"Learning with": Promoting LGBT wellbeing through innovations in research dissemination

Giving voice to LGBT people’s perspectives and priorities is of paramount importance given the broad consensus of mental health risk. Little research attention has focused on LGBT wellbeing, despite research with general... [ view full abstract ]

Giving voice to LGBT people’s perspectives and priorities is of paramount importance given the broad consensus of mental health risk. Little research attention has focused on LGBT wellbeing, despite research with general populations on positive mental health. Qualitative research methods are particularly effective in exploring areas that are under-researched. The researcher draws on her research on LGBT wellbeing through community involvement. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 people who self-identified as LGBT, to explore the relationship between wellbeing and involvement in sporting, creative, and social interests, within and outside LGBT communities. Thematic analysis identified an emerging theme ‘mastering wellness’ with interest sharing pivotal in enhancing mental health. This problematises the dominant discourse of LGBT mental health risk. Participants’ agency, confidence and openness when discussing mental health, contrasts with the general population. Respondents generally understood that anyone may experience periods of mental ill-health and times of well-being. This suggests potentially marginalised communities simultaneously challenge stigmatised representations of LGBT-identities and mental health. Qualitative methodologies emphasise the importance of producing knowledge worthwhile to communities studied. Research impact is increasingly valued by research and academic communities. The researcher charts her innovative journey of research dissemination premised on a conceptualisation of the participatory research cycle. Participatory research dissemination involves LGBT people as stakeholders in the research process. The importance of ‘learning with’ LGBT people is highlighted in recognition of the social capital embedded within LGBT networks and calls for culturally competent practice. Core values of social justice, equity and valuing diversity embedded in social work suggest the discipline is well-placed to promote participation and ‘learning with’ LGBT communities. The researcher drew on a six-stage conceptualisation of the research cycle which anticipated that LGBT people, when asked, would have many opinions on matters that affect them and would participate with interest, providing valuable insight into LGBT mental health priorities. This approach has policy and practice implications for ‘learning with’ LGBT communities. Participatory research dissemination is highlighted as an innovative methodology supporting transformative, culturally competent practice through promoting inclusion of marginalised communities. This has the potential to inform high quality decision-making and service delivery.