PERSONAL VISUALS AND BELONGING: EXPLORING EMOTIONAL TIES IN FAMILY HISTORY NARRATIVES

Abstract

This study explores the transformative role of personal visual identification, particularly family photographs, as a tool for cultivating emotional affirmation and a sense of belonging within family histories. Drawing from the fields of visual culture, therapeutic art, and memory studies, the research investigates how personal and inherited imagery can evoke deep emotional connections, foster intergenerational understanding, and support self-identity formation. Through a qualitative and arts-based approach, the study analyses visual narratives embedded in family photo albums, interpreting them not only as documentation of the past but also as vessels of memory, healing, and identity negotiation. These images serve as emotional touchstones, enabling individuals to process grief, rediscover forgotten stories, and reconnect with their cultural and familial roots. The research also incorporates elements of self-help design, highlighting how principles of color, composition, and symbolism can enhance emotional engagement with personal imagery. By combining theoretical insight with creative practice, this paper emphasizes the therapeutic potential of visual storytelling in affirming belonging, especially within fragmented or diasporic family narratives. The findings suggest that visual representation, when approached thoughtfully can foster resilience, emotional well-being, and a more cohesive sense of self within family contexts. This study contributes to ongoing conversations in design, art therapy, and genealogy, offering a framework for future interdisciplinary exploration.