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New Zealand Medical Journal

Māori Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study

A qualitative study explores Māori healthcare professionals’ views on psychedelic therapy, highlighting cultural considerations and equity issues.

Matt Hallowes

• 2 min read
Māori Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Title & Introduction

  • Paper Title: Māori Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study
  • Published In: New Zealand Medical Journal
  • Publish date: March 14, 2025
  • Authors: Carly Hanna, Eva Morunga, Alesha Wells, Lisa M. Reynolds
  • Objective: To explore the perspectives of Māori healthcare professionals regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Importance: Highlights the cultural considerations and potential challenges in integrating psychedelic therapies within Māori healthcare frameworks.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Increased awareness and culturally informed research could improve the acceptance of psychedelic-assisted therapy within Māori healthcare frameworks.

Practical Application:
Findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive psychedelic research and the integration of Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) perspectives into therapy models.

Key Background Information

  • Context: While psychedelic substances have a history of use in Indigenous traditions globally, their role in Māori healing traditions remains unclear. Addressing cultural safety is essential for equitable healthcare access.
  • Hypothesis: Māori healthcare professionals are generally open to psychedelic therapy but require further research and cultural alignment for it to be acceptable within Māori healthcare models.

Methodology

  • Study Design: Qualitative, semi-structured interview study.
  • Participants: 13 Māori healthcare professionals.
  • Intervention/Exposure: Interviews on psychedelic awareness, knowledge, and attitudes using Māori health models Te Whare Tapa Whā and Te Wheke.
  • Controls: Not applicable.
  • Duration: Not specified.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

  • Greater awareness of PAT leads to increased openness to its potential.
  • More research and education on psychedelic therapies are needed.
  • PAT has the potential to align with Te Ao Māori principles.
  • Equitable access to PAT is crucial for Māori communities.

Secondary Outcomes:

  • Historical suppression of traditional Māori healing methods impacts the perception of PAT.
  • The integration of psychedelic therapies must align with holistic Māori health models.

Interpretation & Implications

  • Conclusion: Māori healthcare professionals are generally supportive of psychedelic therapy research but stress the need for cultural safety and community education.
  • Implications: Policymakers and researchers should prioritize culturally aligned frameworks when introducing psychedelic-assisted therapy in New Zealand.
  • Limitations: Small sample size and focus on healthcare professionals may not fully represent broader Māori perspectives.

Researchers & Publication