Shifting neurotypical prevalence in knowledge production about the mentally diverse: A qualitative study exploring factors potentially influencing a greater presence of lived experience-led research

Authors

  • Damian Mellifont Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow of the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v8i3.508

Abstract

Research which is led by mentally diverse persons offers a variety of benefits.  Crucially, this research holds potential to target wide-ranging social inclusion issues.  Recognizing that these studies cannot lay claim to be commonplace, the aim of this investigation is to inform and improve policy supportive of lived experience-led studies by critically investigating evidence-based factors influencing a greater presence of this genuinely inclusive style of research.  Following purposive sampling, thematic analysis was applied to twelve articles meeting with inclusion criteria and retrieved from Scopus, Medline, PsycINFO and ProQuest databases.  This investigation reveals three key findings.  First, this exploratory study identifies factors supporting and resisting lived experience-led research across micro, meso and macro levels.  Second, investment in future research is needed to identify evidence-based measures with capacity to redress factors constraining opportunities for mentally diverse persons to develop research careers and to potentially lead the way in reforming mental health and other services.  Finally, any assertions of neurodiverse researchers as necessarily being lacking in professional qualifications or reliant upon the assistance of neurotypical colleagues should be critically questioned.  

Author Biography

Damian Mellifont, Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow of the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow of the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Published

2019-05-24

How to Cite

Mellifont, D. (2019). Shifting neurotypical prevalence in knowledge production about the mentally diverse: A qualitative study exploring factors potentially influencing a greater presence of lived experience-led research. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 8(3), 66–94. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v8i3.508

Issue

Section

Articles