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Is it possible to ethically research the mental health needs of the Somali communities in the UK?
Mohamed, A.D. Loewenthal, D.
Mohamed, A.D.
Loewenthal, D.
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Abstract
This article summarises ethical issues that arise when researching common mental disorders within the Somali communities in the UK. It addresses the danger of researching these disorders from a Eurocentric perspective which risks overlooking the difference in conceptualization of mental illness between different cultures in the West and Somalia. An ongoing study exploring Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) for Somali people in the UK is presented. The participants’ own meaning of mental health and illness as well as their conceptualisation of anxiety and depression are examined. In developing the study, standard research paradigms are critically examined in order to take account of the unique aspects of Somali culture and experience. Focus group method is adopted to uphold both ethical and methodological rigour in the research. A participatory approach for developing ethical protocols within different refugee communities is recommended.
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2009-04
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With permission of the license/copyright holder