JoAnne Banks1. 1. Winston-Salem State University, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., 436 F.L. Atkins Building, USA. wallacejb@wssu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Increased understanding of individual and social determinants of health is crucial to moving toward health equity. This essay examines storytelling as a vehicle for advancing health equity research. METHOD: Contemplative examination of storytelling as a research strategy. RESULTS: An overview of story theory is provided. This is followed by an examination of storytelling as a tool for increasing understanding about the contexts in which people negotiate health, strengthening participation of communities in addressing health issues, and building bridges between researchers and target populations. CONCLUSION: Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advancing health equity research. However, its effective use requires a renegotiation of relationships between researchers and target communities, as well as setting aside routine time to attend storytelling events and read a variety of stories.
OBJECTIVE: Increased understanding of individual and social determinants of health is crucial to moving toward health equity. This essay examines storytelling as a vehicle for advancing health equity research. METHOD: Contemplative examination of storytelling as a research strategy. RESULTS: An overview of story theory is provided. This is followed by an examination of storytelling as a tool for increasing understanding about the contexts in which people negotiate health, strengthening participation of communities in addressing health issues, and building bridges between researchers and target populations. CONCLUSION: Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advancing health equity research. However, its effective use requires a renegotiation of relationships between researchers and target communities, as well as setting aside routine time to attend storytelling events and read a variety of stories.
Authors: Renã A S Robinson; Ishan C Williams; Judy L Cameron; Keisha Ward; Melissa Knox; Melita Terry; Lisa Tamres; Uchenna Mbawuike; Marita Garrett; Jennifer H Lingler Journal: Alzheimers Dement (N Y) Date: 2020-09-11