Exploring Latinx social work graduate students’ self-awareness by integrating Johari window, Photovoice and Mandala

Abstract

ABSTRACT Numerous researchers have addressed the role of self-awareness in personal and professional development over decades. Recent studies have addressed the effectiveness and outcomes of gaining self-awareness. In this study, the goal was to explore individuals’ self-awareness elements in relationship to the views of others. Thirteen graduate social work students agreed to participate in this qualitative study for a duration of a semester. The exploration was framed within the Johri window model and supplemented by Photovoice and Mandala. The main finding indicated that all identified self-awareness elements were not viewed as equally important and were not equally noticeable by others. Others particularly paid attention to the participants’ Other-Oriented Traits. Cognition and Emotion-Oriented traits were only noticed by others if the participants strongly focused on them. An additional finding revealed that there was a solid and complementary relationship between traits that were hidden from others (Façade) and individuals’ unconscious (Mystery). The final finding confirmed the role of experiential learning in promoting self-awareness.