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In this article, the authors explore the place-based experiences of sex workers and how these experiences intersect with the juridical realm of sex work. The article begins with an overview of the model informing Canadian legislation, how these laws influence spatial practices, and the impact of these practices on the lives of sex workers. Drawing on findings from a visual research study where 15 sex workers used photography and art to explore their lived experiences, the authors describe how sex work places are shaped by their juridical contexts, influencing experiences of power and privilege, collaboration, identity, stigma, autonomy, safety and support services. These findings highlight that place is a critical factor shaping participants' overall experiences in the sex industry and contributes to the disparate realities of sex work in the Canadian context. Participant photographs are also described in this article, as these visual representations further communicate the role of place as experienced and understood by sex workers. Recommendations include legislative considerations, inclusive service delivery practices as identified by participants, and a call for further research that examines place-based experiences of sex work on an international scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report findings from a 15-month project that focused on the experiences of sex workers who live and work in an Eastern Canadian province. As part of a larger multi-phased study, 15 adults who identified as women, transgender, or non-binary, and received money or goods for sexual services, participated in photo-elicitation interviews. Drawing on a critical framing analysis, findings indicated supports—as identified and experienced by sex workers—encompassed three categories of care: self, community, and collective. These categories are described, with a particular focus on the latter two. Continuing with the care-based framework, recommendations to structure interventions draw on the role of accountability care in identifying how best to operationalize policies that promote health, well-being, and dignity of Canadian sex workers. The paper begins with a brief overview of the Canadian context and the role of supports. It follows with a discussion on the materials and methods and the results. It concludes with recommendations, limitations, and future considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actively engaging adolescents in meaningful program evaluation is a topic of growing interest. One possibility for such engagement is the use of photographs as part of visual evaluation, so that youth can directly engage with the research process. In this Method Note, we describe the development and implementation of a participatory, photo-based evaluation method for youth health promotion/prevention programs. Youth in this study were participants in a gender-transformative healthy relationships program for boys. We present literature supporting the use of photographs as a visual research method and for involving youth as active participants in evaluation, and explore the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of this innovative application of existing methods based on researcher experience and youth feedback. We conclude with implications for photo-based evaluation of health promotion/prevention programs, highlighting the promise of this method for promoting critical youth engagement in evaluation and the creation of meaningful knowledge translation tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat studies is a field of study that provides critiques and disrupts western biomedical assumptions about fatness. Various methodologies are taken up within the field of fat studies; however, arts-based methods offer unique and distinct methodological insights to the field. Addressing these important intersections, this methodological paper illuminates three broad arts-based research methods used in fat studies and how these methods highlight important themes of disruption, space, and temporalities. In particular, the importance of temporalities and time captured paper through arts-based methods covered are noteworthy. In the space of fat temporality, we end with a critical invitation for fat studies and arts-based scholars to innovate work using the method of performance art, specifically how performance can facilitate unique insights to create new knowledge at the intersection of fat studies and arts-based research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The overall aim of the present paper is to elicit the subjective perceptions and experiences of people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) involved in a Participatory Video project, with a focus on self-reported impact on recovery. There are 2 subobjectives, namely (a) to document which specific aspects (if any) of Participatory Video project participation are reported to positively influence recovery; and (b) to assess the impact of project involvement on specific dimensions of recovery. Method: In this project, 3 workgroups of people with Severe Mental Illness met approximately twice per week over a 2-year period to make and disseminate educational videos about mental illness. Workgroup participants (n = 20) took part in an in-depth semistructured qualitative interview at project end to understand their experience in the project, especially impact on recovery. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Results: At completion, participants had made 26 videos and organized 49 community screenings reaching over 1,500 people. Participants reported that regular involvement in this project fostered their recovery in a variety of ways, imparting multiple psychosocial benefits, which are summarized in 5 themes: (a) skill-acquisition, (b) platform and voice, (c) connectedness, (d) a meaningful focus, and (e) personal development. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Participatory Video is a powerful group intervention which positively benefits workgroup participants. Importantly, results overlap with other research indicating that grassroots-produced mental health themed videos can educate viewers and reduce public stigma. As such, psychiatric rehabilitation organizations should consider initiating similar projects in their own locales. Impact and Implications: Participatory Video is an innovative group program where marginalized people get together to produce documentary-type videos about their lives, which are then screened at community venues. This study found that regular involvement in a successful Participatory Video program helped foster the recovery of participants with severe mental illness. This suggests that Participatory Video is a recovery-oriented intervention, which could be initiated by mental health services and peer support organizations elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes an adapted photovoice study that explored the facilitators and barriers to accessing paratransit services among people with disabilities. This 18-month study involved adults with disabilities developing photovoice stories about their paratransit experiences in Eastern Canada. The photovoice stories represent an in-depth examination of the familial, social, geographical, and environmental factors and their complex association with paratransit services. Distributing the photovoice stories through social media also served as a practical application of health promotion as the process allowed for a broader audience reach to bear witness to the experiences of participants from the disability community. Discussion includes recommendations for developing and sustaining responsive paratransit services with the assertion that persons with disabilities are at the forefront in making informed changes and improvements in ensuring transportation is accessible for everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conceptualizes how place-based analysis can generate innovative understandings of sex work and spatial justice, including ways in which stigma, well-being, and marginality are embodied in sex work places. Focusing on three interconnected dimensions of place—geographic location, material environment, and sociopower structures—this article examines the unexplored realm of place and sex work. Beginning with an analysis of existing sex work literature and knowledge relating to dimensions of place, we explicate the role of feminist ideologies, juridical contexts, and the built environment as the conceptual and analytic groundwork for a place-based understanding of sex work. Architectural spatial methods then generate a place-based analysis of two case study exemplars: the Residence in Western Canada and the Strichtplatz in Zurich, Switzerland. We conclude by considering avenues to incorporate place theory into sex work research and the social work discipline, ultimately advocating for research, policy, and practice that concomitantly address sex workers' social and spatial oppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors explore the validity criteria of digital storytelling when applied as a research method in Participatory Health Research. The article begins with an overview of digital storytelling as a participatory visual research method. To demonstrate the validity criteria of digital storytelling, what follows is a reflexive account of a 2-year Participatory Health Research study that used digital storytelling as a research method to investigate treatment experiences among breast cancer patients. The authors offer a suggested summary of validity criteria for digital storytelling when applied to Participatory Health Research and describe the application of participatory, intersubjective, catalytic, contextual, empathic, and ethical validity. The article concludes with a discussion about resources and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that stigma against people with mental illness remains high. This demands innovative approaches to reduce stigma. One innovative stigma reduction method is participatory video (PV), whereby marginalized people come together to script, film and produce bottom-up educational videos about shared issues. These videos are then shown to target groups. This paper has two objectives (i) to examine the feasibility of using participatory video with people with severe mental illness (SMI); and (ii) to assess viewer impressions of the resultant videos and subsequent subjective impact. Methods: We conducted a participatory action research study with three workgroups of people with severe mental illness situated in different Canadian cities, who set out to create and disseminate locally-grounded mental-health themed videos. This involved process and outcome evaluation to assess feasibility and impact. Specifically, we (i) observed fidelity to a co-designed action-plan in all three workgroups; (ii) distributed brief purpose-built questionnaires to viewers at organized screenings to assess preliminary impact; and (iii) conducted focus groups with viewers to elicit further impressions of the videos and subsequent subjective impact. Results: The three workgroups achieved high-fidelity to the action-plan. They successfully produced a total of 26 videos, over double the targeted number, during an 18-month period. Likewise, the workgroups organized 49 screenings at a range of venues attended by 1542 people, again exceeding the action-plan targets. Results from the viewer questionnaires (N = 1104, response rate 72%) indicated that viewers reported that their understandings had improved after watching the videos. Four themes emerged from six viewer focus groups (N = 30), with participants frequently noting that videos were (i) educational and informative; (ii) real and relatable; (iii) attention-grabbing; and (iv) change-inducing. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first large-scale multi-site project examining the feasibility and impact of a participatory video program for people with severe mental illness. The results indicate that participatory video is a feasible method in this population and gives preliminary evidence that resultant videos can reduce viewer stigma. Thus, participatory video should be considered a promising practice in the ongoing effort to reduce mental illness stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: In areas of the world where poverty and inequality are deep and pervasive and social protection systems comparatively fragile, cash transfers are becoming commonplace and often promoted by international institutions and aid agencies as a viable instrument for social protection. Particularly, conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are being looked to as a means of reducing poverty while also investing in human capital. Purpose: To capture some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs. Methods: A rapid review process was used. The initial search was conducted using a number of online peer‐reviewed databases. The initial search process yielded 993 sources, results were then limited to full‐text, English language, and to sources published between 2008 and 2017. Sources were then screened. Finally, 44 articles were chosen for in‐depth review. Findings: This review captures some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs. Policy implication: We discuss responsibilities and implications for social work professionals who may be involved in the design, implementation or evaluation of CCT programmes domestically or internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: This research is about the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities.For 12 months, nine adults with developmental disabilities and three allies created videos about love and intimacy.The group found that family members, caregivers and support workers can make it hard for people with developmental disabilities to learn about and experience healthy relationships.This research is important because it promotes the experiences and perspectives of persons with developmental disabilities, which can hopefully lead to positive changes in attitudes and service delivery that support positive sexual health. Background: Although sexual rights are human rights, persons with developmental disabilities are often excluded from developing positive sexual health due to societal attitudes, stigma, a lack of education and limited opportunities. Methods: As a part of a 12‐month participatory action research study in a western Canadian province, nine adults with developmental disabilities and three allies created videos that explored the dimensions of sexual health as experienced by people with developmental disabilities. Participants were involved in all stages of the filming process. The filming topics identified by the participants emerged as the core research themes. Results: Persons with developmental disabilities often have limited opportunities to develop and nurture intimate relationships. Participants also identified that: (a) a lack of support from caregivers, (b) a lack of education about sexual health, (c) ableist spaces and (d) the absence of agency policies that acknowledge and protect sexual rights create further obstacles. Conclusions: Inclusive practices where the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities are respected and celebrated are critical in promoting positive sexual health. For many agencies, this requires reframing policies and programmes that include acknowledging and protecting the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities. While providing accessible pedagogical opportunities about sexual health was identified as important, ensuring curriculum delivery for support workers, as well as educating families and caregivers about the importance of sexual health and inclusion, is paramount, where the views and opinions of persons with developmental disabilities are at the forefront of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article involves an exploration into the ongoing claim that photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method. The article begins with a description of PAR and the theories that inform this methodology, followed by a brief history of photographic methods in research and the emergence of photovoice. The following section is an exploration of the goals and theories underlying photovoice, noting divergences from PAR in the following areas: 1) the positionality of the researcher, 2) decision-making power, and 3) the length of time dedicated to the overall process. The article concludes with further suggestions and considerations associated with photovoice and its implications to social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advocacy is a core part of social work practice. While social media platforms have grown in popularity in online campaigns, there is little evidence of how social workers can use social media when working with community groups. In this article, we provide an exemplar of an innovative advocacy practice with social media involving community members who created participatory videos as part of a research study, and subsequently integrated the videos into a larger human rights advocacy campaign. The case highlights three forms of social media engagement: platform integration, call-to-action, and blending offline and online advocacy efforts in real time. Included in this article is also a YouTube link to one of the participatory videos. We begin by considering the benefits and concerns of social media in social work education, followed by the implications in the field, with particular attention paid to advocacy. In the second section, we present the case study to demonstrate the application of social media platforms and conclude with practical considerations for social workers adopting social media when working alongside communities in social justice initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article sets out critical framing as an analytical approach in participatory video by which people investigate and analyze a topic through arts-based engagement, storyboarding, and collaborative editing. Participatory video as an action research method in self-advocacy has been discussed elsewhere. Here, the author examines critical framing and the role of generative themes in participatory analysis by describing a case study in which adults with developmental disabilities explored the dimensions of sexual health through participatory video. The author proposes that critical framing provides a more nuanced approach to participatory analysis. Credibility and trustworthiness with data triangulation and overall findings are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the new conceptual framework of participatory visual media as method, advocacy and voice (MAV), the author explores an action research study using an exemplar in which advocates from the disability community created and distributed a series of videos about love and sexuality as a critical human rights issue in the disability community. The author proposes that conceptualizing these three areas as overlapping, rather than being mutually exclusive, offers an integrated way of understanding collaborative media practices that are community-based and action-oriented. Methodological, practical and ethical considerations are also addressed regarding collaborative-based research that involves public distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: A large proportion of youth with chronic conditions have mental health comorbidities. However, the effect of these comorbidities on paediatric–adult transition readiness, and the relevance of widely used tools for measuring transition readiness, are unknown. Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe and explore the transition readiness of youth with co‐occurring chronic health and mental health conditions using a combination of quantitative data obtained from participants completing the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and qualitative data. Design and Participants: A three‐phase sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed, with the qualitative strand taking priority. First, the TRAQ scores (range 1–5) of youth with co‐occurring conditions (n = 61) enroled in a multisite randomized controlled trial were measured, followed by qualitative interviews with a sample of youth (n = 9) to explain the quantitative results. Results from both strands were then integrated, yielding comprehensive insights. Results: Median TRAQ scores ranged from 2.86 on the appointment keeping subscale to 5.00 on the talking with providers subscale. The qualitative results uncovered the complexities faced by this group concerning the impact of a mental health comorbidity on transition readiness and self‐management skills across TRAQ domains. The integrated findings identified a diverse and highly individualized set of strengths and challenges amongst this group that did not align with overarching patterns as measured by the TRAQ. Conclusions: This mixed methods study generated novel understandings about how youth with co‐occurring conditions develop competencies related to self‐care, self‐advocacy and self‐management in preparation for paediatric–adult service transitions. Results demonstrated the assessment of transition readiness using a generic scale does not address the nuanced and complex needs of youth with co‐occurring chronic health and mental health conditions. Our findings suggest tailoring transition readiness practices for this group based on youths' own goals, symptoms, coping mechanisms and resources. Patient or Public Involvement: This study was conducted in collaboration with five young adult research partners (YARP) with lived experience transitioning from paediatric to adult health/mental health services. The YARP's contributions across study phases ensured the perspectives of young people were centred throughout data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. All five YARP co‐authored this manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media technologies continue to change the academic landscape. Twitter has become particularly popular in research arenas including social work and is being used for fieldwork, knowledge mobilization activities, advocacy, and professional networking. Although there has been some consideration of the benefits and risks of using social media in academia, little has been written from a qualitative social work perspective. Drawing on the example of Twitter, this article redresses this gap in the literature, by exploring how social media is changing the way research is conducted and promoted in relation to (1) measuring scholarly impact via altmetrics; (2) engaging with research participants; (3) networking and making collegial connections; and (4) advocating for social issues in the public realm. As we highlight tensions in each of these four areas, a key concern is how and for whom social media is contributing to the changing meaning of scholarly impact and engagement in research communities. We draw specific attention to how the inequalities that exist in academia writ large may be amplified on social media thus affecting overall engagement and perceived impact for researchers from marginalized social locations (e.g. gender, race, sexual orientation). We conclude by discussing specific implications of using social media in qualitative social work research and provide suggestions for future areas of inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that mainstream media coverage of mental illness tends to focus on factors such as crime and violence. Thus, mental health advocates have argued that alternative portrayals are necessary to reduce stigma. Aim: The aim of this paper is to compare the tone and content of mainstream TV coverage of mental illness with educational videos produced by citizen journalists with mental illness. Methods: We trained three groups of people with mental illness in citizen journalism and participatory video. These groups then produced a series of educational videos about mental illness (n = 26). Simultaneously, we systematically collected TV clips about mental illness from a major Canadian TV station (n = 26). We then compared the tone and content of citizen journalism videos vs. TV clips using content analysis techniques. Results: The citizen journalist videos tended to be more positive and hopeful. For example, over 60% of the citizen journalism videos focused on recovery, compared to 27% of the TV clips. Conversely, over 40% of the TV clips focused on crime, violence or legal issues, in comparison to only 23% of the citizen journalism videos. Conclusion: Citizen journalism by people with mental illness has the potential to educate the public and reduce stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transition-age youth (TAY) with chronic health conditions frequently experience co-occurring mental health conditions. However, little is known about the perspectives of TAY with co-occurring diagnoses preparing to exit pediatric health and mental health services. Research is needed to understand the impact of a mental health condition on transition readiness and self-management in TAY with chronic health conditions. Methods: TAY (aged 16–20 years) with co-occurring chronic health and mental health conditions were recruited in Alberta, Canada. Nine semi-structured individual interviews were completed by phone or videoconference, and transcribed verbatim. Guided by qualitative description, we analyzed the data using thematic analysis in partnership with five young adults with lived experience in the health/mental health systems. Results: Participants shared their experiences living with simultaneous physical and mental health concerns and preparing for transition to adult care. Our analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1) "they're intertwined": connections between chronic health and mental health conditions in TAY, 2) impact of mental health on transition readiness and self-management, and 3) recommendations for service provision from the perspectives of TAY. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the myriad ways in which physical and mental health are connected as TAY prepare for service transitions using specific examples and powerful metaphors. TAY endorsed the importance of providers discussing these connections in routine clinical care. Future research should involve co-designing and evaluating educational material addressing this topic with diverse TAY, caregivers, and service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transition-age youth (TAY) with chronic health conditions frequently experience co-occurring mental health conditions. However, little is known about the perspectives of TAY with co-occurring diagnoses preparing to exit pediatric health and mental health services. Research is needed to understand the impact of a mental health condition on transition readiness and self-management in TAY with chronic health conditions. Methods: TAY (aged 16–20 years) with co-occurring chronic health and mental health conditions were recruited in Alberta, Canada. Nine semi-structured individual interviews were completed by phone or videoconference, and transcribed verbatim. Guided by qualitative description, we analyzed the data using thematic analysis in partnership with five young adults with lived experience in the health/mental health systems. Results: Participants shared their experiences living with simultaneous physical and mental health concerns and preparing for transition to adult care. Our analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1) "they're intertwined": connections between chronic health and mental health conditions in TAY, 2) impact of mental health on transition readiness and self-management, and 3) recommendations for service provision from the perspectives of TAY. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the myriad ways in which physical and mental health are connected as TAY prepare for service transitions using specific examples and powerful metaphors. TAY endorsed the importance of providers discussing these connections in routine clinical care. Future research should involve co-designing and evaluating educational material addressing this topic with diverse TAY, caregivers, and service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-transformative approaches (i.e., approaches that support male-identified individuals to critique and resist stereotypical male gender role norms that negatively affect health and well-being) are increasingly recognized as a key health promotion strategy. However, there is limited evidence to date on gender-transformative interventions for male-identified adolescents. In addition, given the dynamic and socially constructed nature of gender, methods beyond quantitative data collection are needed to gain a holistic understanding of promising gender-transformative health promotion approaches. One newer method to capture lived experiences with adolescents is photo-based evaluation, where youth program participants take pictures to represent their knowledge, attitudes, and/or behaviors before and after a program. The present study presents findings from the photo-based evaluation of a gender-transformative health promotion program called WiseGuyz. WiseGuyz is offered to mid-adolescent, male-identified youth in school and community settings, and is designed to promote mental and sexual health and prevent violence. Six youth photographers from a rural Canadian setting took part in this evaluation, taking photos to represent what being a guy in their world meant before and after WiseGuyz. Youth then participated in an individual visual storytelling interview and a group-based photovoice process. Key themes in relation to masculinities that emerged from these data were around changes to (1) social norms and (2) emotionality following program participation, and the need for a safe program space to support these changes. This study adds to literature demonstrating the promise of gender-transformative approaches with adolescents, with implications for future health promotion research and practice with male-identified youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]