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“Seeing the warmth”: Photovoice as a low-intensity well- being support intervention for caregivers of children with Special Educational Needs
Date Issued
2026
Conference
Citation
Chung, M. C., Santos, L. D., Siu, C. Y., & Chan, K. C. (2026). “Seeing the warmth”: Photovoice as a low-intensity well- being support intervention for caregivers of children with Special Educational Needs. 2026 Asian Conference on Applied Psychology.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Caregivers of children with special educational needs (SEN) frequently experience sustained
parental stress, complex coping demands, and challenges to their overall quality of life. While
specialist services remain essential, accessible low-intensity interventions are needed to
promote emotional validation, peer connection, and continuity of psychosocial support. In
response to community needs, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, in collaboration with Yew
Chung College of Early Childhood Education, Tung Wah College, Saint Francis University, and
the Autism Life Development Association, implemented a community-based Photovoice
project entitled “Through Their Lens: Caregivers’ Stories in Focus” (2025–2026).
Over 30 caregivers participated in structured Photovoice sessions exploring three interconnected domains: (1) parental stress, (2) coping strategies, and (3) perceived quality of life. Data generation and analysis were two-fold, integrating visual data (participant-produced photographs) and narrative data (facilitated group discussions and reflective accounts). Narrative data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent patterns of meaning within and across participants’ experiences. Visual data were examined in relation to symbolic representation, visual metaphors, and their interaction with participants’ narratives, allowing for triangulation across modalities.
The effectiveness of Photovoice as a low-intensity intervention is interpreted through two complementary theoretical lenses. Common Factors Theory (Rosenzweig, 1936) highlights how shared experience, empathic listening, cohesion, meaning-making, and hope instillation contribute to psychosocial benefits beyond formal therapeutic techniques. Third Place Theory (Oldenburg, 1989) conceptualizes the Photovoice sessions and subsequent public exhibition as a psychologically safe, informal social space situated between home and formal service systems, fostering belonging, identity affirmation, and social dialogue.
The project culminated in a public Photovoice Exhibition in April 2026, extending reflective dialogue into the wider community. This presentation will discuss how participatory visualnarrative approaches can serve as developmentally informed, relationally grounded interventions that enhance caregiver resilience and build continuity within fragmented systems of care.
Over 30 caregivers participated in structured Photovoice sessions exploring three interconnected domains: (1) parental stress, (2) coping strategies, and (3) perceived quality of life. Data generation and analysis were two-fold, integrating visual data (participant-produced photographs) and narrative data (facilitated group discussions and reflective accounts). Narrative data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent patterns of meaning within and across participants’ experiences. Visual data were examined in relation to symbolic representation, visual metaphors, and their interaction with participants’ narratives, allowing for triangulation across modalities.
The effectiveness of Photovoice as a low-intensity intervention is interpreted through two complementary theoretical lenses. Common Factors Theory (Rosenzweig, 1936) highlights how shared experience, empathic listening, cohesion, meaning-making, and hope instillation contribute to psychosocial benefits beyond formal therapeutic techniques. Third Place Theory (Oldenburg, 1989) conceptualizes the Photovoice sessions and subsequent public exhibition as a psychologically safe, informal social space situated between home and formal service systems, fostering belonging, identity affirmation, and social dialogue.
The project culminated in a public Photovoice Exhibition in April 2026, extending reflective dialogue into the wider community. This presentation will discuss how participatory visualnarrative approaches can serve as developmentally informed, relationally grounded interventions that enhance caregiver resilience and build continuity within fragmented systems of care.
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