title: Samoan youth and family relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand.
abstract: This paper examines the findings of data from two Health Research Council of New Zealand funded research projects, a quantitative survey (Adolescent Health Survey) and an in-depth qualitative study (Youth Mental Health Promotion) conducted concurrently in South Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. In an attempt to focus on the strengths of family relationships, we analyse accounts from young Samoans about their families and the role their families play in their lives. Findings suggest that most Samoan young people living in South Auckland are happy with their identity as Samoans and their knowledge and understanding of their Samoan culture. Participants in both studies indicated that they had positive, loving and caring relationships with their parents, siblings and other family members. Furthermore, family relationships were perceived to be strongly influenced by the values, structure and practices of the Fa'aSamoa.
authors.affiliation: Massey University, Albany Campus, Albany, New Zealand. f.faalau@xtra.co.nz
authors.forename: Fuafiva
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fa'alau
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D018947:Samoa / Q000208:ethnology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires