Taiaha Therapy is a project designed for young Māori men with depression. A 2019 survey shows that 28% of Māori secondary school-aged students self-reported having depressive symptoms (Menzies et al., 2020). 13% of whom reported a suicide attempt within that last year (Menzies et al., 2020). A new approach would benefit this population.

I then researched how to deliver the emerging technology of virtual reality (VR) to my target population.

In my in-depth research, four key elements stood out to me; the immersion of VR and how it increases emotional connection; gaming as an effective way to deliver therapy; exercise in VR improving mood exponentially with prolonged use; and an increased connection to one's culture improves overall wellbeing.

This led me to my research question, 'How might we reduce depressive symptoms in young Māori men through the utilisation of virtual reality gaming and connection to culture?'

Taiaha Therapy employs these four components. It is set in a breathtaking 360-degree environment emphasising the immersion of VR. Exercise and connection to culture are utilised through the game's focal point of learning to wield a taiaha. It is a traditional weapon of Māori warriors that connects the user to ancestral practices and is a source of exercise. The gamification comes in through learning to use the taiaha. This aspect would be more prominent with further development, adding levels, achievements and a structured skill learning regime.

Taiaha Therapy lets these young Māori men participate in a specific ancestral practice that can be done from their own home, in their own time, at their own pace. All of this works towards progressively reducing their depressive symptoms.

References:

Menzies, R., Gluckman, P. Sir., Poulton, R. (2020). Youth Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand: Greater Urgency Required. The University of Auckland.