Occupational Therapy and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Comparable Research Companions?

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 332-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Cronin-Davis ◽  
Alan Butler ◽  
Christine A Mayers
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Data Process ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Complete Access ◽  
Research Analysis

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a research method gaining in popularity, particularly in health psychology and related fields. Derived from phenomenology, as the name suggests, it has potential for occupational therapy as an underpinning framework for research. This method was developed to enable researchers to provide participants with the opportunity to describe their perceptions of their lived experiences, which are subsequently interpreted by the researcher. A two-stage data process allows participants to make sense of their own world while the researcher attempts to make sense of participants' lived experiences. IPA acknowledges that researchers cannot gain complete access to the participant's world and that each participant is an expert in his or her field. However, it does recognise that the researcher's analysis of this world is a dynamic and interpretative process. During the research analysis process, themes are identified and connected and followed by higher-order interpretation. Data can be collected using a variety of methods, including interviews, case studies and focus groups. This paper describes the potential of IPA as an appropriate and worthy methodology for occupational therapists and, therefore, an important adjunct to the occupational therapy evidence base.

scholarly journals Should Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) be Used With Focus Groups? Navigating the Bumpy Road of “Iterative Loops,” Idiographic Journeys, and “Phenomenological Bridges”

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 160940692092160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly Love ◽  
Arlene Vetere ◽  
Paul Davis
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Thematic Approach ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Voice

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative thematic approach developed within psychology underpinned by an idiographic philosophy, thereby focusing on the subjective lived experiences of individuals. However, it has been used in focus groups of which some have been critical because of the difficulties of extrapolating the individual voice which is more embedded within the group dynamics and the added complexity of multiple hermeneutics occurring. Some have adapted IPA for use with focus groups, while others provide scant regard to these philosophical tensions. This raises the question whether IPA should be used with focus group data. To address these concerns, this article will set out a step-by-step guide of how IPA was adapted for use with focus groups involving drug using offenders (including illustrative examples with participants’ quotes). A rationale of why it was important to use both focus groups and an IPA approach will be covered including the value, merits, and challenges this presented. An overview of how participants’ idiographic accounts of their drug use, relapse, and recovery were developed will be provided. This article will conclude with a suggested way forward to satisfy the theoretical tensions and address the question raised in the title.

scholarly journals The Embodiment of Discovery: An Adapted Framework for Qualitative Analysis of Lived Experiences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hernandez ◽  
◽  
Laurie Dringus ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Insulin Pump ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Effective Strategy

We reflect on our process of working with an adapted framework as an effective strategy for analyzing and interpreting the results of our qualitative study on the lived experiences of insulin pump trainers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was applied as the overarching research methodology and was encapsulated into a framework adapted from Bonello and Meehan (2019) and from Chong (2019). We describe this framework as the “embodiment of discovery” to posit the researcher’s tangible experience of discovering the meaning of data that also brought transparency to the researcher’s process for data analysis and interpretation. We present challenges the doctoral student researcher experienced working with the framework through three phases and various steps performed during the analysis. We recommend the framework may assist novice researchers as a tool for wayfinding and scoping the structure of data analysis and interpretation. We conclude that novice researchers should not fear finding their “embodiment of discovery” in adapting creative or alternate methods for qualitative analysis.

scholarly journals Lived experiences within a longstanding coach-athlete relationship. The case of one paralympic athlete

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 279-297
Author(s):  
Fernando Santos ◽  
Martin Camiré ◽  
Dany J. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Acute Bout ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Constant Support

The purpose of the present study was to explore the lived experiences of one male Paralympic athlete who maintained a longstanding relationship with his coach. This case provides insight into how a coach can serve as a key supportive agent in enabling an athlete to thrive both in sport and in life. The athlete was interviewed on two separate occasions and an interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted. The athlete discussed the consequences of an acute bout of meningitis experienced at four years of age that left him impaired. During adolescence and adulthood, the athlete experienced the death of his mother and sister as well as the challenges associated with him assuming his homosexuality. Throughout these ordeals, his coach acted as a constant support figure. The athlete attributed much weight to his coach’s trust, respect, and empathy in explaining the significant success he attained on the international stage. The recommendations offered focus on how coaches can support athletes when athletes are navigating tough challenges.

Exploring the relevancy of random and scheduled alcohol breathalyser testing in high-risk jobs within safety-sensitive work settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vusi Mthimkhulu ◽  
Hugo D. Van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Viable Method

Orientation: Workplace testing is seen as a viable method in monitoring alcohol intoxication in the workplace. This article explored lived experiences of random and scheduled alcohol breathalyser testing to gain insights into meaning and understanding of the phenomenon under study.Research purpose: Random and scheduled testing are preferred techniques of assessing intoxication in the workplace. This article set to gain insights into whether behaviour can have an influence on the effectiveness of random and scheduled testing. The information can contribute to the ongoing debate on the efficacy of workplace testing and lays groundwork for future studies.Motivation for the study: Emergent data seem to suggest that the success of workplace testing in preventing alcohol and substance use in the workplace is indecisive.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative method was employed to collect data from eight alcohol-consuming individuals who performed jobs considered safety-sensitive through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed through the application of an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Main findings: Findings revealed incidents of alcohol intoxication within the workplace in spite of random and scheduled testing in place. There seems to be a disregard for rules that prohibit intoxication in the workplace. Money bribes seem to enable cheating on testing in the workplace. Behaviour undercuts the goal of an alcohol-free workplace.Practical implications: Behaviour stemming from on-site intoxication and cheating on alcohol tests hinders on the goal of attaining an alcohol-free workplace.Contribution/value-add: The analysis of behaviour could contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of workplace testing.

scholarly journals Lack of meaningful activity on acute physical hospital wards: Older people’s experiences

2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Channine Clarke ◽  
Caroline Stack ◽  
Marion Martin
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Older People ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Meaningful Activity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hospital Wards ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Research suggests that older people on acute physical hospital wards are at increased risk of physical and mental health decline due to inactivity during their stay. Whilst studies have highlighted potential causes of such inactivity, there exists a paucity of occupational therapy research that explores engagement in meaningful occupation from patients’ perspectives in hospital settings. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain a deeper understanding of how 18 older people spent their time on hospital wards and the impact this had on their feelings of wellbeing. Interviews were carried out and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis guidelines. Findings Patients experienced a lack of meaningful activity on the wards which resulted in feelings of passivity, boredom and a sense of alienation from their normal roles, routines and sense of self. Despite a willingness to engage in activity, barriers were suggested as limited resources, hospital routines and personal limitations. Suggestions of potential meaningful activities were made. Conclusion Occupational therapy services need to review service provision and provide an occupation-focused service, ensuring that patients’ engagement in meaningful activities is seen as an integral part of their role in order to maintain patients’ mental and physical wellbeing. Recommendations for further research are highlighted.

scholarly journals The Illness-Disease Dynamic: Psychological Wellbeing in Type 2 Diabetes: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire McKenzie ◽  
Kristina Bennert ◽  
David Kessler ◽  
Alan Montgomery
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Depth Interviews

Distress and depression often go unrecognised in people with diabetes. In this article, I present an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the lived experience of people with Type 2 diabetes, based on individual in-depth interviews with 10 patients. The purpose of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of these psychological symptoms through a detailed examination of how patients interpret and respond to their experience of the condition. I propose a revised model for the connection between the disease of diabetes and patients’ lived experiences of illness, as one of embodied coexistence rather than relation. Through my analysis, I identify the psychological processes that might need to be addressed in an effective preventative support system.

scholarly journals Understanding the lived experiences of Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative phenomenological analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Catherine Hitch ◽  
Sarah Butter ◽  
Laura Mccaughey ◽  
Emma Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies

Background: Little research has examined mental health and well-being in the context of healthcare professionals (HCP) working during the COVID-19 pandemic within the UK. To our knowledge, no research has employed qualitative methodologies in order to examine this. We therefore aim to address this gap in research by qualitatively examining the lived experiences of HCPs in Northern Ireland, working during the early stages of the pandemic and lockdown period (14.04.20 and 29.04.20).Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to qualitatively examine the lived experiences of healthcare professionals, who were working during the COVID-19 outbreak. Ten HCPs were recruited via a social media campaign and snowball sampling. All interviews were conducted via telephone and transcribed verbatim. Results: Three superordinate themes with subordinate themes were elicited through the analysis. Theme one broadly captured present and future challenges of HCPs working during the pandemic. Theme two captured the mental health and wellbeing of HCPs and theme three captured HCPs’ perceptions of the attitudes of the general public towards HCPs. Conclusions: To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to explore in depth, the unique experiences of frontline HCPs in Northern Ireland, offering a detailed account of the challenges confronted in these unprecedented circumstances and highlighting support needs within this cohort.

scholarly journals Lived Experiences of Women with Dissociative Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 025371762110448
Author(s):  
Ashti Emran ◽  
Vibha Sharma ◽  
Ravinder Singh ◽  
Manisha Jha ◽  
Naved Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
North India ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Indian Setting ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Background: In the Indian setting, several studies have documented that dissociative disorders (DDs) are more common in females, and the most commonly elicited stressors are interpersonal. However, much of the research up to now has been quantitative. There is a notable paucity of qualitative studies exploring the subjective experiences of women with DD. Therefore, the present study sought to explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of women diagnosed with DD. Methods: Five women were recruited who were seeking psychological treatment for dissociative symptoms at a tertiary care neuropsychiatric institute in North India. In-depth interviews were conducted with each, and the transcripts were analyzed using the analytic method of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes that emerged were: patients’ illness perspectives, the salience of relationships, and dealing with relationship conflicts. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the role of culture in influencing the participants’ illness perspectives. Women with DD tend to define their self in relational terms and, thus, inhibit the expression of one’s needs and opinions, to avoid conflict and to maintain harmony in relationships.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis exploring how psychiatrists conceptualise conduct disorder and experience making the diagnosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910452096451
Author(s):  
Jessica Amy Staniford ◽  
Matthew Lister
Keyword(s):  
Conduct Disorder ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
The Way

The way professionals conceptualise CD likely impacts the identity of children given the diagnosis, yet how psychiatrists conceptualise CD, and experience making the diagnosis, is under-researched. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored how psychiatrists conceptualise CD and experience making the diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews captured participants’ lived experiences and associated meanings. Four superordinate themes emerged: ‘Parents and professionals are overwhelmed by their struggles with CD’; ‘What is CD? Uncertainty regarding the cause, but clarity that it is a severe problem’; ‘CD as a controversial construct’; and ‘Whose issue is it anyway? Battles with blame and responsibility’. The emerging problem-saturated narrative is discussed. Clinical implications include increased training, reflective practice and using a formulation-based approach.

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