JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Black children in Canada are disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. However, limited research specifically addresses their mental health despite this cohort being one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. Although studies have documented mental health disparities among Black youth, a critical gap remains with respect to understanding effective strategies to promote and support the mental well-being of Black children, particularly from the perspectives of the children themselves and their parents.

Objective:

This paper presents the protocol for a participatory action research project aimed at co-developing strategies to promote the mental well-being of Black Children in Alberta. The research project will examine the intersecting influences on their mental health and explore how traditional knowledge can be integrated with Western medical knowledge to promote mental well-being.

Methods:

Drawing on intersectionality, transnationalism, and postcolonial feminism as theoretical lenses, this participatory action research will involve two key components: 1) in-depth interviews with 20 to 30 Black parents and 20 to 30 Black children in Alberta; and 2) 18 community-led “conversation circles” as an intervention to promote children’s mental health. This research will draw on the experience and expertise of an advisory committee composed of Black adolescents and parents, as well as community mental health professionals.

Results:

Recruitment of participants for the research interviews has commenced, and recruitment for the conversation circles will begin in April 2026. Data collection and analysis will occur iteratively. Research findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, as a policy brief for relevant institutions, and as a practice brief for health service providers.

Conclusions:

This participatory action research will bring to the fore qualitative insights through which effective, community-informed strategies will be developed to promote the mental well-being of Black children in Alberta. Findings will inform the mental health practices of Black parents and children as well as relevant policy and mental health services.