Spatializing psychological well-being: A photovoice approach on the experience of stress alleviation among university students

ABSTRACT

Rising numbers of mental health-related cases are documented in university settings due to psychological distress. As a case exemplar, this study examined university students’ experiences of stress alleviation through the everyday use of campus spaces using photovoice methodology. Employing a qualitative triangulation method, we distilled insights from corroborating data gathered using SHOWeD focus group discussions and walking interviews. We also used participatory photo mapping (PPM) as a novel method to initially validate the findings through enhancing student participation, as well as, a strategy to achieve the final interpretative synthesis. Main findings showed three overarching spatial experiences of stress alleviation namely: being away from stressful places, being present but mentally away from a place, or being engaged within communal spaces. Discussion highlights practical implications on university mental health policy and use of campus spaces, as well as methodological implications in conducting photovoice projects.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• stress
• methodological triangulation
• place-based perspective
• photovoice
• campus spaces

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bianca Camille Girang

Bianca Camille Girang is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University, Department of Psychology.

Denzel Patrick Chu

Denzel Patrick Chu is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University, Department of Psychology.

Maria Isabella Endrinal

Maria Isabella Endrinal is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University, Department of Psychology.

Nico Canoy

Nico Canoy is an Associate Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, Department of Psychology.