RT Wise Owls Projects: Utilizing Photovoice as a Participatory Research Tool in Recreation Therapy

Abstract

The focus was to enable these individuals to share their stories and various aspects of their life (Halifax et al., 2008; Padgett et al., 2013). However, all of the studies followed the process of photovoice and found that it led to deeper and more meaningful conversations with the participants. The researchers often started the process by training participants on the photovoice project, including basic camera skills and ethical concerns related to taking photos of others. Purposeful directions were given to participants concerning what to photograph in order to allow free expression of their views related to the research themes. Because participants direct themselves in regard to what photographs to take, it also gives them a reason to go out and engage with their community (