Using Timeline Methodology to Facilitate Qualitative Interviews to Explore Sexuality Experiences of Female Pakistani-Descent Immigrant Adolescents

Abstract

In qualitative research, there is a growing interest in understanding the use of timelines in combination with other qualitative methods. In this paper, we will address how the creation of timelines facilitated and informed the process of semi-structured interviews. We used an interpretive descriptive qualitative study to understand the perceptions and experiences of developing sexuality among female adolescents of Pakistani descent, and timelines were used as a part of the semi-structured interview process. Timelines were created in a participatory way in which girls were asked to recount significant events related to their sexuality. We found that the methodological combinations within qualitative research such as semi-structured interviews and timelines have the potential to advance knowledge regarding the experience of immigrant female adolescents’ sexuality. Using the timeline strategy to collect data helped in building rapport with the participants, allowed the participants to become active partners and navigate the process, and helped them to think about future resolutions through reflection.