Tomás Hill, “Developing Culturally Responsive Research Tools: Assessing Semi-Structured Interview Guides for Native American Communities”
Mentor: Gabriela Nagy, Psychology, Letters & Science (College of)
Poster #117
Native American communities experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges due to contemporary systemic oppression and historical trauma. They are also underrepresented in research, underscoring the necessity for research methodologies that are culturally responsive, community-centered, and rooted in Indigenous epistemologies. This study seeks to develop culturally aligned qualitative research methods focused on mental health and resilience in Native American communities by compiling community input on a semi-structured interview guide, recruitment methods, and a study protocol. Employing community-engaged and iterative human-centered design methods, key informant interviews and prototyping sessions were conducted with Native American adults and professionals experienced in Indigenous communities. Preliminary feedback centered on ways to increase the cultural relevance, appropriateness, and clarity of the proposed methods. Rapid qualitative analysis of participant feedback has led to refinements of the interview guide, like wording changes and considerations of ways the proposed methods could inadvertently recapitulate oppressive dynamics in research. Preliminary results emphasize the need to avoid deficit-based frameworks, ensuring the guide balances discussions of adversity with themes of strength, resilience, and holistic well-being. Participants stressed that methodological rigor and cultural appropriateness are not mutually exclusive and recommended reframing terms such as “formal healthcare” to “Western Healthcare” to prevent privileging Eurocentric paradigms. Additionally, the guide should acknowledge the fluidity of Indigenous identity and the role of spirituality in mental health. Concerns regarding ethical research practices emerged, including the necessity of ongoing consent, transparent data management, and equitable inclusion of both Western and traditional healing resources. This study contributes to the refinement of culturally responsive qualitative methods, culminating in a semi-structured interview guide, recruitment methods, and study protocol that reflects Indigenous perspectives. These findings provide a paradigm for future qualitative studies, advancing research methodologies that respect and amplify Indigenous voices while addressing historical inequities in mental health research.