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Talanoa Mental Health Dialogue

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Talanoa Mental Health Dialogue

Read the scenario, then answer the questions. You can discuss the fictional situation without sharing anything personal. You may pass on a question, and you do not need to disclose private experiences. If a topic raises a concern for you or someone else, talk with a trusted adult or contact a support service.

Scenario: making space to talk

A group of rangatahi is planning a lunchtime conversation about wellbeing. Mele suggests using talanoa: an open, relational way of sharing and listening used in Pacific contexts, with practices that can vary between families and communities. The group agrees that nobody has to speak, people can pass, and personal stories stay private unless someone may be unsafe. They will listen without interrupting or trying to fix everything. If someone needs more help, they can connect them with a trusted adult or a health professional. The group also remembers that wellbeing can involve taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha whānau (family and social), and taha wairua (spiritual) dimensions.

Understand the approach

Use details from the scenario to answer Questions 1–5.

1.Which description best matches talanoa as it is presented in the scenario?

A formal debate where the quickest speaker wins
An open, relational way of sharing and listening, with practices that may vary
A counselling technique that replaces professional support
A rule that everyone must tell a personal story

2.Mele says, “If we are helping, we should make everyone take a turn sharing something personal.” Give one reason this may not create a safe conversation.

3.Which two group agreements are stated in the scenario? Select the two best answers.

Everyone must speak at least once
People may pass on a question
Listeners should interrupt to offer solutions
Personal stories stay private unless someone may be unsafe

4.True or false: The scenario says talanoa is practised in exactly the same way by every Pacific family and community.

TrueFalse

5.Match each hauora dimension with the description that best fits it.

Taha tinana
Taha hinengaro
Taha whānau
Taha wairua

Mental and emotional wellbeing
Spiritual wellbeing
Physical wellbeing
Family and social wellbeing

Apply your thinking

Consider how a group can support wellbeing while respecting boundaries. Use the scenario or your own ideas; you do not need to reveal personal information.

6.Complete the sentence: A protective factor is something that can help support wellbeing. In the scenario, one possible protective factor is .

7.A student stays quiet during the conversation. Give one respectful response the group could make that does not pressure them to speak.

8.Someone shares that they may be in immediate danger and asks the group to keep it secret. What should a group member do?

9.Explain one way a respectful talanoa-style conversation might support taha hinengaro and one way it might support taha whānau.

10.The group wants to improve its lunchtime conversation. Suggest two practical agreements that would help make it inclusive and emotionally safe. Explain briefly why each agreement matters.