Visual Storytelling: A Beneficial But Challenging Method for Health Research With Young People

TLDR

Visual storytelling is a novel research method that builds on photovoice and photo elicitation and is particularly well suited for engaging young people. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of visual storytelling for chronic disease self‑management research with adolescents. Researchers conducted in‑depth interviews with 68 participants about the value of visual storytelling and applied thematic analysis to the data. Participants found the method attractive for recruitment, enjoyable, and helpful for self‑understanding and communication, but it was challenging to choose what to photograph, demanded more researcher time, and ultimately produced richer, more detailed interviews.

Abstract

Visual storytelling is a new research approach drawing on established methods of photovoice and photo elicitation. It appears well suited to research with young people. We explored the feasibility of this approach, reflecting on benefits and challenges encountered while using it during a study of chronic disease self-management in adolescents. During in-depth interviews, 68 participants were questioned about the value of visual storytelling. Thematic analysis was applied. Visual storytelling was valued for (a) being a draw card during recruitment and increasing positive feelings about the research; (b) being fun; (c) promoting self-understanding; and (d) promoting expression, communication, and focus during interviews. Deciding what to photograph was difficult. More time and effort was required by researchers than for a standard qualitative interview study. The technique facilitated rich interviews, drawing into focus details of young peoples' lives that otherwise might not have been discussed.