A photo-a-day practise in capturing moments of everyday life: Exploring the influence of photo-taking on wellbeing.
The prevalence of mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, highlights the need for accessible and practical methods to enhance wellbeing as a preventative measure. Over half of the global population (54%) owns a smartphone, and the number of mobile users worldwide was projected to reach 7.49 billion by 2025. With smartphone cameras widely available, individuals can easily document daily moments, potentially benefitting their emotional wellbeing. This qualitative study explored the impact of photo-taking on individual wellbeing through a 3-week intervention grounded in positive psychology principles. Nineteen participants, recruited via social media took a daily photo for 3 weeks, each based on a theme set by the researcher: something they were grateful for (week 1), a selfie or self-portrait highlighting positive traits (week 2) and a picture to share with someone else (week 3). Participants then engaged in online one-on-one interviews with the researcher. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four core themes: (1) appreciation of life's value, (2) shifts in mindset, (3) cultivation of purpose and (4) pursuit of positivity. The findings suggest that this intervention contributes to fostering a positive outlook and enhancing feelings of happiness, contributing to participants' emotional wellbeing. While the study demonstrates a promising link between photo-taking and wellbeing as an accessible and preventative tool, further research is needed to examine additional variables, particularly across diverse age groups and ethnicities. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, such methods hold the potential for promoting individual and community flourishing with minimal effort.
- Abstract
3
- 10.1182/blood-2019-124762
- Nov 13, 2019
- Blood
Impact of Sickle Cell Disease Symptoms on Patients' Daily Lives: Interim Results from the International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY)
- Research Article
2
- 10.2196/55468
- Feb 18, 2025
- Journal of medical Internet research
Social media data provide a valuable opportunity to explore the effects that Alzheimer disease (AD) has on care partners, including the aspects of providing care that have the greatest impacts on their lives and well-being and their priorities for their loved ones' treatment. The objective of this social media review was to gain insight into the impact of caring for someone with AD, focusing particularly on impacts on psychological and emotional well-being, social functioning, daily life and ability to work, health-related quality of life, social functioning, and relationships. We reviewed social media posts from 4 sources-YouTube (Google), Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer Society of Canada, and Dementia UK-to gain insights into the impact of AD on care partners. English-language posts uploaded between May 2011 and May 2021 that discussed the impact of AD on care partners were included and analyzed thematically. Of the 279 posts identified, 55 posts, shared by 70 contributors (4 people living with AD and 66 care partners or family members), met the review criteria. The top 3 reported or observed impacts of AD discussed by contributors were psychological and emotional well-being (53/70, 76%), social life and relationships (37/70, 53%), and care partner overall health-related quality of life (27/70, 39%). An important theme that emerged was the emotional distress and sadness (24/70, 34%) associated with the care partners' experience of "living bereavement" or "anticipatory grief." Contributors also reported impacts on care partners' daily life (9/70, 13%) and work and employment (8/70, 11%). Care partners' emotional distress was also exacerbated by loved ones' AD-related symptoms (eg, altered behavior and memory loss). Caregiving had long-term consequences for care partners, including diminished personal well-being, family and personal sacrifices, loss of employment, and unanticipated financial burdens. Insights from social media emphasized the psychological, emotional, professional, and financial impacts on individuals providing informal care for a person with AD and the need for improved care partner support. A comprehensive understanding of care partners' experiences is needed to capture the true impact of AD.
- Research Article
19
- 10.1007/s11764-017-0595-2
- Jan 13, 2017
- Journal of Cancer Survivorship
In the USA, levels of emotional well-being among cancer survivors remain low. Social media is recognized as important to improve their emotional well-being. However, little is known about social mechanisms that underlie the impact of health-related social media in cancer care. This study proposed a moderated mediation model to signify a pathway linking social media use to emotional well-being. Four-hundred and fifty-nine cancer survivors identified through the 2013 US-based Health Information National Trends Survey were included for data analysis. First, structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the path from social media use to emotional well-being, mediated by patient activation. Second, hierarchical regression was performed to test the moderation effect of emotion management. Last, a normal theory-based approach was used to explore the final moderated mediation model. The effect of health-related social media use on emotional well-being was completely mediated by patient activation. Also, emotion management positively moderated the effect of patient activation on emotional well-being. Last, emotion management positively moderated the mediation pathway from health-related social media use to patient activation, and finally, to emotional well-being. Health-related social media, by itself, is not sufficient to bring about improvement in cancer survivors' emotional well-being. Patient activation and emotion management play a significant role. In future interventions designed to improve cancer survivors' emotional health, health practitioners should not only encourage cancer survivors to use social media for health purposes, but also activate them in the course of care, and improve their emotion self-management skills.
- Research Article
- 10.17721/bsp.2019.1(10).26
- Jan 1, 2019
- Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Series “Psychology”
The article defines terms on mental health and emotional well-being of adolescents and adolescents, and outlines major trends in mental health and emotional well-being of young people over the past decades. The aim of the article is to highlight and establish the importance of emotional and subjective well-being in adolescence and youth, to identify their further influence on the formation of the personality and its full life. Adolescence is seen as a critical period of development with long-term effects on the health and well-being of the individual. It is stated that the central factor in the health and well-being of adolescents is the interaction of young people with their environment, with people and attitudes in their daily lives. The most important determinants of adolescents' health are in their environment, as well as the choices and opportunities for improving the health or adverse behaviors of today's society. Factors that influence on the subjective and emotional well-being (sleep deprivation, increased stress, social relationships, the impact of violence) have been taken into account. The components and characteristics that support emotional and subjective well-being are identified, such as: self-esteem, motivation, stability, self-efficacy, hope and optimism, while high levels of anxiety, depression and stress can interfere with emotional health and well-being. In determining the factors that affect the emotional and subjective well-being of adolescents and youths, it is important to take into account the multidimensional nature of well-being and what sources and factors form it. The main sources affecting the sense of self and overall well-being of a person in adolescence and youth are family, community, peers, school environment and teachers. The modern world and the environment of human development are constantly changing, which has a significant impact on the well-being of the individual and its further development. Such changes are important elements for the continued successful interaction of adolescents and young people and their integration in society.
- Research Article
- 10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.67592
- Mar 3, 2026
- International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research
This study examined the relationship between social media use and learners’ well-being in the Schools District of Dumangas II during the academic year 2025–2026. Specifically, it sought to determine the extent of learners’ social media use and how it influences their emotional, social, and academic well-being. The respondents included 172 learners selected through purposive sampling, all of whom were active users of various social media platforms. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire that measured patterns of social media use in terms of frequency, duration, and type of engagement, as well as indicators of learners’ well-being such as emotional stability, social interaction, and academic focus. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to describe the levels of social media use and well-being, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was applied to determine the relationship between the variables. The findings revealed that learners demonstrated high levels of social media use, with many spending a significant amount of time on multiple platforms each day. While learners’ overall well-being was generally moderate to high, frequent and prolonged social media use showed a negative relationship with emotional well-being, particularly in managing stress and maintaining focus. Social and academic well-being, however, appeared to be less affected. The study concludes that although social media offers opportunities for communication and learning support, excessive use may pose challenges to learners’ emotional health. The learners practice responsible and balanced social media use, while teachers, school administrators, and parents provide consistent guidance and support to promote healthy digital habits. Future studies may focus on interventions that enhance the positive effects of social media while reducing its potential negative impact on learners’ well-being.
- Research Article
- 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac190.1061
- Jan 30, 2023
- Journal of Crohn's and Colitis
Background IBD significantly impacts individuals’ and their family members’ physical, psychosocial and emotional wellbeing. These then reduce quality of life. Whilst there are studies exploring the impact of IBD on children and their families, little is known about the impact of IBD on family members of adults with IBD. This study explored the impact of IBD on family members of adults diagnosed with IBD, what coping strategies they use and what support they need to manage the psychosocial and emotional burdens associated with supporting patients in managing their IBD. Methods An interpretive phenomenological study conducted, using an individual in-depth, semi-structured online interviews via MS Team, Zoom, or telephone. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive and deductive reflexive thematic analysis followed the Braun and Clark technique. Results Forty-three participants, including 17 people with IBD and 26 family members (parents, children, siblings, partners), were purposively selected. Three main themes and accompanying subthemes were created: (1) “Life is a roller coaster” (2) “There have been a lot of bridges to cross along the way” and (3) “My life would be better if...” Participants revealed that the impact of IBD on family members has better and worse aspects in terms of emotional wellbeing, relationship, pressure around roles and responsibilities, day-to-day burden, and siblings’ suffering. Positive coping strategies such as creating meaningful social networks, learning through living with the condition, and open communication were used by some. However, many used negative coping strategies such as avoidance, denial, and “battling on” without asking for help. To mitigate the negative impact of IBD, many family members expressed the need for support. This included proactive and effective communication from healthcare professionals, referral to meaningful sources of information and support, and support groups. Conclusion IBD impacts the emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of family members in both positive and negative ways. Some family members were able to use positive coping strategies, however many developed negative coping which affected their daily life. Interventions that support families to communicate better about the impacts of the condition on their wellbeing and/or provide psychosocial support will help family members of people with IBD better cope with disease and have a more fulfilling life. Health professionals need to understand the impact of IBD on family members and support them to cope with the psychosocial and emotional demands of the condition as well as the physical implications.
- Research Article
- 10.58578/kijahrs.v2i2.6246
- Jun 15, 2025
- Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies
Social media has evolved into a central platform for interpersonal communication and a powerful source of information within contemporary culture. While earlier generations were less accustomed to integrating technology and social media into daily life, current users actively embrace these platforms. Beyond facilitating social connections and networking opportunities, social media also serves as a tool for raising awareness and promoting various causes. However, these benefits are counterbalanced by potential negative effects on users’ emotional well-being. This paper critically examines the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on issues such as social media addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. It explores how excessive media use and social comparison contribute to psychological distress, highlighting the importance of user responsibility. Ultimately, the discussion advocates for a balanced approach to social media engagement that safeguards mental health while leveraging its positive potentials.
- Research Article
3
- 10.37676/mude.v2i3.4323
- Jul 6, 2023
- Jurnal Multidisiplin Dehasen (MUDE)
The influence of social media (medsos) on the emotional well-being of adolescents has become a topic of increasing importance in recent years. Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, have changed the way teenagers interact and communicate with other people. However, the impact that the use of social media has on the emotional well-being of adolescents has a complex side. One of the main influences of social media on adolescents' emotional well-being is feelings of dissatisfaction with themselves and social comparison. In a virtual world that is often filled with the best photos and seemingly perfect lives, it's easy for teenagers to get caught up in feelings of inferiority and anxiety over the judgment of others. They often compare their life to the ideal life presented on social media, and this can lead to depression, anxiety and other emotional well-being issues. In addition, excessive use of social media can also trigger feelings of alienation and loneliness in adolescents. While they can connect with many people through these platforms, these virtual interactions often don't have the same depth as in real life. Teenagers may feel less emotionally and socially connected, as they focus more on interacting through screens than on developing direct relationships with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and loss of social connections that are important for their emotional development. In addition, bullying and online bullying (cyberbullying) are also one of the negative impacts of using social media on the emotional well-being of adolescents. Teenagers are often the target of verbal abuse, threats or defamation through social media platforms. This can seriously impact a teenager's mental and emotional health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. However, it is also important to remember that social media can also have a positive influence on adolescents' emotional well-being. They can help teens make new social connections, express themselves, and seek support from similar online communities. Apart from that, social media can also be a valuable source of information and knowledge for teenagers, if used wisely and with discipline.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1182/blood-2024-206337
- Nov 5, 2024
- Blood
Global Sickle Cell Quality of Life: Oral Pain Medication Frequency, Health Outcomes, and Emotional Well-Being
- Research Article
- 10.62370/hbds.v26i1.278202
- Apr 23, 2025
- HUMAN BEHAVIOR, DEVELOPMENT and SOCIETY
Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the personal narratives of Filipino adolescents about the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and how it affects their overall life situations. By delving into their experiences, this research aimed to uncover the unique ways that FOMO shapes their emotions, behaviors, and social interactions, providing a deeper insight into their daily struggles and coping mechanisms. Introduction/Background: The study encapsulated the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a common experience among active social media users, especially young people. Social media is a platform where contents are filtered, and only happy and joyful moments are seen. Because of the frequent posting of happy moments and successes on social media, many people perceive others' lives as perfect and feel pitiful about their own lives. People feel that they are not included or that their lives are lacking compared to others. Studies have found that FOMO has a negative impact on self-esteem and mental well-being, and excessive use of social media makes it worse, as it can create negative feelings of envy towards what individuals perceive from social media. Methodology: A qualitative research design that used narrative analysis was chosen to examine how Filipino youth experience Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in relation to social media use and offline interactions. The study was conducted in the City of Cagayan de Oro, located in the northern part of Mindanao. The researchers selected eight (8) Filipino youths aged 13 to 18 who had experienced FOMO. To obtain the necessary data, a semi-structured interview guide created by the researchers was used as the main research instrument. Since some participants were minors, a consent form was prepared to inform parents of the purpose and method of the study to address ethical considerations. Upon obtaining consent, the researchers set up an interview schedule with each participant. The participants were also asked to fill out an assent form. The researchers utilized open-ended questions to allow participants to reveal their experiences of FOMO. The researchers made audio recordings of the interviews to ensure data accuracy and reliability. The recordings were then transcribed to facilitate analysis. In terms of data analysis, the researchers utilized three levels of narrative analysis: personal, positional, and societal. On a personal level, participants' individual experiences and how they personally experienced FOMO were explored. At the positional level, differences in the social positions of the narrator and the listener were examined. The societal level looked at society's broader view of FOMO, and how it is affected by social factors. The data analysis was divided into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. The beginning focused on the individual or personal impact of FOMO. The middle part examined the influence of social networks and relationships with others, especially the role of social belongingness. The final section focused on the broader impact of social media on FOMO, specifically the value of online visibility and social media as a source of personal satisfaction and confidence. Findings: The results showed that due to social media, Filipino adolescents experienced FOMO which affected their self-worth, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging. The frequency of social media use affected adolescents significantly. Many relied on likes and reactions for validation, feeling inadequate when they received little engagement, while social comparisons intensified feelings of exclusion and self-doubt. Peer pressure pushed them to maintain an idealized online presence, often conflicting with their true selves and creating a struggle between social belonging and personal values. Additionally, what individuals perceived on social media affected their self-perception, conflicting with their overall well-being. Some participants recognized the need to detach their self-worth from social media, focusing instead on real-life experiences, personal growth, and meaningful relationships. The findings revealed that social media contributes significantly to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, with adolescents often comparing themselves to others' curated online personas. Despite temporary validation through online engagement, many participants reported a cycle of dependence on social media to avoid missing out. In contrast, in-person interactions offered a sense of belonging and relief from exclusion. Contribution/Impact on Society: The study highlighted the psychological and social impacts of FOMO, and calls for interventions such as digital literacy programs and peer support groups to help adolescents healthily navigate these challenges. Recommendations: It is recommended that educators, parents, and mental health professionals help reduce the feeling of FOMO among adolescents by promoting social media literacy, encouraging open discussions, and providing coping strategies to build self-esteem and resilience against FOMO. Research Limitation: Due to the cultural context, the FOMO discussion may have unique characteristics that would not occur elsewhere. Future Research: Future research should explore the nuances of FOMO in different cultural contexts to provide a broader understanding of its impact and how to develop more effective interventions. Additionally, exploring the role of parental guidance and educational interventions in mitigating FOMO could provide valuable insights into preventive measures.
- Abstract
2
- 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.841
- Aug 1, 2022
- Archives of Disease in Childhood
AimsThe combined impact of race discrimination and COVID-19 on the everyday lives of Black Asian and minority ethnic families and communities has drawn to the fore the glaring inequalities that...
- Research Article
- 10.12928/jehcp.vi.30998
- Jun 23, 2025
- Journal of Educational, Health and Community Psychology
The absence of a father figure, often termed fatherlessness, has profound implications for adolescent psychological development, particularly in the regulation and expression of emotion. This qualitative study aims to explore how fatherless adolescent boys regulate their emotions and derive meaning from their experiences of paternal absence. Three male participants aged 18–22 who had experienced fatherlessness due to death or parental separation were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis as proposed by Braun and Clarke. The analysis identified four core themes: (1) Negative Emotions Due to Father Absence, including sadness, social comparison, and emotional instability; (2) Emotion Regulation through Avoidance and Distraction, such as engaging in sports, digital entertainment, and isolation; (3) Emotional Expression and Maladaptive Coping, including substance use, aggression, and spiritual reflection; and (4) Meaning-Making and Identity Reconstruction, in which participants described increased independence, self-reliance, and the aspiration to be a source of pride for their remaining parent, typically the mother. The findings reveal that while fatherless adolescents exhibit emotional vulnerability, they also show potential for resilience and post-traumatic growth when supported by meaningful relationships and personal coping mechanisms. It is recommended that psychological interventions for fatherless youth include emotion-focused therapy, cognitive restructuring, and mentorship programs to foster positive male identity development and emotional well-being.
- Supplementary Content
2
- 10.1177/20552076251386662
- May 1, 2025
- Digital Health
BackgroundThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into therapeutic practices has introduced new possibilities for enhancing mental health interventions. Among these innovations, AI-driven art therapy has emerged as a promising approach, combining the expressive and healing aspects of traditional art therapy with the adaptive and analytical strengths of AI. This modality shows particular potential in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental health challenges, and those seeking emotional well-being.AimThis umbrella review aimed to synthesize and evaluate existing evidence on the application, effectiveness, and implementation of AI-driven art therapy in improving outcomes for individuals with ASD, mental health conditions, and emotional distress.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases—including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library—to identify systematic and scoping reviews that adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The methodological quality of included reviews was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Thematic analysis was applied to extract and synthesize recurring patterns and core themes across studies.ResultsThe findings revealed significant therapeutic benefits of AI-driven art therapy, including enhanced communication and emotional regulation in individuals with ASD, and reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mental health populations. Additionally, the platforms improved emotional well-being through personalized engagement, self-reflection, and increased autonomy. However, technological barriers, ethical concerns, and accessibility issues were noted as key limitations.ConclusionsAI-driven art therapy represents a transformative and accessible tool in modern therapeutic practices. While challenges remain, its potential to support diverse populations through individually tailored and engaging interventions makes it a valuable complement to traditional mental health care.
- Research Article
1
- 10.5965/259464124240
- Dec 31, 2020
- Cidadania em Ação: Revista de Extensão e Cultura
Desde o seu início, a pandemia de COVID-19 gerou alterações no cotidiano. Dentre as medidas adotadas foi a implementação da quarentena com o isolamento e o distanciamento social, que marcaram não somente a diminuição das interações humanas, mas o aumento de sentimentos e vivências por vezes negativas relacionadas à falta dela, ao medo e à dificuldade em se adaptar e implementar novos comportamentos. Pensando nisso, pesquisadores do Laboratório de Psicologia Positiva nas Organizações e no Trabalho (LAPPOT) da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) desenvolveram um projeto de extensão com o objetivo de auxiliar a população por meio da disseminação de conhecimento e de estratégias de enfrentamento pautadas nos princípios da Psicologia Positiva. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar o relato de experiência com a descrição do projeto, do método, da execução e dos resultados obtidos com sua aplicação. O projeto ocorreu por meio da realização de lives em rede e mídias sociais do laboratório com o objetivo de disseminar os conhecimentos quanto à psicologia positiva para contribuição nas situações de isolamento e de distanciamento social em função da pandemia do Covid- 19. As ações realizadas pelo projeto de extensão auxiliaram o desenvolvimento de estratégias voltadas à promoção da saúde por meio de emoções, sentimentos, atitudes e comportamentos que favoreceram o bem-estar, a qualidade de vida e a felicidade das pessoas.
- Research Article
1
- 10.7187/gjat122024-4
- Dec 31, 2024
- Global Journal Al-Thaqafah
The emotional well-being of a university student is influenced by various factors and they face a unique set of challenges that can impact their overall well-being. The objective of this review is to examine the religious-related factors that contribute to university students' emotional well-being in Asian countries. A comprehensive searching strategy was employed across various databases, including SCOPUS and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were studies published in the last five years (2019-2024), focusing on emotional well-being and writing in English, and qualitative and quantitative studies were considered. Articles were carefully reviewed to assess their relevance and quality. Many studies shed light on the interplay between religiosity, spirituality, and emotional well-being, emphasizing their profound impact on students’ lives, including their academic success. This review underscores the importance of external factors such as social support, social media, religious coping, and self-compassion as key contributors to the emotional well-being of university students. Consequently, when examining the determinants of students’ emotional well-being, it is crucial to integrate these influential external factors, given their significant role in shaping students’ overall well-being and daily lives.