Participatory action research as a core research approach to health promotion

Abstract

Participatory action research (PAR) is an approach to research that shares the core values of Health Promotion. It encourages research practices that contribute to equity and community transformation and change rather than undermining the already marginalized and disempowered. Authentic participation is central to the entire research process, supporting dialogue, co-labouring to co-create knowledge, relationship and capacity building through a non-linear and often messy journey, but one that values local knowledge and context. While potentially emancipatory, the execution of the approach faces a number of challenges largely because the contexts in which health promotion researchers work remain non-participatory in their institutional structures and power relations. These challenges are illustrated with two case studies: a mental health research project in the health service in the UK and the experiences of a health promotion doctoral student in Canada working in with health promotion approaches to dying. Notwithstanding these challenges, PAR is a very rewarding approach to research.