Photovoice Study Research Articles

Assessing Employment Needs of People With Mental Illness: A Photovoice Study

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This Photovoice study assessed employment needs of people with mental illness to inform a community advisory group for identifying a course of action to address unemployment, a social determinant of mental health. Primary Author and Speaker: Chinyu Wu Contributing Authors: Anna Gray, Janet Paleo, Adridana Barbosa

“I got given all these keys”: a photovoice study examining master and alternative narratives and nonbinary identity formation in London’s queer communities

Background Nonbinary people may rely on queer communities to resist cisnormative erasure and shape their sense of identity. However, transnormativity within queer communities may repudiate nonbinary identities. The Master Narrative Framework informs our understanding of how cis- and transnormative narratives are negotiated within queer communities, but no study has yet applied this framework to specifically study nonbinary identity formation. Better understanding of nonbinary identity formation is a key task for clinicians and researchers to offer appropriate care to these populations. Aim The study aimed to understand trans + intra-community processes and their impact on nonbinary identity formation, exploring dominant master and alternative narratives and developing further recommendations for research in this under-studied area. Methods Grounded in a constructionist framework and feminist theory, the study used photovoice. Ten nonbinary individuals were trained on photovoice and participated in focus groups and interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Findings identified four prevalent master and alternative narratives: The different one: master narrative of imposters; and the three alternative narratives of To be queer is to reject the norm; To be nonbinary is to appear androgynous and To be queer is to go out. Participants’ identity shifted and took shape in response to their lived experience of these narratives; however they resisted the pressure to present an unchanging identity. Discussion Results were presented in light of previous findings. Further research is warranted on nonbinary identities that looks beyond deficit-based understandings and nuances processes of identity formation and narrative creation.

Black and Latina women’s lived experiences with navigating neighborhood food swamps to find healthy food: A photovoice approach

ABSTRACT To understand the perspectives of individuals living within food swamps and how they may perceive their access to healthy vs. unhealthy foods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we examine how they may navigate their food environment to feed themselves and their families. We recruited women of color living within a food swamp neighborhood to share their perspectives on healthy and unhealthy food access, healthy eating, neighborhood resources, and community support. We employed the Photovoice model to engage participants to take photographs and document their experiences through two surveys. A focus group was completed to identify solutions and priorities to improve healthy food access. Nine themes related to food access including marketing, food quality, and affordability were identified. Participants conveyed the “saddening” or “frustrating” experience of taking images, which allowed them to document what they feel is the unfair experience of purchasing food in their own neighborhood. Participants highlighted goals they believed would improve outcomes for their neighborhood while discussing potential stakeholders who may assist the community. Participants identified several existing community assets such as local markets and schools that should be leveraged and expanded to enhance the overall health-promoting aspects of their neighborhood. Community members are able to identify the prevalence of unhealthy foods in their neighborhoods and work diligently to combat issues of food access. After completion of the Photovoice study, participants felt more confident about their ability to influence community.

The Eternal Present: A Photovoice Study of the Experience of Geriatrics Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical residents had the task of being the frontline of the response, being exposed to high risk of infection, increased clinical duty, and long and irregular working hours in highly restricted environments, increasing their levels of stress. We sought to expose the experiences of a group of geriatrics residents during this period of change in their professional and personal lives through the photovoice methodology. Thirteen participants were recruited and had 2weeks to take photographs. The photographs were discussed in group meetings; the content of the conversations was transcribed and analyzed using interpretive description. Sixteen themes were identified. They were divided into personal life (11 themes) and life as a resident (5 themes). Adaptation was the main theme that came into discussion. The photographs and themes show how life changed for the participants, having a feeling of isolation, especially from their families, and highlighting their experiences as a team and community. While the pandemic, particularly at its beginning, was a period of uncertainty and a heavy load of work, it also provided learning and experience to this group of young physicians, which should not hide the fact that mental health concerns and burnout were a common situation. An online gallery was created which is publicly accessible.

Empowerment strategies of the Mentor Mother peer support program among mothers who have migrated to Sweden: a photovoice study

IntroductionA peer support intervention using ‘Mentor Mothers’ was implemented for mothers who had migrated to Sweden, living in socially disadvantaged communities. The Mentor Mothers had a high degree of freedom to develop strategies for facilitating empowerment of their clients according to perceived needs. This study aimed to investigate which empowerment facilitation strategies that Mentor Mothers perceived to be relevant, feasible and effective.MethodsPhotovoice was used to generate qualitative data. Participants took photographs of their work which were then discussed during a focus group discussion and six individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour overarching strategies to facilitate empowerment were identified, corresponding to distinctive perceived needs in the target group: (1) Informative support responded to a need for making sense of the external context, by helping mothers navigate society, the process of parenthood and cultural parenting norms. (2) Practical support addressed a need for managing challenges in daily life, by facilitating contacts with welfare services and authorities and to enhance parenting practices. (3) Psychosocial support addressed a need for improved mental wellbeing, by instilling feelings of safety and security in daily life, relationships and in contacts with public institutions. (4) Motivational support responded to a need for finding fulfilling purpose, by promoting social interaction, encouraging civic engagement and sharing the challenges and successes of others to inspire hope.ConclusionsThese results highlight various aspects of peer support for empowerment facilitation that future interventions targeting immigrant parents can use in their intervention design.

Resilience and crisis preparedness in a neighbourhood: results of a photovoice study

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Fragestellung Die gesellschaftlichen Krisen wie die Coronapandemie, die Energiekrise oder die Flüchtlingskrise belegen die Notwendigkeit, resiliente Strukturen und Prozesse zur Krisenvorsorge und zum -management aufzubauen. Interventionen zur Förderung von Resilienz auf Stadtteilebene müssen dabei komplexe Strukturen und Prozesse sowie vielfältige Bedarfe und Herausforderungen berücksichtigen. Daher ist es entscheidend, die Bürger*innen frühzeitig einzubeziehen, um wirksame und nachhaltige Resilienzstrategien zu entwickeln. Dies erfolgte in einer Studie im Rahmen einer wissenschaftlichen Begleitung eines neu gegründeten Resilienzzentrums. Studiendesign und Untersuchungsmethode Mittels einer partizipativ angelegten Photovoice-Studie wurden die Bedarfe der Bürger*innen eines vulnerablen Stadtteils hinsichtlich der Krisen- bzw. Notfallvorsorge auf individueller und Stadtteilebene ermittelt. Ausgewertet wurden die Ergebnisse mithilfe einer thematischen Analyse. Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass individuelle Notfallvorsorge nicht ohne gemeinschaftliche Unterstützung funktionieren kann. Die Bürger*innen betonen die Bedeutung von Vorratshaltung, zugänglichen Schutzorten, verlässlichen sozialen Beziehungen und positiven Denkens in Bezug auf die Krisen- bzw. Notfallvorbereitung. Sie zeigen aber auch deutliche Bedarfe hinsichtlich der Informationsvermittlung und der Netzwerkbildung. Diskussion Es wurde deutlich, dass die Bürger*innen eine hohe Eigenverantwortung wahrnehmen. Es zeigen sich Wissenslücken und Informationsbedarfe seitens der Bürger*innen, weshalb Unterstützung durch den Stadtteil nötig ist. Die Studie verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit einer aktiven Einbindung kommunaler Entscheidungsträger*innen zur Stärkung der Resilienz auf Verhaltens- und Verhältnisebene. Schlussfolgerung Die Erkenntnisse liefern wichtige Impulse für die Stadtteilkoordination und das Resilienzzentrum. Durch eine umfassende Vorbereitung auf verschiedenen Ebenen können Gemeinschaften und Systeme ihre Resilienz gegenüber Krisen und Notfällen stärken.

Living with inflammatory bowel disease: a modified photovoice study of adolescent mental health

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) is a chronic condition involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Adolescents with IBD are 4.6 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than healthy peers. Aims: The primary purpose of this research was to understand the lived experiences of adolescents diagnosed with IBD. Methods: Adolescents aged 16–18 years were recruited to complete an online survey, followed by a photovoice component that included the collection of images and participation in an interview. Results: Thematic analysis revealed six key themes: the importance of social support networks in managing the challenges of IBD, the positive impact of maintaining a positive outlook on life, strategies for taking control of and coping with the impact of IBD, the interplay between physical pain and the psychological toll of the disease, the various limitations imposed by IBD on daily life and the challenges posed by others' lack of awareness and understanding of the condition. Conclusions: Adolescents with IBD experience disease-related factors that impact their wellbeing. Attention to these factors from nurses, doctors, caregivers and peers can help optimise their mental health and wellbeing.

Understanding Adolescent Food Purchasing Decisions, Food Insecurity Coping Strategies and Their Aspirations for the School Food Environment: A Photovoice Study

Understanding Adolescent Food Purchasing Decisions, Food Insecurity Coping Strategies and Their Aspirations for the School Food Environment: A Photovoice Study

A Photovoice Study Investigating Inequalities in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing in Older Black African Adults in the United Kingdom

A Photovoice Study Investigating Inequalities in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing in Older Black African Adults in the United Kingdom

A Photovoice study of the struggle to secure child support for unmarried mothers: Focusing on destigmatization strategies

A Photovoice study of the struggle to secure child support for unmarried mothers: Focusing on destigmatization strategies

Coping Among Canadian Youth Living With Anxiety: A Phenomenological Photovoice Study

Coping Among Canadian Youth Living With Anxiety: A Phenomenological Photovoice Study

When I can be my whole authentic self, I feel safe and know that I belong: a photovoice study exploring what culturally safe pregnancy care is to Karen women of refugee background in Victoria, Australia

ABSTRACT Objectives Inequitable pregnancy care experiences and outcomes disproportionately affect refugee background women in Australia. Culturally safe care is essential for achieving health equity, however, cultural safety can only be determined by the person receiving care. To our knowledge, women of refugee background in Australia are yet to be asked what culturally safe pregnancy care is to them. Specifically, this study aimed to explore what culturally safe pregnancy care is to Karen women (from Burma) of refugee background. Design A photovoice study founded on community-based participatory research principles was undertaken with a Karen community of refugee background living in Victoria, Australia. A community advisory group was established, guiding study design and conduct. Five S’gaw Karen-speaking women with experience of pregnancy care in Australia were invited to take photos within their community. Participants shared their photos and stories with each other in four online discussion groups. Results Reflexive thematic analysis guided by a critical constructionist lens developed three themes: Building foundations for belonging; cultivating reciprocal curiosity; and storytelling as an expression of self and shared power. These themes sit within the overarching theme When I can be my whole authentic self, I feel safe and know that I belong. Conclusion When Karen women can embrace their cultural and spiritual identity without fear of discrimination, including racism, culturally safe pregnancy care is possible. This study contributes to the design and delivery of maternity services by providing insights that can enhance equitable and culturally safe pregnancy care for Karen women of refugee background.

Subjective Well-Being of Working Mothers: A Photovoice Study

Subjective Well-Being of Working Mothers: A Photovoice Study

Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study.

Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are frequently experienced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and are often perceived as their most bothersome symptoms. However, these remain poorly understood with suboptimal clinical management. These unmet needs are an important determinant of health-related quality of life (QoL) in PD. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the experience of living with the NMS of PD in real-time using participatory action methodology. Using the photovoice method, 14 people with PD took photographs to document their experiences of living with the NMS of PD. They composed corresponding written narratives to capture the impact of NMS on their daily activities and QoL. In total, 152 photographs and corresponding narratives were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Four interrelated themes were identified. Emotional well-being and sense of self encompassed a process of adjustment to living with PD. Engaging in valued activities, adopting a positive mindsetand utilising coping strategies were thought to enhance confidence and self-esteem. Social support and societal awareness highlighted the importance of supportive relationships and socialising to aid participation and avoid isolation. Barriers to social engagement included the unpredictability of NMS and nonvisible NMS being neglected or misunderstood. Findings demonstrated the far-reaching impact of nonmotor aspects of PD on emotional, occupationaland social dimensions. These needs could be addressed through person-centred and comprehensive approaches to care. This study utilised a participatory research approach allowing participants to choose the subjects that mattered to them and how to present their results. Additionally, a group workshop was held with people with PD, their family membersand healthcare professionals to guide theme development.

Meaning of nutrition for cancer survivors: a photovoice study

BackgroundLittle is known about how cancer survivors perceive nutrition through the cancer experience and how those perceptions may influence their diet.AimsThis study aimed to capture the meaning of nutrition for...

Connecting Past Trauma With Current Mental Health Challenges: A Photovoice Study Exploring Men's Experiences

Connecting Past Trauma With Current Mental Health Challenges: A Photovoice Study Exploring Men's Experiences

A photovoice study on pre-service EFL teachers’ struggles for managing students’ misbehavior during teaching practicum

Despite classroom management has been widely investigated by previous studies, the issues of managing students’ misbehavior in EFL classes still receive scanty attention. This study aims to investigate the types of students’ misbehavior and pre-service EFL teachers’ struggles in managing students’ misbehavior during their teaching practicum in secondary schools. This research was designed as a photovoice study, and two pre-service EFL teachers were recruited to participate in this study. Their lived experiences in dealing with students’ misbehavior during a teaching practicum program were documented through photovoice. The data were analyzed employing thematic analysis. The study findings demonstrated three types of students’ misbehavior, i.e. socially disruptive behavior, authority-challenging behavior, and self-disruptive behavior. Another finding reported that pre-service teachers encountered several challenges in managing students’ misbehavior, in terms of managing hard-control students, maintaining students’ focus, managing students who made noise, and organizing students who broke classroom rules. This research concludes with empirical insights into how pre-service teachers encounter challenges addressing students’ misbehavior and how they require to use strategies to tackle students’ misbehavior, including giving punishments regarding the level of students’ misbehavior.

Evaluation of environmental features that support breastfeeding: A photovoice study

The United Kingdom (UK) has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, and Stoke-on-Trent has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates and highest infant mortality rates in the UK. Vicarious experience of formula feeding, formula feeding culture, and a lack of physical environments to support breastfeeding are known barriers to uptake and maintenance. Improving physical environments and increasing the visibility of breastfeeding in public would help to challenge these barriers. This research employs a participatory approach to understand the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding in public. Nine breastfeeding peer supporters were recruited as co-researcher for a photovoice study. Co-researchers collated images of features in environments which they felt either supported or acted as a barrier to public breastfeeding. An analysis workshop was held to review the data collected and produce collaboratively agreed findings. Various environmental features were highlighted as facilitators to breastfeeding including family rooms, welcoming signage, supportive staff members, and displays of information about breastfeeding. In addition, poorly designed family rooms, lack of inclusivity within breastfeeding spaces, breastfeeding spaces within toilets and a lack of information were barriers to public breastfeeding. This research illustrates that while some environments are well designed to support breastfeeding many others are not. Environments often lack basic provision and/or make token gestures towards breastfeeding support, such as welcome signage, without providing the infrastructure needed to support breastfeeding. More education about breastfeeding friendly spaces and resources for putting this information into practice are needed for environment owners, managers, and policy makers.

Transportation Experiences of College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Photovoice Study

Transition-age adults with disabilities largely desire the same community employment and community participation outcomes as young adults without disabilities. One common barrier to the manifestation of these desires is the lack of reliable and accessible transportation in their communities. This study used the participatory action research method of photovoice to investigate the experiences of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) accessing various transportation options within their community. Utilizing a critical constructivist theoretical framework, researchers worked with participants to co-construct situated knowledge. The overall aim of this study was to contribute to the extant literature on transportation barriers and facilitators for this population and to give emerging adults enrolled in an inclusive postsecondary education program an opportunity to share their lived experiences and raise critical consciousness related to their transportation experiences. Limitations and implications for future research, and practice are included.

Meaning-focused coping as a cultural process: A mixed quantitative and PhotoVoice study of adolescents with Arab backgrounds overcoming stigma and harassment

Poor mental health among U.S. adolescents has reach epidemic proportions, with those from the Middle East and North African region exhibiting increased risk for distress and suicide ideation. This mixed-methods study analyzes quantitative data from first- and second-generation Arab adolescents (n = 171) and qualitative data from a participatory study conducted with 11 adolescents of the same population to understand the role of cultural resources in coping. Drawing on the Intersectional Theory of Cultural Repertoires in Health, we show that: 1) cultural resources underlie meaning-making throughout coping; 2) coping strategies are inseparable from the influence of peer and familial relationships, as dictated through the social norms and other cultural resources; 3) collectively held repertoires of coping can promote belonging, affirm identity, and protect against discrimination; and 4) the outcomes of coping strategies, and the culturally informed meaning individuals make of these outcomes, influence their future coping behaviors.