Assessing emotional and social health using photographs: An innovative research method for rural studies and its applicability in a care-farming program for youth

Publication date: Available online 6 September 2019Source: Evaluation and Program PlanningAuthor(s): Michael Francis Norwood, Ali Lakhani, Annick Maujean, Martin Downes, Simone Fullagar, Michelle McIntyre, Jason Byrne, Anna Stewart, Bonnie L. Barber, Elizabeth KendallAbstractA framework for assessing photographs for the emotional and social health of young people (SHAPE) is described and tested, within the context of a rural program. Two independent raters assessed the photographs of participants. To assess inter-rater reliability, Cohen’ K and Kendall’s W were calculated. The two reviewers’ assessments of photographs were in agreement. The assessment of emotional/behavioural display showed 82% agreement. Agreement between reviewers’ judgements of proxemics (W = .866), interaction (W = .722), engagement (W = .932) and overall impression (W = .804) were all significant (p < .005). The method yielded results indicating that participants found gardening immediately engaging but their approach to equines exhibited a change from fascination to confidence during the program. The visual-diary method is a useful and sensitive method for research: where resources are limited; to complement traditional measures; for use with people who lack appropriate verbal communication or literacy skills to complete questionnaires; young children; other underrepresented groups.
Source: Evaluation and Program Planning - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research