Perceptions of Marijuana Use and Abstinence Among Adolescents through the Lens of Photovoice

Background and Purpose:

Few social work researchers have utilized photovoice methodology as a tool for exploring perceptions of marijuana and abstinence use among high school students. The use of photovoice, an innovative participatory action research methodology, gives individuals the opportunity to explore and define for themselves, through photography and narration, the everyday reality of their lives and their perceptions about the world. Limited research exists that explores the viewpoint of high school students regarding perceptions of marijuana use and abstinence. This paper helps to address this gap in the literature by exploring perceptions of marijuana use and abstinence among high school students. 

Methods:

Photovoice methodology was employed in this study. Research participants were given cameras and asked to capture photographs representing reasons a teenager might choose to use or abstain from marijuana. A total of 4 focus groups were conducted with 12 students enrolled in two Campbell County High Schools. Participants discussed their photographs with the researchers during an audio-recorded interview. Each interview was transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative analysis was employed to analyze the data and to generate themes. 

Results:

Stress, peer pressure, self-medicating, and emotional/mental health problems were identified as themes related to marijuana use. Study participants believed that stress was one of the major reasons that teenagers use marijuana. Such stress can come from academics, difficulty with managing interpersonal relationships, and problems at home. Research participants also felt strongly that peer pressure was a reason why teenagers choose to use marijuana. Participants believed that teenagers experiment with marijuana to better cope (self-medicate) with stress or problems. Emotional and mental health problems such as depression and anger were identified as reasons leading to marijuana use.

Research participants identified several themes for why a teenager would choose to abstain from marijuana use. These themes included, positive others, religion or spirituality, extracurricular activities, anti-drug informational sessions, and negative outcomes.  Research participants believed that having positive peer relationships and supportive adult relationships was helpful in preventing teenagers from experimenting with marijuana. Participants also believed that religion or spirituality could prevent teenagers from using marijuana. Extracurricular activities were identified as influencing teenagers not to experiment or use marijuana. Such activities were cited as “keeping kids out of trouble” and from being bored. Participants believed that marijuana use could result in negative outcomes such as legal trouble, debt, and denial to college or the military.

Conclusion and Implications:

The use of photovoice with high school students offered unique perspectives through photography and allowed for expression of feelings and perceptions regarding marijuana use and non-use. Building positive peer relationships seems to be one of the most significant factors that study that research participants identified as preventing marijuana use. Social workers in school-based settings could foster such positive relationships. It is also important to engage youths in positive extracurricular activities. Anti-drug workshops could be enhanced by including peer to peer education and interactive curriculums. Adults working with high school students should also be aware of mental health symptoms, and have knowledge of referral sources.