Research into the views of two child reference groups on the arts in research concerning wellbeing

Abstract

Research into the views of two child reference groups on the arts in research concerning wellbeing Jones, P. Mercieca, D. & Munday, E. (2018) Research into the views of two child reference groups on the arts in research concerning wellbeing, Arts & Health,

Involving child and youth advisors in academic research about child participation: The Child and Youth Advisory Committees of the International and Canadian Child Rights Partnership

“…Moving forward, the ICCRP will continue to explore creative ways of involving the CYAC members in team meetings, which are accessible and stimulating to CYAC members and adult researchers alike. The partnership's experiences resonate with recent literature in highlighting the importance of dialogue and a reflexive approach for progressing ethical research (Abebe & Bessell, 2014;Graham et al, 2013;Skovdal & Abebe, 2012), along with recognition of the complexities, challenges and immense rewards inherent in children and youth's participation in advisory roles (Jones et al 2018;McCarry, 2011;Moore et al 2016). Such advisory groups can be a site for co-reflexivity, whereby researchers and young people can reflect critically on the underlying assumptions, power imbalances and constrictions, and research design and processes, to help shape and inform ethical research practice Moore et al, 2016).…”

“…Accordingly, this includes participation in the design, implementation and analysis of research. This article contributes to the growing body of literature focused on the participation of children and youth in research in advisory roles (Jones et al 2018;McCarry, 2011;Moore et al 2016) and, in doing so, extends the international dialogue about wise practices, new innovations and ethical considerations for meaningful participation of children and youth in research processes across different contexts in both the Global South and North.…”

“…The literature outlines the benefits of child and youth advisory groups, such as their assistance in specifying important topics for young people, sharing insights and experiences within their jurisdiction, providing useful advice to ensure engaging and effective methods, and identifying key findings, recommendations and means to disseminate (e.g. Jones et al, 2018;McDonagh & Bateman, 2012;Moore et al, 2016;Oliveras et al, 2018).…”

“…Further, participation requires ongoing attention as, even with approval, ethical considerations can arise at any stage. Researchers working with child and youth advisory groups report the emergence of issues related to power, consent, sharing of data, and the nature of the research subject matter and members' response to it (Jones et al, 2018;McCarry, 2011;Moore et al, 2016). Drawing on experiences of activities with children and youth living with and affected by HIV in Africa and globally, Oliveras et al (2018) have co-developed with the young people a new agenda that sets out basic requirements for engaging young people in guiding research and policy.…”

“…There is now a considerable body of literature focused on ethical considerations related to children and youth's participation in research (see Graham, Powell, Tayler, Anderson, & Fitzgerald, 2013), with particular challenges and complexities evident in relation to young people's involvement in advisory groups (Jones, Mercieca, & Munday, 2018;McCarry, 2011;Moore et al, 2016). Such challenges were encountered in the ICCRP project, in relation to institutional ethical regulatory requirements prior to and during the process of CYAC involvement.…”