A systematic scoping review of Photovoice within mental health research involving adolescents

Photovoice is a research method that changes perceptions of mental health. However, there is a lack of evidence exploring how Photovoice is used in mental health research involving adolescents. Our review aimed to understand the nature and key themes across findings of Photovoice studies exploring mental health among adolescents. We used pre-existing data and updated a search strategy. Popay and colleagues' guidance was used to analyse the studies and the quality of each study was appraised. Our review found that Photovoice studies exploring mental health among adolescents are limited in quality and that Photovoice is a flexible, adaptable, inclusive, and emerging method. Coping; resilience; beliefs about oneself; family; friends; safety; living in a lower socioeconomic area and treatment emerged as key themes across study findings. Our review is the first of its kind and highlights ways Photovoice studies in the future can be developed and is helpful to multiple stakeholders.

Automated summary

Photovoice is a research method that can change perceptions of mental health, but there is a lack of evidence on its use among adolescents. This review explored Photovoice studies on adolescent mental health and found limited quality. Photovoice was identified as a flexible and emerging method, with key themes including coping, resilience, self-beliefs, family, friends, safety, socioeconomic status and treatment. This review is the first of its kind and provides insights for future development of Photovoice studies.