Title
"I created something new with something that had died": Photo-narratives of positive transformation among women with HIV
Department/School
Psychology, Professional
Date of this version
2015
Document Type
Article
Abstract
A dearth of research describes the strengths of women living with HIV (WLH), yet understanding these strengths can promote women’s well-being and healthy behavior. This analysis explores positive life transformations among WLH through photo-stories. WLH (N = 30) from three U.S. cities participated in a pilot photovoice project to tell their story of HIV. The project included three group meetings, an individual interview, and a public exhibit. Using qualitative strategies of theme and narrative analysis we identified positive transformations in women’s photo-stories. Participants were African American (83 %) and low income (83 %). Women described four major positive transitions in their lives including transformations related to healthfulness, spirituality, self-acceptance, and confidence. Despite challenges, WLH experience positive transformation and growth experiences. Understanding these transformative changes can shed light on women’s motivation to make healthy life changes and thus frame strengths-based interventions for WLH. Photovoice itself is a potential strategy to promote WLH’s strengths and health.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1000-7
Volume
19
Published in
AIDS and Behavior
Citation/Other Information
Teti, M., French, B. H., Bonney, L., & Lightfoot, M. (2015). "I created something new with something that had died": Photo-narratives of positive transformation among women with HIV. AIDS and Behavior, 19, 1275-1287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1000-7