Capturing grief: Photovoice as a tool for learning and researching.

Abstract

This article explores the application of photovoice as both an educational and research tool, examining its use to facilitate discussions on loss and grief with fifth- and sixth-grade students, as well as teachers undergoing in-service training in grief education within the Greek-Cypriot school system. Photovoice enabled participants to visually express personal stories related to loss and grief by responding to the question "What do loss and grief mean to you?." Through group discussions, participants shared insights, feelings, and narratives connected to their photographs, deepening the understanding of grief as both a shared and individual experience. By creating captions or narratives for their images, they contextualized their feelings, adding layers of meaning. The findings indicate that photovoice fosters reflection, empathy, and awareness, supporting the aims of grief education. As a research tool, the photographs and narratives offer insights into addressing grief in the classroom, guiding educators and policymakers in curriculum development.