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. 2017;12(1):48-61.
doi: 10.1080/15401383.2016.1206493. Epub 2016 Oct 21.

Portraits of Well-Being: Photography as a Mental Health Support for Women With HIV

Michelle Teti  1 , Bryana French  2 , Allison Kabel  1 , Rose Farnan  3
Affiliations

Portraits of Well-Being: Photography as a Mental Health Support for Women With HIV

Michelle Teti et al. J Creat Ment Health. 2017.

Abstract

Many women living with HIV/AIDS (WL-HIV/AIDS) experience significant mental distress. Although creative arts strategies are well positioned to help support women by inspiring creativity and meaning-making, few arts programs have been implemented and evaluated with this population. We conducted a photography project with thirty WL-HIV/AIDS from three United States cities. Participants took pictures to capture their life with HIV/AIDS and described their photos and stories in group and individual sessions. Using thematic analysis, we identified that the project supported women's mental health in four ways by facilitating empowerment and helping women to express themselves, address their mental health with new tools like photography, and process past traumas. Photography projects may help WL-HIV/AIDS understand and manage their mental health.

Keywords: Creative arts; HIV/AIDS; creativity in counseling; diversity; mental health; mental health and illness; multi-cultural; qualitative research.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Empowerment: Carla shows that she can control HIV, which is only one part of her life.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Not There Yet: Toni shares how she wants to be more open and expressive about HIV.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Burnt Paper from 9/11: Tara turns a traumatic experience into a chance to grow.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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