Girls’ Perspectives of Barriers to Outdoor Physical Activity Through Photovoice: A Call for Counselor Advocacy

ABSTRACT

Physical inactivity and limited time spent in nature are major societal concerns that affect the mental and emotional health of youth in the United States. As such, this study explored girls’ perspectives of barriers to outdoor physical activity using a qualitative participatory action research method called photovoice. Six themes emerged from data representing the girls’ perspectives of barriers to outdoor physical activity through photovoice: Very Busy Schedule, Social Media, Health Concerns, Indoor Activity Instead of Outdoor Activity, Electronic Devices, and Way of Life. Researchers address how counselors can use these findings to advocate on this issue, given that counselors are called to advocate at multiple levels to address barriers that inhibit the growth and development of clients.

KEYWORDS:

• Advocacy
• creativity in counseling
• outdoor physical activity
• photovoice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Corrine R. Sackett

Corrine R. Sackett is affiliated with Counselor Education at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.

Sean Newhart

Sean Newhart was formerly affiliated with Counselor Education at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina and is now with Counselor Education, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Alyssa M. Jenkins

Alyssa M. Jenkins is with Greenville Mental Health Center, Greenville, South Carolina.

Lynne Cory

Lynne Cory was formerly affiliated with Counselor Education, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, and is now with Counseling and Psychological Services at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.