Participatory Visual Methodologies in Mental Health Promotion Research with Refugee Youth who have Experiences of Gender-based Violence: A Scoping Review
Researchers: Dillion Browne1, Busra Yalcinoz-Ucan1, Laura Zilney2, Claudia Mitchell3, Prof. Carla Rice4, Prof. Hande Eslen-Ziya5, Dr. Jean de Dieu Basabose1, Tim Ireland6, Agnes Zientarska-Kayko6
Affiliations: Whole Family Laboratory, University of Waterloo1, Hope 24/72, McGill University3, University of Guelph4, University of Stavanger, Norway5, University of Waterloo, Library6
Research Partner: Hope 24/7
Keywords: Refugee youth, participatory visual research, mental health promotion, gender-based violence, well-being, systematic review
Jump to: Methodology, Findings, Recommendations
Summary
Overview: This study examined the effectiveness of participatory visual methodologies (PVM), such as digital storytelling, photovoice, drawing, in mental health promotion research with refugee youth who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV).
Objective: to analyze the existing knowledge regarding how and in what ways PVM are effective as mental health research and promotion tools.
Research Justification: PVMs have been increasingly used in health promotion research, including studies with migrant and refugee communities. It is argued that using PVMs as a research methodology enables communities to control research actions and outcome products. Therefore, as their use facilitates collaborative knowledge production and community-centered dissemination and mobilization strategies, they are considered to benefit community empowerment and well-being.
Methodology
The study began with the development of a scoping review protocol with the assistance of University of Waterloo librarians. During this process, an expert panel member was established, and two meetings were carried out.
The systematic review was interrupted and unable to be completed. However, the planning stages contributed to the professional development of the postdoctoral researcher, informed other research projects on PVMs, and resulted in a co-authored conference paper, a half-day discussion workshop, and two working groups focused on using intersectional and trauma-informed approaches in PVM with marginalized populations. As well, an ongoing critical review of the literature provided preliminary findings and recommendations.
Findings
Participatory visual approaches have potential benefits for community awareness-raising and mobilization, particularly regarding challenging issues such as violence, poverty, mental health, or trauma. Thus, alongside their use as research methodology, they can be used in practice as part of prevention and intervention strategies with individuals and communities.
Recommendations
Explore more projects
