Oetzel John, Simpson Mary, Berryman Kay, Iti Tiwai, Reddy Rangimahora
a Department of Management Communication , University of Waikato.
Health Commun. 2015;30(4):350-60. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2013.861306. Epub 2014 Jun 6.
The purpose of this study is to explore the cultural practices and communication tensions perceived among Māori kaumātua (elders) and their whānaunga (extended family) during the end-of-life journey. Further, the study aims to explore the manner in which the tensions are managed. The study was framed by relational dialectics theory and included interviews with 21 kaumātua and focus groups with 39 whānau members. The study identified three cultural practices (dying at home, prayer, and song) that helped to build connection among the family members and also helped to connect the dying person to the spiritual world. Further, four communication tensions were noted: (a) autonomy and connection; (b) conflict and connection; (c) isolation and connection; and (d) balancing the needs of self and other. To manage these tensions, the following strategies were used: (a) coordination conversations; (b) inclusion in decision-making conversations; (c) emotional support within the whānau; and (d) passing on lessons to the next generation.
本研究的目的是探讨毛利族长者及其大家庭在临终过程中所感知到的文化习俗和沟通紧张关系。此外，该研究旨在探究处理这些紧张关系的方式。本研究以关系辩证法理论为框架，包括对21位长者的访谈以及与39位家庭成员的焦点小组讨论。该研究确定了三种有助于家庭成员之间建立联系、并将临终者与精神世界相连接的文化习俗（在家中离世、祈祷和唱歌）。此外，还注意到四种沟通紧张关系：（a）自主性与联系；（b）冲突与联系；（c）孤立与联系；（d）平衡自我与他人的需求。为了处理这些紧张关系，采用了以下策略：（a）协调对话；（b）参与决策对话；（c）家庭内部的情感支持；（d）向下一代传授经验教训。
