Visions of Collective Healing: Using Photovoice as a Therapeutic and Advocacy Tool for Grief Adjustment among Older Chinese Immigrants

The past few years have reminded us, more than ever, of the collective and individual experience of grief, from the losses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, to the trauma of wars, and the displacement caused by climate disasters. Yet, for some communities — particularly older immigrants — grief remains unspoken and unsupported, shaped by cultural factors and structural barriers. This broader context has made my proposal in the UCLA Health Equity Challenge especially meaningful.

My journey with the UCLA Health Equity Challenge program is deeply transformative, both professionally and personally. Participating in this initiative allows me to combine my academic interests, community engagement, and commitment to social justice in meaningful and practical ways. Specifically, the project I propose — utilizing Photovoice as a therapeutic and advocacy tool among older Chinese immigrants facing grief and bereavement — reinforces my belief in culturally responsive interventions and the power of community-based approaches.

This proposal is also deeply informed by my own community work, volunteering, and research experiences. I have had the privilege of working closely with older Chinese immigrants in both Canada and the United States. Through volunteer roles at community organizations such as the Chinatown Service Center in Los Angeles, I assist older Chinese immigrants in navigating social services, addressing housing issues, and accessing support. My research focuses on understanding their unique aging experiences, social and mental well-being, and their grief and bereavement adjustment. These firsthand interactions provide valuable insight into the strengths and needs of this population and ground my academic interest in real-world contexts.

Throughout my doctoral journey at UCLA in social welfare, I focus on addressing the mental health disparities and unique challenges faced by older immigrants. This focus stems not only from academic interest but also from personal resonance with issues of migration, aging, and cultural identity. As someone who has navigated multiple cultural landscapes, including China, Canada, and the United States, I recognize deeply the nuanced ways cultural context shapes experiences of loss and healing. Thus, the Health Equity Challenge presents a timely and vital opportunity to translate my passion into practice.

“One of the profound realizations guiding this proposal is the gap in culturally tailored mental health resources available for older Chinese immigrants. Despite significant advancements in mental health support broadly, older immigrants often remain underserved due to linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers.”

This proposal, which uses Photovoice techniques, is particularly significant to me because it aligns with principles of community empowerment, social justice, and culturally responsive mental health support — specifically, culturally tailored interventions such as Tai Chi sessions and Chinese medicine education workshops designed for older Chinese immigrants.

Photovoice, as a method, enables individuals to express their experiences and perspectives through photography and storytelling, and empowers participants by giving them agency to articulate their lived experiences through photography, narrative sharing, and community engagement. It challenges the traditional power dynamics often present in research and/or therapeutic interventions, allowing community members to drive their healing process actively. I admire this method for its ability to capture and communicate complex emotional landscapes and foster collective healing.

One of the profound realizations guiding this proposal is the gap in culturally tailored mental health resources available for older Chinese immigrants. Despite significant advancements in mental health support broadly, older immigrants often remain underserved due to linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers.

Through the planned project, participants will be invited to share their experiences of grief and loss, articulating feelings that are often left unspoken. Moreover, the proposed organization of educational sessions and a community exhibition will reflect the powerful role of public advocacy. Participants will be seen, validated, and heard in ways that go beyond traditional therapeutic contexts. Their photographs and stories can serve as a collective call for systemic recognition and policy change, highlighting the intersectionality of aging, immigration background, socioeconomic challenges, and health disparities.

Reflecting on my experience with the UCLA Health Equity Challenge, I appreciate how the program supported me to actualize my passion in practical ways. The structured yet flexible environment allowed space for creativity, innovation, and authentic community engagement. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my future goals as an emerging researcher and social work professional. Moving forward, I am committed to expanding this work by exploring further interdisciplinary collaboration and advocating for policies that address health disparities among aging immigrant populations.