The power (and caveats) of body mapping as a visual methodology with vulnerable youth

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to explore the NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) experiences of young people living in impoverished settings.Design/methodology/approachMethodologically, this study was informed by a qualitative analysis of visual and textual data related to a body mapping exercise with eleven young people who were participants in a four-day start-up workshop in a larger action research project.FindingsThe findings reveal that, although being NEET negatively affects young people’s self-esteem, confidence, hope for the future and general well-being, body mapping can help them discover latent assets useful for reducing their insecurities.Originality/valueResearchers using this method need to be well prepared to deal with possible emotional trauma, and to this end, we provide some guidelines for the effective implementation of body mapping.