Using the Photovoice Working Model for Healthy Sexuality in Everyday Sexuality-Based Social Work Interventions with Adolescents

Abstract Background Social work has traditionally prioritized addressing risk behaviors over acknowledging the positive dimensions of everyday sexuality. It is now crucial to integrate everyday sexuality into social work practice, research, and education, while also addressing human rights and diverse gender identities. In the field of sexuality education research, there is a growing demand for the creation of healthy sexuality intervention programs grounded in critical pedagogy. Methods Using an instrumental case study, the implementation of the Photovoice for Healthy Sexuality Work Model (PVHSWM), as a critical-pedagogical tool in a youth-focused social work intervention program run by the NGO ODHS, was examined. Data was analyzed using a three-stage content analysis along with polytextual analysis. Results Four central themes which illustrate the PVHSWM implementation are presented: (1) personal boundaries; (2) gender constructions; (3) broadening the discourse—beyond the risk discourse; (4) from the personal to the public sphere. Conclusions The development and implementation of the PVHSWM reflect the proactive engagement of social workers in devising and executing innovative intervention methods for promoting healthy sexuality education among adolescents. Such initiatives address the demand in the field of sexuality education by integrating new methods grounded in critical pedagogy. Policy Implications The PVHSWM implementation carries several policy implications for the social work profession: (1) inclusion of everyday sexuality in social work education; (2) adoption of the model in school environments with collaboration between social workers and educational staff; (3) training social workers in the model to broaden the focus on everyday sexuality beyond risk behaviors or at-risk populations.