Lessons Learned from a Community-Based Participatory Research Study with At-Risk Youth in Taiwan
Victor Hsiao, BA & Mellissa Withers, PhD, MHS | September 24 | 3:30-4:00 PM
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
At-risk youth are often excluded from research. Without eliciting their views, subtle but important factors influencing decision-making processes and self-conceptualization may be missed. Engaging this population in research is a means of respecting and affirming them as individuals, and is central to developing effective policies. However, efforts to engage with at-risk youth can be hampered by barriers such as the need to overcome distrust resulting from repeated trauma or stigmatization, and limited research opportunities with this hard-to-reach population. This presentation describes lessons learned from a yearlong study examining the lived experiences of at-risk youth at a Taiwanese placement facility for teenage boys in foster care or juvenile court. Researchers used a strengths-based approach to explore health needs and sources of resiliency and support through Photovoice, a qualitative research method in which participants produce photographs and narratives to communicate their perspectives. Researchers found that at-risk youth may lack the introspective or communication skills to express themselves, especially verbally, and are often unaccustomed to being asked to articulate their views in a research study. The presenters will discuss the six lessons learned in this research: 1) consider ethical challenges, 2) use symbolism, 3) develop mutual trust with participants, 4) take time to develop participants’ introspective skills, 5) disseminate study results widely, and 6) include participant empowerment as a key objective. These lessons may be helpful for others implementing similar studies in order to promote social justice among this population.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the importance of including at-risk youth in research pertaining to them
· Discuss how to use a strengths-based approach in research
· Provide an overview of the methods and results of this study using photovoice
· Identify ways to conduct effective research among this population