Culturally sensitive assessments as a strength-based approach to wellness in Native communities: A community-based participatory research project

Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2016;23(3):271-92. doi: 10.5820/aian.2303.2016.271.

Abstract

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have a unique, traumatic, and alienating history of education in the U.S., which may be directly related to overall health and well-being. Community engagement is critical in well-being research with Native communities, especially when investigating culturally sensitive topics, such as early education experiences. This study investigates the value of a community-based participatory research approach in gaining valuable culturally sensitive information from Native people in a respectful manner. Assessment participation and feedback are analyzed and presented as indicators of Native participant engagement success in a potentially sensitive research project exploring early education experiences.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Community-Based Participatory Research*
  • Cultural Competency*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / ethnology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Resilience, Psychological*