Congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) through the lens: Using photo-elicitation interviews to explore adjustment in adolescents with a rare birthmark condition

Guest, Ella; Williamson, Heidi; Harcourt, Diana

Abstract

Adolescents with the rare birthmarks congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) experience physical and psychosocial challenges, many of which stem from looking different from the ‘norm’. However, some adjust and have positive experiences. Understanding the lived experiences of adolescents who have adjusted to CMN can provide a holistic picture of adjustment and inform the development of support and interventions for others with the condition. Open, participant-driven photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with four White females (15–17 years) who self-identified as having adjusted to CMN. Participants chose five photographs which were used to guide the interviews (47–80 min). Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the transcribed interview data. Three superordinate themes were identified: ‘Accepting My ‘True’ Self’ (1), ‘I am Not Alone in This’ (2), and ‘Developing as a Person’ (3). The themes related to accepting CMN as part of their identity, developing a positive body image (e.g., body appreciation, broad conceptualisations of beauty, body image flexibility), feeling supported and accepted by family, friends, and others with CMN, and developing adaptive coping skills. Findings suggest positive body image may be important for adjustment and can be determined by an individual. The benefits of using photo-elicitation within appearance research are discussed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 22, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2023
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 24, 2024
• Journal: Body Image
• Print ISSN: 1740-1445
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Article Number: 101656
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101656
• Keywords: Positive body image, Interpretative phenomenological analysis, Optimism, Birthmark, Congenital melanocytic naevus, Psychosocial adjustment, Broad conceptualisation of beauty, Body appreciation, Photo-elicitation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11543734
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1740144523001997