Exploring how educational leaders in England experience and promote their own well-being

2021 ◽  
pp. 089202062110038
Author(s):  
Lucy Lindley

This study aimed to explore how educational leaders in England experience and promote their own well-being. To address this, five semi-structured interviews were carried out with educational leaders who expressed that they had personally experienced high levels of well-being. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four themes were identified, which highlighted that well-being is a subjective experience (‘there’s no blueprint’); that high levels of well-being are commonly described as feeling balanced (‘maintain a balance’); that well-being is perceived as a personal responsibility (‘you’ve got to find ways to manage that’); and that participants were leading by example in relation to well-being (‘be a well-being supermodel’). Overall, this study emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to well-being, so educational leaders (and their colleagues) should be given space and personal autonomy to work out what works for them.

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 697-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Tan ◽  
Lynn Ward ◽  
Tahereh Ziaian

This study explored the life experiences and views on successful ageing of older Australians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants consisting of 10 Chinese-Australians and 11 Anglo-Australians, aged 55 to 78 years. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results revealed that both groups associated successful ageing with health and personal responsibility. Anglo-Australians regarded growing old gracefully and acceptance as important aspects of successful ageing, whereas Chinese-Australians valued financial security and an active lifestyle. The research highlights that a cross-cultural perspective is imperative for service delivery and policy development to promote the health and well-being of older Australians.


Author(s):  
Li Laurent ◽  
David Sheffield ◽  
Fiona Holland

AbstractBuddhism is an ancient religion and philosophy of living that is practised worldwide. More recent interest in mindfulness as a practice and intervention in the West has highlighted Buddhist-derived concepts as useful in supporting health and well-being. As a result, the desire to understand Buddhism in its more complete form has strengthened. Although research into mindfulness and compassion is growing, there is a new interest in second-generation mindfulness, i.e. interventions that draw upon a more holistic use of Buddhist practices. To date, little research has explored this in Western contexts. For the current study, Nichiren Buddhists from the United Kingdom who had been practising for at least three years were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore their experience of this practice and how it informed their approach to daily life and, in particular, their health and well-being. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed as a method to understand the participants’ experiences. Three themes were generated using an inductive approach: (1) finding meaning—“All experiences have got so much value now”— which reflected the participants’ determination to seek purpose and value in all aspects of their life; (2) Buddhism as a needed ‘tool’—“I use it all the time”—which revealed their practice as an important method to help them manage their lives; and (3) agency—“I’m in control of my destiny”—which highlighted the participants’ engagement (supported by their Buddhist practice) in taking responsibility for their actions and responses. Findings indicate the need for future studies to further explore Buddhism as a mechanism for enhancing and sustaining well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Edge ◽  
Susan Wheatley

Purpose This paper aims to gain a detailed understanding of their experience of well-being from the perspective of mental health peer workers. Design/methodology/approach An interpretative phenomenological analysis design using semi-structured interviews was conducted with four peer workers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Participants described their experience of well-being in terms of a journey over time that followed an unpredictable course. They understood their well-being in terms of their engagement in occupations. An occupational science framework was used to understand the participants’ experience of their well-being in terms of doing, being and becoming. Originality/value This paper is among the first to approach the exploration of the experience of well-being for peer workers using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis design.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-154
Author(s):  
Deborah McNamara ◽  
Jonathan Egan ◽  
Pádraig McNeela

Previous research has continuously identified a need for a comprehensive model of working with first mothers in adoption. This gap in knowledge has hindered the development of services, to the detriment of the quality of life and well-being of this group. This study seeks to remedy this deficiency by exploring the lived experiences of Irish mothers who have lost a child through closed adoption. It aims to expand understanding of the impact of such loss, in particular exploring how it affects their journey of reconnection and reunion with their child in adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six women from Ireland who had lost a child in this way and their narratives were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘Motherhood concealed: the loss of autonomy and connection’ and ‘Motherhood revealed: a pathway towards autonomy and reconnection’. Within each superordinate theme, two subordinate ones were identified: ‘Dehumanised, disempowered and dismissed’, ‘Coping through disconnection’, ‘Breaking the silence’ and ‘Reunion and reconnection’. The first two of these encapsulate the loss of personal autonomy and connectedness resulting from the loss of a child and how participants coped with it. The two others describe the participants’ experiences of growth in personal autonomy and agency through the process of breaking the silence of their concealed motherhood and of reconnection and reunification with their now adult children. The findings indicate that engaging in therapeutic services and/or with adoption peer support enables participants to express their feelings of grief and move from coping strategies dominated by disconnection to ones marked by the autonomous processing of emotion and new coping patterns. The process of reunification with their children plays a significant role in this transition.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110647
Author(s):  
Helena Coleman ◽  
Andy Sanderson-Thomas ◽  
Catherine Walshe

Background: Much palliative care provision relies on the support of volunteers. Attention is paid to the risks to professionals providing care, such as stress and burnout, but understanding if this is an issue for volunteers is little understood. It is important to understand the impact their role has on volunteers emotional well-being. Aim: To explore the experiences of palliative care volunteers and how the role impacted on their emotional well-being. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. Setting/participants: Volunteers in patient-facing roles within palliative and end-of-life care services in the UK. Results: Volunteers ( n = 10) across three palliative and end-of-life care services. Four themes were developed: (1) it can be challenging; (2) it’s where I’m meant to be; (3) managing death; (4) the importance of connection. Challenges included frustrations and questioning themselves. Although difficult at times, volunteers expressed the importance of the role, doing well and that they benefitted too. They also had to manage death and discussed beliefs about life and death, acceptance and managing patients’ fears. Connection with the hospice, patients, staff and other volunteers was important, with a need for everyone to feel valued. Conclusions: Although there are psychosocial benefits for volunteers in their role, it is important to understand the challenges faced and consider ongoing support to help volunteers manage these challenges. This could be addressed through the consideration of coping mechanisms, further training and reflective practice for volunteers.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e024983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Larsson ◽  
Axel Holmbom-Larsen ◽  
Gustav Torisson ◽  
Eva Lena Strandberg ◽  
Elisabet Londos

ObjectiveTo explore the subjective experience of living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).DesignA qualitative study of in-depth interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis.SettingA memory clinic in Malmö, southern Sweden.ParticipantsA purposive sample of five male participants with DLB between the ages of 78 and 88 years and disease duration of 1.5–7 years.ResultsThree themes were identified in relation to the participants’ experiences of living with DLB: (1) disease impact, in terms of symptom experience and restricted participation and activities; (2) self-perception and coping strategies; (3) importance of others, such as healthcare, family and friends.ConclusionsThis study provides a broad insight into the first-hand experience of living with DLB and how it compares with other dementia types. Findings highlight factors characterising the disease experience and well-being, and how persons with DLB address challenges arising secondary to disease. These findings are important for both research and clinical practice, demonstrating the feasibility of direct involvement of DLB persons in identifying important aspects of care, which include improved healthcare services.


2020 ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Arista Apriani ◽  
M Mufdlilah ◽  
Menik Sri Daryanti

ABSTRAK GDM dapat berpotensi menimbulkan komplikasi serius yang dapat mengakibatkan risiko kesehatan jangka pendek dan jangka panjang bagi ibu dan bayinya. diagnosis GDM menimbulkan efek emosional yang negatif. Persepsi ibu hamil tentang GDM dapat memengaruhi perubahan gaya hidup. Garis pertama penatalaksanaan DMG yaitu dengan perubahan gaya hidup. Tujuan menggali secara mendalam kebutuhan ibu dengan diagnosis diabetes melitus gestasional. Metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan  fenomenologi. Lokasi di Kabupaten Karanganyar yaitu Puskesmas Jaten I, Puskesmas Matesih dan RSUD Kabupaten Karanganyar, pada bulan Oktober 2019 - Januari 2020. Sampel secara criterion sampling Pengumpulan data dengan semistructure interview dengan one on one interview. Uji Keabsahan Data dengan Credibility pada penelitian ini menggunakan strategi validitas triangulasi, Tranferability, Dependability, Confirmability. Analisis data dengan Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Hasil penelitian kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga dalam hal mengontrol pola makan, mengatarkan periksa ke tenaga kesehatan, dan mengingatkan untuk aktifitas olah raga. Dukungan sosial, yaitu cara mengontrol gula darah. Dukungan tenaga kesehatan, yaitu saran dan motivasi untuk mengontrol gula darah. Informasi mendapat saran atau perawatan DMG dalam kehamilan adalah dari tenaga kesehatan yaitu bidan, dokter, serta selain tenaga kesehatan dari teman dan internet. Kesimpulannya kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga, dukungan sosial, dukungan tenaga kesehatan dan informasi.   Kata kunci: diabetes melitus gestasional, kehamilan, kebutuhan.   ABSTRACT GDM can overcome serious problems that can overcome short-term and long-term health problems for mother and baby. a diagnosis of GDM has a negative emotional effect. Pregnant women 's perception of GDM can affect lifestyle changes. The first line of management of DMG is lifestyle changes. Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. Qualitative research methods by studying phenomenology. Locations in Karanganyar Regency are Jaten I Health Center, Matesih Health Center and Karanganyar District Public Hospital, in October 2019 - January 2020. Sample sampling criteria Data collection by semi-structured interviews with one-on-one interviews. Data Validity Test with Credibility in this study using the triangulation validity strategy, Transparency, Dependability, Confirmability. Data analysis with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results of the study of the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely supporting the family in terms of controlling diet, sending check to health workers, and reminding for sports activities. Social support, which is a way to control blood sugar. Support of Health Workers, namely advice and motivation to control blood sugar. The information obtained from DMG advice or treatment in the assessment is from health workers, namely midwives, doctors, and also health workers from friends and the internet. In conclusion, the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely family support, social support, support of health workers and information.  


Author(s):  
Emilia Marie Wersig ◽  
Kevin Wilson-Smith

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).


Author(s):  
Rebecca Winnard ◽  
Mark Roy ◽  
Hannah Butler-Coyne

AbstractLittle is known about the emotional pressures and practical management of daily challenges and, intra and interpersonal demands of raising a child as a parent with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The present study utilised a qualitative approach to understand perceptions of females diagnosed on the autistic spectrum of ‘being a parent’. Eight semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Benefits and challenges of being a parent were highlighted alongside population-specific skill and characteristics associated with strength and resilience, love, nurture, routine and sensory considerations. Findings identify the need for population-specific specialist parenting support, provide direction for professionals in clinical settings and expand the paucity of research in this area.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110166
Author(s):  
Alessia Martina Trenta ◽  
Davide Ausili ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Cristina Arrigoni ◽  
Massimo Moro ◽  
...  

This study aimed to explore lived experience of patients with heart failure (HF) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Data collection performed in March-May 2020, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews on a purposive sample. Data were analyzed according to the IPA methodology, and triangulation, bracketing, journaling, and member checking were used to assure rigor. 14 patients with HF were enrolled, and three main themes described their lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, Hanging in the balance, and Coping strategies. These people felt particularly vulnerable to the novel virus and experienced uncertainty due to hospital organization changes. Because of this, they felt like they were hanging in the balance, experiencing various negative feelings. Nevertheless, they managed to deal with this challenging situation by implementing some peculiar coping strategies. The COVID-19 represents a significant challenge for patients with HF, impacting significantly on their lives.


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