Centering Lived Experience: Photovoice As a Tool for Social Work Practice with Women of Color in Chronic Pain

Background: Chronic pain affects over 20% of U.S. adults, with women (particularly women of color) facing disproportionately higher rates and greater functional impairment due to systemic healthcare barriers and discrimination. Traditional clinical approaches often overlook the social and emotional dimensions of chronic pain, leaving minoritized populations underserved. This study used virtual photovoice, a participatory action research (PAR) method, to center the lived experiences of women of color with chronic pain and identify pathways toward more culturally responsive, patient-centered care.

Methods: Twenty women of color in Michigan participated in a six-week hybrid model, combining synchronous Zoom sessions with asynchronous Canvas activities. Through photography and reflective narratives, participants documented their pain experiences, which were analyzed using a collaborative thematic approach (both participant-led and researcher-led). The research team worked alongside participants to synthesize themes, capturing shared challenges and coping strategies.

Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) The Mental and Physical Toll of Chronic Pain, where participants described isolation, shame, and invalidation by healthcare providers; (2) Modalities for Healing and Pain Alleviation, including faith-based practices, social support, and alternative therapies; and (3) External Perceptions and Biases, highlighting how racial/gender stereotypes exacerbated marginalization. Despite technical challenges, participants reported therapeutic benefits, such as reduced pain symptoms and improved mental health, while the photovoice process fostered empowerment, advocacy, and community-building.

Conclusion and Implications: This study demonstrates photovoice’s power to amplify marginalized voices and challenge inequities in pain management. Findings call for multilevel interventions: policy (e.g., bias training, insurance reform), clinical practice (culturally tailored care), and community/research (peer support networks, longitudinal studies). By centering women of color’s narratives, this project illustrates how participatory research can drive social change, transforming pain into actionable strategies for equitable, compassionate healthcare.