O'Grady, Lynette (2008) The world of adolescence : using photovoice to explore psychological sense of community and wellbeing in adolescence with and without an intellectual disability. Other Degree thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Adolescence is considered a time of change and, to some extent, upheaval. Psychological Sense of Community has been utilised as a framework for understanding adolescents’ experiences in their communities. The present study explored the experiences of 10 adolescents from two urban schools in eastern Australia, a specialist school for students with a mild intellectual disability, and a mainstream school. Using Photovoice, an ethnographic research method utilising photographs generated by the research participants as the primary data source, the participants were actively engaged in taking photographs about their day to day lives in their communities. The photographs were supplemented by individual semi-structured interviews and small group discussions. Results confirmed the importance of meaningful relationships with family, neighbours, pets and peers for participants from both groups. Levels of participation in a range of activities were also explored. Concepts of community including place, neighbourhood, virtual communities and communities of interest were elicited from participants. Many aspects of adolescent life were similar for both groups, although family provided more support to participants with an intellectual disability in enabling them to participate actively within the community. Discussions about spirituality were more prominent with participants without a disability, possibly reflecting language and cognitive abilities. All participants expressed concerns about growing up, letting go of childhood and facing responsibilities associated with adulthood. Overall, the present study suggested that the day to day experiences of adolescents from both groups were similar with social interactions underpinning what they considered to be important.

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