Body Mapping as a Youth Sexual Health Intervention and Data Collection Tool

Abstract

In this article, we describe and evaluate body mapping as (a) an arts-based activity within Fostering Open eXpression Among Youth (FOXY), an educational intervention targeting Northwest Territories (NWT) youth, and (b) a research data collection tool. Data included individual interviews with 41 female participants (aged 13–17 years) who attended FOXY body mapping workshops in six communities in 2013, field notes taken by the researcher during the workshops and interviews, and written reflections from seven FOXY facilitators on the body mapping process (from 2013 to 2016). Thematic analysis explored the utility of body mapping using a developmental evaluation methodology. The results show body mapping is an intervention tool that supports and encourages participant self-reflection, introspection, personal connectedness, and processing difficult emotions. Body mapping is also a data collection catalyst that enables trust and youth voice in research, reduces verbal communication barriers, and facilitates the collection of rich data regarding personal experiences.

Exploring coping strategies and mental health support systems among female youth in the Northwest Territories using body mapping

“…The researcher actively participated as a co-facilitator of all FOXY workshops attended by study participants. This manuscript focuses on the body mapping component of the FOXY workshop intervention and specifically uses data from one-on-one interviews conducted to capture participants’ explanations of their body maps [13]. Body mapping is a guided exercise where participants create individual body maps on large sheets of paper using drawing, painting, or other media to visually represent aspects of an their lives, their bodies, and the world they live in [14].…”

Pilot testing Fostering Open eXpression among Youth (FOXY), an arts-based HIV/STI prevention approach for adolescent women in the Northwest Territories, Canada

“…11 Unlike didactic teaching methods, arts-based interventions provide an interactive environment while recognizing the knowledge, experiences, and contributions of program participants. 13,14 This environment enables participants to engage socially and emotionally, while at the same time influencing behavior modification. 14,15 Furthermore, arts-based interventions can address cultural considerations while providing participants with consistent messaging aimed at skill development tailored to influence specific behaviors for change.…”

“…13,14 This environment enables participants to engage socially and emotionally, while at the same time influencing behavior modification. 14,15 Furthermore, arts-based interventions can address cultural considerations while providing participants with consistent messaging aimed at skill development tailored to influence specific behaviors for change. 16,17 The use of peer educators who can easily identify with the developmental challenges of adolescents is praised as a strength of these interventions.…”

Social Ecological Factors of Sexual Subjectivity and Contraceptive Use and Access Among Young Women in the Northwest Territories, Canada

“…This qualitative study was grounded in the social ecological framework and conducted using arts-based methods of data collection. Specifically, individual body maps were created as an activity during participation in the FOXY intervention (Lys et al, 2016) and provided the basis for in-depth interviews (Lys, Gesink, Strike, & Larkin, 2018) that were analyzed using framework analysis (Gale, Heath, Cameron, Rashid, & Redwood, 2013).…”