Table 7 Checklist for Young People using the EQUITY Framework.

From: Exploring similarities and differences in how researchers and young people understand key terms in youth mental-health research

EQUITY Principle

Questions You Can Ask

Engage with Language

Do I understand the words researchers are using? Can I ask for things to be explained or say what makes more sense to me?

Question Power Dynamics

Do I feel heard and respected? Can I help shape how my ideas and stories are used? Can I say no without feeling bad?

Understand Context and Complexity

Do the researchers understand my background, culture, or identity? Do I feel safe being myself here?

Integrate Diverse Epistemologies

Can I share ideas through art, music, or other creative ways? Is my experience seen as important, even if it’s not ‘data’?

Trust and Time Investment

Have we had enough time to build trust? Do I feel comfortable asking questions or sharing my thoughts?

Youth-led Meaning-Making

Am I helping shape the project or the findings? Do I have a say in what this research is really about?

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