Qualitative research utilizes narrative materials and an intuitive, flexible design, which

differs from a measurement and controlled design displayed in quantitative research [ CITATION
Pol175 \l 1033 ]. Dr. Kristen Mauk describes in the media presentation that it is essential to
identify your research question when deciding which research designs you want to use in a study,
and qualitative data depends on the trustworthiness of your participants [CITATION Qua12 \l 1033 ].

The article I chose was Using Instagram as a Modified Application of Photovoice for
Storytelling and Sharing in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes. This was a study used to examine
the feasibility of combining Photovoice methodology with social media in adolescents with type
1 diabetes. Disposable cameras were provided to participants and then asked them to photograph
particular themes of a given topic. Eligible participants were adolescents aged 14 to 18 with a
diagnosis of type I diabetes for 6 months or longer, English-speaking, and have personal access
to Instagram with a smart phone. Participants were asked to post three photos to their Instagram
feed that represented anything about their diabetes. They were also asked to use a hashtag. After
the 3 weeks of the Instagram feed were complete, participants were interviewed individually for
qualitative assessments of themes and experiences.

The purpose of this study was to establish feasibility of using Instagram for the sharing of
diabetes-related photos among adolescents with T1D to determine its candidacy and appeal for
use in future interventions targeting health behaviors in this population. Humor seemed to be a
prominent coping strategy and could be used to address the negative feelings that often emerge in

adolescents with T1D, such as burnout, depression, anxiety, or feelings of isolation

[ CITATION YiF15 \l 1033 ]. I thought this study was a great start

although more research is needed. Exploring novel efforts such as this one, directed more
specifically to where many adolescents naturally interact, is needed to improve outcomes for

those most at risk [ CITATION YiF15 \l 1033 ].

References

Laureate Education, I. (Producer). (2012). Qualitative and mixed methods research designs
[Motion Picture].
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for
nursing practice (10 ed.). Philadelphi, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Yi-Frazier, J. P., Cochrane, K., Mitrovich, C., Pascual, M., Buscaino, E., Eaton, L., . . . Malik, F.
(2015). Using Instagram as a Modified Application of Photovoice for Storytelling and
Sharing in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes. Qualitative Health Research, 25(10), 1372
- 1382 . doi:10.1177/1049732315583282