Aniva Hunkin, a Samoan student at the University of Auckland, is investigating the connection between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and psychological wellbeing among Pasifika communities, particularly focusing on fathers.
Her interest in the topic emerged after her own father underwent an angioplasty, a procedure to open blocked arteries. Now, Hunkin seeks Pasifika families affected by CVD to participate in her research.
Hunkin highlights a cultural challenge in Pacific communities, where men are expected to remain strong and avoid showing vulnerability. She said, “Vulnerability is quite a foreign thing that you see in our Pacific communities.”
Using cultural figures like Maui from Moana and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as examples, she noted the strong, invulnerable persona Pacific men are often expected to embody.
“I really want to understand those barriers,” Hunkin said. Her research aims to explore how families respond when the “head of the family” faces vulnerability.
Hunkin also wants to focus on solutions, saying, “I don’t like always coming from a deficit lens.” Instead, she seeks to capture the experiences of Pasifika families as they navigate the challenges posed by CVD.
Source: RNZ
