Knowledge Injustices When Identities Intersect (KIWI)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Impact of Experiences of Epistemic Injustice Among Young People with Psychosis on Community and Identity
IRAS ID
355391
Contact name
Catherine Cochrane
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham, Research Governance and Integrity
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This is an interview study investigating the lived experience of 10 young people (aged 18-25) who have had first episode psychosis (FEP). FEP typically involves unusual experiences and beliefs that can be distressing in nature. We want to know what impact conversations about these experiences have had on young people's feelings of belonging and identity. We are looking at conversations where the young person isn't treated with as much credibility, knowledge or experience as they should. This is known as an “epistemic injustice” or a “knowledge injustice”.
These knowledge injustices can be particularly problematic in a healthcare setting; when patients’ experiences are unfairly given less credibility, it can result in patients feeling dismissed or misunderstood. In the worst cases, it can lead to patient harm when key information is overlooked. Young people already report feeling ignored or misunderstood in terms of their mental health struggles and this can impact their sense of agency.
To investigate this, participants will first complete a timeline exercise which maps their weekly activities. This will give the researchers a picture of the participant’s everyday lives, as well as their social lives. They will be invited to recall, during a recorded interview, times when they have talked to people about their mental health, using the timeline as a jumping-off point. Participants will then be asked what they think went well or badly with these conversations and how this has affected their relationships with other people.
By the end of the study, we hope to have a better understanding of how knowledge injustices can have consequences for young people’s lives and to develop recommendations for improving conversations around mental health with young people.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
25/NS/0077
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion