M3 Conference Poster Presentation Abstract

New Lens Photography Pilot Program, Runner Up Award

Authors: Caroline Mrowiec and Kelly Johnson

Category: program/project

Source of Funding: none

Abstract

Background:

Caregivers of a child with a disability have higher levels of psychological stress and social isolation than the general population, especially among mothers, since mothers usually assume the primary caregiver role. The purpose of the New Lens Photography Program was to increase participants’ self-efficacy and satisfaction in social roles and decrease feelings of social isolation through creative expression, mindfulness, and socialization with other participants facing similar life challenges. The online program ran from June 4-August 26, 2021. The participants were eight mothers of children with disabilities located in the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam and were recruited through a therapy center their children attended.

Methods:

Over nine weeks, a photography lesson, assignment, and a corresponding mindfulness exercise and discussion question were posted in the online group which the participants completed using a smart phone. The women met online via three scheduled group video chats, facilitated by the group instructors. Data were collected via pre and post surveys adapted from standardized measures for self-efficacy, satisfaction in social roles, and satisfaction in life roles.

Results:

Per survey results, 75% of the women experienced an increase in self-efficacy and 60% experienced an increase in social satisfaction. Only two participants had an increased satisfaction in life roles, and some of the women experienced a decline in life role satisfaction.

Conclusion:

The program’s greatest impact on measured outcomes was on increasing the participants’ self-efficacy. The impact on social satisfaction was not as significant, perhaps due to the limited social interaction of an online platform and the self-paced activities. The impact on satisfaction in life roles was minimal or even declined in some participants, correlating most with the women who participated the least in the program. Future modifications to the program will include providing improved support, incentives, and accountability to maintain engagement to ensure participant success and feelings of achievement. Future plans include designing a phone application for accessing the program, expanding the program to include other groups of adults facing life challenges, and partnering with an existing organization to access resources and means of promotion to advance the program to an international scale.

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