The power (and caveats) of body mapping as a visual methodology with vulnerable youth

Purpose This study aims to explore the NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) experiences of young people living in impoverished settings. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this study was informed by a qualitative analysis of visual and textual data related to a body mapping exercise with eleven young people who were participants in a four-day start-up workshop in a larger action research project. Findings The findings reveal that, although being NEET negatively affects young people’s self-esteem, confidence, hope for the future and general well-being, body mapping can help them discover latent assets useful for reducing their insecurities. Originality/value Researchers using this method need to be well prepared to deal with possible emotional trauma, and to this end, we provide some guidelines for the effective implementation of body mapping.