Photovoice as a Research and Educational Tool in Grief Education

Photovoice, a participatory action research method developed by Caroline C. Wang and Mary Ann Burris in the 1990s (1994, 1997), empowers individuals and communities by allowing them to tell their stories, express perspectives, and advocate for change through photography. This art-based technique has proven effective in enhancing well-being, increasing self-knowledge, and fostering consciousness in Death Education workshops (see Raccichini et al., 2022).

In our presentation we explore the use of photovoice both as a research and educational tool, focusing on discussions about loss and grief with Year 5 and 6 students as well as with teachers during their in-service training on Grief Education. Participants used photovoice to share personal stories, articulating ideas, questions, thoughts, and emotions in response to the question “What does loss and grief mean to you?”

Engaging in group discussions, participants shared insights, feelings, and stories associated with their photographs. Subsequently, they developed narratives or captions to provide context and depth to each image. Photovoice played a crucial role in achieving Grief Education goals, raising awareness of common features and unique aspects of grief for each individual. The compiled photographs and narratives also served as a research tool, offering insights into how students and teachers learn about and cope with grief-related topics.

Our results underscore the importance of introducing sensitive topics in the classroom such as those of loss and grief in a meaningful way, with implications for stakeholders and policymakers in education policy, teacher education and curriculum development interested in Grief Education.

References

Raccichini, M., Biancalani, G., Franchini, L., Varani, S., Ronconi, L., and Testoni, I. (2022): Death education and photovoice at school: A workshop with Italian high school students, Death Studies, https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2022.2052206

Wang, C. & Burris, M. (1994). Empowerment through photo novella: Portraits of participation. Health Education and Behavior 21(2), 171 – 186.

Wang, C. & Burris, M. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use for Participatory Needs Assessment. Health Education 24(3), 369 – 387.