In addressing the research question, How can contemporary fashion practices contribute to enhancing mental well-being in modern society?, a combination of primary and secondary data is utilised to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between fashion and mental health. This approach ensures a robust analysis by integrating both qualitative and quantitative insights.
Interviews are a fundamental component of this research, allowing for in-depth exploration of individual experiences and perceptions regarding body image and mental well-being. Interviews enable researchers to delve into nuanced aspects of how fashion influences self-identity and mental health. Originally applied in fields such as opinion polling and clinical diagnostics, interviews have evolved to include various formats such as face-to-face, group discussions, and digital surveys (Mason, 2012). In this study, interviews will be employed to gather detailed narratives from participants within the fashion industry and beyond, exploring their perspectives on how fashion practices affect mental well-being.
Interviews offer a valuable method for understanding the context of individuals’ experiences and their psychological impacts. By allowing participants to share their personal stories, this method provides insights into how fashion practices can either alleviate or exacerbate mental health issues related to body image (Rogoff, 2005). This qualitative approach is crucial for uncovering the subtleties of how contemporary fashion can be a positive force for mental well-being.
Surveys complement the qualitative data by providing quantitative evidence on the prevalence and impact of body image issues across a broader population. Surveys are effective for capturing a wide range of experiences and can validate findings from interviews. They help quantify how different fashion practices influence mental health and identify patterns in body image concerns (Grogan, 2016). By analyzing survey data alongside interview insights, this research aims to build a comprehensive picture of how fashion practices can contribute to mental well-being.
Online Seminars serve as an interactive platform for engaging with participants and discussing contemporary fashion practices in real-time. These seminars allow for the dissemination of research findings, the exploration of fashion’s role in mental health, and the gathering of additional feedback from a diverse audience. Online seminars offer a dynamic environment for discussing the implications of fashion on mental health and collecting diverse viewpoints.
Secondary Data Analysis complements primary research by integrating existing studies, industry reports, and academic literature on fashion and mental health. This secondary data provides a broader context and helps situate the primary findings within the larger body of knowledge. It also offers a historical perspective on fashion practices and their evolving impact on mental well-being.
This mixed-methods approach—incorporating interviews, surveys, online seminars, and secondary data analysis—ensures a comprehensive examination of how contemporary fashion practices can contribute to mental well-being. By integrating these diverse methodologies, the research aims to develop effective strategies that harness fashion’s potential to promote mental health and foster a more positive and inclusive relationship with body image. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for creating fashion practices that support mental well-being and address the complex interplay between self-identity and societal standards.
References
Grogan, S. (2016). Body Image and Health: A Comprehensive Overview. Routledge.
Mason, J. (2012). Qualitative Researching. Sage Publications.
Rogoff, B. (2005). The Cultural Nature of Human Development. Oxford University Press.