adequately express their emotions need to be qualified as they are not applicable to all men. This demonstrates the need for a broader range of research and literature which includes multiple groups of men and their views of their emotional lives.

year: 2010

title: Healing through culture: Kava-talanoa as a PTSD therapeutic framework

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

abstract: Introduction: The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasing, particularly among military personnel, first responders (police, fire, ambulance), and prison officers. PTSD is also a health economic burden, with costs linked to treatment, long-term morbidity, and increased mortality risk. Many cases go undiagnosed due to factors such as trauma-related avoidance behavior, which also negatively impacts PTSD therapy (Watkins et al., 2018, Front. Behav. Neurosci., 12:1-9). There is a significant unmet need for improved and culturally aligned PTSD treatments in the Pacific and beyond. Medical standards of care for acute anxiety/PTSD typically involve psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. These medications offer short-term relief only, carry addictive risks, are contraindicated for key populations (e.g., the elderly), and have had harmful effects in indigenous communities. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional, culturally significant Pacific Island beverage known for its soporific and relaxant effects, similar to benzodiazepine (Sarris et al., 2012, J. Hum. Psychopharmacol. Clin. Exp., 27:262-9). Unlike benzodiazepines, kava is non-addictive with regular use and extremely safe — regulated as ‘food’ in several countries (Aporosa, 2019, J. Drug Sci. Policy Law, 5:1-13). Kava does not induce marked euphoria or hallucinations (Aporosa et al., 2022, J. Ethnopharm., 291:1-15), and promotes productive discussion known as talanoa—a form of ‘talk therapy’ (Vaka et al., Issues Ment. Health Nurs., 37:537-544). 

Methods: This ethics approved (21/372) study was guided by the faikava talanoa methodology (Aporosa et al., 2021, Pacific Dynamics, 5:74-92). Self-report experiences of Pacific-based UK and US military veterans and serving combat returnees (n=40) were documented in traditionally influenced kava-use spaces in which attendees engaged in talanoa. While exact kava consumption volumes were not measured, participants typically consumed 3.6 litres (6.33 pints) of kava—approximately 5,000 mg of kavalactones— over six hours. Focused coding was utilised to analyse participant comments. 

Results: Participants reported that engagement in talanoa within traditionally influenced kava-use spaces increased their relational connectedness, improved meaning making of trauma experiences and promoted better sleep. 

Conclusions: Aided by kava’s anxiolytic soporific effects, it is suspected that kava use with talanoa reduces the triggering of 'fear structures', minimizes avoidance behavior and aids sleep quality, contributing to symptom reduction. Further, we believe that kava-talanoa offers an innovative, culturally augmented, group-based CBT intervention (Aporosa et al., 2025, Front. Psychol., doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1460731). The findings serve as a foundation for clinical trials (underway) to determine the efficacy of the approach as a much-needed transcultural treatment of trauma that addresses the global PTSD burden.

text: Healing through culture: Kava-talanoa as a PTSD therapeutic framework Introduction: The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasing, particularly among military personnel, first responders (police, fire, ambulance), and prison officers. PTSD is also a health economic burden, with costs linked to treatment, long-term morbidity, and increased mortality risk. Many cases go undiagnosed due to factors such as trauma-related avoidance behavior, which also negatively impacts PTSD therapy (Watkins et al., 2018, Front. Behav. Neurosci., 12:1-9). There is a significant unmet need for improved and culturally aligned PTSD treatments in the Pacific and beyond. Medical standards of care for acute anxiety/PTSD typically involve psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. These medications offer short-term relief only, carry addictive risks, are contraindicated for key populations (e.g., the elderly), and have had harmful effects in indigenous communities. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional, culturally significant Pacific Island beverage known for its soporific and relaxant effects, similar to benzodiazepine (Sarris et al., 2012, J. Hum. Psychopharmacol. Clin. Exp., 27:262-9). Unlike benzodiazepines, kava is non-addictive with regular use and extremely safe — regulated as ‘food’ in several countries (Aporosa, 2019, J. Drug Sci. Policy Law, 5:1-13). Kava does not induce marked euphoria or hallucinations (Aporosa et al., 2022, J. Ethnopharm., 291:1-15), and promotes productive discussion known as talanoa—a form of ‘talk therapy’ (Vaka et al., Issues Ment. Health Nurs., 37:537-544). 

Methods: This ethics approved (21/372) study was guided by the faikava talanoa methodology (Aporosa et al., 2021, Pacific Dynamics, 5:74-92). Self-report experiences of Pacific-based UK and US military veterans and serving combat returnees (n=40) were documented in traditionally influenced kava-use spaces in which attendees engaged in talanoa. While exact kava consumption volumes were not measured, participants typically consumed 3.6 litres (6.33 pints) of kava—approximately 5,000 mg of kavalactones— over six hours. Focused coding was utilised to analyse participant comments. 

Results: Participants reported that engagement in talanoa within traditionally influenced kava-use spaces increased their relational connectedness, improved meaning making of trauma experiences and promoted better sleep. 

Conclusions: Aided by kava’s anxiolytic soporific effects, it is suspected that kava use with talanoa reduces the triggering of 'fear structures', minimizes avoidance behavior and aids sleep quality, contributing to symptom reduction. Further, we believe that kava-talanoa offers an innovative, culturally augmented, group-based CBT intervention (Aporosa et al., 2025, Front. Psychol., doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1460731). The findings serve as a foundation for clinical trials (underway) to determine the efficacy of the approach as a much-needed transcultural treatment of trauma that addresses the global PTSD burden.

year: 2025

title: Planning the urban foodscape: Policy and regulation of urban agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Hanna, Christina Jane

abstract: Policy support for urban agriculture (UA) has increased internationally in the past decade, driven by factors such as urban decay, food insecurity, climate change and disasters, self-determination efforts and the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, there has been little analysis of the emergent practices across different cities in Aotearoa New Zealand. To address this gap, we examine key aspects of UA in Aotearoa and assess the application of local plans and regulation to determine how UA is defined and treated in the four most populous cities. The results reveal a lack of specific attention to and policy direction for UA. This vacuum is compounded by purpose-driven zoning typologies, restrictive resource use controls, scant provision for Māori food practices and a failure to keep pace with the changing forms of UA. The results identify the need for cities to review and clarify provision for UA, to create greater certainty and where appropriate, facilitation of food sovereignty and diverse urban foodscapes.

text: Planning the urban foodscape: Policy and regulation of urban agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand Policy support for urban agriculture (UA) has increased internationally in the past decade, driven by factors such as urban decay, food insecurity, climate change and disasters, self-determination efforts and the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, there has been little analysis of the emergent practices across different cities in Aotearoa New Zealand. To address this gap, we examine key aspects of UA in Aotearoa and assess the application of local plans and regulation to determine how UA is defined and treated in the four most populous cities. The results reveal a lack of specific attention to and policy direction for UA. This vacuum is compounded by purpose-driven zoning typologies, restrictive resource use controls, scant provision for Māori food practices and a failure to keep pace with the changing forms of UA. The results identify the need for cities to review and clarify provision for UA, to create greater certainty and where appropriate, facilitation of food sovereignty and diverse urban foodscapes.

year: 2021