Conceptualizing Indigenous strengths-based health and wellness research using group concept mapping

Area of Science:

• Public Health Research
• Indigenous Health Studies
• Asset-Based Approaches

Background:

• Public health research is increasingly adopting strengths-based approaches.
• There is a need to understand what strengths-based approaches mean to Indigenous researchers.
• Defining an Indigenous strengths-based approach is crucial for culturally relevant health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define an Indigenous strengths-based approach to health and well-being research.
• To center Indigenous knowledges and cultures in health research frameworks.
• To shift the research narrative from illness to flourishing and relationality.

Main Methods:

• Group Concept Mapping was employed with 27 Indigenous health researchers.
• A three-phase process involved idea generation, statement sorting, and collaborative interpretation.
• Content analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to develop a conceptual map.

Main Results:

• A six-cluster map was generated, defining Indigenous strengths-based health and wellness research.
• All six identified clusters were rated as moderately important by participants.
• The map visually represents the collective understanding of the research concept.

Conclusions:

• The developed definition centers Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and relationality.
• This framework provides actionable steps for researchers, practitioners, funders, and institutions.
• The approach aims to promote Indigenous health and wellness across individual, family, community, and population levels.