A Photovoice Evaluation of Coping Mechanisms Among Children of Immigrants

In this community based participatory research, photovoice was used to shine a light on the coping mechanisms of children of immigrants. Photovoice was chosen to give the children a platform to explore and identify how they cope with difficult circumstances and situations. Eight children were chosen by convenience sampling. Children were recruited from the after-school program offered by Puentes de Salud, a non-profit organization in South Philadelphia. Participants varied in ages from 7 to 12 years old or, 3rd through 5th grade. The primary purpose of the study was to (a) provide a deeper understanding of the coping mechanisms of vulnerable children whom experience adversity and (b) provide insight to Puentes de Salud, for them to implement and/or evaluate their activities to suit those coping mechanisms of the children. The study occurred over 5 sessions with parents and children. The children were given a disposable camera with 27 frames and were given the probing question: “What or who do you turn to when things go and get tough?” The three major themes that emerged from the pictures were: Culture, Friends and Family, and Puentes (the after-school program). This research shed light on the adversity faced by these children and how they try to cope with it. There was both personal buy-in and skepticism from this vulnerable populations, given the scope of the research project. Puentes de Salud can implement strategies and activities into their education program to teach effective coping mechanisms and styles