Flourishing Through Music Creation: A Qualitative Investigation of the Lullaby Project Among Refugee and Incarcerated Communities

Positive Emotions ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Research Approach ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Professional Musicians ◽

Positive Coping ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Perceived Change ◽

Pilot Implementation

The Lullaby Project is an innovative model developed to support with vulnerable groups through community-based music creation. It pairs expectant and new mothers with professional musicians, to create a lullaby for their children. This paper presents an investigation of the project’s pilot implementation in the United Kingdom, bringing together musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, refugee mothers and inmate fathers from a central London prison. The research aimed to understand how the Lullaby Project was experienced, focusing on the potential areas of perceived change linked with the concept of mental health as flourishing. Participants (N=12) took part in semi-structured interviews and kept daily notes to aid recollection of the sessions in the interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted as the research approach. Participants considered the project to carry significance for them in three key areas: (1) wellbeing, through a strong sense of accomplishment, meaning and connectedness, and the experience of positive emotions; (2) proactivity, promoting initiative, both musical and relational; and (3) reflectiveness, stimulating perspective-taking and positive coping mechanisms. The Lullaby Project offers an effective model towards promotion of flourishing among vulnerable groups, and the results make a strong case for its implementation.

The experiences leading to resignation of female audit managers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Gender in Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/gm-11-2020-0352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Jurika Groenewald ◽

Elza Odendaal

Keyword(s):

Gender Inequality ◽

Role Theory ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Research Approach ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Homogeneous Sample ◽

Content Type ◽

Audit Firms

Purpose Considering the benefits that gender diversity could bring to audit firms, especially in a time when the audit profession faces criticism and the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gender inequality gap, this study aims to explore the lived experiences of female former audit managers from a social role theory and role congruity theory perspective, to understand the factors that contributed towards their resignations. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis design were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior female audit managers who had resigned from Johannesburg Stock Exchange-accredited audit firms. Findings The female former audit managers reported their unique experiences in terms of a lack of transparent career progression discussions, audit firms being run by “old boys’ clubs” and unfair treatment linked to bias, job overload and indistinct ambitions to become audit partners. Research limitations/implications The homogeneous sample included a small number of female participants from a limited number of audit firms. Originality/value The findings could inform audit firms how to address the factors contributing to female audit managers’ resignations and to challenge stereotypes to retain more women for promotion to audit partner-level, thereby capitalising on the benefits of a diversified management structure that could lead to higher quality audits and address gender inequality.

Away from Home: A Qualitative Exploration of Health Experiences of Nigerian Students in a U.K. University

Journal of International Students ◽

10.32674/jis.v8i1.149 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Folashade T Alloh ◽

Desiree Tait ◽

Clare Taylor

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Culture Shock ◽

Well Being ◽

Cultural Dimension ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Nigerian Students ◽

Qualitative Exploration

This study explored the factors that contribute to the health experience of Nigerian students in the United Kingdom. Challenges faced by international students include dietary issues, isolation, stress, depression and others. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted combination of purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants for the study. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis and Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to interpret themes. Two major themesfrom our findings were discussed under broad headings: Transitional changes and financial capability. These findings have practical implications for Nigerian students’ well being in a U.K. university. Cultural dimension is needed to reduce culture shock experience among international students during sojourning

On-Time Maturation in Female Adolescent Ballet Dancers: Learning From Lived Experiences

The Journal of Early Adolescence ◽

10.1177/02724316211036752 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 027243162110367

Author(s):

Siobhan B. Mitchell ◽

Anne M. Haase ◽

Sean P. Cumming

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Female Adolescent ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Ballet Dancers ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Early Maturing ◽

Fitting In ◽

Pubertal Transition

This study employed semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore experiences of on-time maturation in nine adolescent ballet dancers from across three vocational ballet schools in the United Kingdom. Two themes were identified as central to their experiences: ‘A right and a wrong way to grow’, and fitting in and moving forward. Instead of perceiving themselves as ‘average’ and experiencing a relatively easy pubertal transition, on-time dancers described unique challenges associated with a fluctuation between fitting in and not fitting in within their social context. The implications of on-time maturation in this context are complex and do not appear to follow the same trajectory as early maturing ballet dancers nor on-time non-dancers.

Exploring Buddhism as a ‘Tool’ to Support Well-Being: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Western Adopters’ Experiences

Pastoral Psychology ◽

10.1007/s11089-021-00962-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li Laurent ◽

David Sheffield ◽

Fiona Holland

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Future Studies ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Buddhist Practice ◽

Ancient Religion ◽

Complete Form ◽

Health And Well Being

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.

“I Can’t Blame Mum”: A Qualitative Exploration of Relational Dynamics in Women With Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the United Kingdom

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/1077801221994913 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107780122199491

Author(s):

Rebecca J. Newton ◽

Jennifer Glover

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Female Genital Mutilation ◽

Adult Women ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Relational Dynamics ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Self In Relation ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Female Genital

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is conceptualized as an interpersonal act, commonly initiated by mothers. This study investigates relational dynamics among adult women who experienced FGM in childhood and have since migrated to the United Kingdom. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with nine women. Three superordinate themes emerged: (a) “The ‘who to blame?’ conflict: Preserving goodness in parents”; (b) “Better or worse? Positioning the self in relation to others”; and (c) “Regaining power: Righting the wrongs.” Implications for understanding the relational consequences of FGM and the discontinuation of its intergenerational transmission are considered.

“Why them, why me, why us?” The Experiences of Parents of Children with Lysomal Acid Lipase Deficiency: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-956316/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sadie Hassell ◽

Debbie M Smith ◽

Stewart Rust ◽

Simon Jones ◽

Anja Wittkowski

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Clinical Pathways ◽

Emotional Reactions ◽

Lysosomal Storage ◽

Acid Lipase ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Enzyme Replacement ◽

The United Kingdom

Abstract BackgroundLysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) is an ultra-rare, inherited metabolic disease within the category of lysosomal storage disorders, affecting an infant’s ability to metabolise cholesterol. Developments in treatment, including Enzyme Replacement Therapy, have proven successful, with some children living for a number of years post-diagnosis, although the future still remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of parents of children with LALD. Main textParticipants were recruited from across the United Kingdom between 2020-2021. Eight parents (five mothers and three fathers) whose child had a confirmed diagnosis of LALD were interviewed. Data collected from the semi-structured interviews were audio-record, transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate and nine subordinate themes emerged from the data: 1) Uncertainty - a double-edged sword (plunged into an uncertain world, living life with worry and walking the tightrope of stability), 2) Powerless against a shared battle (a helpless parent, a joint battle, protection against distress and a vulnerable parent needing to be held) and 3) Accepting a life with LALD - the camouflage of a “normal” child (trying to make sense of ‘why’ and a condition disguised by normality). ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlighted that the diagnosis of LALD proves to be a very vulnerable time in parents’ lives, eliciting strong emotional reactions against an unknown future. This study signified the importance of clinical pathways and service provisions to support parents and their children through this period, raising important issues around diagnosis.

What Pakistani doctoral students want? A qualitative exploration of their research experiences

Global Knowledge Memory and Communication ◽

10.1108/gkmc-04-2021-0074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Syeda Hina Batool ◽

Amna Farzand Ali ◽

Muhammad Safdar

Keyword(s):

Doctoral Students ◽

Research Approach ◽

Degree Programs ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Research Experiences ◽

Content Type ◽

Analysis Technique ◽

Qualitative Exploration

Purpose This study aims to investigate social sciences PhD scholars’ research experiences through a qualitative lens. Researchers explored the doctoral students’ research conceptions, supervision-related expectations, reasons to join PhD, key learning areas and advantages of PhD in this study. Education sector is rigorously seeking PhD faculty and simultaneously offering a number of research degree programs and scholarships to boom the research culture. The amount of time, energy, finance and dedication involved in it urges researchers to investigate this phenomenon holistically. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research approach, phenomenology (semi-structured interviews) is used to conduct this research, and interpretative phenomenological analysis technique is used to analyze the collected data. Findings Findings have been reported comprehensively through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Respondents had a number of expectations from supervisors and viewed this journey as challenging and at the same time beneficial for their professional and personal life. Originality/value This study is unique in nature, as it depicts research conceptions of doctoral students, benefits of PhD, challenges in pursuing PhD and supervision expectations from a developing country perspective. This study’s outcomes have impressions for policymakers, researchers and supervisors. The findings have insights for educators to produce more constructive researchers and scholars.

Mental illness and recovery: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of Black African service users in England

Journal of Research in Nursing ◽

10.1177/1744987118819667 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (1-2) ◽

pp. 104-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Isaac Tuffour ◽

Alan Simpson ◽

Lisa Reynolds

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Research Approach ◽

Service Users ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cultural Backgrounds ◽

Black African

Background Research conceptualising recovery is predominantly Eurocentric. This paper develops the conceptualisation of recovery by Black African service users. Aims Our aim was to explore Black African service users’ experiences of recovery from mental illness and to understand how they conceptualise recovery. Methods Using a qualitative research approach and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Black African service users recovering from mental illness in England. Results Participants conceptualised recovery as a pragmatic and subjective concept distributed across a continuum of clinical, functional and spiritual dimensions, resilience, identity and their social and cultural backgrounds. Conclusions It seems critical for all stakeholders to ensure that these components are embedded in recovery-oriented services for Black African service users.

Volunteer Mentor Experiences of Mentoring Forced Migrants in the United Kingdom

Refuge ◽

10.25071/1920-7336.40708 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 38-49

Author(s):

Iona Tynewydd ◽

Joanna Semlyen ◽

Sophie North ◽

Imogen Rushworth

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Future Research ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Charitable Organization ◽

Migrant Populations ◽

Mentoring Relationship ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Forced Migrants

Research demonstrates the complex nature of supporting forced migrant populations; however, there is almost no research on volunteer experience of supporting forced migrants. This study explored the experiences of volunteer mentors in the United Kingdom. Eight participants were recruited from a single charitable organization. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: “paralyzed by responsibility and powerlessness”; “weighty emotional fallout”; “navigating murky boundaries”; and “enriched with hope, joy, and inspiration.” Participants experienced a range of emotions as a result of their mentoring: from distress to inspiration. Findings suggest that focusing on achievable changes helps mentors. The mentoring relationship is hugely important to mentors but also requires careful navigation. The findings suggest that, whilst it is a fulfilling experience, support is required for volunteers mentoring forced migrants. The relative strengths and limitations of the study are considered. Theoretical implications and suggestions for organizations, clinical applications, and future research are provided.

Studi Fenomenologi Pola Asuh Anak oleh Wanita Indonesia dalam Perkawinan Campur di Eropa dan Kanada

PERSPEKTIF ◽

10.31289/perspektif.v10i2.5003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 656-663

Author(s):

Ruslaini Ruslaini ◽

Tanti Sugiharti ◽

Diajeng Herika Hermanu ◽

Wahyu Wulandari ◽

Sahala Harahap

Keyword(s):

Parenting Style ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Social Worlds ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Canada Data ◽

Parenting Pattern

This research aims to find out how the parenting pattern is conducted by Indonesian women who experience mixed marriage where they marry foreign men and live in their husbands’ countries. The research method used is Qualitative with Phenomenological approach. Using Purposive Sampling Technique, five Indonesian women were gathered as informants where 3 of them live in Europe : The United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Germany while 2 others live in Canada. Data collection was conducted using online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to be further analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to reveal in detail how participants interpreted their personal and social worlds. The results show that participants conduct Democratic parenting style; a combination of appreciation for the individuality of the children and efforts to shape social values gradually. This parenting pattern was formed by building an agreement with their husbands towards their own religions and Indonesian cultures. The country provision and protection of children aged 18 to have the rights to live separately from their parents has encouraged participants to conduct some particular standards for their children. Additionally, the results show that participants managed to conduct similar parenting style held by their parents.