Photovoice as Community-Based Participatory Research: A Qualitative Review

Abstract

To explore the use of photovoice as a research methodology to identify and explore community health and disability priorities. Methods: Published studies (n=31) that applied photovoice as a research methodology to promote and enhance individual and community change were identified and reviewed. Results: Findings are explored and organized by community concerns and priorities; participant recruitment, training, and camera instruction; identification of photo assignment; photo assignment discussion; data analysis; outcomes; and evaluation of program and policy changes. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of the studies and/or how they are reported, findings from this review support further application of photovoice to facilitate community change.

Facilitating Self-Reflection: The Integration of Photovoice in Graduate Social Work Education

“…Initial published research studies that utilized this method tended to be community-based research endeavors, often with a public health focus. Although photovoice facilitates the sharing of individual stories through photography within a community context, early photovoice research ultimately sought social change through dialogue based on the images and narratives of participants which reflected the perceptions and values of participants (Hergenrather, Rhodes, Cowan, Bardhoshi, & Pula, 2009;Wang & Burris, 1997).…”

“…Recent published studies represent a wide array of photovoice studies with diverse populations, including immigrants and refugees, children, older adults, and those with limited literacy skills (Hergenrather et al, 2009;Martin et al, 2010). The sharing of views and perceptions in this context may generate a space for dialogue without necessarily privileging the majority group (Allen & Hutchinson, 2009;Flum, Siqueira, DeCaro, & Redway, 2010;Martin et al, 2010).…”

Lessons about Boundaries and Reciprocity in Rural-based Preceptorships

“…and "what does this photo mean to you?" (Hergenrather, Rhodes, Cowan, Bardhoshi, & Pula, 2009). All discussions, totalling 12.5 hours of recorded audio, were transcribed and added to the dataset.…”

Where PYD Meets CBPR: A Photovoice Program for Latino Immigrant Youth

“…In addition, photography has increasingly been used as a qualitative method for conducting participatory action research and engaging communities in health promotion and social change (Hergenrather, Rhodes, Cowan, Bardhoshi, & Pula, 2009). Photovoice is an innovative methodology in which community members are asked to identify issues relevant to their daily experiences, portray them through photographs, reflect on the meaning and themes underlying these images, and disseminate photographic representations to policymakers with the goal of addressing disparities or inequities (Killion, & Wang, 2000;Wang, & Burris, 1997;Wang, Morrel-Samuels, Hutchison, Bell, & Pestronk, 2004).…”