Boundary Objects

Engaging and Bridging Needs of People in Participatory Research by Arts-Based Methods

Bibliographic Data

ID15513832
AuthorsBarbara Groot (0000-0001-7495-3048, Leiden University, corresponding author), Tineke Abma (0000-0002-8902-322X, Leiden University)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue15
Pages7903-7903
Publication date2021-07-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18157903
PMID34360192
OpenAlexW3186548011
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited32

Participatory health research (PHR) is a research approach in which people, including hidden populations, share lived experiences about health inequities to improve their situation through collective action. Boundary objects are produced, using arts-based methods, to be heard by stakeholders. These can bring about dialogue, connection, and involvement in a mission for social justice. This study aims to gain insight into the value and ethical issues of boundary objects that address health inequalities. A qualitative evaluation is conducted on three different boundary objects, created in different participatory studies with marginalized populations (mothers in poverty, psychiatric patients, and unemployed people). A successful boundary object evokes emotions among those who created the objects and those encountering these objects. Such objects move people and create an impulse for change. The more provocative the object, the more people feel triggered to foster change. Boundary objects may cross personal boundaries and could provoke feelings of discomfort and ignorance. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to ethics work. Boundary objects that are made by people from hidden populations may spur actions and create influence by improving the understanding of the needs of hidden populations. A dialogue about these needs is an essential step towards social justice

Boundary object · Citizen journalism · Feeling · Ignorance · Lifeworld · Participatory action research · Political science · Public relations · Social science · Sociology · Health Policy Implementation Science · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychology · Social Psychology