From psychoeducation to health information: exploring the role of comics as therapeutic aids and health communication tools

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. <br><br>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.<br>