Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden im Kontext jugendlicher Lebenswelten - Ergebnisse einer Photovoice Studie

Youth perspectives on health and wellbeing - results from a photovoice study. Background: In the context of a regional (Vorarlberg/ Austria) health promotion project, youth have explored their perspectives on health and wellbeing. These perspectives have been used to adapt and develop regional health programs towards the needs of youth target groups. Methods: Photovoice was used as participatory research method. 45 youngsters produced photographs about their life-worlds and their understanding of health. Youngsters have presented and discussed these photographs among themselves. The discussions have been recorded and transcribed and were, together with the photo material, analyzed by means of documentary method. Results: The term health has a rather negative connotation for many youngsters. They rather orientate their behavior upon subjective wellbeing. For this purpose they maintain social contacts and arrange their free time as compensation vis-à-vis the school and working time. Conclusion: By means of photovoice youth were enabled to generate knowledge and assess their needs about health and wellbeing. They gain new knowledge and communicative skills and thus were empowered to voice their perspectives face-to-face with decision-makers.