The emojional calendar: Easing the burden of data overwhelm through methodological innovation

The emojional calendar: Easing the burden of data overwhelm through methodological innovation in qualitative family health research
Abstract: Qualitative family health research is rife with methodological challenges stemming from the heterogeneity of the unit of analysis - the family. Family research that is properly attentive to differences in, for example, age/generation, gender, and literacy level, requires large samples and the use of multi-method designs, resulting in rich but massive datasets. In this presentation I offer a methodological innovation, the emojional calendar, a method aimed at easing the burden of data overwhelm. Reporting on my doctoral work, I explicate the rationale for integrating this theory-informed methodological advancement in the study, and its use of emoji as an entry point to discuss mental and emotional health with Mexican transnational families. Incorporating a timeline, the emojional calendar facilitates the structuring of participants’ data chronologically which significantly aids intra- and inter-family analyses. Drawing on the challenges I encountered while developing, implementing and assessing this method, I reflect on the role of creativity and innovation in critical qualitative health research and its potential as a rigour-enhancing strategy.
Bio: Dr. Escrig-Pinol holds a doctorate in Public Health from the University of Toronto, specialising in Social Sciences and Global Health. Her research experience encompasses investigating health inequalities, precariousness, healthcare systems and aging, migration, and mental and emotional health. Presently, she is an Associate Professor and Head of Research at ESIMar - Mar Hospital School of Nursing (Barcelona, Spain), where she teaches public health and research methodologies. She believes that the connection between teaching, interdisciplinary research, and scientific communication is paramount in the field of health sciences.