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Published on: February 19, 2021
Replicating an intervention: the tension between fidelity and adaptation
Diane M Morrison1, Marilyn J Hoppe, Mary Rogers Gillmore
1School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6299, USA. dmm@u.washington.edu
Summary
Replicating interventions across cultures requires balancing fidelity with necessary adaptations. Developing a "science of replication" is crucial for effective cross-cultural intervention research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Intervention Science
Background:
- Tailoring interventions to participant cultures is increasingly recognized as vital.
- Limited generalizability of single-efficacy tests highlights the need for intervention adaptation.
- Replication across diverse cultural contexts presents challenges to intervention fidelity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss issues arising during intervention replication.
- To illustrate these issues using a case study of an HIV prevention intervention for youth.
- To advocate for the development of a "science of replication".
Main Methods:
- The study employed a randomized controlled trial design for intervention efficacy testing.
- Qualitative analysis of challenges encountered during the replication process.
- Case study illustration from an HIV prevention intervention for youth.
Main Results:
- Adaptation is necessary to ensure intervention relevance across cultures, creating tension with fidelity.
- Specific issues encountered during the replication of an HIV prevention intervention were identified.
- The need for a systematic approach to intervention replication was highlighted.
Conclusions:
- A balance between intervention fidelity and cultural adaptation is essential for effective cross-cultural research.
- The challenges of intervention replication necessitate the development of a "science of replication".
- Further research is needed to establish best practices for culturally adapted intervention replication.
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