Working Relationally with Adolescents Who Have Experienced Complex Interpersonal Trauma: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Research Question ◽

Interpersonal Trauma ◽

Future Research ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Distance Relationship

AbstractThe study explores practitioners’ experiences of working with adolescents with complex interpersonal trauma. Five mental health professionals were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to identify themes related to the research question. Three superordinate themes emerged: “The distance-relationship dynamic”; “The unknown self”; “Practitioners’ presence”. Participants reported the fragility of their relationships with clients, enhanced awareness of their professional and personal identity, and highlighted the importance of meeting their clients as persons. Results are discussed within the literature that considers the role of the person of the therapist to foster therapeutic change. Future research could explore the role of therapeutic distance, the interplay between transference-countertransference and attachment dynamics, and the relevance of practitioners’ playfulness with traumatised youth. Finally, this study proposes a model of use of self as “compassion-in-action” to express practitioners’ ‘response-ability’ to their clients’ trauma as commitment to social justice.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Discontinued Use of the E-Cigarette

The Journal of Smoking Cessation ◽

10.1017/jsc.2018.21 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 104-111

Author(s):

Camille Alexis-Garsee ◽

Stephanie Meehan ◽

Olga van den Akker

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Future Research ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Stop Smoking Services ◽

The Individual ◽

Individual Effort

Introduction: Many UK smokers use e-cigarettes as a quitting aid; however, a substantial number discontinue use of the e-cigarette and revert to smoking. Understanding why this may happen is important both for individuals and for stop smoking services.Aims: To explore young adult smokers’ experiences of use and discontinued use of the e-cigarette.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants who tried e-cigarettes for at least seven days and returned to smoking. Data was transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Findings suggested participants held conflicting attitudes about using e-cigarettes, which undermined attempts to quit smoking, and led to the discontinuation of the e-cigarette. These conflicts centred on participants’ discomfort with the e-cigarette or vaping identity, lack of abstinence self-efficacy and navigation of barriers to e-cigarette use. The complex interplay of these factors may have led to an underestimation of the individual effort required to continue vaping and reinforced participants’ perception of the e-cigarette as an inferior product to the cigarette.Conclusions: Future research should focus on the role of identity, self-efficacy, control and smokers’ expectations of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation as these may be important factors to consider for a more tailored service for e-cigarette users.

Identity in transition: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of international humanitarian workers’ experiences of returning home

Journal of International Humanitarian Action ◽

10.1186/s41018-021-00091-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emilia Marie Wersig ◽

Kevin Wilson-Smith

Keyword(s):

Moral Values ◽

Future Research ◽

Aid Workers ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Work Settings ◽

Returning Home ◽

The Uk ◽

Humanitarian Work

AbstractThis interpretative phenomenological analysis explores aid workers’ understanding of identity and belonging through the transition from working in humanitarian aid to returning home. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants who had returned to the UK after working in recently founded non-governmental organisations in Northern France between 2016 and 2019. Analysis of interview data identified four superordinate themes: (1) shared humanitarian identity, (2) limits and borders, (3) holding on to humanitarian identity and (4) redefining belonging and identity. Aid workers’ belonging in humanitarian work settings is rooted in shared moral values and being able to fulfil a clearly defined role. Upon returning, aid workers struggled to reintegrate, manifesting as denial of having left humanitarian work, re-creation of the social setting and moral demarcation. Participants formed a new sense of belonging through redefining their social in-group. The study sheds light on a previously unexplored area of research, specifically characterised through the closeness of the international humanitarian setting and participants’ homes. Findings suggest organisations can assist aid workers’ re-entry by supporting professional distance in the field, and through opportunities that allow to sustain moral values post-mission. Future research should focus on the role of peer support in the re-entry process and the re-entry experiences of aid workers returning from comparable settings further afield (e.g. Greece).

Experiencing Responsive Technology in a Mixed Work: Interactive music as embodied and situated activity

Organised Sound ◽

10.1017/s1355771817000425 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 418-427

Author(s):

Anna Einarsson

Keyword(s):

Meaning Making ◽

Cultural Dimensions ◽

The Self ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Interactive Music ◽

Sensorimotor Interaction ◽

The Relationship

How is performing with responsive technology in a mixed work experienced by performers, and how may the notion of embodied cognition further our understanding of this interaction? These questions are addressed here analysing accounts from singers performing the author’s mixed work Metamorphoses (2015). Combining semi-structured interviews and inspiration from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, questions concerning the ‘self’ when listening, singing, moving and relating to fellow musicians, as well as the relationship towards the computer, are explored. The results include a notion of the computer as neither separated nor detached but both, and highlight the importance of the situation, including not only the here and now but also social and cultural dimensions. The discussion emphasises the role of sensorimotor interaction and bodily experience in human meaning-making.

Experiences Learning Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Journal of Mental Health Counseling ◽

10.17744/mehc.38.1.04 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 47-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Raissa M. Miller ◽

Casey A. Barrio Minton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Professional Growth ◽

Future Research ◽

Health Practice ◽

Interpersonal Neurobiology ◽

Therapeutic Practice

Neuroscience is increasingly part of the national dialogue regarding mental health and yet little is known about the experiences of mental health professionals learning and integrating neuroscience into their work. In this study, the authors explored mental health professionals' experiences learning Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB). Four super-ordinate themes emerged from an interpretative phenomenological analysis: (1) learning process as dynamic and engaging, (2) deepening knowledge and understanding of self and others, (3) personal and professional growth, and (4) impact on therapeutic practice. Three higher-order constructs appeared embedded within and across themes: learning as ongoing, person of the participant, and person of the instructor. These findings suggest learning IPNB through experiential-based means had a profound impact on participants' personal and professional development, specifically in areas related to characteristics of effective counselors. Implications for future research and mental health practice are discussed.

‘I Sort of Never Felt Like I Should be Worried About it or That I Could be Worried About it’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Perceived Barriers to Disclosure by Young People with Coeliac Disease

10.31234/osf.io/bphrq ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miranda Wheeler ◽

Annabel David ◽

Juliet Kennedy ◽

Matthew Knight

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Coeliac Disease ◽

Information Provision ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Support Design ◽

Psychological Difficulties

Objectives: There has been little research in the UK regarding young people’s experiences of disclosure of psychological difficulties relating to coeliac disease (CD) to others, particularly healthcare professionals. This study sought to address this systematically with a focus on the lived experiences of young people with CD. This study aimed to gain insight into how paediatric gastroenterology services could improve patient experience for those with CD and support identification of patients who may benefit from further psychological support. Design: This study used interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of patient accounts.Methods: Seven young people with CD (aged 11-16 years) were recruited from a UK hospital paediatric gastroenterology service. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and verbatim transcripts were analysed using IPA to explore young people’s experiences of CD and why they might feel able or unable to disclose psychological difficulties associated with their condition to clinicians. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged from the data. The first encapsulated experiences of adjusting to the diagnosis within a developmental context, including the role of adults in information provision and the importance of peer support. The second outlined experiences of managing perceived or actual stigma regarding others’ perceptions of the condition and themselves. The third incorporated perceived barriers to disclosure relating to power, safety, and beliefs about the role of medical professionals.Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of clinicians continually providing developmentally appropriate information to young people and actively breaking down barriers to disclosure through body language and use of clear questions regarding emotional experiences.

“Natural allies”

Journal of Documentation ◽

10.1108/jd-10-2017-0137 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 804-826 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Alex H. Poole ◽

Deborah A. Garwood

Keyword(s):

Research Question ◽

Library Science ◽

Future Research ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Data Intensive ◽

The Usa ◽

Information Professionals

PurposeIn Digging into Data 3 (DID3) (2014-2016), ten funders from four countries (the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands) granted $5.1 million to 14 project teams to pursue data-intensive, interdisciplinary, and international digital humanities (DH) research. The purpose of this paper is to employ the DID3 projects as a case study to explore the following research question: what roles do librarians and archivists take on in data-intensive, interdisciplinary, and international DH projects?Design/methodology/approachParticipation was secured from 53 persons representing eleven projects. The study was conducted in the naturalistic paradigm. It is a qualitative case study involving snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews, and grounded analysis.FindingsLibrarians or archivists were involved officially in 3 of the 11 projects (27.3 percent). Perhaps more importantly, information professionals played vital unofficial roles in these projects, namely as consultants and liaisons and also as technical support. Information and library science (ILS) expertise helped DID3 researchers with issues such as visualization, rights management, and user testing. DID3 participants also suggested ways in which librarians and archivists might further support DH projects, concentrating on three key areas: curation, outreach, and ILS education. Finally, six directions for future research are suggested.Originality/valueMuch untapped potential exists for librarians and archivists to collaborate with DH scholars; a gap exists between researcher awareness and information professionals’ capacity.

“Stepping up the ladder in safety”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of how LGB clients experience their therapists’ sexual orientation

The European Journal of Counselling Psychology ◽

10.5964/ejcop.v7i1.139 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 211-223

Author(s):

Tsabika Bafiti ◽

Maria Viou ◽

Prodromos Tarasis

Keyword(s):

Sexual Orientation ◽

Therapeutic Process ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Future Research ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

And Bisexual ◽

The One ◽

Systemic Family Therapy

Relevant literature has explored the issue of disclosure of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) therapists to heterosexual or LGB clients. But how do homosexual or bisexual clients understand and experience their therapist’s heterosexual orientation, known or assumed, in relation to the therapeutic alliance and the therapeutic process? In this qualitative study, we used the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to examine eight semi-structured interviews with LGB clients in a family-oriented therapy in Greece. Analysis revealed two themes of higher order, each having three subordinate themes depicting the client’s experience of the therapist’s sexual orientation: 1. Focus on the therapist’s sexual orientation: (a) as a hypothesis (b) as a factor of acceptance (c) as a factor of professional capability and 2. Focus on other therapist features: (a) gender (b) personality traits (c) practice of professional role. The therapist’s sexual orientation or the one perceived by the client was not a neutral issue in therapy and the cultivation of the therapeutic relationship but was only one part of the process. The way all these issues were processed and approached by clients was related to their personal history and phase of therapy. Suggestions for future research include conducting a research on clients from different therapeutic perspectives since it was carried out only on participants in long-term systemic family therapy.

The role of social support in the experience of abortion: A qualitative study of women’s personal accounts

Sociologija ◽

10.2298/soc2002171s ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 171-192

Author(s):

Milica Skocajic ◽

Biljana Stankovic

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Pregnancy Termination ◽

Significant Others ◽

Romantic Partners ◽

Medical Procedure ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Personal Accounts

Even though the experience of abortion is a relatively common experience among women in Serbia, personal accounts in relation to abortion are rarely examined. International findings show that having social support is crucial in coping with this experience. The main objective of this research was to examine the ways in which women rely on social support and the ways in which this shapes their experiences. After six semi-structured interviews with women who terminated their first pregnancy, their personal accounts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The role of significant others remains important during the whole experience but with qualitative shifts throughout the phases. In the earliest phases, other people could be perceived as a double threat - they could cause the feeling of shame or be an obstacle in the pregnancy termination. During and after the medical procedure, the need for social support becomes stronger and more complex, although in some cases it remains unmet. Most prominent social figures are mothers and romantic partners. Participants with responsive and supportive social surroundings coped more easily than others whose support is nonexistent or overly normalizing. Research contribution of this study is the analysis of personal accounts of women who had abortion. Practical contribution is raisin awareness of the importance of legitimization of complex and ambiguous feelings during abortion, both by significant others and health psychologists.

Insights on the Process of Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis in a Sport Coaching Research Project

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2096 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Bettina Callary ◽

Scott Rathwell ◽

Bradley Young

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Research Question ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Research Process ◽

Future Research ◽

Rigorous Research ◽

Qualitative Research Methodology ◽

First Time

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is a qualitative research methodology used to understand participants’ subjective realities through personal interpretations of their lived experiences and the meanings they attach to these experiences (Smith, 2011). IPA has been used predominantly in health psychology, with rising interest within the field of sport psychology and coaching. This article seeks to describe insights about the processes of IPA by a research team using the methodological approach for the first time. These experiences are shared against the backdrop of research exploring the lived experiences of Masters athletes within the context of coached competitive swim programs. We describe how the multiple facets of IPA influence the refinement of the research question, the planning and implementation of data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. We elaborate on our perceptions of the complexities of IPA and make recommendations for how future research teams might smoothly navigate the rigorous research process to yield rich in-depth data and interpretations.

Elite Athletes Coping With Depression: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.2018-0072 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 351-373

Author(s):

Florence Lebrun ◽

Áine MacNamara ◽

Dave Collins ◽

Sheelagh Rodgers

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Elite Athletes ◽

Future Research ◽

Health Issues ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Professional Help ◽

Research Perspectives ◽

Mental Health Issues

Little is known about the coping strategies used by elite athletes suffering from mental health issues. Therefore, this study examined coping strategies implemented by elite athletes facing clinical depression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four elite athletes and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results present a broad picture of how elite athletes tried to cope with depression using a range of coping strategies. Among the different strategies highlighted, talking, seeking professional help and social support were particularly emphasized by the participants. Surprisingly, however, only one participant reported transferring the skills and strategies learned on her way to the top to many other aspects of her everyday life such as coping with her depression. Findings, therefore, suggest that athletes should be encouraged to transfer and make the most of the skills learned throughout their sport career to deal with their daily life. Future research perspectives and implications are discussed.