A1 Journal article (refereed)
Self and others in school bullying and cyberbullying : Fine-tuning a new arts-based method to study sensitive topics (2023)

Khanolainen, D., & Semenova, E. (2023). Self and others in school bullying and cyberbullying : Fine-tuning a new arts-based method to study sensitive topics. Qualitative Psychology, 10(1), 30-43. https://doi.org/10.1037/qup0000236

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Khanolainen, Daria; Semenova, Elena

Journal or series: Qualitative Psychology

ISSN: 2326-3601

eISSN: 2326-3598

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 01/09/2022

Volume: 10

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 30-43

Publisher: American Psychological Association

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/qup0000236

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85645

Abstract

Despite continuous international research and prevention efforts, bullying not only persists globally but also evolves into new forms, such as cyberbullying. In this methodological article, we present a new arts-based research tool, graphic vignettes, that can extend our understanding of peer aggression and other sensitive topics by facilitating participants’ creative reflection over the roles of self and others in different problem-based situations. Each graphic vignette, designed for this study, looks like an incomplete comic strip that participants individually develop further. Flexible and open to interpretation vignettes were used in combination with more restrictive/structured vignettes to facilitate methodological comparisons. During follow-up interviews, creatively completed graphic vignettes helped participants locate and articulate their perceptions and experiences of peer aggression. Being able to share personal experiences and feelings through the character’s perspective encouraged participants to open up more. Using creative works in interviews also helped the understanding between participants and researchers by allowing participants’ verbal and visual accounts to enhance each other. Moreover, our findings suggest that offering creative tasks to participants helped us reduce the effects of the social desirability bias—a prevalent problem in sensitive research. Overall, the article demonstrates how new graphic vignettes can be developed, adjusted, and effectively applied in an international setting.

Keywords: school bullying; cyberbullying; art; arts-based methods; vignettes; expression (communication); problems; peer relationships; research methods

Free keywords: sensitive topics

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1