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The Lotu Factor: Delusional Religiosity, Covid-19 and Tongan Wellbeing in NZ

Year:
2023
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$1,171,446.70
Researchers:
Professor Nasili Vaka'uta
,
Dr Edmond Fehoko
,
Dr Seini Taufa
,
Dr Chris Puliuvea
,
Associate Professor Sione Vaka
,
Dr Ana Tutone-Tualau
,
Dr Jione Havea
Host:
Trinity Methodist Theological College
Health issue:
Wellbeing (autonomy self-determination)
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Project
Lay summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals encountered some objections and resistance from the Pacific communities. One of the strongest (yet ignored) factors behind the resistance is people’s illusionary lotu (faith/religion) or ‘delusional religiosity’ (DR) (i.e. religious beliefs and practices with no link to reality or facts) to be exact. DR is a ‘pandemic’ in its own way, and it has the propensity to harm people with its toxic and life-negating orientation. The overall aim of this project, therefore, is to explore the impact of delusional religiosity (DR) on the health and well-being of Pacific peoples with a particular focus on Tongans. Central to the project is the question: what impact does ‘delusional religiosity’ have on the well-being of Tongans in New Zealand? In order to answer this question, this project will employ a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis.