Building Partnerships and Trust: Research With Vulnerable Immigrant Communities

Abstract

Stress and distress among immigrant communities in the United States have escalated under the recent sociopolitical climate (e.g., exclusionary federal policies, COVID-19), underscoring the urgent need for additional data to better understand immigrant experiences. Yet, the very stressors that generate this need for data also create fear and trust-related barriers that might impede research success. Barriers, including a lack of trust, power differentials, language differences, and varying cultural norms, negatively impact the collection of valid data. Recommendations to address these barriers are provided, and integration of such strategies is an essential step toward growing the knowledge base of the profession, delivery of evidence-based interventions with immigrant clients, and better-informed discussions of culturally responsive approaches in social work education and practice.

Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Measures

“…There could be specific tactics of abuse or cultural norms that can come into effect in the context of DV. Therefore, incorporating the expertise of the community in including these norms (such as the influence of in-laws, reproductive control by in-laws) may be pivotal in ensuring the cultural responsivity within instruments (Bhandari & Sabri, 2020; Huslage et al, 2021; Rianon & Shelton, 2003). It is important to note that culturally-responsive DV measurement is crucial, however it can present challenges when attempting to compare measures and studies across populations from different cultural backgrounds.…”

“…Further, despite the value in utilizing standardized measures, there is merit in developing and utilizing disaggregated measures, so that we can move away from relying on the one size fits all ideology as a research community. Of note is that, practitioners and researchers should carefully consider whether it is prudent to use measures developed with Indian immigrants in the U.S. with survivors living in India and vice versa since levels of acculturation may affect how the survivor answers the questions, furthering geographical transferability of the measures (Berry, 2005; Huslage et al, 2021)…”

“…Culturally responsive DV measures may also be helpful in non-settings, such as in medical settings that screen for DV to ensure relevant questions are being asked to assess DV (Soglin et al, 2019) so that appropriate referral can be provided. Further, service providers can partner with researchers to develop measures with community members by relying on CBPR approaches (Huslage et al, 2021). A researcher-practitioner partnership can further include abusive tactics by accounting for diverse cultures across communities and regions.…”

“…Culturally responsive measures are critical to obtaining accurate prevalence data to persuade policymakers to take action to address DV (United Nations, 2006). Culturally unresponsive instruments can discourage participation or lead to inaccurate prevalence rates (Agha & Rai, 2020; Huslage et al, 2021; White et al, 2013; Yick & Berthold, 2005). It is important for existing and new DV legislation that provides funding for culturally responsive services to recommend or require the use of culturally responsive measures.…”

“…Using standardized assessments may pose a risk to the validity and accurate analysis of responses, when attempting to incorporate cultural attributes of specific communities (Sidani et al, 2010). Adapted and translated measures must be consistent with people’s cultural beliefs and language to assess their needs accurately (Berg-Weger et al, 2020; Sidani et al, 2010; Finn, 2020; Huslage et al, 2021).…”