Abstract
This chapter describes the use of Te Whare Tapa Wha, a Maori theoretical framework for analyzing smoking behavior. One hundred thirty Maori smokers aged 16–62, were interviewed prior to and after a quit attempt. Physical aspects (te taha tinana) of smoking behavior included smoking history and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Reasons for smoking and quitting were grouped under te taha hinengaro (the mental realm). Te taha whānau (the familial side) covered social and familial factors influencing smoking. The effects on and the role of wairua (spirituality) are discussed under te taha wairua. Application of such a holistic model of health can ensure that interventions more fully address the broader effects of smoking; for instance, by combining treatment of nicotine dependency with cognitive behavioral therapy while targeting the whole whānau. Attending to te taha wairua should improve effectiveness for Maori, while public health policies and programs, such as strong smoke free environment laws and smoke free media campaigns, create a supportive environment for change.
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