Arts & Social Sciences
Te Kura Kete Aronui

Abstract

Broadhurst, J. (1997). Social networks as coping strategies amongst late adolescent Māori and Pakeha males.

Young men in the late adolescent age group, (15 to 18 years) have long been recognized as being an at risk group both in terms of mental health and their use of anti social methods to cope with stressors they face. Successfully traversing adolescence has been attributed to the individual's ability to cope with risks or stressors (Ebata, Petersen & Conger, 1990 cited in Colten and Gore, 1991). United States research shows that one of the most important indicators of how well adolescent boys cope with stressors is the extent of their social networks, and their ability to use them.

This research was carried out in a North Island town using Māori and Pakeha sixth and seventh form college students as participants. Participants were interviewed twice each, once to gather data about their social network development, and secondly a taped interview provided an insight into their reflections on how they were using their networks as coping strategies. Four Key Informants were also interviewed who were able to contribute a professional view on the topic and also reflect on their own experiences as late adolescents and as parents. Thirdly the parents of the young men were also interviewed to gather data about their relationship with their sons and the kinds of interactions they had with them.