Researchers used a participatory research design called photovoice to explore girls' perspectives of barriers to outdoor physical activity. Themes framing the study include (1) children's physical inactivity and limited time spent in nature, (2) counselors' responsibility to advocate for clients at individual, group, and societal levels, and (3) the importance of attending to the voices of those affected by an issue. An additional concern addressed in this study relates to declining physical fitness occurring more often among girls than boys. The photovoice research design gave girls the opportunity to be active participants in research and advocacy regarding this issue.
Five girls (age 11-14) took photos of what they experienced as barriers to outdoor physical activity. In a follow-up session with the researchers, they picked out one or two photographs that were the most meaningful to them. They also shared information about how issues depicted in their photos influenced their lives and reasons as to why these barriers may exist. Six barriers to physical activity were identified: Very Busy Schedule, Social Media, Health Concerns, Indoor Activity Instead of Outdoor Activity, Electronic Devices, and Way of Life. The girls paired their selected photos with the matching themes. After a brainstorming session with the researchers, the girls decided to present a slide show of their selected photos and related themes to the community. They chose a centralized location for the event and suggested people – including community leaders -- to be invited to the event. Parents and others attending the event expressed increased awareness and motivation to make different health-related choices for their children and themselves.
This study, in addition to identifying girls' perspectives of barriers to outdoor physical activity, also identified ways in which counselors can advocate for clients' welfare. At the individual counseling level, this includes empowering clients to make changes in their own lives. Examples of how to do this at the community level include collaborating with other medical professionals and health coaches in establishing community policies and allocating resources that encourage youth to engage in more physical activities outdoors. At the systems level, the authors encourage counselors to advocate for increased outdoor time at school.
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