Parallel Experience: An Interview Technique
Pearl Parvin Coulter, Margaret J. Brower · AJN American Journal of Nursing · 1969
Indians are easy to approach and willing to give information, one anthropologist told us. Talk to them if you want to learn about their health practices and beliefs. He also warned about certain difficulties-the problem of linguistics, the sheer inability to communicate across cultures, and the need to avoid sensitive subjects if rapport was to be established. For example, a Papago will not say the name of a deceased person. The more recent the death, the stronger the taboo. The recently departed is perceived to be so close he can hear conversations and will be displeased if his name is mentioned. Since he can retaliate, he may harm not only the transgressor but the entire family. Our specific efforts to learn about Papago health beliefs and practices were prompted by a teaching grant to enrich the public health nursing experience of senior students. The grant would make possible their involvement with health services to