Top

Published in:

01-08-2021 | Original Paper

Images of Recovery: A PhotoVoice Study on Visual Narratives of Personal Recovery in Persons with Serious Mental Illness

Authors: Tom Vansteenkiste, Manuel Morrens, Gerben J. Westerhof

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Personal recovery has become a guiding paradigm in mental health services. Most research on recovery is based on the exploration of personal stories of service users through verbal methods. As not everyone with psychiatric problems is able to verbally formulate a recovery narrative, the current study assesses personal recovery through PhotoVoice, with emphasis on visualisation, small stories and participation. Two ten-week groups were conducted with 18 participants living with severe mental illnesses. They participated in both the collection and analysis of visual narratives. Across the images produced by participants, four main recovery themes were found : People, Places, Activities and Finding Meaning. Compared to other frameworks, the emphasis participants put on the theme Places adds value to the understanding of recovery processes. Furthermore, participants showed that recovery is about dealing with vulnerabilities as well as aspiring a meaningful life. This study demonstrates that exploring visual narratives is powerful within recovery oriented mental health.

American Psychiatric Association (2018). What is mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness

Anthony, W. A. (1993). Recovery from mental illness: The guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990’s. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, 16(4), 11–23.

Blackman, A. (2007). The PhotoVoice manual: A guide to designing and running participatory photography projects. London: PhotoVoice.

Bohlmeijer, E. T., & Westerhof, G. J. (2019). A new model for sustainable mental health, integrating well-being into psychological treatment. In J. Kirby & P. Gilbert (Eds.), Making an impact on mental health and illness. London: Routeldge.

Booth, T., & Booth, W. (2003). In the frame: Photovoice and mothers with learning difficulties. Disability and Society, 18(4), 431–442.

Budig, K., Diez, J., Conde, P., Sastre, M., Hernan, M., & Franco, M. (2018). Photovoice and empowerment: Evaluating the transformative potential of a participatory action research project. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 432.PubMedPubMedCentral

Cabassa, L. J., Nicasio, A., & Whitley, R. (2013a). Picturing recovery: A photovoice exploration of recovery dimensions among people with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 64(9), 837–842.PubMed

Cabassa, L. J., Parcesepe, A., Nicasio, A., Baxter, E., Tsemberis, S., & Lewis-Fernandez, R. (2013b). Health and wellness photovoice project: Engaging consumers with serious mental illness in health care interventions. Qualitative Health Research, 23(5), 618–630.PubMed

Catalani, C., & Minkler, M. (2009). Photovoice: A review of the literature in health and public health. Health Education and Behavior, 37(3), 424–451.PubMed

Charleton, J. (1998). Nothing about us without us: Disability oppression and empowerment. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Chen, R. Y. L., Chen, E. Y. H., Chan, C. K. Y., Lam, L. C. W., & Lieh-Mak, F. (2000). Verbal fluency in schizophrenia: Reduction in semantic store. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(1), 43–48.

Chung, B., Jones, L., Jones, A., Corbett, C. E., Booker, T., Wells, K. B., & Collins, B. (2009). Using community arts events to enhance collective efficacy and community engagement to address depression in an African American community. American Journal of Public Health, 99(2), 237–244.PubMedPubMedCentral

Clements, K. (2012). Participatory action research and photovoice in a psychiatric nursing/clubhouse collaboration exploring recovery narrative. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 19(9), 785–791.PubMed

Cohen, A. S., McGovern, J. E., Dinzeo, T. J., & Covington, M. A. (2014). Speech deficits in serious mental illness: A cognitive resource issue? Schizophrenia Research, 160, 173–179.PubMed

Copeland, M. E. (1997). Wellness recovery action plan. Dummerston, VT: Peach Press.

Deegan, P. (1988). Recovery: The lived experience of rehabilitation. Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 11(4), 11–19.

Drake, R. E., & Whitley, R. (2014). Recovery and severe mental illness: Description and analysis. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(5), 236–242.PubMedPubMedCentral

Erdner, A., & Magnusson, A. (2011). Photography as a method of data collection: Helping people with long term mental illness to convey their life world. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 47(3), 145–150.PubMed

Farkas, M. (2007). The vision of recovery today: What it is and what it means for services. World Psychiatry, 6(2), 1–7.

Gibson, N. (2018). Therapeutic photography: Enhancing self-esteem, self-efficacy and resilience. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Golden, T. (2020). Reframing photovoice: Building on the method to develop more equitable and responsive research practices. Qualitative Health Research, 30(6), 960–972.PubMed

Han, C., & Oliffe, J. (2016). Photovoice in mental illness research: A review and recommendations. Health (London), 20(2), 110–126.

Kirkpatrick, H. (2008). A narrative framework for understanding experiences of people with severe mental illnesses. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 22(2), 61–68.PubMed

Kuratani, D. L. G., & Lai, E. (2011). Photovoice literature review. Retrieved from http://teamlab.usc.edu/Photovoice%20Literature%20Review%20(FINAL).pdf

Leamy, M., Bird, V., Le Boutillier, C., Williams, J., & Slade, M. (2011). Conceptual framework for personal recovery in mental health: Systematic review and narrative synthesis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(6), 445–452.

Maddux, J. (2009). Stopping the ‘madness’: Positive psychology and deconstructing the illness ideology and the DSM. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed., pp. 61–69). New York: Oxford University Press.

Minkler, M., & Wallerstein, N. (2008). Community-based participatory research for health (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Mizock, L., & Russinova, Z. (2018). The process of development and analysis of a photovoice mental health intervention (SAGE research methods case studies). London: SAGE.

Mizock, L., Russinova, Z., & DeCastro, S. (2015). Recovery narrative PhotoVoice: Feasibility of a writing and photography intervention for serious mental illnesses. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(3), 279–282. https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000111.CrossRefPubMed

Mizock, L., Russinova, Z., & Shani, R. (2014). New roads paved on losses: Photovoice perspectives About recovery from mental illness. Qualitative Health Research, 24, 1481–1491.PubMed

Nykiforuk, C. I., Vallianatos, H., & Nieuwendyk, L. M. (2011). Photovoice as a method for revealing community perceptions of the built and social environment. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 10(2), 103–124.PubMedPubMedCentral

Palibroda, B., Krieg, B., Murdock, L., & Havelock, J. (2009). A practical guide to PhotoVoice: Sharing pictures, telling stories and changing communities. Retrieved from http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/pdf/Photovoice_Manual.pdf

Pieters, G., Ruud, T., Van Weeghel, J., Bähler, M., Murphy, B., Shields-Zeeman, L., & Keet, R. (2017). Recovery for all in the community. Learning from each other. Consensus paper on fundamental principles and key elements of community based mental health care. Retrieved from https://assets-sites.trimbos.nl/docs/3297941c-f835-4f16-9b45-c4f1e02cf154.pdf

Pimenta, S. K., & Poovaiah, R. (2010). On defining visual narratives. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/fcdd/1dc30c545ac1f1f81841ce87fbd26a09002d.pdf?_ga=2.65601966.1205018636.1572825642-1606962500.1567639236

Plunkett, R., Leipert, B. D., & Ray, S. L. (2013). Unspoken phenomena: Using the photo voice method to enrich phenomenological inquiry. Nursing Inquiry, 20(2), 156–164.PubMed

Rapp, C. (1998). The strengths model: Case management with people suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. New York: Oxford Press.

Repper, J., & Perkins, R. (2003). Social inclusion and recovery: A model for mental health practice. Edinburgh, UK/New York: Bailliere Tindall.

Russinova, Z., Gidugu, V., Bloch, P., Restrepo-Toro, M., & Rogers, E. S. (2018). Empowering individuals with psychiatric disabilities to work: Results of a randomized trial. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 41(3), 196–207.PubMed

Russinova, Z., Mizock, L., & Bloch, P. (2017). Photovoice as a tool to understand the experience of stigma among individuals with serious mental illnesses. Stigma and Health, 3(3), 171–185.

Rynes, S. L., Bartunek, J. M., & Daft, R. L. (2001). Across the great divide: Knowledge creation and transfer between practitioners and academics. Academy of Management Journal, 44(2), 340–355.

Shepherd, G., Boardman, J., & Slade, M. (2008). Making recovery a reality. London: Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.

Simmonds, S., Roux, C., & Ter Avest, I. (2015). Blurring the boundaries between photovoice and narrative inquiry: A narrative-photovoice methodology for gender-based research. The International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 14(3), 33–49.

Sitvast, J. (2009). How to verbalize difficult experiences and emotions with the use of photographs. In: Needham, I., Callaghan, P., Palmstierna, T., Nijman, H., & Oud, N. (Eds.). Proceedings of the 6th European congress on violence in clinical psychiatry. (Stockholm, Sweden, 21–24 October 2009, pp. 159–162). Amsterdam: Kavanah, Dwingeloo and Oud Consultancy.

Sitvast, J., & Abma, T. A. (2012). The photoinstrument as a health care intervention. Health Care Analysis, 20(2), 177–195.PubMed

Sitvast, J., Abma, T. A., Lendemeijer, H. H. G. M., & Widdershoven, G. A. M. (2008). Photo stories, Ricoeur, and experiences from practice: A hermeneutic dialogue. Advances in Nursing Science, 31(3), 268–279.PubMed

Slade, M. (2009a). The contribution of mental health services to recovery. Journal of Mental Health, 18(5), 367–371.

Slade, M. (2009b). Personal recovery and mental illness, a guide for mental health professionals. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Slade, M. (2009c). 100 ways to support recovery. London: Rethink recovery series volume 1.

Slade, M. (2010). Mental illness and well-being: The central importance of positive psychology and recovery approaches. BMC Health Services Research, 10(26). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-10-26.

Slade, M., Amering, M., Farkas, M., Hamilton, B., O’Hagan, M., Panther, G., Perkins, R., Shepherd, G., Tse, S., & Whitley, R. (2014). Uses and abuses of recovery: Implementing recovery-oriented practices in mental health systems. World Psychiatry, 13, 12–20.PubMedPubMedCentral

Slade, M., Leamy, M., Bacon, F., Janosik, M., Le Boutillier, C., Williams, J., & Bird, V. (2012). International differences in understanding recovery: Systematic review. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences., 21(4), 353–364.PubMedPubMedCentral

Slade, M., Williams, J., Bird, V., Leamy, M., & Le Boutillier, C. (2012b). Recovery grows up. Journal of Mental Health, 21(2), 99–103.PubMed

Tang, J. P. S., Tse, S., & Davidson, L. (2016). The big picture unfolds: Using photovoice to study user participation in mental health services. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 62(8), 696–707.

Thompson, N. C., Hunter, E. E., Murray, L., Ninci, L., Rolfs, E. M., & Pallikkathayil, L. (2008). The experience of living with chronic mental illness: A Photovoice study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 44(1), 14–24.PubMed

Thornicroft, G. (2006). Shunned: Discrimination against people with mental illness. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Wang, C. (1999). Photovoice: A participatory action research strategy applied to women’s health. Journal of Women’s Health, 8(2), 185–192.PubMed

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

Wang, C., & Burris, M. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessments. Health Education and Behaviour, 24, 369–387.

Wang, C., Morrel-Samuels, S., Hutchison, P. M., Bell, L., & Pestronk, R. M. (2004). Flint photovoice: Community building among youths, adults, and policymakers. American Journal of Public Health, 94(6), 911–913.PubMedPubMedCentral

Whitley, R., & Drake, R. E. (2010). Recovery: A dimensional approach. Psychiatric Services, 61(12), 1248–1250.PubMed

Wilken, J. P. (2010). Recovering care: A contribution to a theory and practice of good care. Amsterdam: SWP Publishers.

World Health Organisation (2010). User empowerment in mental health – A statement by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Retrieved from https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/113834/E93430.pdf

Yates, I., Holmes, G., & Priest, H. (2012). Recovery, place and community mental health services. Journal of Mental Health, 21(2), 104–113.PubMed

Title: Images of Recovery: A PhotoVoice Study on Visual Narratives of Personal Recovery in Persons with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Tom Vansteenkiste
Manuel Morrens
Gerben J. Westerhof
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00746-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Images of Recovery: A PhotoVoice Study on Visual Narratives of Personal Recovery in Persons with Serious Mental Illness

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 6/2021

Randomized Controlled Trial of an Integrated Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents Presenting to Community Mental Health Centers

Examining Organizational Factors Supporting the Adoption and Use of Evidence-Based Interventions

Warm Connections: Integration of Infant Mental Health Services into WIC

Social (In)Justice and Mental Health

The Role of State Medicaid Expansions in Integrating Comprehensive Mental Health Services into Opioid Treatment Programs: Differences Across the Rural/Urban Continuum

Prevalence and Predictors of Limited Literacy in Public Mental Health Care