Qualitative research on psychological experience: A starting point for using interpretative phenomenological analysis

This essay, based on a qualitative research project undertaken by the author while training at Roehampton University, explores the profound impact motherhood can have on the work of a music therapist. Motivated by the close parallels between the roles of mother and therapist as described in psychodynamic theory, the study involved three interviews with music therapist-mothers, and used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyse the data. Three superordinate themes emerged: Conflict and Growth; Drawing from Motherhood ‘Toolkit’; and Therapist Boundaries. Findings highlighted the multifaceted nature of the participants’ experiences, revealing both the positive and negative impact being a mother has on the work of a music therapist and the complex ways in which these roles intertwined with each other. During the research process, a broader picture emerged, placing the participants’ experiences within the context of Western culture’s idealised expectations of motherhood, which appeared to exert a powerful influence. It also drew attention to the limitations inherent in the ‘maternal metaphor’ which parallels the roles of mother and therapist, questioning its gender-specificity and the impact this has on music therapist-mothers. This small study provides a starting point for discussion regarding the challenges music therapist-mothers – as well as music therapists who are not mothers – face in a profession in which women make up the majority of the workforce.

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A Brief Discussion and Application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in the Field of Health Science and Public Health

International Journal of Learning and Development ◽

10.5296/ijld.v7i3.11494 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 123 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Kai Hong Tang ◽

Luis Miguel Dos Santos

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Nursing Education ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Health Science ◽

Research Methodologies ◽

Science Field ◽

Operational Activities ◽

Research Studies

For a significantly long time, the field of health science and public health has relied considerably on quantitative and experimental evidence to support knowledge. Researchers in the field of social science and public health promotion advocate that qualitative research methodologies and IPA could be a useful tool to understand the inner world and perception for patients with particular illness and background. Unlike quantitative research studies, qualitative research studies do not seek statistical and experimental answers for client healing and operational activities but how and why illness influences the life of patients. The purpose of qualitative research study with a particular lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) tends to describe a certain phenomenon or social problem by explaining the subject of study. The purpose of this study is to introduce the applications of IPA and summarize the two literature reviews with the application of IPA in the fields of nursing education and public health. The results of this study aim to provide a guideline for potential public health and nursing educators to employ IPA and other related qualitative research methodologies to capture and reform the current teaching curriculum and the rapidly changing society in the health science field.

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Experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery in general gynaecology patients: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Health Psychology Open ◽

10.1177/2055102919860635 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 205510291986063

Author(s):

Eleanor Phillips ◽

Stephanie Archer ◽

Jane Montague ◽

Anish Bali

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Enhanced Recovery ◽

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Informational Needs ◽

Gynaecological Surgery ◽

Factual Information ◽

Analgesic Use

There is little qualitative research exploring non-cancer gynaecology patients’ experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Seven women participated in audio-recorded interviews, discussing their experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery for gynaecological surgery. Data were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes were identified: meeting informational needs, taking control of pain, and mobilising when feeling fragile. Control emerged as a key element throughout the themes and was supported by provision of factual information. While participants were generally satisfied with their experience, topics such as concerns about analgesic use, the informal role of staff in mobilisation, and the expressed desire for more experiential information for participants require further research.

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The journey to radiographer advanced practice: a methodological reflection on the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore perceptions and experiences

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s1460396919000621 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 116-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lynn M. Cuthbertson

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Advanced Practice ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Two Phase ◽

Oncology Research ◽

The Impact ◽

Methodological Reflection

AbstractIntroduction:This paper is a methodological reflection on the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) utilised in the context of a qualitative research project that explored perceptions and experiences of the journey to radiographer advanced practice.Methods and materials:A two-phase qualitative research explored the perceptions and experiences. Phase 1 reviewed reflective diaries (n = 12) kept during the educational phase of the practitioner journeys. Phase 2 included one-to-one, semi-structured interviews (n = 6) which were recorded, transcribed verbatim and reviewed using the IPA six-stage thematic analysis for practitioners embedded in the advanced practice role.Findings:Key themes arising from reflective diary analysis informed the interview content; and following interview transcription, data immersion and IPA, 12 emergent sub-themes generated 3 superordinate themes.Discussion:Theoretical perspectives and application of the methodology are discussed. The phenomenological and interpretative qualities of IPA have the potential to provide unique and valuable insights into lived experiences of individuals. It is hoped that this researchers’ reflections are transferrable for those interested in employing a qualitative methodology for radiotherapy and oncology research.Conclusion:Therapeutic radiographers work within rapidly changing environments from technological, treatment and care perspectives. With continued development and change, the impact of research utilising an IPA methodology may allow exploration of perceptions and experiences from a range of key stakeholders with the potential to increase the research base.

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Building Connections: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Qualitative Research Students’ Learning Experiences

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1780 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Robin Cooper ◽

Anne Fleisher ◽

Fatima Cotton

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

School Level ◽

Post Secondary ◽

Academic Fields ◽

Secondary School Level ◽

Research Students

This paper describes a phenomenological study in which the authors explored students’ experiences learning qualitative research in a variety of academic fields. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six participants from various academic fields who had completed at least one post-secondary-school-level qualitative research course and who were not students of the researchers. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researchers identified five primary themes representing the lived experience and meaning found in the participants’ experience of learning qualitative research: (a) a variety of feelings are experienced, (b) a pivotal experience serves as a catalyst in the learning process, (c) the central role of story, (d) active learning, and (e) relating learning to prior knowledge. The findings both support and contribute new aspects to the knowledge of this experience. The results also point to “building connections” as the essence of the phenomenon of learning qualitative research.

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Social Identity of Non-Moslem Students In Muhammadiyah Universities

Halaqa Islamic Education Journal ◽

10.21070/halaqa.v5i1.1109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Imam Faisal Hamzah ◽

Zaldhi Yusuf Akbar ◽

Gisella Arnis Grafiyana

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Social Identity ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Higher Education Institutions ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Muslim Students ◽

Central Java ◽

Religiously Based

Education in Indonesia, especially higher education institutions, has a role to build interaction between religious adherents. How is this experience of tolerance in religiously based higher education institutions where the majority of students and staff are religious according to the institution. One of the largest religious-based higher education networks in Indonesia is the Muhammadiyah Universities or Perguruan Tinggi Muhammadiyah (PTM) network. Muhammadiyah as one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia which has a network of higher education spread across various parts of Indonesia where students studying have diverse religious backgrounds. This study aimed to examine the dynamics of social identity in the experience of non-Moslem students at Muhammadiyah College. This research uses qualitative research methods using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Six participants, Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist from four Muhammadiyah College in the province of Central Java - Indonesia, were interviewed and analyzed to obtain core themes. The results of this study produced five superordinate themes, namely the influence of the environment, personal characteristics, perceptions of the religion adopted, experience as a Muhammadiyah College Student, and perceptions of Islam and Muhammadiyah. The conclusion of this study shows the psychological dynamics of non-Muslim students shape the perception of Islam itself as a religion, also Muhammadiyah as an Islamic organization.

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CREATION OF COMPASSION" - FAMILY EXPERIENCE IN CARING FOR PATIENT WITH MENTAL DISORDERS

The Malaysian Journal of Nursing ◽

10.31674/mjn.2021.v13i02.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Nining Wuri Lestari ◽

Setyawati Soeharto ◽

Dwi Windarwati

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Family Experience ◽

Family Experiences ◽

The Family ◽

Depth Interviews

Background: Caring for people with post-pasung (post seclusion and restraint of patient) mental disorders can provide special experience for families who act as caregivers. Objective: To explore family experiences in rehabilitating people with post-pasung mental disorders in Trenggalek Regency. Methods: This research is a qualitative research with an interpretive phenomenological approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guidelines. Participants in this study were twelve in number who treated people with post-pasung mental disorders in Trenggalek Regency. Results: Analysis of data using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis), found eight themes, namely having compassion for patients, having the responsibility of caring for patients, repaying the kindness of patients and others who have helped, having the hope that patients can recover, feel the need to supervise the independence of patients, realize the condition of mental patients, resigned to accept, thankful that the patient can improve and upset. Conclusion: Family is a determinant of the success of rehabilitation in people with post-pasung mental disorders. Family compassion and attention support the patient's recovery. The family hopes that the patient can recover and be independent in self-care, take medicine and work so that it does not depend on the family. This study produced eight themes and answered the research objectives.

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