Using digital storytelling (DST) with vulnerable young Puerto Rican people in New England. 30 people aged 15 to 21 went to a 4 day workshop, only one of them did not complete a digital story.
DiFulvio et al. (2016) used digital storytelling (DST) with vulnerable young Puerto Rican people in New England. 30 people aged 15 to 21 went to a 4 day workshop, only one of them did not complete a digital story.
They were trying to improve the self-confidence and feelings of self-worth of troubled young people, the wider aim was to show that DST could be useful as a tool for achieving this in a wider variety of settings.
The subjects were followed up 3 months after the workshop and self-reported improved social interactions.
Interestingly, immediately after the workshop they reported improved optimism and control over the future, however this was not sustained at the 3 month follow up.
This highlights the potential of DST to improve self-worth and positive thinking but suggests that one off interventions may not be enough for lasting change.
DiFulvio GT, Gubirum AC, Fiddian-Green A, Lowe SE, Del Toro-Mejias LM, (2016) Digital Storytelling as a narrative health promotion process: Evaluation of a pilot study. International Quarterly Community Health Education 2016 Apr; 36(3): 157-64.