Using photo-elicitation to understand reasons for repeated self-harm: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundReasons for self-harm are not well understood. One of the reasons for this is that first-hand accounts are usually elicited using traditional interview and questionnaire methods. This study aims to explore the acceptability of using an approach (photo-elicitation) that does not rely on solely verbal or written techniques, and to make a preliminary assessment of whether people can usefully employ images to support a discussion about the reasons why they self-harm.MethodInterviews with eight participants using photo elicitation, a method in which photographs produced by the participant are used as a stimulus and guide within the interview.ResultsParticipants responded positively to using images to support a discussion about their self-harm and readily incorporated images in the interview. Four main themes were identified representing negative and positive or adaptive purposes of self-harm: self-harm as a response to distress, self-harm to achieve mastery, self-harm as protective and self-harm as a language or form of communication.ConclusionsEmploying this novel approach was useful in broadening our understanding of self-harm.

Therapeutic benefits and limitations of participatory photography for adults with mental health problems: A systematic search and literature review

“…All studies except Edmondson, Brennan, and House () reported that PP enabled varying degrees of mental and emotional processing. This section is divided into three sub‐themes: critical reflection, meaning‐making and narrative reconstruction.…”

Researching Home’s Tangible and Intangible Materialities by Photo-Elicitation

“…Despite being considered a novel approach (Edmondson, Brennan, and House 2018;Pini et al 2019), the method of PG photo-elicitation has developed in parallel with its RG counterpart (Dennis et al 2009), and intensified when cheap, simple point-and-press cameras could be given to participants (Rose 2012). However, researchers should still be aware that some individuals may not be able to produce photographs unassisted for instance because technology is not available (Samuels 2004) or due to physical incapacity (Radley and Taylor 2003).…”

The pros and cons of using photographs in nursing research

“…This can happen for many reasons, such as difficulty with the concept of 311 capturing elements of their experiences visually (Drew et al, 2010) or practical 312 difficulties in capturing certain images (Edmondson, 2013). Researchers can respond 313 by developing an interview guide featuring a discussion of the practical and emotional 314 difficulties the participant has encountered in trying to capture images and what might 315 be missing from the photographs they present (Edmondson et al, 2018, Edmondson, 316 2013. 317 318…”

“…154and many studies have also found using photographs to explore meanings and 155 memories as a cathartic, positive, rewarding experience for participants(Balmer et al, 156 2015, Edmondson et al, 2018.157 158 Facilitating expression of meaningful data 159 The inclusion of photographs facilitates extensive and holistic accounts of participant 160 experience (Balmer et al, 2015). The photograph can take the researcher into 161 different environments (place of work, home, bedroom, hospital), with different 162 people (family, friends, colleagues) and add an emotional layer, which may be 163 difficult to verbalise (Balmer et al, 2015).…”

“…Rather than fitting experiences to pre-determined 186 questions, the active process of using participant photographs enables better 187 expression and encourages participants to consider -what is important to them, how 188 might they visually represent that and then reflect on the meaning of their 189 photograph(s) using their own words(Harper, 2002, Wells et al, 2012 Using photographs reduces difficulties they might have understanding research led 192 questions(Lachal et al, 2012). In so doing a diverse range of people can be 193 empowered to take part in research(Balmer et al, 2015), that is enjoyable 194(Edmondson et al, 2018) and " better than just a normal survey"(Drew et al, 2010). 195 196 Photographs are also helpful in introducing difficult subject matter(Lachal et al, 197 2012) and communicating experiences that are difficult to express verbally(Harrison, 198 2002).…”