Amplifying Voices in the Midst of a Substance Use Crisis: StoryVisual Approach

Authors

John E. Stewart, Stephen F. Austin State UniversityFollow
Victoria Wagner-Greene, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow

Abstract

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented substance use crisis. Strategies are needed to engage, inform and empower young adults and others affected either directly or indirectly by substance use. Based on visual information processing and storytelling theories, the StoryVisual approach is a visual communication method that combines powerful web-sourced graphics with minimal text to relate valuable information, experiences, perspectives, and opportunities in story form. To date, more than 240 students in substance use education classes at a public university in Texas have created and shared StoryVisual products, addressing such drug-related topics as vaping, fentanyl, heroin, LSD, marijuana, and substance use among LGBTQIA+, veteran, and homeless populations. This paper describes the four phases of StoryVisual product development, and suggests the utility of the StoryVisual approach for audience engagement, health and social message amplification, and social connection.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, John E. and Wagner-Greene, Victoria () "Amplifying Voices in the Midst of a Substance Use Crisis: StoryVisual Approach," The RAISE Center Journal: Vol. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/raise/vol1/iss1/1