ABOUT ME
My research interests are broad but I do have a specific focus on the health and wellbeing of older people.
I am happy to supervise Masters and PhD students in topics related to older people, social connectedness across the life span, and quite often other topics, particularly if they are related to health and wellbeing.
Current PhD supervision
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The relationship between future self-continuity and older people’s stroke prevention behaviours.
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International students’ experiences of establishing social connections at New Zealand universities.
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Road to Recovery – from food addiction to food freedom.
Current/past Master's/Honours thesis/dissertation supervision
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A pilot study of a group Mindfulness-based intervention for Tāmaki healthcare patients.
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The experience of loneliness and social isolation in those with complex medical issues in New Zealand: A qualitative study.
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Association of loneliness with depression and/or anxiety in a sample of individuals with complex medical conditions.
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A scoping review of interventions using digital technologies to maintain social connectedness in aged care.
CURRENT AND PAST RESEARCH PROJECTS
Keeping socially connected whilst living with a complex medical issue
Research team: Wrapson, W., Theadom, A., & Siegert, R.
Loneliness has been described as 'the next big public health issue'. While there are health consequences of loneliness, health problems may also lead to loneliness and social isolation. Poor health and having functional limitations are related to reduced social participation and consequently those with serious health issues tend to report higher levels of loneliness and are more at risk of social alienation.
However, little is known about the experience of loneliness in persons with complex medical issues and knowledge of both the experience of loneliness as well as the extent of the issue is needed in this population. The study is funded by a bequest from the Estate of Jeanette Crossley.
The MAST Study
(Mindfulness After Stroke Study)
Research team: Siegert, R., Theadom, A., Kayes, N., Babbage, D., Wrapson, W., Taylor, S., Rutherford, S., Snell, D., Roche, M.
Stroke can have a devastating impact on physical, psychological and social functioning. In addition to the disabling physical and cognitive impairments, many stroke survivors also experience depression, anxiety and reduced quality of life. Mindfulness training is a structured, self-management programme which has shown positive benefits across a range of physical and mental health problems for improving mood. The aim of this feasibility study is to explore the viability of our recruitment process, the acceptability of the assessment measures, and the acceptability of the intervention. The study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
The SCOPIC Study
(Social Connectedness of Older People in Care Study)
Research team: Wrapson, W., McKenzie-Green, B.
Loneliness and a lack of social support are believed to be a significant risk factor to the physical and mental health of older people. New communication technologies, such as skype, may encourage increased interaction but the use of such technologies in the residential aged care context is generally low. This study, funded by InternetNZ, is investigating: (1) to what extent residents of aged care facilities interact with family, friends and others via computers, smartphones, tablet PCs, and other modern communication technologies; and (2) under what circumstances, and why, do family members/friends use the internet as a communication technology to interact with residents of aged care facilities?
The Pacific Islands Families: Healthy Pacific Grandparents Study
Research team: Tautolo, E-S., Paterson, J., Wrapson, W., Wright-St Clair, V., Neville, S., Dewes, O., Iusitini, L.
The PIF: HPG Study, funded by the Ageing Well National Science Challenge, is using participatory action research methods to investigate matters that are considered important by older Pacific people for their wellbeing, and which have the potential to contribute to their participation in social and health system settings. Grandparents, representing the main Pacific ethnic groups, will act as research partners by sharing their knowledge and expertise to define for themselves their needs and expectations as they age in New Zealand, and to identify any areas of shortcoming. A transformative process, utilising Talanoa and Talanga approaches, forms the basis of the research methodology. Participant-proposed solutions and action plans developed in conjunction with stakeholders and end-users will be implemented with the aim of enhancing the wellbeing of older Pacific people.
Mindfulness at Work – The impact of Mindfulness training on residential aged care staff and their caregiving role
Research team: Wrapson, W., Dorrestein, M., Taylor, T., Sumich, A., Wang, G., Merien, F., Krageloh, C., Roche, M., Csako, R., & Siegert, R.
There is a large body of scientific evidence that learning mindfulness has physical and psychological benefits for healthy people and people with a wide range of health conditions. Yet exactly how mindfulness works to improve physical and psychological health is poorly understood. There is also little known about how individuals differ in their capacity to learn and benefit from mindfulness.
The current study is part of a programme of research, funded by AUT's Strategic Research Investment Fund, examining the biological, neurological and psychological changes in people learning mindfulness skills in different contexts (teenagers, university students, and adults working in a stressful work environment). It is this latter context, involving staff working in residential aged care facilities, which is the focus of this study.
We assessed care staff before and after a 6-week mindfulness course and at 6-weeks follow-up. Participants were also interviewed concerning the impact mindfulness training had on their caregiving role. The data are currently being analysed and written up.