# Methodologies of Care: A Multimodal, Participatory Research Approach with Vulnerable Families Among South African Communities

## TL;DR

This study explores how creative methods like drawing and storytelling can help vulnerable families in South Africa share their experiences more effectively.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel use of multimodal, participatory methods grounded in care to capture the lived experiences of vulnerable families.

## Key findings

- Multimodal methods produced credible, contextually rich data about family experiences.
- Participants experienced emotional insight and self-reflection through these methods.
- The approaches were communicable, allowing diverse participants to express themselves effectively.

## Abstract

Multimodal methods provide valuable opportunities within Participatory Action Research (PAR), to foster meaningful participation, and amplify marginalized voices. However, conventional research approaches have not always adequately captured the complex realities of the lived experiences of families, and multimodal techniques have remained underutilized for the exploration of such experiences. This study aimed to explore the use of creative multimodal methods, within a PAR framework, grounded in care among vulnerable South African families. A qualitative design was adopted, incorporating Human-centered Design principles, within a PAR approach. The participants were recruited from the Saldanha Bay Municipality area (n = 70), as well as Mitchells Plain (n = 59). The multimodal methodology included Draw-and-Tell, painting, object and photo elicitation, I-Poems, and LEGO®-based activities. Data were annotated and transcribed verbatim, followed by thematic analysis. A total of 42 participants contributed towards the validation of the methods. The participants described experiences of deep emotional insight, self-reflection, and self-recognition, through engagement with the multimodal activities. The findings revealed that these approaches were: (1) credible, producing internally valid and contextually rich data; (2) contributory, generating original and applicable insights into family life; (3) communicable, offering accessible and structured ways for diverse participants to express their experiences; and (4) conforming, ensuring ethical engagement through inclusive participation. These findings demonstrate the potential of creative, arts-based, and participatory approaches, to advance methodological innovation in qualitative family research.