Participatory action research and oral history as natural allies in mental health research

This article explores the similarities and differences between oral history participatory action research (PAR) as two qualitative methods that both accord with an interpretivist paradigm. It examines how combining these methodologies can benefit mental health research, offering opportunities for reflection reciprocity. Drawing from authors’ respective knowledge experience of using PAR within social care settings in UK, considers relation to key concepts, namely, sharing power, reciprocity positionality are inherent methodological approaches. The concludes PAR-led offers a trans-disciplinary methodology offer fresh insights improving practices outcomes reducing inequalities.