Participatory Action Research and young adults with psychiatric disabilities.

TOPIC: Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods are increasingly being used to include people with psychiatric disabilities in the research production process. PAR places a strong emphasis on collaboration between academic researchers and the disadvantaged community, along with strategies for overcoming barriers to collaboration. PURPOSE: The author describes key principles for engaging young adults with psychiatric disabilities as research associates in a participatory action research (PAR) project. SOURCES USED: Over the past decade, the author developed substantial knowledge by leading or co-leading five (5) funded PAR projects with young adults with psychiatric disabilities and has integrated this experience with an analysis of relevant publications. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The key components for achieving successful PAR with young adult researchers align well with the literature on PAR with adults with psychiatric disabilities. Specific adaptations for transition age youth researchers include mentorship from more experienced researchers and the availability of specialized vocational supports.