INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD CARE IN URBAN SOUTH AFRICA

Visual Methods
My research project also made use of several visual methods. The primary
method of visual data collection that was used was thematic drawing in response to
prompts regarding the children’s lives. (Young and Barrett, 2000) Visual methods are an
asset for a number of reasons. They are able to communicate some psychological
implications without losing meaning through a verbally articulated analysis. They were
also helpful as an engaging tool to help elicit more clear communication from children.
Sibley notes that a sort of communication barrier exists between children and adults due
to differing perspectives, and that adults may often have trouble becoming oriented with
the world of children. (1995) This was additionally challenging because subjects for this
study have likely undergone some form of traumatic experience. A number of studies
find that communication is often one of the areas most affected by childhood trauma.
(Dregorov & Yule, 2006; Cohen, 2004) Many visual methods of data collection are
similar in structure to art therapy techniques that have been shown to facilitate positive
change, thus introducing a possible benefit, despite the fact that the research is not
intended as a mental health intervention. (Waller, 2006)
With the help of the center’s staff, I was able to organize small group settings
where I could facilitate artistic activities. My wife Deanna Lazaro, a professional child
therapist, also helped facilitate this portion of my project, ensuring that the art activities
were both therapeutic as well as informative. Many of my prompts were guided by
questions that may be asked during an art therapy session to help both participants and
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