Open AccessHigh Touch Research: Building Community for Those Living with HIV
Author(s) -
Patricia M. Miller,
Brent Oliver,
Kenneth Lapointe,
Kim Samson,
Kate Berezowski,
Kirsten Nelson,
Kevin aymous
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4857
Subject(s) - participatory action research , empowerment , social isolation , stigma (botany) , action research , community based participatory research , sociology , public relations , psychology , isolation (microbiology) , political science , pedagogy , psychiatry , microbiology and biotechnology , anthropology , law , biology
Participatory action research can be a research methodology that seeks to offer relational processes that develop high touch research relationships, create co-empowerment, while fostering resiliency and strength, within the HIV community. The Calgary HIV Social Society (CHSS) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada co-developed with peer-researchers at Mount Royal University, a progressive form of action-oriented research that allowed the HIV community to develop and provide social gatherings to reduce the impact of stigma and isolation. The research project was developed with the community of people living with HIV to reduce the impact of isolation and stigma. The focus of the research was to better understand how social gatherings could improve the quality of life for those living with HIV. The action-oriented methodology allowed for HIV peer-researchers to bring their expertise on what was needed to reduce stigma and isolation. The HIV social support community created participatory action research processes that successfully contributed to building an inclusive, community for people living with HIV. This paper will share the themes that acknowledge the significant impact that a HIV high touch relationship research community can have for those, who face the barriers of isolation and stigma by increasing community connection, reducing financial constraints that limit participation, while increasing mental health wellness.