Spatializing psychological well-being: A photovoice approach on the experience of stress alleviation among university students
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2020
Abstract
Rising numbers of mental health-related cases are documented in university settings due to psychological distress. As a case exemplar, this study examined university students’ experiences of stress alleviation through the everyday use of campus spaces using photovoice methodology. Employing a qualitative triangulation method, we distilled insights from corroborating data gathered using SHOWeD focus group discussions and walking interviews. We also used participatory photo mapping (PPM) as a novel method to initially validate the findings through enhancing student participation, as well as, a strategy to achieve the final interpretative synthesis. Main findings showed three overarching spatial experiences of stress alleviation namely: being away from stressful places, being present but mentally away from a place, or being engaged within communal spaces. Discussion highlights practical implications on university mental health policy and use of campus spaces, as well as methodological implications in conducting photovoice projects.
Recommended Citation
Girang, B. C., Chu, D. P., Endrinal, M. I., & Canoy, N. (2020). Spatializing Psychological Well-Being: A Photovoice Approach on the Experience of Stress Alleviation Among University Students. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1716424
