A Multi-Dimensional Snapshot of Wellbeing: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of a Photo-a-Day for Wellbeing Practice
Liz Gooster
Citation: Gooster, L. (2024). A Multi-Dimensional Snapshot of Wellbeing: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of a Photo-a-Day for Wellbeing Practice. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 8, 6, 1-16. https://www.nationalwellbeingservice.org/volumes/volume-8-2024/volume-8-article-6
Processing dates: Submitted 13 July 2023; Resubmitted 15 December 2023; Accepted 16 February 2024; Published 1 July 2024
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Copyright © Liz Gooster, 2024. Published in the European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology by National Wellbeing Services Ltd. This is an open-access article licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license. You are free to: Share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially. Adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms. Under the following terms: Attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. No additional restrictions – You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. (No CC license version licenses patent and trademark rights along with copyright. Appendix 1 photographs are copyright of the research participants and reproduced with permission.) Terms of licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Abstract
Background: Photo-a-day is a popular practice of uploading photos to an online platform to capture and share everyday moments. While existing research on the practice is limited, several
previous studies suggest it can impact wellbeing, making it a promising subject for positive psychology research.
Aims: The present study seeks to understand the lived experience of a photo-a-day for wellbeing practice, as conducted naturalistically by members of two online groups.
Methodology: 12 practitioners of photo-a-day for wellbeing participated in semi-structured interviews. These were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the qualitative method of
reflexive thematic analysis to explore common themes around the experience of the practice.
Results: Key findings were that, for these participants, photo-a-day offered multiple pathways to wellbeing through evoking positive emotion in the moment; enjoying positive social connections; gaining a sense of mastery. Sub-themes of mindfulness; appreciating nature; savoring; belonging and commitment; and interacting with others were identified.
Discussion: The results support earlier research and offer new insights into the relationship between photo-a-day and wellbeing. Mindfulness, the physical experience of natural environments, a connection with outdoor activity, and learning, have previously received scant attention in the literature on photo-a-day.
Conclusions: Photo-a-day may be experienced as contributing to wellbeing in complex ways. Depending on how it is enacted, it can be considered as an embodied positive practice. The
pathways delivering the benefits perceived by participants are inter-related, supporting the view of wellbeing as a multidimensional construct. The practice of photo-a-day for wellbeing merits
further research through the lens of third-wave positive psychology models.
Keywords: Photo-a-day; wellbeing; reflexive thematic analysis; positive emotions; social connections; mastery
Biography
Liz Gooster, PhD is a Graduate of MAPPCP (Masters in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology) at UEL (University of East London), Faculty Member and Tutor of Meyler Campbell, professional executive and leadership coach with her own practice.
Email: liz@lizgooster.com
Phone: +44 (0)7429 118084
Website: www.lizgooster.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5179-2413