Public housing tenants’ perspective on residential environment and positive well-being: An empowerment-based Photovoice study and its implications for social work

Abstract

Summary

Although tenants of public housing face numerous challenges, recent research suggests they can experience positive well-being. The study examines a group of tenants’ perspective on structures of their residential environment that influence their positive well-being, using the empowerment-based Photovoice method. Ten peer-researchers took pictures, participated in facilitated group discussions, and performed a thematic analysis. The study presents themes emerging from the pictures, as well as concrete outcomes of implementing such a method in a public housing setting.

Findings

Six themes emerged from the pictures taken: (1) a pleasant home, inspiring pride; (2) variety of local resources; (3) mutual support and social participation; (4) control over life situations; (5) social, leisure and growth opportunities; (6) beneficial access to nature. The findings reveal the nuances of tenants’ relationships with their residential environment, which has the potential to support their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. However, several needs for improvement were also identified, as well as avenues for tenants to take more power over these negative situations. The Photovoice method appears to have produced positive outcomes in terms of environmental improvement and tenant empowerment.

Applications

The study suggests social workers should bear in mind the multifaceted person–environment relationship of the people they work with. It also emphasizes that public housing tenants can play an active role in making their environment a place where they can flourish. The Photovoice method is highlighted as a useful tool for social work community practitioners to support tenant empowerment.