Participatory Research Methods Research Articles

Creative Movement and Anti-Gentrification: Learning from Los Tjihapit Market's Coffee in Bandung

The phenomenon of gentrification, driven by the presence of the creative class, is a consequence of the global implementation of the Creative City concept. Bandung has adopted this concept, and one of the areas developed by the creative class is the Cihapit Market area. This article examines how the "creative" community, specifically Kopi Pasar Los Tjihapit, sustains its business amidst gentrification through a placekeeping strategy. Participatory qualitative descriptive research methods were employed to explore the role of architectural space as part of the placekeeping strategy. Five strategies were identified: 1) zoning to support maintenance, 2) collaboration spaces for various partnerships, 3) space flexibility through collective decision-making, 4) collaborative spaces to encourage community involvement, and 5) coordination of all aspects to preserve the public market character. In conclusion, the success of creative placekeeping strategies in architectural spaces combines non-technical aspects such as community enthusiasm with technical aspects such as the arrangement of physical architectural elements.

Using brief reflections to capture and evaluate end-user engagement: a case example using the COMPASS study

BackgroundUse of participatory research methods is increasing in research trials. Once partnerships are established with end-users, there is less guidance about processes research teams can use to successfully incorporate end-user feedback. The current study describes the use of a brief reflections process to systematically examine and evaluate the impact of end-user feedback on study conduct.MethodsThe Comparative Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused and Non-Trauma- Focused Treatment Strategies for PTSD among those with Co-Occurring SUD (COMPASS) study was a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy versus non-trauma-focused psychotherapy for Veterans with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder who were entering substance use treatment within the Department of Veterans Affairs. We developed and paired a process of “brief reflections” with our end-user engagement methods as part of a supplemental evaluation of the COMPASS study engagement plan. Brief reflections were 30-minute semi-structured discussions with the COMPASS Team following meetings with three study engagement panels about feedback received regarding study issues. To evaluate the impact of panel feedback, 16 reflections were audio-recorded, transcribed, rapidly analyzed, and integrated with other study data sources.ResultsBrief reflections revealed that the engagement panels made recommended changes in eight areas: enhancing recruitment; study assessment completion; creating uniformity across Study Coordinators; building Study Coordinator connection to Veteran participants; mismatch between study procedures and clinical practice; therapist skill with patients with active substance use; therapist burnout; and dissemination of study findings. Some recommendations positively impact study conduct while others had mixed impact. Reflections were iterative and led to emergent processes that included revisiting previously discussed topics, cross-pollination of ideas across panels, and sparking solutions amongst the Team when the panels did not make any recommendations or recommendations were not feasible.ConclusionsWhen paired with end-user engagement methods, brief reflections can facilitate systematic examination of end-user input, particularly when the engagement strategy is robust. Reflections offer a forum of accountability for researchers to give careful thought to end-user recommendations and make timely improvements to the study conduct. Reflections can also facilitate evaluation of these recommendations and reveal end-user-driven strategies that can effectively improve study conduct.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04581434) on October 9, 2020; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04581434?term=NCT04581434&draw=2&rank=1.

PASIFIKA MOVING: A CO-DESIGNED AND CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR PASIFIKA COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN SYDNEY

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Pasifika migrant communities in Western Sydney, including Tongan, Samoan, Cook Islander, Fijian, and Māori face significant health disparities including higher rates of obesity, Type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Modifiable risk factors including physical inactivity are primary drivers. Previous lifestyle interventions have been unsuccessful due to inadequate community consultation. This study aims to work with Western Sydney’s Pasifika community to design and deliver a sustainable and culturally responsive physical activity program. METHODS The project comprises two phases. Phase A involved 2 co-design workshops or ‘Talanoas’, comprising community leaders, service users, caregivers, Pasifika practitioners, and Academics. Participatory research methods including mixed qualitative and quantitative methods were used to understand barriers, facilitators and preferences for a tailored physical activity program. Phase B, set to commence in 2024 includes the implementation of this program, which will be evaluated for its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. RESULTS Phase 1 co-design included consultation with 24 individuals including; Pasifika community members, Pasifika community leaders, service users, Pasifika clinicians, and Academics. Results exposed essential cultural and practical considerations for the physical activity program. Pasifika Mothers were identified as a priority group considering their influential role within family structures and the broader Pasifika community. A focus on community-led, sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable group-based activity was evident. Co-design sessions were rated as highly acceptable. CONCLUSION The study not only lays the foundation for both Pasifika Moving, but also will inform future community health initiatives which target health disparities in under-served and culturally diverse communities. Pasifika Moving is an example of an initiative that is designed by, for, and led by the community. The outcomes from this study have broader implications to improve health equity and enhance the healthcare landscape by developing culturally competent healthcare professionals and services.

What challenges impede the adoption of agroforestry practices? A global perspective through a systematic literature review

AbstractDespite the extensive amount of evidence in the literature regarding the benefits of agroforestry systems including carbon sequestration, soil erosion reduction, climate change resilience, biodiversity conservation and other ecosystem services, the adoption of agroforestry practices presents several barriers for farmers and other stakeholders, thus requiring comprehensive examination from the scientific community. We performed a systematic literature review following the methodology described in the PRISMA framework, to provide a novel comprehensive and systematic overview of what is present in the literature regarding the obstacles stakeholders perceive with regards to agroforestry adoption, gathered through participatory research methods, which are methodologies that engage stakeholders in the research process. In this work, we highlighted and categorized 31 obstacles that stakeholders around the globe perceive according to the examined literature (n = 90) with regards to agroforestry adoption, pertaining to i) technical-agronomic, ii) socio-economic and iii) policy-legislative aspects. We produced a consultable database of the examined literature presenting the extracted and categorized data including 1) Region of interest; 2) Investigated agroforestry system; 3) Methodologies utilized in the papers; 4) Number, gender ratio and type of stakeholders; 5) Main relevant obstacles found in the paper. We highlighted the five most frequently encountered issues i) the availability or quality of knowledge or experience on technical and agronomic matters, or knowledge diffusion necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems ii) the perceived socio-economic issue related to the market, marketing of agroforestry products, supply chain or jobs in agroforestry; iii) issues related to the amount of labor or time necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems; iv) issues related to the upfront economic investment necessary to establish an agroforestry system and availability of capital; and v) issues related to the availability of technical support necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems.

Mobilizing knowledge about urban change for equity and sustainability: developing ‘Change Stories’, a multi-country transdisciplinary study

Background Health-focused research funders increasingly support multi-country research partnerships that study health, urban development and equity in global settings. To develop new knowledge that benefits society, these grants require researchers to integrate diverse knowledges and data, and to manage research-related aspects of coloniality, such as power imbalances and epistemic injustices. We conducted research to develop a transdisciplinary study proposal with partners in multiple middle and high income countries, aiming to embed equity into the methodology and funding model. Methods Parallel to literature review, we used participatory and social research methods to identify case study cities for our primary study and to inform our study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with informed and consented sustainable urban development experts in the USA (n=23). We co-developed our research approach with our global advisory group (n=14) and conducted a participatory workshop (n=30) to identify case study sites, also informed by conversations with international academic experts in sustainable development (n=27). Results Through literature review we found that there is a need to study the contextual pre-conditions of urban transformation, the influence of coloniality on understandings of how cities can change and the failure of standard development practices to meet the needs of all residents and the planet. Through expert input and literature we found that decolonial and storytelling methods may help us show the complexities behind stories of urban transformation, particularly the role of marginalized populations in creating long-term change. Conclusions There are multiple benefits of conducting research to develop an equitably designed multi-country research collaboration. We built new partnerships and co-developed our research approach, creating new understanding of diverse collaborators’ disciplinary perspectives and institutional requirements. By investigating the informational needs of U.S. sustainable development actors and designing our study to meet these needs, we have increased the likelihood that our research will create impact.

Beyond Initial Removal: Lasting Impacts of Discriminatory Content Moderation to Marginalized Creators on Instagram

Recent work has demonstrated how content moderation practices on social media may unfairly affect marginalized individuals, for example by censoring women's bodies and misidentifying reclaimed terms as hate speech. This study documents and explores the direct experiences of marginalized creators who have been impacted by discriminatory content moderation on Instagram. Collaborating with our participants for over a year, we contribute five co-constructed narratives of discriminatory content moderation from advocates in trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ sex education, anti-racism education, and beauty and body politics. In sharing these detailed personal accounts, not only do we shed light on their experiences with being blocked, banned, or deleted unfairly, but we delve deeper into the lasting impacts of these experiences to their livelihoods and mental health. Reflecting on their stories, we observe that content moderation on social media is deeply entangled with the situated experiences of offline discrimination. As such, we document how each participant experiences moderation through the lens of their often intersectional identities. Using participatory research methods, we collectively strategize ways to learn from these individual accounts and resist discriminatory content moderation, as well as imagine possibilities for repair and accountability.

Empowerment of SMEs And Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: a Qualitative Study on Diversifying Pattaya's Economy

Purpose: This qualitative study aims to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Pattaya, Thailand, can empower the local economy to diversify beyond its traditional reliance on the tourism sector. It underscores the imperative of economic diversification for tourism-centric economies, especially in light of vulnerabilities exposed by global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.   Method/Design/Approach: Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory research methods with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders. This approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, strategies, and perceptions of those directly involved in Pattaya's SMEs and entrepreneurial ecosystems.   Results and Conclusion: The research findings highlight a significant trend towards digital innovation and a reorientation towards local markets among Pattaya's SMEs. It uncovers the necessity for substantial investments in technology and digital infrastructure to enhance economic resilience and adaptability. Furthermore, the study accentuates the pivotal role of government in fostering an enabling environment through regulatory reforms, financial incentives, and infrastructure enhancements. The importance of educational initiatives in nurturing entrepreneurial skills and the critical involvement of the private sector and international organizations in supporting economic diversification efforts are also detailed. The conclusion posits that a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is vital for the sustainable economic development of Pattaya, moving beyond its traditional tourism-focused model.   Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the challenges and opportunities for economic diversification in tourism-dependent economies, with a particular focus on Pattaya, Thailand. It offers valuable practical recommendations for SMEs, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Moreover, it underscores the importance of embracing digital transformation and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem as key strategies for achieving sustainable economic growth and resilience against global disruptions.

Learning walks: making sense of school through prompts from the physical environment

ABSTRACT This article explores the use of learning walks with children as a participatory research method to make sense of school experiences through prompts from the environment. The method was utilized as a tool to build relationships with the research participants and provide insight into their experiences of school. Seven children learning English as an additional language (EAL) participated in three learning walks and debriefing activities. Key concepts from Laura Lundy’s participation model (2007, 'Voice' is not enough: conceptualising Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, British educational research journal, 33 (6), 927–942. doi: 10.1080/01411920701657033) were utilized to elicit and amplify children’s voices. The learning walks offered space and time for dialogue outside of the classroom and pedagogic structure, an audience that informed the research and influence communicated back to teachers. Children’s experiences of school included accounts of language, belonging and relationships with peers and adults. Offering children the tools and conditions to explore and share their experiences leads to empowerment and a sense of being ‘seen’ within school contexts.

Participatory research in energy justice: Guiding principles and practice

Abstract This perspective explores the imperative role of participatory research (PR) in advancing energy justice. We argue that using participatory research methods and principles at the intersection of energy and equity is a critical research advantage. Here, we contend that PR frameworks are integral to bridging the gap between energy justice theory and practice, emphasizing the need to move beyond decontextualized principles to address specific injustices related to race, class, gender, and coloniality. We present three energy justice case studies that used participatory approaches in diverse contexts: Amazon, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; and Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. These cases showcase the versatility of PR methods in understanding and addressing unique energy challenges within local communities. We highlight guiding principles of PR, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing community needs, respecting diverse expertise, building trust, designing for transparency and accountability, choosing appropriate methods, adapting and being flexible, and aiming for long-term collaboration. Lastly, our perspective suggests future directions for participatory energy justice research, including the potential for PR to inform multiscalar policy, practice, and advocacy. We underscore the importance of collaborations between university researchers and community organizations through citizen science, emphasizing the need for diverse disciplinary perspectives to effectively address complex energy justice challenges.

Citizen Science and Urban Home Gardeners’ Attitudes Toward Gardening

Citizen science is a participatory research method that enlists community members as scientists to collect data at a scale that would not be possible for researchers on their own and in research contexts that are difficult for researchers to reach. Although the contribution of citizen science to scientific data collection is well-known, a new area of research investigates the impact that citizen science programs have on the citizen scientists. Gardening can support healthy dietary patterns, food access, and food system resilience in urban communities. Leveraging home gardening can be a good way for cooperative extension and community groups to support the health and wellbeing of their community members. However, to reap the health and community benefits of gardening, individuals need to adopt the behavior of gardening. In this study, researchers from University of Florida conducted a home gardening citizen science program between Mar 2022 and Jul 2022 for the purpose of assessing whether participating in a citizen science home gardening program increases the likelihood of participants’ future home gardening. Researchers used a matched pretest and posttest evaluation design to assess whether participation in this program affected the citizen scientists’ (n = 112) beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of home gardening. Citizen science program participants improved their attitudes and beliefs about home gardening but had limited improvement in their self-efficacy about home gardening after participation in the program. A 1-year follow-up survey found that program participants had adopted new gardening behaviors and reported benefits of participating in the program beyond gardening. These results highlight the value of citizen science to facilitate intentions to home garden and show the importance of information and program support to ensure the success of program participants.

Pelatihan Pembuatan & Penggunaan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Literasi Sains Bagi Guru

<p><em>This Community Service (CS) activity aims to: 1) interpret the competencies possessed by South Konawe MIN 2 teachers in making Student Worksheets (LKPD) so far; 2) increase the ability of South Konawe MIN 2 teachers in designing scientific literacy-based LKPD; and 3) train MIN 2 South Konawe teachers to apply scientific literacy-based LKPD in learning activities. All MIN 2 South Konawe teachers were the target participants for this PkM, which took place on October 7 and 8, 2023. This PkM uses the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) method. The results of the PkM show that: 1) South Konawe MIN 2 teachers do not yet have good competence in making LKPD based on scientific literacy, so ongoing training is needed to maximize this competency, as evidenced by the competency in deepening scientific literacy material by 25% and competence in deepening LKPD material. amounting to 41.91%; 2) South Konawe MIN 2 teachers have successfully created scientific literacy-based LKPD through training and mentoring, as evidenced by the link https://bit.ly/ANS1-PkM-Litapdimas-2023; 3) These teachers have successfully implemented scientific literacy-based LKPD in learning activities through training and mentoring, as evidenced by the link https://bit.ly/ANS2-PkM-Litapdimas-2023.</em></p>

Meningkatkan Kepedulian dan Peran Aktif Masyarakat dalam Memakmurkan Mushola Al-Taqwa SD Kanyoran di Kec. Semen Kediri Jawa Timur

This activity is prompted by the declining concern of the community towards Mushola At-Taqwa in Kediri, attributed to social and cultural changes, lack of spiritual understanding, and inadequate physical conditions. The aim of this community service is to enhance awareness towards the mosque through religious education, facility improvements, and the organization of engaging social and religious activities. The Participatory Action Research (PAR) method is utilized, involving active participation from students and the community. The results of this activity indicate that Mushola At-Taqwa has the potential to become a beneficial center for religious activities. Efforts to increase community awareness of various activities at the mosque are carried out through religious education, facility improvements, and other religious social activities. Activities include prayer education, mosque repairs, Friday Blessings programs, and Storytelling Safaris. The activities of Mushola At-Taqwa support SDG 4 Quality Education by enhancing the literacy, numeracy, morality, and character of students. Social and religious activities foster solidarity, tolerance, and patriotism. This contribution helps prepare resilient and moral young generations for a sustainable and prosperous future

청년과의 여가 격차에 대한 시니어의 인식과 경험

As South Korea is predicted to become a super-aging society in 2025, utilizing leisure time for many older adults is becoming an even more important issue. According to the Korean National Leisure Activities Survey, older adults have more leisure time than younger adults, but their satisfaction with leisure activities is lower, and the generation gaps in leisure activity diversity, leisure consumption, and leisure awareness are widening. Not only policymakers and researchers but also seniors themselves must recognize and proactively address the problem of the leisure gaps so that more effective and practical solutions can be devised. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore older adults' perceptions and experiences of the leisure gaps with younger adults. By adopting the photovoice research method, which is a participatory research method, this study sought to understand the problem of the leisure gaps faced by the senior generation through their own voices. From eight seniors in their 60s or older, statement data were collected through photographs taken by the research participants themselves, focus group interviews (FGI), and individual in-depth interviews. Data analysis revealed a total of six high-level thematic categories, or leisure gaps, as follows: the gaps in trying new activities, consumption perception, leisure perception, relationship perception, care conditions, and adaptability. From the results, the leisure reality faced by older adults was derived, and solutions to the leisure gaps were organized into the following six categories: developing inexpensive and diverse leisure programs, expanding access to leisure information, supporting the formation of leisure communities, developing and supporting leisure education programs, supporting leisure for family caregivers, and operating detailed multi-level programs. By applying the photovoice method, this study enabled a deeper understanding of the experiences of the leisure gaps as perceived by older adults, captured various perspectives of theirs, and demonstrated that seniors were able to consider and contemplate the issue of the leisure gaps on their own and derive improvement measures.

The transformation of sustainable lifestyle practices in ecoclubs

The lifestyle and consumption habits of individuals are crucial in the question of ecological sustainability. Current consumption patterns need to be changed, requiring societies to shift cultural norms and create new consumer habits which are within planetary boundaries. In the practices of teaching sustainable consumption in higher education participatory and action-oriented research and teaching methods can facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle for students. In this paper, we present a method operating at the boundary of education and research, the so-called ecoclubs, based on the characteristics of cooperative inquiry and transformative learning. Ecoclubs enable systematic and democratic knowledge creation to achieve concrete social change. In this paper, we explore how the method can promote transformation in the knowledge, attitude and everyday practices of the participating students regarding a sustainable lifestyle. To analyse the transformative potential of ecoclubs we used qualitative content analysis on 38 semi-structured interviews and reflection diaries of co-researchers of ecoclubs. The results show that according to the members of the ecoclubs, the most important characteristics of this non-formal education are the community, autonomy of decision-making, knowledge sharing and experience-based format. From the students' point of view, these characteristics can contribute to their higher level of engagement with sustainability and additional changes in their lifestyle.

The realities of utilising participatory research and creative methods to explore the experiences of non-heterosexual coaches

ABSTRACT Participatory research is “with”, “for” and “by” participants, rather than “on” or “to” them, thereby moving away from a traditional subject-researcher relationship towards a cooperative approach. Participatory research seeks empowering and equitable ways to conduct research with participants, which is pertinent with marginalised groups that have historically been side-lined by traditional methods. This article explores the value of participatory research with non-heterosexual coaches, and the importance of centralising participants’ lived experience and knowledge in research. Given the limited use of creative methods within coaching research, attention will be focused on the realities of deploying such methods. We argue that coaches in research should have the opportunity to authentically express their experiences, and insights through methods of their choosing. In doing so, diverse, intersectional knowledge may be shared, and opportunities created to support the exploration of sensitive, complex topics that exist within coaching practice.

Being participatory: employing geographic lenses to understand young people’s experiences of private supplementary tutoring in Uzbekistan

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods study explores the experiences and perceptions of primary school students of fee-charging private supplementary tutoring (PST) in Uzbekistan. The data were collected from five mainstream schools, using a close-ended questionnaire and two participatory methods – group interviews and drawings. The study found that 574 out of 1024 students (56%) received PST, mainly to increase their knowledge in core subjects, boost their self-confidence, and accomplish their aspirations of studying/working abroad. Achieving high scores in examinations was a secondary goal for many participants because they did not have a high-stakes examination at this academic level. 286 out of 574 students (50%) reported that their private tutors were their own class teachers, which raises concerns about favouritism and coercion. The participants acted agentively by highlighting the advantages of PST. The study stresses the importance of adopting effective policies to regulate PST and using participatory research methods to capture children’s PST experiences.

Family and community resilience: a Photovoice study

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), in combination with adverse community environments, can result in traumatic stress reactions, increasing a person’s risk for chronic physical and mental health conditions. Family resilience refers to the ability of families to withstand and rebound from adversity; it involves coping with disruptions as well as positive growth in the face of sudden or challenging life events, trauma, or adversities. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to family and community resilience from the perspective of families who self-identified as having a history of adversity and being resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study used Photovoice, a visual participatory research method which asks participants to take photographs to illustrate their responses to a research question. Participants consisted of a maximum variation sample of families who demonstrated family level resilience in the context of the pair of ACEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members were asked to collect approximately five images or videos that illustrated the facilitators and barriers to well-being for their family in their community. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using the SHOWeD framework to allow participants to share and elucidate the meaning of their photos. Using thematic analysis, two researchers then independently completed line-by-line coding of interview transcripts before collaborating to develop consensus regarding key themes and interpretations.ResultsNine families were enrolled in the study. We identified five main themes that enhanced family resilience: (1) social support networks; (2) factors fostering children's development; (3) access and connection to nature; (4) having a space of one’s own; and (5) access to social services and community resources.ConclusionsIn the context of additional stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resilient behaviours and strategies for families were identified. The creation or development of networks of intra- and inter-community bonds; the promotion of accessible parenting, housing, and other social services; and the conservation and expansion of natural environments may support resilience and health.

PENGOLAHAN LIMBAH ORGANIK UNTUK PEMBUATAN PUPUK KOMPOS DI DESA KERSIK KECAMATAN MARANGKAYU

This training activity is part of a series of efforts to manage organic waste with the aim of producing compost fertilizer in the Kersik Village area, Marangkayu District. Using participatory research methods, this training documents the main processes in managing organic waste from local sources. The focus includes the natural fermentation techniques used as well as assessing the quality and yield of the compost produced. In addition, this activity considers the active involvement of local communities in implementing environmentally friendly waste management practices. The analysis carried out includes technical aspects of the waste composting process as well as exploration of the social, economic and environmental impacts this initiative has on the welfare of local communities as well as efforts to reduce negative impacts on the environment. By holding this training activity, it is hoped that it can provide useful insights in strengthening sustainable organic waste management strategies in Kersik Village, while also contributing to efforts to maintain the sustainability and welfare of the local community.

Collaboration and co-creation in autism research: a reflection on the challenges and benefits of participatory approaches in doctoral research

ABSTRACT Drawing upon ongoing research exploring lived experiences of sensory overload, meltdown, and shutdown in autism as a framework, this article reflects on the challenges and benefits of employing participatory methods in doctoral research. In particular, the process of establishing and working with a Research Advisory Group to co-create a multi-stage research project is evaluated and reflected upon. Applying participatory approaches such as this to doctoral research elicits practical challenges beyond those associated with either participatory research or doctoral study alone. In particular, strategic project planning and time management is vital, given the often labour-intensive and time-consuming nature of participatory methods and the time constraints of doctoral research. Similarly, questions around collaborative design and co-creation must be addressed when balancing participatory engagement with the assessment-based requirements of doctoral study. Additional challenges also arise when considering the more specific application of participatory methods to research with marginalised or vulnerable groups, including the need to consciously and critically evaluate researcher positionality, as well as questions of how to meaningfully ‘give voice’ to communities while still producing high-quality and feasible academic research. However, despite these challenges, the benefits of employing participatory approaches within health and social care doctoral research cannot be overstated, given the capacity for such research to engage with, and respond to, community needs, while promoting positive real-world impact. As such, this article concludes by presenting reflective suggestions for how the use of participatory approaches might be further encouraged and facilitated within the context of PhD research.

Trauma and mental health in Pacific Islanders.

Little is known about trauma and its mental health impact on Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI), an understudied Indigenous-colonized population that endures severe mental health disparities. This novel investigation assessed trauma prevalence and its mental health and substance use correlates in NH/PIs in the U.S. Using community-based participatory research methods, survey data on NH/PI trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and treatment need were collected from 306 NH/PI adults using online, telephone, and in-person methods. Descriptive statistics and adjusted regression models were employed. Sixty-nine percent of participants experienced lifetime trauma, reporting mean exposure to 2.5 different trauma types. Childhood physical and sexual abuse, and lifetime forced sexual assault rates were 34%, 25%, and 27%, respectively, exceeding general population rates. Women and men reported equivalent total mean exposure to different trauma types, as well as equal prevalence for every trauma type examined (e.g. sexual abuse/assault). Confirming hypotheses, after controlling for key demographic and mental health risk factors, increased exposure to multiple trauma types uniquely associated with greater depression, anxiety, alcohol symptomology, and greater likelihood for needing treatment and using illicit substances. Trauma is prevalent in NH/PI populations and significantly impacts NH/PI mental health; serving as an important but overlooked contributor to NH/PI mental health disparities. Current findings fill critical gaps in our knowledge of NH/PI trauma and mental health while revealing the importance of screening and treating NH/PIs for trauma exposure to alleviate existing mental health disparities.