Ethnography's role in assisting mental health research and clinical practice

Abstract

In this article, the author discusses the utility of qualitative approaches in mental health research and clinical practice. He highlights the value of conceptualizing research designs and procedures that include relevant cultural information about study participants. Emphasis is placed on African American women participants, consumers, and others who are understudied, underrepresented, and underserved in large-scale studies and treatment. Limitations and strengths are noted. Contributions of qualitative methodology are described, particularly the functions of ethnography and grounded theory in conceptualization, hypotheses building, and hypotheses testing of outcome data on African American women and culturally diverse groups. Clinical researchers are encouraged to utilize qualitative and mixed methods approaches to bolster outcomes and better inform their clinical practice.