Grounded Theory Analysis Research Articles

Navigating Acculturation: Overcoming Challenges and Creating Pathways to Well-Being for Central Asian Immigrants in the United States

This study explores the adaptations of recent immigrants from Central Asia (CA) to the United States. Using qualitative grounded theory analysis of narratives from 42 immigrants, gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, acculturation, life course development, resilience, and intersectionality frameworks were applied to the analysis. Participants included 21 women and 21 men aged 22 to 45. Three major themes emerged. The first theme highlights acculturative challenges and stress, including shifts in gender roles, professional status, and family values. The second theme addresses barriers to seeking help, stemming from ideological and practical constraints. The third theme emphasizes opportunities and positive outlooks on life in the United States for immigrants and their children. The study underscores implications for practice and policy, along with avenues for future research.

Barefoot Walking (Earthing) Craze and Policy Support Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Barefoot walking is currently a craze in South Korean communities. In particular, the elderly are participating in barefoot walking (earthing) to improve their physical and mental health due to their increasing desire for a healthy life. The purpose of this study was to analyze causes, processes, and consequences of the barefoot walking craze among the elderly in Korean society. The research method used was the grounded theory method. Thirty-five elderly people participating in barefoot walking were selected as participants. Data were analyzed according to open coding, axial coding, and selective coding proposed by Strauss and Corbin. First, an open coding phase yielded 61 concepts, 18 subcategories, and 7 categories through continuous questioning and comparative analysis. Second, in the axial coding stage, causal, contextual, and mediating conditions, action/interaction strategies, and consequences were presented, centering on the phenomenon. Causal conditions and contextual conditions contributing to the phenomenon of barefoot walking were identified as “motivation to participate” and “barefoot walking environment,” respectively. “Participating in barefoot walking” was identified as a phenomenon in the axial coding paradigm. The intervening condition was analyzed as “information about barefoot walking.” The action/interaction strategy was analyzed as “spreading the value of barefoot walking.” In the axial coding paradigm, consequences that emerged through the action/interaction strategy were “restoring physical and mental health” and “community spread and nuisance.” Third, in the selective coding stage, “barefoot walking as a daily routine” was derived as the core category, and the narrative outline was presented. To create a sustainable barefoot walking environment in Korea, it is necessary to have a healthy civic consciousness that coexists and harmonizes with nature.

Exploring identity work of LGBT+ volunteers in sport through personas: the advocate, the community-minded and the sportsperson

ABSTRACT Research question Sport volunteering can be a valued and meaningful way to engage in sport beyond participation, but sport volunteers lack diversity in the UK. Specifically, there has been a lack of insight into experiences and identities of LGBT+ volunteers in sport. Therefore, this research explores how LGBT+ volunteers construct, negotiate and manage their identities over time and through the use of personas. Research methods Using identity work as a theoretical lens and from a social constructionist perspective, this study employs topical life history interviews of 16 sexually diverse sport volunteers to explore identity work strategies adopted by participants to navigate their volunteer experiences. Results and findings Using constructivist grounded theory analysis, the study identifies three personas (1) advocate, (2) community-minded and (3) sportsperson – through which identity processes are expressed, illustrating the shifts in these personas as participants navigate their volunteer experiences. Implications By acknowledging the fluidity of identity processes and the influence of socio-political contexts, sport organisations can create more inclusive environments that accommodate the varying needs of LGBT+ volunteers. Theoretically, the study contributes to the broader discourse on identity work by demonstrating how personas emerge as outcomes of this work and how they are sustained over time, offering a nuanced understanding of identity processes within sport volunteering.

Gestion des relations familles immigrantes-écoles-communautés en temps de pandémie de COVID-19 : une analyse de documents

In the pre-pandemic period, school headmasters were responsible for ensuring the academic and social integration of immigrant students by promoting innovation, relations within the educational team and school-family-community relations (MELS, 2008 ; MÉES, 2019). However, the pandemic and the massive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has led to a deterioration in these relations, resulting in performance-related health problems and unforeseen changes (OECD, 2020). The initial question in this article is: how have school headmasters managed the school-family-community relations embedded in the activity of accompanying immigrant students fostered by the use of ICT in a context of unplanned change? A systematic literature review identified 43 empirical studies. Their grounded theory analyses led to the modelling of problems and their theorisation. This systematic review confirms the importance of school-family-community relations and their management for the academic and educational success of immigrant students during a pandemic. The underlying problems of relationship management include problems of educational quality; divergence of viewpoints in terms of performance; development of psychosocial risks at work linked to these divergences and to social inequalities (digital inequalities, gender inequalities in children's education within the family, housing inequality).

Are we asking the right questions? Female athletes’ perspectives on the menstrual cycle in sport

BackgroundMenstrual cycle (MC) research employing qualitative and quantitative methods has recently increased in athlete populations. A move towards a participant-centered approach to help formulate questions that align with practitioners’ and stakeholders’ priorities in the sport environment is needed. Therefore, our study aims were to 1) understand what athletes feel is important to consider regarding their MC in sport, and 2) provide practical recommendations for coaches and practitioners to support a positive sport culture around the MC. MethodsParticipants were Canadian female athletes competing at national and international levels. Team (n = 10) and individual (n = 10) sport athletes (median age 23 years) shared their experiences and values in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. ResultsThree main theories were identified by constructive grounded theory analyses: 1) training and performance, 2) culture, and 3) health. Athletes expressed a desire for symptom management strategies and more evidence on MC training periodization to optimize performance. Key determinants in creating a positive culture included communication and feeling supported. Athletes also expressed challenges in balancing health with performance and felt ill-informed on how hormonal contraceptives could potentially impact performance. Practical recommendations included 1) addressing individualized, context-specific symptom impacts on the athlete’s sport demands, 2) using a group-based approach to initiate MC communication topics and, 3) designate female health point-of-contact staff to facilitate MC information. ConclusionFuture research should continue to evaluate MC impacts on training and performance and study designs should include participants who are using hormonal contraceptives. Coaches and sport practitioners should prioritize female athlete health alongside performance goals.

"Ups and Downs, Joys and Sorrows" - Assessment and Clinical Relevance of Patient Priorities in an Interdisciplinary Parkinson's Disease Clinic.

Barriers to communication and inaccurate provider assumptions about patient priorities limit the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered care (PCC) to people with Parkinson's (PWP). This study aimed to analyze priorities of PWP using a qualitative, unstructured single-question survey and to test associations with validated quality of life (QOL) measures. During appointments at a subspecialty, interdisciplinary clinic, PWP (n=139) provided written responses to the prompt: "What is important for your care team to know about you?" Patient Health Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Hoehn and Yahr scales were obtained through retrospective chart review. Key qualitative themes were identified through grounded theory analysis, and associations with quantitative health measures were tested with correlation analyses. Common themes included participant health (eg, PD-related goals and comorbidities), non-illness identities (eg, family or community role), and the psychosocial impact of PD (eg, losing independence and uncertainty). Positive sentiments (n=73), such as motivation and optimism, were more common than negative sentiments (n=45), such as loss and fear. There was moderate concordance between worsened mental health and uncertainty (rho=0.206, p=0.02) and inverse concordance between worsened mobility and gratitude (rho=-0.174, p=0.04). The range of priorities that PWP want to share with their care team is more diverse than that of common provider assumptions, is correlated with clinical outcomes such as mental health and mobility, and may not be captured by existing QOL assessment tools. An open-ended, qualitative prompt should be incorporated into routine specialist care for PWP as a valuable QOL indicator.

This Smokey Thing Called Healing: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Recovery from Self-Identified C-PTSD

This Smokey Thing Called Healing: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Recovery from Self-Identified C-PTSD

Embodied superpower: A qualitative study of the experience of highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners

Purpose: Research has identified that approximately 20-31 percent of the global population can be considered highly sensitive––carrying the trait of sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS). SPS, associated with increased sensitivity and responsiveness to internal, environmental, and social stimuli, is often considered to be a vulnerability. Despite this, it has been shown to have the potential of becoming an asset to people. However, a gap exists in the research literature regarding the experience of highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners and how they can best manage their high sensitivity to the benefit of themselves and others. Design: A qualitative approach explored how highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners experience and deal with SPS in the context of working with clients. Method: In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with ten practitioners, drawn from a number of wellbeing professions. Results: The qualitative grounded theory analysis revealed the overarching theme of experiencing SPS as an ‘embodied superpower’ and a complex, interwoven dynamic interplay between four major themes: appreciation, challenges, journey, and client work. The results show that, if managed well, SPS can indeed be a valuable asset to practitioners. Implications: As the first of its kind to investigate this topic in a systematic, scientific manner, the study has significance in exploring SPS, especially in relation to embodiment theory. Findings have implications for highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners, contributing to the understanding of their trait and offering practical suggestions on how to best manage it.

Mapping a psychosocial syndemic among methamphetamine-using sexual minority men living with HIV.

While research with sexual minority men (SMM) has focused on disparities related to HIV, substance use and mental health, synergistic psychosocial pathways driving these epidemics remain underexplored. We used syndemic theory to assess how psychosocial factors sustain methamphetamine use and hinder recovery efforts for SMM living with HIV. A triangulation of network analyses and constructivist grounded theory approaches is utilised to elucidate pathways through which psychosocial factors influence methamphetamine use among this population. Survey data (N = 129) are used for quantitative analyses and a purposive sub-sample (n = 24) was recruited for semi-structured interviews for qualitative analyses. The network analysis revealed two statistically significant bivariate associations: between post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms (b = 0.37, SD = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [0.23, 0.49]) and between depression symptoms and negative affect (b = 0.26, SD = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [0.12, 0.38]). Findings from the constructivist grounded theory analysis supplement the network analysis by offering a nuanced take on how negative affect, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression symptoms operate synergistically to promote methamphetamine use and impede recovery efforts. Participants relay experiences of using methamphetamine to cope with these psychosocial factors through avoidance, escapism, mood elevation, and numbing of emotions. Findings suggest that centring these psychosocial factors may inform more effective, holistic interventions for this high-priority population.

Schoolwork With Purpose: A Mixed Methods Study on Youths’ Perspective on What Makes Learning Meaningful

Making school meaningful is a widely accepted goal in education, yet what is considered meaningful, meaningful to whom, and why, leaves room for interrogation. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study aims to understand: (1) The extent to which students experience meaningful education at EL Education schools compared to comparison schools, and (2) How adolescents describe meaningful schoolwork. Survey responses were gathered from 258 students at nine middle schools (five EL Education, four comparison). Participants self-identified as 49% male, 47% female, 2% gender non-binary, 41% Black, 40% Latina/o, 33% White, 16% Multiracial, 1% Asian, and 31% low-income. Controlling for demographic characteristics, EL Education students reported statistically significantly more meaningful school experiences than comparison school students. Subsample analyses showed substantially greater meaningfulness at EL Education than comparison schools for Black ( n = 107; p < .01) and Latina/o students ( n = 40; p < .001). Interviews from 32 students and grounded theory analysis revealed that meaningful schoolwork focuses on: (a) Learning about and addressing “real-world problems” (e.g., racism, environmentalism, sociopolitical development), (b) Engaging content that was personally relevant, hands-on, and socially interactive, and (c) Future-oriented academic or social skills. Findings point to promising practices at EL Education schools and implications are discussed.

A conceptual framework to improve the quality of life in patients with CKD on dialysis in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one non-communicable disease mainly caused by comorbid of diabetes and hypertension, thus compromising quality of life for the patients. Few rigorous Quality of Life frameworks on chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported in low-middle income countries including South Africa. Therefore, the study aimed at developing a Conceptual Framework to improve the Quality of Life in Patients with CKD on Dialysis in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. A Mixed method sequential explanatory design which entails collection of quantitative data, followed by qualitative. A purposive sampling of 316 CKD patients for quantitative was initially selected. For qualitative, 17 healthcare professionals were theoretically sampled until data saturation. A structured questionnaire (WHO HRQOL–BREF) was utilized to collect numerical data for quantitative phase, while focus group discussions provided qualitative insights. The quantitative results indicated low quality of life (QoL) in several dimensions: economic (98 %), psychological (95 %), physical (70 %), and social (55 %). Grounded theory analysis of the qualitative data identified key predictors of QoL as the patients' geographic location, accessibility to haemodialysis centres, their ability to adapt and accept the condition, self-management practices, support from family members and caregivers including the presence of well-trained nursing staff.A comprehensive conceptual framework was developed through identifying contextual factors, interventions and outcomes that is expected to improve the QOL. The study recommends the immediate intervention of the policy makers and health care providers in drafting and implementing policies to improve the QOL in patients with CKD.

Using Grounded Theory Analysis in Construction Management and Civil Engineering Education: Integrating Perspectives to Shape a Comprehensive View of Sustainability

ABSTRACT Sustainability education becomes a crucial approach to help next generation construction managers and civil engineers to address the need to reconcile between the rapid resource depletion and economic development in the built environment. As educators strive to prepare future professionals for the evolving demands of sustainability in the construction industry, a better understanding of the current landscape of sustainability education in higher education becomes necessary. This entails recognizing the diverse perceptions and interpretations held by construction management and civil engineering (CM/CE) faculty regarding the essential elements of sustainability, as they influence students’ understanding and are also carried forward into students’ future professional careers. The authors used a qualitative research approach to characterize the concept of sustainability in its rudimentary form. We collected individual faculty members’ definitions of sustainability by conducting semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, grounded theory analysis (GTA) was used to analyze interview transcripts, aiming to unveil patterns and trends that then form a theory-like conclusion. Through this inductive qualitative approach, the authors developed the CM/CE Sustainability Definition Framework (SDF), comprising durability, resource efficiency, meeting societal needs, and minimizing environmental impacts. This paper demonstrates how GTA can be used as an effective qualitative research methodology for CM/CE education research.

Authentic caring in online professional development for early childhood teachers in South Africa

Background: The professional development (PD) of early childhood teachers is of strategic importance in higher education and the profession given the need to improve responsiveness and progress towards millennium goals.Aim: The purpose was to analyse classroom practices and teachers’ experiences of PD programmes, through the theoretical lens of the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers to construct an authentic data-based model, which can be used to understand PD challenges and guide decisions about the improvement of education quality.Setting: The study was conducted in Gauteng with teachers from a selection of early childhood centres.Methods: A phenomenological inquiry explored the settings and practices of 23 selected teachers in Gauteng province. Interview and observation data were analysed for content categories and grounded theory articulations.Results: The main finding is that teachers facing everyday educational challenges benefit from school-based support and available media but need additional learning to advance their professional aspirations. The grounded theory analyses of the data highlighted that early childhood practices and articulated development needs are best explained as authentic caring. This was conceptualised metaphorically as garden spaces where careful tending, deliberate planning and various elements of nurturing knowledge may harmoniously be blended. The model extends prevailing theories of PD and the flipped ICT Competency Framework for Teachers.Conclusion: The model of authentic caring is a grounded theory articulation based upon beliefs of practising EC teachers.Contribution: The article provides a comprehensive online teacher professional development framework for EC teachers, emphasising authenticity, care and alignment with global educational standards.

Research on the Application Maturity of Enterprises’ Artificial Intelligence Technology Based on the Fuzzy Evaluation Method and Analytic Network Process

The aim of this study was to study the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enterprises in terms of strategy, technology, business operations, and organizational management. This study used grounded theory analysis to identify the influencing factors of AI technology application maturity in Chinese enterprises. Taking Chinese film and television enterprises as an example, this study constructed an AI technology application maturity evaluation index system for enterprises based on the analytic network process (ANP) and evaluated the application maturity of AI technology in enterprises in terms of enterprise strategy, technology, business operations, and organizational management. To comprehensively evaluate and empirically analyze the application maturity of enterprise AI technology, this study calculated the index weight based on the ANP, and combined it with the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to construct a comprehensive evaluation model. The research results showed that intelligence strategy was the element that was believed to be most affected by the maturity of enterprise AI technology. For technology, intelligence technology and equipment were the elements that were believed to be affected the most. For business operations, smart shooting was the element that was believed to be affected the most. With respect to organizational management, corporate culture was the element that was believed to be most affected. The results showed that the proposed methods for evaluating the application maturity of enterprise AI technology are scientific and effective. The results of this study provide a reference for promoting the application of AI, implementing the intelligence transformation, and enhancing the core competitiveness of enterprises.

Stakeholders’ longitudinal perspectives on a large public housing redevelopment in Los Angeles, California

The Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere VI programme (HOPE VI) model created a new approach to redeveloping public housing in the US, paving the way for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). Unlike traditional public housing redevelopment, CNI aims to revitalise entire ecosystems to create sustainable, thriving communities by focusing on housing, people, neighbourhoods and participatory community planning. This study used qualitative methods to explore the longitudinal perspectives of 12 stakeholders involved in a large CNI-funded public housing redevelopment project in Los Angeles, California. Our grounded theory analysis identified four key themes: (1) persistent community ghosts; (2) growing regeneration rooted in optimism and hope for the future; (3) displacement concerns; and (4) the emergence of a mixed-income dichotomy. These findings underscore the importance of continued community involvement in redevelopment efforts, especially in communities that bear complex historical and social challenges.

Sources of Self-Worth in U.S. College Students: A Grounded Typology

Abstract: In light of the mental health crisis facing American college students, it has become vital to determine how students derive their self-worth. This endeavor is particularly important because research has found that internal sources of worth correlate with better mental health than self-worth derived from externally contingent sources. Although past work has identified various sources, it did not set forth a comprehensive theory of college student worth sources. Thus, this study engaged a grounded approach to begin that process. We interviewed 142 undergraduate students at eight geographically diverse, four-year institutions and asked, “What makes you feel worthwhile or valuable?” A grounded theory analysis surfaced eight distinct sources of worth ranging along a continuum from more external to more internal sources, including (a) accomplishments or accomplishing, (b) affirmation from others, (c) relationships or relationship support, (d) helping others, (e) relationship with God, (f) contributing to making a difference, (g) innate worth, and (h) virtue (outside of helping others). In addition, we found that most of these only became sources of worth when combined with particular virtues or practices. Thus, we propose a grounded typology that recognizes these nuances. We then make suggestions for how student affairs practitioners can foster internally contingent self-worth.

Stakeholders’ longitudinal perspectives on a large public housing redevelopment in Los Angeles, California

The Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere VI programme (HOPE VI) model created a new approach to redeveloping public housing in the US, paving the way for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). Unlike traditional public housing redevelopment, CNI aims to revitalise entire ecosystems to create sustainable, thriving communities by focusing on housing, people, neighbourhoods and participatory community planning. This study used qualitative methods to explore the longitudinal perspectives of 12 stakeholders involved in a large CNI-funded public housing redevelopment project in Los Angeles, California. Our grounded theory analysis identified four key themes: (1) persistent community ghosts; (2) growing regeneration rooted in optimism and hope for the future; (3) displacement concerns; and (4) the emergence of a mixed-income dichotomy. These findings underscore the importance of continued community involvement in redevelopment efforts, especially in communities that bear complex historical and social challenges.

Global hepatitis B and D community advisory board: expectations, challenges, and lessons learned.

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) play an important role in developing and delivering patient-centered care. However, the impact of participation on CAB members has not been well studied, particularly on the global scale. In 2022, the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) convened the first global hepatitis B and hepatitis delta CAB with 23 members from 17 countries, representing six out of the seven World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and countries with the largest hepatitis B and hepatitis delta disease burden. To reflect on the process of assembling an effective and motivated CAB and assess the impact on CAB participants, three virtual focus group sessions were held with 16 participants in July and August 2023. Sessions were recorded and transcribed. Questions focused on motivations for joining the CAB, membership experiences, and lessons learned. Grounded theory analysis was used to generate hypotheses about reasons for CAB members' participation, as well as challenges and suggestions. Qualitative analysis using inductive reasoning identified key themes within responses. Transcripts were independently analyzed by a primary and secondary coder. Motivations for joining the CAB included participants' desire to advocate for people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis delta, and other altruistic factors. Participants reflected that through CAB membership, they gained networking and advocacy opportunities and enhanced their hepatitis B- and hepatitis delta-related knowledge. Challenges participants experienced were related to time, physical limitations, and stigma. Finally, participants discussed their limited direct engagement with drug developers and proposed ways the CAB can increase interactions with stakeholders going forward. Based on participants' assessments, establishing a global CAB for stigmatized infectious diseases is worth the effort. Regular internal review of community advisory boards' structure and performance is critical to ensure the CAB is fulfilling its mission.

Abordagem da teoria fundamentada: revelando novas perspectivas sobre a participação em esportes por meio da realização de eventos no Irã

AbstractObjective of the Study: This research aims to examine the impact of hosting sports events on Iranian society, seeking to establish a correlation between event hosting and sports participation across diverse demographic segments.Methodology: Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 experts. The interview questions were meticulously designed to address the central research question comprehensively. Grounded theory analysis, involving open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, was applied to the collected data, ensuring a thorough exploration of emerging concepts and themes. Originality/Relevance: This research is distinctive in its approach by not delineating boundaries, instead aiming to comprehensively explore the effects of hosting sports events on all segments of the Iranian population. Despite recent political constraints limiting Iran's ability to host major international events, the study critically evaluates the significance of such occurrences and elucidates missed opportunities for societal advancement. The study's focus on diverse demographic segments and its exploration of causal, contextual, and intervening factors contribute to its originality and relevance.Main Results: The study unfolds a nuanced interplay of social, cultural, techno-managerial, legal, economical, and socio-cultural factors, shedding light on the multifaceted relationship between event hosting and sports participation. While recognizing the significance of regular physical activity in promoting overall health, the main results highlight the motivational impact of sports events on individuals' increased physical engagement.Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The research makes theoretical contributions by developing a coherent framework grounded in the qualitative data, explaining the complex relationship between sports events and sports engagement.

Investigating how subject teachers transition to integrated STEM education: A hybrid qualitative study on primary and middle school teachers

Encouraging subject teachers to transition to integrated STEM education is an important measure to address the shortage of STEM teachers. However, there is limited research available on the process and characteristics of STEM teacher identity transformation. The study used a hybrid method of Grounded Theory and Epistemic Network Analysis to analyze interview texts of 10 STEM teachers from Zhejiang Province, China. Research has shown that subject teachers go through three stages when transitioning to integrated STEM education: imitation, exploration, and innovation. Throughout each stage, the teacher’s identity changes as they gain a better understanding of integrated STEM education, curriculum and project design, practical methods, and teaching reflection. The study has identified three paths for the transformation of STEM teacher identity, which are influenced by factors such as gender, professional background, school type, and location. Additionally, the study proposes strategies that could encourage subject teachers to transition toward STEM education.