Abstract
We describe and validate the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale (PIWBS). The PIWBS is a culturally appropriate self-report measure assessing a five-factor model of Pacific identity and wellbeing. Items and construct definitions were developed through qualitative interviews, review of psychological theories, and previous research on Pacific concepts of ethnic identity and wellbeing. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the model (Study 1 N = 143; Study 2 N = 443). The proposed five-factor model of Pacific identity and wellbeing includes scales assessing (1) Perceived Familial Wellbeing, (2) Perceived Societal Wellbeing, (3) Pacific Connectedness and Belonging, (4) Religious Centrality and Embeddedness, and (5) Group Membership Evaluation. The PIWBS provides a culturally appropriate valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used for within-cultural research for Pacific peoples from a Pacific perspective. A copy of the PIWBS and scoring instructions for its use are included.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
ALAC. (2003). Fonofale [Diagram] Chapter 4: Consequences of alcohol and other drug use. In Alcohol, other drugs and young people: A training resource for youth worker educators (p. 62). Wellington, New Zealand: Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.alac.org.nz/DBTextworks/PDF/AODYouthWorkCh4.pdf.
Anae, M. (1998). Fofoa-i-vao-’ese: The identity journeys of NZ-born Samoans. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Anae, M. (2001). The New Vikings of the sunrise: New Zealand-born in the information age. In P. Spoonley, C. Macpherson, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata o te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand (pp. 89–101). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Anae, M. (2006). The ‘Browning’ of New Zealand. In D. Williams (Ed.), Looking back, moving forward: The Janus women’s convention 2005 (pp. 36–43). Masterton: Masterton, Janus Trust in association with Fraser Books.
Anae, M. (2007). O a’u/I: My identity journey. Pacific Rim Studies: Understanding the Pacific Islander, 1, 37–46.
Arlidge, B., Abel, S., Asiasiga, L., Milne, S. L., Crengle, S., & Ameratunga, S. N. (2009). Experiences of whanau/families when injured children are admitted to hospital: a multi-ethnic qualitative study from Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ethnicity and Health, 14, 169–183.
Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497–529.
Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46, 5–68.
Berry, J. W., Phinney, J., Sam, D., & Vedder, P. (2006). Immigrant youth in cultural transition: Acculturation, identity, and adaptations across national contexts. New Jersey: Mahwah.
Brown, T., Devina, N., Leslie, E., Paiti, M., Sila’ila’i, E., Umaki, S., et al. (2007). Reflective engagement in cultural history: A Lacanian perspective on Pasifika teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 15, 107–118.
Carter, K. N., Hayward, M., Blakely, T., & Shaw, C. (2009a). How much and for whom does self-identified ethnicity change over time in New Zealand? Results from a longitudinal study. Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 36, 32–45.
Carter, S., Williams, M., Paterson, J., & Iusitini, L. (2009b). Do perceptions of neighbourhood problems contribute to maternal health?: Findings from the Pacific Islands Families study. Health & Place, 15, 622–630.
Cummins, R. A., Eckersley, R., Pallant, J., van Vugt, J., & Misajon, R. (2003). Developing a national index of subjective wellbeing: The Australian unity wellbeing index. Social Indicators Research, 64, 159–190.
Diener, E. (2006). Guidelines for national indicators of subjective wellbeing and ill-being. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 1, 151–157.
Diener, E. (2009). The science of wellbeing. Social Indicators Research Series, 37, 11–58.
Diener, E., & Tov, W. (2007). Culture and subjective wellbeing. In S. Kitayama & D. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of cultural psychology (pp. 691–713). New York: Guilford.
Faleafa, M. (2009). Community rehabilitation outcomes across cultures following traumatic brain injury. Pacific Health Dialog, 15, 28–34.
Houkamau, C. A., & Sibley, C. G. (2010). The multi-dimensional model of Māori identity and cultural engagement. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 39, 8–25.
Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55.
Hunkin-Tuiletufuga, G. (2001). Pasefika languages and Pasefika identities: Contemporary and future challenges. In C. Macpherson, P. Spoonley, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata O Te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 196–211). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Kupa, K. (2009). Te Vaka Atafaga: a Tokelau assessment model for supporting holistic mental health practice with Tokelau people in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Pacific Health Dialog, 15, 156–163.
Macpherson, C. (1996). Pacific Islands identity and community. In P. Spoonley, D. Pearson, & C. Macpherson (Eds.), Nga Patai: Racism and ethnic relations in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 124–143). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Macpherson, C. (2001). One trunk sends out many branches: Pacific cultures and cultural identity. In C. Macpherson, P. Spoonley, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata O Te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 66–80). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Mila-Schaaf, K. (2010). Polycultural capital and the Pasifika second generation: negotiating identities in diasporic places. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand.
Mila-Schaaf, K., Robinson, E., Schaaf, D., Denny, S., & Watson, P. D. (2008). A health profile of Pacific youth: Findings of youth 2000. A National Secondary School Youth Health Survey. Auckland: University of Auckland.
Ministry of Health. (1995). Pacific Islands peoples’ understanding of mental health. Strategic directions for the mental health services for Pacific Islands people. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
Mulitalo-Lauta, P. T. (2001). Pacific peoples’ identities and social services in New Zealand: Creating new options. In C. Macpherson, P. Spoonley, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata O Te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 247–262). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Pene, G., Peita, M., & Howden-Chapman, P. (2009). Living the Tokelauan way in New Zealand. The Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 35, 79–92.
Phinney, J. S. (1989). Stages of ethnic identity development in minority group adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 34–49.
Phinney, J. S. (1990). Ethnic identity in adolescents and adults: Review of research. Psychological Bulletin, 108, 499–514.
Phinney, J. S. (1991). Ethnic identity and self-esteem: A review and integration. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 13, 193–208.
Phinney, J. S. (1992). The multigroup ethnic identity measure: A new scale for use with diverse groups. Journal of Adolescent Research, 7, 156–176.
Phinney, J. S., Horenczyk, G., Liebkind, K., & Vedder, P. (2001). Ethnic identity, immigration, and wellbeing: An interactional perspective. Journal of Social Issues, 57, 493–510.
Robinson, G., Warren, H., Samu, K., Wheeler, A., Matangi-Karsten, H., & Agnew, F. (2006). Pacific healthcare workers and their treatment interventions for Pacific clients with alcohol and drug issues in New Zealand. Retrieved 26 April 2010, from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/119-1228/1809/.
Sellers, R. M., Smith, M. A., Shelton, J. N., Rowley, S. A. J., & Chavous, T. M. (1998). Multidimensional model of racial identity: A reconceptualization of African American racial identity. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2, 18–39.
Statistics New Zealand. (2006). Census of population and dwellings. Wellington: Statistics New Zealand.
Suaalii-Sauni, T., Wheeler, A., Saafi, E., Robinson, G., Agnew, F., Warren, H., et al. (2009). Exploration of Pacific perspectives of Pacific models of mental health service deliver in New Zealand. Pacific Health Dialog, 15, 18–27.
Tajfel, H. (1981). Human groups and social categories. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
Tamasese, K., Peteru, C., & Waldegrave, C. (1997). O le Taeo Afua—The new morning: A qualitative investigation into Samoan perspectives on mental health and culturally appropriate services. Wellington: The Family Centre & NZ Health Research Council.
Taule’ale’ausumai, F. (2001). New religions, new identities: The changing contours of religious commitment. In C. Macpherson, P. Spoonley, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata O Te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 181–195). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Taumoefolau, M., Starks, D., Davis, K., & Bell, A. (2002). Linguists and language maintenance: Pasifika languages in Manukau, New Zealand. Oceanic Linguistics, 41, 15–27.
Te Pou. (2010). Talking therapies for Pasifika peoples: Best and promising practice guide for mental health and addiction services. Auckland: Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui.
Tiatia, J. (1998). Caught between cultures: A New Zealand-born Pacific Island perspective. Ellerslie, Auckland: Christian Research Association.
Wells, J. E., Oakley-Browne, M. A., Scott, K. M., McGee, M. A., Baxter, J., & Kokaua, J. (2006). Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey: Overview of methods and findings. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 40, 835–844.
Yip, T., & Fuligni, A. J. (2002). Daily variation in ethnic identity, ethnic behaviors, and psychological well-being among American adolescents of Chinese descent. Child Development, 73, 1557–1572.
Zemke-White, K. (2001). Rap music and Pacific identity in Aotearoa: Popular music and the politics of opposition. In C. Macpherson, P. Spoonley, & M. Anae (Eds.), Tagata O Te Moana Nui: The evolving identities of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand (pp. 228–242). Palmerston North, NZ: Dunmore Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
This manuscript is based on Sam Manuela’s master’s thesis supervised by Chris Sibley.
Appendix: The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Appendix: The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Do you identify as a Pacific person? | Do you have Pacific ancestors? |
---|---|
□ Yes | □ Yes |
□ No | □ No |
This survey contains a list of statements about how satisfied you are with aspects of your life, and what you think being a person of Pacific descent means to you personally. It is only relevant to people who answered ‘Yes’ to the above questions.
All of the statements are opinions. The scale has been designed in a way that you will most likely agree with some statements but disagree with others to varying degrees. This is because we want to measure a wide range of different opinions and views on peoples’ satisfaction with their lives and what it means to be a Pacific person. There are no right or wrong answers. Please try to answer the questions as honestly as you can. The best answer is your own opinion, whatever that may be.
The survey is in two sections. In the first section, if you feel completely satisfied in that area of your life you would select a number close to 7. If you feel neutral about that area of your life, you would select a number close to 4. If you are completely dissatisfied with that area of your life, you would select a number close to 1.
Completely dissatisfied | Neutral | Completely satisfied | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Support provided to you by the New Zealand government to you as a Pacific Islander. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
2. Your relationship with your parents. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
3. Your position in New Zealand as a Pacific person. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
4. Your family’s security. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
5. Your personal needs being met by New Zealand. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
6. The respect you give for your parents. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
7. The support your receive as a Pacific Islander in the community you live in. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8. The respect you receive from your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
9. Your relationship with New Zealand society. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
10. Your position in your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
11. The support you receive in the community you live in. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
12. Your family’s happiness. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
13. The support you receive as a Pacific Islander in New Zealand. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
14. Communication with your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
In this second section, please rate how you agree strongly you agree with the following statements. If you strongly agree with a statement, then you would select a number close to 7. If you feel neutral about a statement, then you would select a number close to 4. If you strongly disagree with a statement, then you would select a number close to 1.
Strongly disagree | Neutral | Strongly agree | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15. I feel at home around other Islanders, even if they are not from my island | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
16. Going to church is part of my culture and religion | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
17. The fact that I am an Islander is an important part of my identity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
18. I feel comfortable in places with lots of other Pacific peoples | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
19. God has a strong connection to my culture. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
20. Being and Islander is an important part of how I see myself | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
21. I don’t get along with other island groups | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
22. Religion is not important for my culture | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
23. I feel connected to other Pacific peoples in general | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
24. I am glad to be a Pacific Islander | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
25. Part of being a Pacific Islander is having a connection with god | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
26. I feel connected to people from a different Pacific island to myself | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
27. I am proud to be a Pacific Islander | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
28. Religion is the root of our Pasifika culture | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
29. Our religion is the centre of our culture as Pacific Islanders | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
30. Being a Pacific Islander gives me a good feeling | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
31. I feel most comfortable in Pacific communities | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Scoring instructions for the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Reverse score the following items: 21 and 22. Average the following sets of items to calculate scores for each subscale: Perceived Societal Wellbeing: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. Perceived Familial Wellbeing: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. Pacific Connectedness and Belonging: 15, 18, 21, 23, 26, 31. Religious Centrality and Embeddedness: 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 29. Group Membership Evaluation: 17, 20, 24, 27, 30.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Manuela, S., Sibley, C.G. The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale (PIWBS): A Culturally-Appropriate Self-Report Measure for Pacific Peoples in New Zealand. Soc Indic Res 112, 83–103 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0041-9
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0041-9