From psychoeducation to health information

: Exploring the role of comics as therapeutic aids and health communication tools

Abstract

The systemic review aims to inspect quantitative studies to establish the effectiveness of comics designed to affect health-related outcomes in adult populations. 20 studies were included, utilising a range of designs; some were randomised controlled trials, but most used pre-post designs with one or more groups, whilst others only used a post-intervention evaluation. Study quality was primarily weak (n=14), some were moderate (n=5) and strong (n=1). Results suggest that comics can improve knowledge and psychological outcomes, albeit generally with small effects. Evidence for behavioural outcomes was more inconsistent and there was little evidence of beliefs or attitudes outcomes. There were several limitations including the use of unstandardised measures and studies failing to utilise a control condition or pre-intervention measure. It is therefore not possible to make any conclusive statements as to the effectiveness of comics on health-related outcomes. Research of higher quality is needed, with specific consideration as to how outcomes are assessed to aide comparability.

Young adulthood is a period often associated with an increased risk of developing mental health difficulties. Psychoeducation is an important means of both aiming to prevent mental health difficulties occurring and intervening with those that have begun. ‘Graphic medicine’ is an approach that involves the use of comics and graphic novels as a means of facilitating the communication of health-related experiences. This study explored the experience of reading a psychoeducational comic book – ‘Mind Lock’ – to establish its subjective impact on a student population. A think-aloud methodology with brief follow-up interview was utilised to gather the qualitative data, which was then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. This study provides an important and meaningful contribution to our understanding of the potential impact of graphic narratives in healthcare as it enables understanding of the subjective processes involved.

Thesis embargoed until 31 December 2025

Date of Award	Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Emma Berry (Supervisor), Laura Lavery (Supervisor) & Lisa Graham-Wisener (Supervisor)