Violence as a health disparity: Adolescents' perceptions of violence depicted through photovoice

J Community Psychol. 2018 Nov;46(8):1026-1044. doi: 10.1002/jcop.22089. Epub 2018 May 17.

Abstract

Violence is a public health issue that disproportionately affects adolescents from historically marginalized communities. In response to growing concerns of local violence, our community-academic partnership explored adolescents' perspectives about violence, including perceptions of its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Ten adolescents participated in a 12-week photovoice project. They received training in basic research methodologies, documented representations of violence through digital photography and creative writing, engaged in empowerment-based photo-discussions, and presented their work to influential advocates in a community forum. Adolescents and staff conducted a thematic analysis of photographs and narratives from which 10 themes emerged across 3 domains: a culture of violence and oppression, structural violence, and mental and physical health. Adolescents presented their work to community stakeholders in a public forum to foster additional discussions regarding violence in the community. This photovoice project yielded rich qualitative insight into adolescents' experiences with and perceptions of violence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Narration*
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Public Health*
  • Violence*