I want to be known: A photovoice project with adolescents in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Background: Photovoice is a powerful method of data collection in populations with less voice. Adolescents, whose abilities to express their experiences and insights are evolving, are a classic example of this population (Strack et al., 2004). In order to better understand adolescents' viewpoints on health and community, a Photovoice project was conducted in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Methods: Utilizing community-based participatory research methods, academic researchers met with five high school students (ages 15-17) on four occasions in November and December 2009. Over the course of these sessions, students identified a research question, discussed their research and photography experiences, analyzed the photographs through the ORID (Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, Decisional) method, reviewed and confirmed study conclusions, and explored next steps. Data analysis of group discussion was conducted using a grounded theory approach. Results: Students chose to study the topic “Active” to explore the various levels of engagement within their community and its relation to other topics of interest including drugs, violence, responsibility, money and teen sex and pregnancy. Nine photos illustrating positive and negative influences at multiple levels, including individual (e.g., students' utilizing opportunities at school), interpersonal (e.g., peer-influence), community (e.g., availability of local parks for recreation) and society (e.g., global responsibility), were selected. Conclusions: Students defined “community” very broadly and chose a research question that they felt connected many important social issues in that community. They identified several influences on their ability to be active, and they felt that “being heard” through Photovoice was an important step toward overcoming the negative influences.