Feedback of Research Results: Reflections from a Community-Based Mental Health Programme

• Published in: South African journal of psychology Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 215 - 221
• Main Authors: Macleod, Catriona, Masilela, Thulani C., Malomane, Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.12.1998
• ISSN: 0081-2463; 2078-208X
• DOI: 10.1177/008124639802800404

The lack of feedback of research results to research participants, or the lack of reflection on the feedback process where it does occur, is problematic. Some fundamental issues appear to inform the feedback process, these being the approach adopted by the researchers to research and the uses envisaged for the research and feedback. In this paper, we reflect on feedback sessions conducted with research participants and local community in a community-based mental health programme in a rural area of South Africa. The results of a comprehensive needs assessment were discussed in four different meetings. This paper reflects upon, amongst others, practical/logistical issues, attendance and non-attendance, the issue of language, group dynamics, challenges from participants, and social and cultural constructions of knowledge. It is concluded that when feedback of research results is seen as part of an on-going process of programme development and engagement with various stakeholders, it is a potential point of growth on a number of levels.