Photo-elicitation Study Research Articles

Spanish residents’ experiences of care during the first wave of the COVID-19 syndemic: a photo-elicitation study

ABSTRACT Purpose The main aim of this research was to explore experiences of care during the lockdown of the first wave of COVID-19 syndemic in Spain Methods This is a qualitative and explorative study using self-photo-elicitation as a data collection method. Fifteen participants (Twelve women and three men) shared 25 photographs and one video between the June 18 and August, 2020. Participants’ photographs and texts were collected online. Data were analysed based on Thematic Analysis. Results Three emerging categories were constructed: 1) the deconstruction of care: self-care and collective care 2) the crisis of care and gendered care, 2) beyond anthropocentrism: animalism and ecology. Findings indicate the need to understand “care” in terms of social reproduction, including self-care, care towards other humans and non-human animals, and collective care. Also, the need to care for planetary health and to be in contact with nature as a form of self-care and social care. Conclusions Care in a period of social and health crisis puts human relationships and also non-human life at the centre. Care requires adopting taking an ecological one-health perspective.

Beyond homeliness: A photo-elicitation study of the 'homely' design paradigm in care settings.

This paper examines perceptions of homeliness in palliative care environments through a photo-elicitation study involving 89 palliative care staff. The study finds that what is perceived as homely tends to exhibit a mutually exclusive relationship with a clinical antithesis. It also finds that antonymous or antithetical understandings of homeliness are as common as those based on actual attributes of homeliness. It is argued that a more nuanced understanding of the spatial and material constituents of homeliness is needed to make it a more realistic objective within the design and procurement of healthcare environments. It is also argued that the inverse relationship of homely and clinical environmental qualities could be translated into a design approach that aims to negotiate rather than negate their apparent mutual incompatibility.

Fathers' experiences of childcare and feeding: A photo-elicitation study in a low resource setting in urban Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Children's health and wellbeing studies focus mainly on mothers' roles while very little is known about the experiences/challenges that fathers face in fulfilling their responsibilities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the fathers' lived experiences of childcare and feeding in an urban low-income setting. This qualitative study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo-elicitation was used to facilitate the in-depth interviews with fathers of children below the age of five years. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated verbatim, followed by a thematic analysis approach. The overarching theme of this study was "Fatherhood as an enduring identity", which comprised of three sub-themes: 1) Blessings of fatherhood, 2) Adjusting to fathering roles, and 3) Struggles/demands of fatherhood in a low-resource setting. Fathers expressed that having children or becoming parents was a blessing. They expressed their love, devotion, and attachment to their children. Some used the term "my second chance in life" underscoring the importance. Although fathers strived relentlessly to spend time and care for their children, they faced challenges such as internal struggles adjusting to and fatherhood whilst maintaining a sense of their former self. As well, providing for their families amidst added pressures imposed by the external environment, such as poor housing conditions, a lack of employment opportunities, the then COVID-19 pandemic, further increased their stressors. Most fathers were engaged in child care and feeding, suggesting that like mothers, fathers should be viewed as potential agents for implementing nutrition interventions in this setting. However, if interventions are to be successful, they need to incorporate components that boost fathers' livelihoods and general wellbeing.

Impact of creative dance on subjective well-being amongst older adults: an arts-informed photo-elicitation study

ABSTRACT As the popularity of dance as a health-enhancing activity for adults over the age of 65 has grown, experimental research that aims to identify the physical, psychological, and social impacts of dancing is now prevalent in academic journals. Consistently, the participant’s voice is left out of this research. Photo-elicitation interviews were used within an arts-informed methodology. Ten female dancers aged 66–77 years who attend the same weekly, creative dance class participated. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed an overarching theme of psychosocial resilience and five sub-themes: connecting with others, challenging perceptions of aging, emotional vulnerability, the importance of creativity, and opportunity to exercise autonomy. The results offer novel insight into the impact of creative dancing on subjective wellbeing and suggest that creative dancing can foster psychosocial resilience. The relationship between creative dance and psychosocial resilience should be explored further in other creative dance groups and older male dancers.

Attention to detail: A photo-elicitation study of salience and packaging design for portion control and healthy eating.

Evidence demonstrates that food packaging attracts consumers to purchase and has the potential to nudge consumers towards healthy choices, including reducing portion size. However, food purchasing decisions are often automatic and packaging features may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to understand what consumers identify as most salient about packaging: what they notice and why, and which elements might nudge consumers towards healthy options and smaller portions of high-energy-density foods. This study explored consumer perception of food packaging, investigated specific features associated with portion control and elicited design ideas to improve packaging for healthy eating and downsizing. A qualitative approach was adopted applying a participant-driven photo-elicitation (PDPE) task with in-depth interviews. Participants were 25 adults living in the UK (aged 20-32 years; 17 females, 8 males, BMI=23 kg/m2 ). Participants took photographs of 10 food packages according to salience (n= 5) and portion control (n= 5). These were uploaded to a secure site and then discussed at the interview, which was transcribed and analysed. The salience of packaging was described in terms of trust building, stimulating appetite and relating to self-identity, whereas for portion control, themes included structural reminders, healthy prompts and portion awareness. Packaging can be designed to make health value or serving size more salient by prompting portion control and increasing the attractiveness of packaging. While food purchase decisions happen with little deliberation, when probed, consumers provide useful insights for packaging design to assist portion control.

How Emerging Adults Perceive Elements of Nature as Resources for Wellbeing: A Qualitative Photo-Elicitation Study

Research that examines lived experience and how emerging adults seek to create wellbeing in their daily lives through nature is limited. This paper addresses this gap by providing unique insights into how emerging adults perceive and experience nature as a beneficial resource for their wellbeing. Data were collected using photo-elicitation interviews, where 18 emerging adults took photographs that represented their views on and experiences of wellbeing, and during the follow-up interviews discussed the meaning of their photographs. Without a priori mention, 14 participants identified contact with various elements of nature as important resources in supporting their wellbeing. It is the results of these 14 interviews that are discussed in this paper with a focus on (i) the elements of nature which these emerging adults identify as important resources for their wellbeing, (ii) experiences and the perceived pathways between these elements of nature and wellbeing. Thematic analysis revealed four distinct perceived pathways connecting nature to wellbeing, including symbiotic nurturing, building social glue, maintaining a positive outlook, and centreing yourself. Four elements of nature facilitated these pathways: domesticated fauna, domesticated flora, wild fauna and wild surrounding nature. The findings help build understanding of how emerging adults perceive elements of nature as resources for wellbeing and can inform the development of nature-oriented interventions.

Signs, billboards, and graffiti a social-spatial discourse in a regenerated council estate

ABSTRACT Residents within a council housing area in Stirling, Scotland, which is undergoing regeneration, took photos for an auto-driven photo-elicitation study. There was limited guidance on what images to capture. Residents were simply invited to focus on the neighbourhood. An unexpected finding was the significance participating residents gave to the linguistic and semiotic landscape such as signs, billboards and graffiti. Within the interview, it became apparent that the participants considered the signs as part of the expression of spatial social discourse. Therefore, the billboards and signs placed there by the powerful social actors such as developers were understood and scrutinised for their claims and the lived reality of residents. Also, graffiti was understood in context with the social-spatial dialectic of being inscribed within a community with an underlying sectarian discourse.

A qualitative photo-elicitation study exploring the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute spinal cord injury.

Individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) are at an increased risk of falling. However, little is known about the impact of falls and fall risk in the subacute phase of SCI/D, despite this being a time when fall prevention initiatives are delivered. Hence, we explored the impact of falls and fall risk in individuals with subacute SCI/D as they transitioned from inpatient rehabilitation to community living. This qualitative photo-elicitation study used an inductive thematic analysis. Eight individuals (7 male) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at a Canadian tertiary rehabilitation hospital due to a new SCI/D participated. Six months following discharge, photo-elicitation interviewing was used to understand the impact of falls and fall risk. Over 7-14 days, participants completed a photo-assignment that involved taking photographs in response to questions, such as what increases/decreases your likelihood of falling? A semi-structured interview followed, in which participants described their photographs and discussed their experiences with falls, fall risk and fall prevention training. Four themes were identified. 1) Risk factors and strategies identified through lived experience. Participants discovered their fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies through "trial and error". 2) Influences on the individual's perception of their fall risk. Prior experience with falls, including falls experienced by themselves as well as friends and family, influenced their perception of fall risk. 3) Experiencing life differently due to increased fall risk. A high fall risk reduced participation, increased negative emotions and decreased independence and quality of life. 4) Falls training in rehabilitation can be improved. Prior experiences with falls training varied; however, participants expressed a desire for comprehensive and individualized training. Although participants' experiences with falls and fall prevention varied, falls and the risk of falling can have a significant impact on the first year of living with a SCI/D.

“How Do You See Your Life Now?” A Photo-Elicitation Study Focused on Depression and Social Skills in Adolescence

Previous studies have reported associations between low levels of social skills and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Although substantial quantitative research has been carried out on this association, there have been few qualitative investigations into this topic. This study explores the association of depression symptoms and social skills repertoires in adolescence qualitatively, using photo-elicitation. Eight Brazilian adolescents were divided into two groups considering the presence or absence of depression symptoms, gender and socio-economic conditions. Participants were asked to take six pictures regarding a specific question. Individual interviews about their images were conducted. Visual and textual data were analysed using Thematic Analysis and four guidance questions. Socially skilled behaviours were associated with adolescents' perceived support and considered a protective factor for depression during stressful life events. Relationships with parents and new school colleagues were the primary sources of social skills challenges. Parents’ lack of social skills seemed to be associated with adolescents’ low social skills repertories. Hobbies were found to facilitate adolescents’ engagement in social interactions. The study extends our knowledge of how adolescents experience the association of depression and social skills in their daily lives, contributing to inform adolescents' and parents' social skills training focused on decreasing adolescents’ depression symptoms. Limitations and implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.

“No-one realises what we go through as Type 1s”: A qualitative photo-elicitation study on coping with diabetes

AimsType 1 diabetes (T1D) has physical, emotional, and social consequences and little is known how adults cope with the condition long term. This research aimed to use a novel photo-elicitation technique to gain in-depth insight into the personal coping experiences of adults living with T1D. MethodsIn-depth photo elicitation interviews were employed to collect data and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsParticipant-led data revealed an overarching theme of the relentlessness of the condition. Continuous self-management tasks infiltrated participants’ lives and had a significant impact on coping experiences. A range of techniques and resources were used to cope including using alarms and reminders, diabetes technology, interpersonal relationships, supportive healthcare services and seeking a mind–body balance. ConclusionsTechnology shows promise for easing the burden of the condition, expert-led online support would be of benefit, and peer support should be prioritised within interventions for adults with T1D.

Effects of Plant Communities on Human Physiological Recovery and Emotional Reactions: A Comparative Onsite Survey and Photo Elicitation Study.

We investigated the effects on humans, in terms of skin conductance levels (SCLs) and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) scores, of plant communities that differed in their vegetation structure (single-layer woodland, tree-shrub-grass composite woodland, tree-grass composite woodland, and single-layer grassland) through two perceptual methods: onsite surveying and photo elicitation. The results showed that (1) the choice of perception method significantly impacted the PANAS scores of the participants but had no influence on the SCL and (2) viewing a single-layer grassland reduced the SCL (representing the physiological stress level) and improved the positive affect score. The recovery effects for the four vegetation communities were ranked in the order of single-layer grassland > tree-shrub-grass composite woodland > single-layer woodland > tree-grass composite woodland. (3) Gender and professional background significantly impacted the plant community perception methods and landscape experience, and negative affect scores were lower for male participants than for female participants. Participants without backgrounds in landscape design exhibited higher positive affect scores under photo elicitation. Based on the conclusions drawn above, the onsite survey is preferable between the two perception methods. It is recommended that in future landscape designs, combinations of plant community types should be reasonably matched through onsite perception. These research results can provide a scientific basis for the future design of landscapes based on perception experience.

Experiences of New Mothers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

To describe postpartum experiences of women who gave birth during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to identify short-term and long-term opportunities to address maternal-child health during this pandemic. This qualitative photo-elicitation study asked 30 women between 3 and 10 weeks postpartum to take photographs that encompassed their experience as a new mother during the pandemic. Two trained interviewers elicited elements of this experience using the photos as an anchor during virtual, hour-long interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis, including open coding to identify key ideas, codebook development, and codebook refinement. Half of transcripts were team coded to ensure coding accuracy. After coding, the study team organized codes to inform the development of an explanatory model. Interviews identified important stressors new mothers experienced that were worsened during the pandemic, namely fear, child care, older children, loss, isolation, and employment. Interviews also highlighted key support structures (self-care, interpersonal, and structural supports) that were at times helpful in alleviating stressors and at others were inadequate to counter stress and even enhanced stress. For postpartum individuals overall, the pandemic resulted in increased strain during an already stressful time. These findings demonstrate inadequacy of support systems for postpartum women and may highlight action items for stakeholders to improve postpartum care during the pandemic and in the future.

The Textual-Visual Thematic Analysis: A Framework to Analyze the Conjunction and Interaction of Visual and Textual Data

Visual methods offer an innovative approach to qualitative research through their potential to prompt dialogue, enrich verbal and textual data, and enable participants to communicate about difficult topics. However, the use of visual methods requires that researchers rethink methodological aspects of data generation and analysis, especially when working with participant-generated images. Although there are now many analytical frameworks and guidebooks providing instructions on the analysis of textual and visual materials, detailed descriptions of how these elements are brought together are often missing from research reports, precluding novice and other researchers from understanding how findings were attained. Our aim in this article is to describe and illustrate the Textual-Visual Thematic Analysis (TVTA), a framework we developed to collaboratively analyze the conjunction and interaction of textual and visual data in a photo-elicitation study. Given that the ethical and methodological aspects are deeply entwined, we begin the article by contextualizing the data obtained from the photo-elicitation study and then consider confidentiality and approaches to valuing participants' voices. Next, we share the TVTA framework, its procedural implementation, and insights derived from evolving our data analysis approach. We conclude by offering reflections on the limitations and possibilities for future research.

It’s not fine: A photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivors’ emotions and coping strategies

BackgroundComprehensive cancer care includes supporting the psychological health of survivors who are at high risk of distress. However, little is known about the emotional experiences of rectal cancer survivors specifically. We sought to explore psychological well-being and coping strategies utilized by rectal cancer survivors. MethodsTwenty rectal cancer survivors shared photographs of their post-treatment experiences. In follow-up interviews, participants discussed photographs’ meanings and emotional experiences during their cancer journey. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using iterative steps of inductive thematic analysis. ResultsEmotions ranged from sadness to anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. Coping mechanisms were grouped into 3 categories: (1) seeking support and information; (2) focus on attitudes and perspectives; and (3) distancing strategies. ConclusionOur results highlight the persistent psychological impact of rectal cancer and need for additional support for survivors. Providers may help temper patients’ fear of recurrence by explicitly discussing prognosis and risk of recurrence. Although multidisciplinary survivorship clinics are ideal, all cancer care providers and primary care physicians should feel empowered to screen for psychological distress and refer patients to appropriate resources when needed.

‘This magical place’: Understanding BiCon 2008 as a heterotopic place-event

In this article, I outline findings from a photo-elicitation study of a bisexual community event in the United Kingdom. Participants describe the event as taking place in ‘a separate world’, a ‘portable bubble’ reached by a symbolic journey away from the everyday, within which they can recognise themselves as present-tense bisexual subjects. These framings support a theorisation of BiCon as a heterotopic place-event where the paradox of bisexual subjectivity can be temporarily resolved. Applying the concept of heterotopia to BiCon 2008 allows us to account for the relationship between the ‘magical space’ of BiCon and the spaces of the non-BiCon world. Further, by theorising BiCon 2008 as a place-event ( Pink, 2012 ), we can begin to account for the ways in which the space is produced intersubjectively, through the movements and practices of its constituents.

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Persons with MS: A Photo-elicitation Study

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To explore and gain a deeper understanding of barriers, facilitators, and strategies to support exercise behaviours across the disease course from the perspectives of individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). <h3>Design</h3> Qualitative study using photo-elicitation and one-on-one interviews. <h3>Setting</h3> Urban community setting, Saskatchewan, Canada. <h3>Participants</h3> A convenience sample of individuals with MS (n=7). Individuals participating in another study self-identified their interest in participating in this study. Eligibility criteria: physician diagnosis of MS. Participants differed in age (range: 24-75); sex (Male:Female 2:5); duration, type, and severity of MS; and physical activity levels. <h3>Interventions</h3> Over a two-week period, participants were asked to photograph aspects of their environment and experiences that capture what they perceive makes exercising easier or more difficult. Participants were then instructed to choose and caption 6-9 photographs to share with the research team during a one-on-one interview. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the SHOWeD framework, were conducted to discuss the content of the photographs and explore participants' perceptions of managing their MS. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify overarching barriers and facilitators to exercise among participants with MS. <h3>Results</h3> Three main themes that influenced exercise behaviour were identified: (1) Psychosocial: the self and the social; (2) Environmental: adapting and modifying the environment; (3) Logistical: planning and preparedness. Communication and support from healthcare providers appeared to play a key role in each theme. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Barriers and facilitators to exercise among individuals with MS may be unique to the individual and influenced by personality, mindset, experiences, relationships, context, and environment. Healthcare providers must realize the pivotal role they have in influencing exercise behaviours. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts.

“I've Never Felt Such Absolute Devastating Loss”: A Photo Elicitation Exploration of Men's Postseparation Experiences of Coping After Intimate Partner Violence

Current research and statistics support that there are a significant number of male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), yet less is known about how men cope with, and indeed move on from, these experiences postseparation. The aim of the current study is to discuss the findings from a photo elicitation study exploring men’s postseparation experiences of coping after IPV experiences; photo elicitation as a method of interviewing is simply the use of photos within an interview setting (Harper, 2002), they are used as a stimulus to elicit richer accounts of the topic under study (Frith &amp; Harcourt, 2007). We interviewed 16 men who brought photos that represented their experience for discussion. Interviews were analyzed thematically, and several overarching themes were identified: (a) power, (b) postseparation support, (c) systemic injustice and separation, (d) separation, impact, and loss. Men described the ways in which they engaged in mechanisms to help their “recovery” and help them to cope, but these efforts were often hampered by ongoing issues of power with their ex-partners, gender stereotyped treatment, a lack of support from systems they approached for help, and separation from their children. Findings are discussed in relation to current legislation and practice, with recommendations made around the need for tailored support and intervention to support men and their children.

An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults in South-East Queensland: a Photo-Elicitation Study

An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults in South-East Queensland: a Photo-Elicitation Study

“I've Never Felt Such Absolute Devastating Loss”: A Photo Elicitation Exploration of Men's Postseparation Experiences of Coping After Intimate Partner Violence

Current research and statistics support that there are a significant number of male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), yet less is known about how men cope with, and indeed move on from, these experiences postseparation. The aim of the current study is to discuss the findings from a photo elicitation study exploring men's postseparation experiences of coping after IPV experiences; photo elicitation as a method of interviewing is simply the use of photos within an interview setting (Harper, 2002), they are used as a stimulus to elicit richer accounts of the topic under study (Frith &amp; Harcourt, 2007). We interviewed 16 men who brought photos that represented their experience for discussion. Interviews were analyzed thematically, and several overarching themes were identified: (a) power, (b) postseparation support, (c) systemic injustice and separation, (d) separation, impact, and loss. Men described the ways in which they engaged in mechanisms to help their “recovery” and help them to cope, but these efforts were often hampered by ongoing issues of power with their ex-partners, gender stereotyped treatment, a lack of support from systems they approached for help, and separation from their children. Findings are discussed in relation to current legislation and practice, with recommendations made around the need for tailored support and intervention to support men and their children.

Life During COVID-19: The Student Experience

This study’s objectives were to provide university faculty and administration examples of the challenges students face during COVID-19 and give students a chance to process their experiences with one another. A team of student researchers and interdisciplinary faculty members conducted a photo-elicitation study. Participants were instructed to take photographs for up to 10 days that helped them describe life during the pandemic. The students were subsequently interviewed about their photos over a video conferencing platform. We conducted semistructured photo-elicitation interviews with 43 university students from April 20, 2020, to May 26, 2020. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts revealed that students were affected by the pandemic at three levels: individual, interpersonal, and organizational. Participant responses are a call to action for educators to prioritize safety, connection, and wellness in their pedagogical practices. The students who participated in this project made a clear statement to faculty about their learning and well-being needs. Learning cannot be prioritized over loss of safety amid the pandemic, health concerns, or social injustices.