Realizing the problem wasn’t necessarily me": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the meaning of childhood adversity and resilience in the lives of autistic adults

Childhood Adversity ◽

Well Being ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Online Chat ◽

Ample Evidence

Interview DataThere is ample evidence that childhood adversity correlates negatively with physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Resilience results when internal and external protective factors in childhood mitigate the effects of adversity and mental and physical health outcomes are improved. However, the phenomena of childhood adversity and resilience among autistic children are understudied and not well understood. In this study, we engaged members of the autism community to advise on the research question, research design, and analysis. Following the engagement phase, three autistic young women and one nonbinary young adult, aged 19-27, participated in semi-structured interviews via phone, video conference, and online chat;. credibility checking interviews followed data analysis. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis we identified themes related to negative effects of adversity, including social disconnection, mental and emotional well-being, sense of self, and development into young adulthood. Resilience was developed in places of refuge and identity, and was evident in their transitions into young adulthood. These findings provide direction for fostering resilience in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and planning and implementing mental health supports to autistic individuals across the lifespan.

Realizing the problem wasn’t necessarily me": The meaning of childhood adversity and resilience in the lives of autistic adults

10.31124/advance.14347325.v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gabrielle A. Heselton ◽

Gwen R. Rempel ◽

David B Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Young Adulthood ◽

Research Question ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Well Being ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Online Chat ◽

Ample Evidence

Interview DataThere is ample evidence that childhood adversity correlates negatively with physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Resilience results when internal and external protective factors in childhood mitigate the effects of adversity and mental and physical health outcomes are improved. However, the phenomena of childhood adversity and resilience among autistic children are understudied and not well understood. In this study, we engaged members of the autism community to advise on the research question, research design, and analysis. Following the engagement phase, three autistic young women and one nonbinary young adult, aged 19-27, participated in semi-structured interviews via phone, video conference, and online chat;. credibility checking interviews followed data analysis. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis we identified themes related to negative effects of adversity, including social disconnection, mental and emotional well-being, sense of self, and development into young adulthood. Resilience was developed in places of refuge and identity, and was evident in their transitions into young adulthood. These findings provide direction for fostering resilience in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and planning and implementing mental health supports to autistic individuals across the lifespan.

Realizing the problem wasn’t necessarily me": The meaning of childhood adversity and resilience in the lives of autistic adults

10.31124/advance.14347325.v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gabrielle A. Heselton ◽

Gwen R. Rempel ◽

David B Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Young Adulthood ◽

Research Question ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Well Being ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Online Chat ◽

Ample Evidence

Interview DataThere is ample evidence that childhood adversity correlates negatively with physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Resilience results when internal and external protective factors in childhood mitigate the effects of adversity and mental and physical health outcomes are improved. However, the phenomena of childhood adversity and resilience among autistic children are understudied and not well understood. In this study, we engaged members of the autism community to advise on the research question, research design, and analysis. Following the engagement phase, three autistic young women and one nonbinary young adult, aged 19-27, participated in semi-structured interviews via phone, video conference, and online chat;. credibility checking interviews followed data analysis. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis we identified themes related to negative effects of adversity, including social disconnection, mental and emotional well-being, sense of self, and development into young adulthood. Resilience was developed in places of refuge and identity, and was evident in their transitions into young adulthood. These findings provide direction for fostering resilience in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and planning and implementing mental health supports to autistic individuals across the lifespan.

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

10.31234/osf.io/7cvzj ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emily McGlinchey ◽

Catherine Hitch ◽

Sarah Butter ◽

Laura Mccaughey ◽

Emma Berry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Northern Ireland ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Well Being ◽

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.

Integrating Community Participation With Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Reflections on Engaging the Autism Community

International Journal of Qualitative Methods ◽

10.1177/16094069211055575 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 160940692110555

Author(s):

Gabrielle A. Heselton ◽

Gwen R. Rempel ◽

David B. Nicholas

Keyword(s):

Community Engagement ◽

Research Design ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Participatory Methods ◽

Community Members ◽

Related Research ◽

Autistic Community

Members of the autistic community have long advocated for more input into and participation with autism-related research. Currently, the power to determine the direction of autism-related research and knowledge production related to autism lies with non-autistic researchers, while the wishes and perspectives of the autistic community are largely ignored. There is a growing trend toward ethical autism-related research, however, in which the perspectives of all stakeholders, particularly those of autistic individuals, are sought and their expertise on autism is foregrounded. In a study exploring the experiences of childhood adversity and resilience among autistic adults, we strove to conduct our research in an inclusive and ethical way, by integrating participatory methods, such as community engagement to inform research design, and credibility checking with participants to confirm that the analysis resonated with their experiences. Five stakeholders, representing parents of children on the autism spectrum, professionals, and autistic community members were recruited to provide input into the research design and provide insight into autistic ways of communicating, interacting, and being. The recommendations generated through this community engagement were then integrated into an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework and implemented with four adult autistic participants. Through reflection on the process of community engagement, development of research design, implementation of the study, and credibility checking, it is clear that incorporating participatory methods into IPA increases rigor and ensures that autistic perspectives are represented through research.

What does well-being mean to mental health peer workers?

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-09-2021-0067 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Jenny Edge ◽

Susan Wheatley

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Occupational Science ◽

Content Type ◽

Analysis Design ◽

Science Framework

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.

‘We’re all in the same boat’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study of experiences of being an ‘expert’ during patient and public involvement within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Health Expectations ◽

10.1111/hex.13183 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Samiran Idrees ◽

Samantha Hartley ◽

Jasmine Heath Hearn

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Public Involvement ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Child And Adolescent ◽

Patient And Public Involvement ◽

Analysis Study

Delivering cognitive therapy for adolescent social anxiety disorder in NHS CAMHS: a qualitative analysis of the experiences of young people, their parents and clinicians-in-training

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465821000047 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Lucy Taylor ◽

Cathy Creswell ◽

Samantha Pearcey ◽

Emma Brooks ◽

Eleanor Leigh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Young People ◽

Health Services ◽

Qualitative Analysis ◽

Social Anxiety Disorder ◽

Qualitative Exploration

Abstract Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is common. It usually starts in adolescence, and without treatment can disrupt key developmental milestones. Existing generic treatments are less effective for young people with SAD than with other anxiety disorders, but an adaptation of an effective adult therapy (CT-SAD-A) has shown promising results for adolescents. Aims: The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative exploration to contribute towards the evaluation of CT-SAD-A for adoption into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Method: We used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyse the transcripts of interviews with a sample of six young people, six parents and seven clinicians who were learning the treatment. Results: Three cross-cutting themes were identified: (i) endorsing the treatment; (ii) finding therapy to be collaborative and active; challenging but helpful; and (iii) navigating change in a complex setting. Young people and parents found the treatment to be useful and acceptable, although simultaneously challenging. This was echoed by the clinicians, with particular reference to integrating CT-SAD-A within community CAMHS settings. Conclusions: The acceptability of the treatment with young people, their parents and clinicians suggests further work is warranted in order to support its development and implementation within CAMHS settings.

Exploring the functions of music in the lives of young people on the autism spectrum

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/03057356211008968 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 030573562110089

Author(s):

Melissa L Kirby ◽

Karen Burland

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Everyday Life ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Multiple Methods ◽

Social Functions ◽

Interview Technique ◽

Autistic People ◽

Insight Into

Current research investigating the functions of music in everyday life has identified cognitive, emotional, and social functions of music. However, previous research focuses almost exclusively on neurotypical people and rarely considers the musical experiences of autistic people. In addition, there is limited research which focuses explicitly on the musical experiences of young people on the autism spectrum. Current research exploring the functions of music may therefore not accurately represent the experiences of the autistic community. This article aims to explore the function of music in the lives of young people on the autism spectrum through a series of interviews. Eleven young people on the autism spectrum age 12 to 25 ( M = 19.4) were interviewed about the function of music in their lives. An adaptive interview technique, utilizing multiple methods of communication, was employed to account for the participants’ broad communicative and personal needs. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed four key functions of music in the participants’ lives: Cognitive, Emotional, Social, and Identity. Collectively, these results provide a unique insight into the musical experiences of young people on the autism spectrum.

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

Management in Education ◽

10.1177/08920206211003887 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089202062110038

Author(s):

Lucy Lindley

Keyword(s):

Subjective Experience ◽

Personal Autonomy ◽

Personal Responsibility ◽

Educational Leaders ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

What Works

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.