Graphic family sculpting as a visual data collection technique in parent-adolescent relational research

Abstract

Considering the relative newness of the field of positive psychology in South Africa, the need for empirical research, including research regarding research techniques that could have a unique contribution to our knowledge within this field, becomes clear. Positive relationships and relational well-being is a prominent construct in the field of positive psychology. The parent-adolescent relationship specifically, is of interest due to its foundational nature and the change that the parent-adolescent relationship undergoes due to changes during adolescence. While various studies point to the usefulness of visual data collection techniques with populations that tend to be harder to reach, including adolescents, social sciences and the field of psychology has been slow to realise the potential of visual techniques. The aim of this study is therefore to describe graphic family sculpting as a visual projective data collection technique by illustrating its use in research conducted with a group of African female adolescents regarding their experience of parent-adolescent relationships in a South African context. The findings are indicative that graphic family sculpting as a projective visual data collection method can produce rich and insightful information with regard to families, family dynamics, and family relationships. The findings are also indicative that the technique can be used to suggest relational family dynamics and interactions that are more effective.