Conceptualising the role of kai (food) for mental wellbeing among Rangatahi (young) Māori

Mental health is a leading health concern for rangatahi (young people) in Aotearoa (New Zealand), especially rangatahi Māori. Symptoms of depression doubled between 2012-2019 among rangatahi (young) Māori, and mental health inequities have unacceptably widened during this time (1) . The role of nutrition in promoting mental wellbeing is an emerging area of research; however, it is primarily grounded in Western paradigms. Limited research explores the relationship between kai (food) and mental wellbeing seen through a te ao Māori lens. The aim of this research is to conceptualise the role of kai in supporting mental wellbeing among rangatahi Māori who have experienced mental health challenges. This project is grounded in Participatory Action Research methodologies informed by kaupapa Māori principles of whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (respect) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). Researchers partnered with The Kindness Institute, an organisation with the aspirations to empower marginalised communities and support wellbeing through kaupapa Māori-aligned programs. Rangatahi who had previous engagement with The Kindness Institute were eligible to participate. Photovoice methodology was utilised to explore rangatahi perspectives, values and beliefs around kai and their mental wellbeing in response to three key questions - “what does kai mean to you?”, “what role does kai play in your mental wellbeing?” and “what helps you or makes it hard for you when it comes to kai?”. Five wāhine (female) Māori took part in this study. Participants then engaged in a focus group to discuss their photographs more deeply. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to develop themes based on the focus group that explore rangatahi perspectives. Themes were generated based on the overarching theme of ‘Nā te kai ka ora’, through kai, there is wellbeing. This captures the concept that there is more to kai than just the food and nutrients we consume. Within this notion, key themes that were developed included ‘Kai hei Haerenga, Kai hei Oranga’ (Kai as a journey, kai as wellbeing), ‘Ko te Kai he Taura Here’ (Kai as the Binding Cord), Kai i te Ao Matihiko’ (Kai in the Digital World) and ‘He ara kai, He ara hinengaro’ (Kai as a pathway to mental wellbeing). By learning from the lived experiences of wāhine rangatahi, this research helps to build a deeper understanding of what is important for the hauora and mental wellbeing of rangatahi Māori in the kai and nutrition field. We hope to create a foundation from which approaches utilising kai can be used for healing, centring and valuing Māori culture and beliefs to support mental wellbeing.