Community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) aims to create action for social change, obtained through collaboratively researching a topic identified by and with people from a particular community. This CBPAR project has been undertaken between a trainee clinical psychologist and Black Voices Cornwall (BVC). It examines if it is possible for (trainee) clinical psychologists ((T)CP) and community organisations to work in this way and the impact of BVC’s anti-racism training.
To evaluate the training, a mixed-methods approach based on attendees’ self-report questionnaires completed pre-training, post-training and at follow-up (at least three months later), and a post-training questionnaire completed by facilitators, was used. The questionnaires aimed to understand the impact of the training, and what helped or hindered learning being transferred into practice. Non-parametric tests and inductive content analysis were conducted.
It was found that it is possible for (T)CPs to conduct CBPAR. Relationships, responsivity, and drawing on clinical psychology skills supported the process. BVC’s anti-racism training had a positive and immediate impact on attendees’ knowledge, confidence, and motivation to change their behaviour, particularly in relation to interpersonal racism. It also had an emotional impact on facilitators.
CBPAR is a meaningful approach in anti-racism research and should be undertaken by (T)CPs. BVC’s anti-racism training is beneficial for attendees as one aspect of wider anti-racism practice. Delivering the training requires a high level of skill and emotional resiliency from facilitators.