2025/11/01 by Julia Henderson, Lillian Hung, Renjie Xia +2 · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Psychology · Arts and Humanities · #Participatory Visual Research Methods #Aging and Gerontology Research #Art Therapy and Mental Health
paper · doi:10.1177/16094069251404341
openalex publication_date 2025/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/11/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/23
Health inequalities persist despite extensive public health research and interventions. Qualitative approaches are increasingly recognized for their ability to capture the nuanced, lived experiences of marginalized populations—an essential perspective in a world marked by complexity and uncertainty. This paper draws on two case studies to examine the role of qualitative methods in public health research, emphasizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and fostering intergenerational dialogue. Case Study 1 explores the use of visual methods to elevate the voices of people with dementia, a group often overlooked in traditional health research. Through video storytelling, participants shared their lived experiences, offering deeper insights into the challenges they face and the broader social implications of dementia. This case demonstrates the power of visual storytelling to capture the emotional and social dimensions of health inequalities while providing practical lessons for engaging vulnerable populations in research. Case Study 2 examines an intergenerational co-creation workshop series that used collaborative arts engagement to stimulate climate change dialogue amongst older adults (aged 60 years+) and children (aged 9 to 12). The project highlights the significance of creating spaces for cross-generational conversations and co-creative exploration, illustrating how such engagements can bridge knowledge gaps, address structural inequities such as ageism, and contribute to addressing climate-related health disparities. Together, the two case studies illuminate the potential of qualitative methods to advance health equity by supporting inclusive, relational, and justice-driven approaches to public health research. They underscore the value of participatory engagement in generating useful insights and fostering social change.