Date of Award

Summer 5-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Dr. Jason Frydman

Second Advisor

Dr. Michelle Nepoli

Third Advisor

Dr. Laura Teoli

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Felicia Low

Abstract

Helping professionals (HPs) working with complex trauma operate in emotionally demanding environments that place them at increased risk of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue. Resilience has therefore been identified as an important resource for sustaining well-being and effective practice. While photovoice has shown potential as a participatory approach for fostering resilience across diverse populations, its application among HPs engaged in complex trauma work, particularly within Asian contexts, remains limited. This study examined how seven HPs engaged in complex trauma work from a single organization in Singapore experienced and perceived photovoice as a resilience-building tool. The study employed a qualitative design incorporating an art-based research component through photovoice, alongside a complementary quantitative component. Guided by participatory research principles, the photovoice process included photo-taking, reflective writing, focus group discussion, and individual interviews. Qualitative data explored participants’ engagement with photovoice and their understandings of resilience, while descriptive data from the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to triangulate findings and provide an additional interpretive lens.

Findings suggested that photovoice supported reflexivity, relational connection, and slowed pacing within demanding work environments. Participants described increased awareness of personal meaning, everyday sources of resilience, supportive relationships, and moments of gratitude embedded in professional contexts. Engagement with the process varied, and participants identified practical and contextual constraints that shaped their experiences. Overall, photovoice appeared to function as a process-oriented method that facilitated reflexive exploration of resilience for the participants in this study, while drawing attention to the influence of individual readiness and organizational conditions on engagement.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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