Introduction
Global conflicts have displaced millions, raising concern about migrants' mental health (Pelletier et al., 2024). Although many studies highlight the role of living conditions in host countries, few examined how different asylum policies and reception practices affect well-being (MacFarlane et al., 2024; WHO, 2022). This is especially relevant in Italy, where recent reception reforms have reduced access to legal, educational, and psychological support, increasing the need for local-level knowledge on how structural and social determinants shape migrants' well-being (UNHCR, 2023).
Purpose
Within this context, Photovoice emerged as a valuable participatory action research (PAR) method, used with migrant communities to promote critical reflection, power-sharing, and communication (Cubero et al., 2024; MacFarlane et al., 2024; Wang & Burris, 1997). This study aims to explore how young adults seeking asylum in Italy represent their experiences, while co-producing knowledge to inform interventions and policy development.
Methods
42 male participants (Mage = 27; 36% from Western African and 32% from Northern African countries) participated in five Photovoice groups in Padua and Rome. Over six weekly workshops, participants took photographs and discussed how legal status and reception conditions affected their well-being. Themes were identified collaboratively and further analyzed by academic researchers. Three participatory circles were also held to co-design advocacy actions, including public exhibitions and conference contributions.
Results
The 204 photographs show prolonged uncertainty, isolation, and systemic exclusion. Participants described life as a state of "limbo", but also highlighted social connections, routines, and cultural learning as protective factors. They called for more inclusive educational and social opportunities.
Conclusions
Photovoice proves to be a powerful tool for generating community-based knowledge, centering affected voices, and informing inclusive policies and interventions. By actively involving participants in the research and dissemination process, this approach promotes empowerment and contributes to rethinking reception practices from the perspective of those directly affected.