Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study Research Articles

Experiences, perspectives and priorities of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders regarding sleep disturbance and its treatment: a qualitative study

BackgroundSleep problems are very common in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and impact negatively on functioning and wellbeing. Research regarding interventions to improve sleep in this population has been lacking. Little is known regarding these patient’s perspectives on sleep problems and their treatment, providing very little foundation on which to develop acceptable and patient-centred treatments.MethodsThis study aims to explore perspectives and priorities of participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders regarding sleep and sleep disturbance, and their perspectives on existing treatments. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study was conducted; data were gathered through in depth interviews with 15 people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and varying degrees of self-reported sleep disturbance, each case was analysed individually before cross-case comparisons were made.ResultsSleep maintenance and sleep quality were universally valued. Changes to sleep were interpreted as part of a perceived loss of normality relating to diagnosis. Participants differed in the extent of any hopes that sleep would improve. Sleep disturbances were linked to a reduced ability or opportunity to participate in valued activities, and were entangled with self-image due to a wish to be perceived as alert and in control. During difficult times, sleep could be seen as an escape. Concerns were expressed regarding the negative effects of using hypnotics or anti-psychotics to aid sleep, although typically antipsychotics were deemed more acceptable than hypnotics. Concerns regarding barriers to adherence and effectiveness of self-help approaches were common. Non-pharmacological interventions were noted to require a personalised whole-lifestyle approach.ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore sleep perspectives in participants with established schizophrenia spectrum disorders, recruited from a population receiving usual care. Findings re-enforce the importance of considering sleep within recovery focused practice. In developing and adapting interventions routine-based approaches should be considered. Approaches should attempt to make gradual changes more easily perceptible, should support motivation for behaviour change, and should consider the impact of regular psychotropic medications.

Postnatal depression: Student health visitors' perceptions of their role in supporting fathers

A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was undertaken to explore student health visitors' perceptions of their role in supporting fathers when their partner has had postnatal depression (PND). Purposive sampling was used to ensure participants were chosen based on their ability to answer the research question. Data collection included one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with student health visitors/newly qualified health visitors, which were then transcribed and analysed by the researcher. Themes from the data were identified during analysis. The findings demonstrate that student health visitors felt that paternal mental health was not addressed in their training and they did not feel able to adequately support fathers in practice. Participants searched for a solution to how health visitors can be more inclusive of fathers and how to support both parents in the postnatal period when the mother has got PND.

How do family pressure, health and ambivalence factor into entering alcohol treatment? Experiences of people aged 60 and older with alcohol use disorder.

Aim:This qualitative study is concerned with the motivations that lead older adults to enter treatment for alcohol problems. There is a need to expand our understanding of the unique characteristics and problems of this population to be able to devise specialised and effective treatments and preventive measures.Method:We conducted an analysis of secondary findings from interview data collected in a qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study. Our participants were 12 elderly people aged 60 years or more who had experienced late-onset alcohol use disorder. Transcription, categorisation, collapsing and analysis were conducted rigorously in accordance with the IPA standards.Findings:Family can function as a pressure structure in terms of fostering motivation for treatment. Participants were to a certain extent ambivalent about treatment, which led them to devaluing treatment and its effects. Our results are on par with comparable results from other studies.Conclusion:Older adults who experience very-late-onset of alcohol use disorder experience familial pressure and health concerns which lead them to enter treatment. Our participants seemed ambivalent about treatment and its necessity, which seems to lead to a devaluation of therapy.

The stigma perceived by parents of intellectual disability children: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Objective: The aim of this is to put forth perceptions of the stigma that parents of intellectual disabled individuals fell and the parents' experiences associated with the stigma. Methods: This research, which is made as qualitative research is carried out with 19 parents in Balikesir between the dates April 2015-August 2016.A questionnaire and a semi structured interview form for parents and their disabled children have been used to collect the data. The interviews were held in rehabilitation centers. Face-to-face interviews that are realized via using the technique of in-depth interviews have been recorded on audio tape recorder. The audio recordings that were obtained from the interviews were transcribed and data were coded according to the themes and put into report form by interpreting. Results: As a result of the study, it was detected that parents who have intellectual disabled individuals do not receive sufficient support from family members, circle of friends and the society and feel stigmatized. Conclusions: It is considered as necessary to give psychological counseling and guidance to these parents who have the handi-capped individuals and to educate and raise awareness of the society about the issue.

The psychological health and well-being of emergency medicine consultants in the UK

ObjectiveTo explore the experience of psychological distress and well-being in emergency medicine (EM) consultants.MethodsA qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study based on 1:1 semistructured interviews with EM consultants working full...

There’s no shortcut: Building understanding from information in ultrarunning

Now that information proliferates, information science should turn its attention towards higher order epistemic aims, such as understanding. Before systems to support the building of understanding can be designed, the process of building understanding must be explored. This article discusses the findings from an interpretative phenomenological analysis study on the information experience of participants in a 100-mile footrace which reveal how these participants have built understanding in their athletic pursuits. Three ways in which ultrarunners build understanding – by taking time, by undergoing struggle and by incorporating multiple perspectives – are described. The ensuing discussion leads to three questions that can guide the future development of information systems that support understanding: First, how can information science slow people down? Second, how can information science encourage people to willingly struggle? And, third, how can information science stimulate analogical thinking?

Altruism or obligation? The motivations and experience of women who donate oocytes to known recipients in assisted conception treatment: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Introduction: This qualitative study was conducted to explore the motivations and experience of oocyte donors donating to women known to them.Methods: Three women who donated oocytes to a close relative were interviewed and data were analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach.Results: The two key elements noted were “motivations for donation” and “coping with the consequences of oocyte donation”. The motivation for donation was influenced by the familial bond that was strengthened by the donation process in some cases. The concept of altruistic oocyte donation stemmed from the narratives of giving the gift of motherhood and gaining a positive self-image and respect from others. Coping with the consequences of oocyte donation tests the donor identity, their wishes for a positive outcome, concerns regarding disclosure of biological motherhood and detachment from the egg and potential child.Discussion: Motivation is influenced by a combination of factors including the rewards of altruistic behaviour, the existence and potential strengthening of the relationship between donor and recipient, but possibly also, a sense of obligation and societal expectations. Oocyte donation can be variously viewed by donors as a unique way of reproductive empowerment or an example of acceding to subtle coercion and thus disempowerment. The study also highlights the clinical as well as ethical importance of providing support services for oocyte donors and recipients.

Service user involvement enhanced the research quality in a study using interpretative phenomenological analysis - the power of multiple perspectives.

The aim of this study was to examine how service user involvement can contribute to the development of interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology and enhance research quality. Interpretative phenomenological analysis is a qualitative methodology used in nursing research internationally to understand human experiences that are essential to the participants. Service user involvement is requested in nursing research. We share experiences from 4years of collaboration (2012-2015) on a mental health promotion project, which involved an advisory team. Five research advisors either with a diagnosis or related to a person with severe mental illness constituted the team. They collaborated with the research fellow throughout the entire research process and have co-authored this article. We examined the joint process of analysing the empirical data from interviews. Our analytical discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and subsequently interpreted following the guidelines for good qualitative analysis in interpretative phenomenological analysis studies. The advisory team became 'the researcher's helping hand'. Multiple perspectives influenced the qualitative analysis, which gave more insightful interpretations of nuances, complexity, richness or ambiguity in the interviewed participants' accounts. The outcome of the service user involvement was increased breadth and depth in findings. Service user involvement improved the research quality in a nursing research project on mental health promotion. The interpretative element of interpretative phenomenological analysis was enhanced by the emergence of multiple perspectives in the qualitative analysis of the empirical data. We argue that service user involvement and interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology can mutually reinforce each other and strengthen qualitative methodology.

An examination of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Aim:The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the IPA methodology and how this can be used in the field of educational psychology.Rationale:Originating in psychology and a popular choice in the health sciences, IPA is not yet a commonly used approach in educational psychology. The use of this methodology is gradually increasing. It is a particularly appropriate method to use for case studies and focusing on the perceived experiences of individuals, which is often relevant within educational research.Findings:This article presents an examination of IPA as a methodology, considering the theoretical and epistemological underpinnings.Limitations:IPA studies tend to focus only on small samples so there is no generalisability claimed. However, it is intended that, by close examination and metaphorically shining a light on a small area, this may lead to the illumination of the whole.Conclusions:The IPA methodology offers an approach that embraces the importance of individuals’ perceived experiences and the value in exploring the idiosyncratic accounts of small samples of ‘expert groups’. The holistic approach of IPA fits particularly well with the educational psychologists’ perspective of providing holistic support to pupils, schools, and families.

Motherhood as the Vehicle for Change in Australian Adolescent Women of Preterm and Full-Term Infants

Preterm birth represents an interruption to the normal development of maternal identity and is considered a highly stressful event for adult mothers. However, no research has investigated whether or how preterm birth affects the adolescent mother’s transition to motherhood. The current study aimed to explicate the experience of being a mother for adolescent women who experienced a preterm or term birth in Australia. This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study analyzed interviews with 14 primiparous, English-speaking adolescent mothers (15-19 years; 10 preterm and 4 full term) who participated in three interviews over a 12-month period. Findings suggested few differences in the experience of being a mother due to infant birth status. Instead, the experience of being a mother was fundamentally about transformations to the self. The young women constructed themselves differently as a result of being mothers. Changes included moving away from delinquent behaviors, development of internal resources, growth of a positive view of self, gaining meaning in their lives, and reconciling idealized and actual notions of self and other. This research adds to our understanding of how motherhood shapes the adolescent women’s lives, while also challenging our assumptions about the impact of preterm and full-term birth for adolescent mothers.

Uncertainty: A little bit not sure. Parental concern about child growth or development.

Delays in child growth or development are significant problems for children, their families and population health. Eliciting parental concerns as early as possible to promote child growth and development requires close collaborative working with parents. There is evidence that parents delay expressing concern and that health-care professionals are not always effective at eliciting and attending to parental concerns. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of parents of preschool children who had expressed a child growth or development concern. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study design was used with a purposive sample of parents of 15 preschool children in Ireland. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analysed using IPA. One key superordinate theme - Uncertainty - 'a little bit not sure' captured how parents made sense of their concerns about their child's growth and development. In addition to watching, comparing and wondering, parents assessed whether their child could 'do other things' or if something in particular could have caused the growth or development problem. Parents, particularly mothers, grapple with uncertainty associated with unfamiliar cues in the complex and multifaceted nature of child growth and development in their efforts to make sense of what is happening with their child.

Wellbeing of mothers of children with “A-U-T-I-S-M” in Malaysia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study

ABSTRACTBackground This qualitative study aimed to explore how mothers gave meaning to their experiences of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Malaysia.Methods Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, semistructured interviews were conducted with 8 Malaysian mothers from different ethnic backgrounds (4 Chinese, 3 Malays, and 1 Indian).Results Three themes for the mothers’ adaptation and wellbeing development were identified, including Problem realisation within the context: Learning to spell A-U-T-I-S-M in Malaysia, WE are living with autism, and Resilient overcoming: Climbing Mount Kinabalu. The mothers viewed their child’s ASD symptoms and behaviour problems (e.g., hyperactivity and sleep difficulties) as taking a toll on wellbeing. However, coping strategies, including acceptance, proactive mindset, character growth, spirituality, and parent support networks, fostered wellbeing.Conclusion Both intrapersonal and interpersonal protective processes were important. The findings suggested that Seligman’s (2011) PERMA framework may be applicable to understanding parental wellbeing. Clinical, policy, and research suggestions were discussed.

Experiences of married men with HIV during the early phase of diagnosis within the context of mandatory disclosure in Singapore: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study explored heterosexual married men’s experiences surrounding the mandatory disclosure of their HIV-positive status to their spouse and their adjustment in moving on with their life. Four men and three health care professionals were recruited from a hospital and interviewed. Their experiences were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five themes were identified: acceptance as a process, the way people look at us, wife needs to know, disclosure transforms family, and living with HIV. These results are useful to help health care professionals plan the emotional and social support needed for this group of individuals to work toward acceptance of their diagnosis while having to inform their spouse within the limited time frame imposed by mandatory disclosure.

Saisir l’expérience : présentation de l’analyse phénoménologique interprétative comme méthodologie qualitative en psychologie

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) allows researchers to explore the participants’ experiences, the meaning they gave to those experiences, and the underlying psychological processes. IPA recognizes this as involving a double hermeneutic where the participant is trying to make sense of what is happening to them and the researcher is then trying to make sense of the participant's sense making. IPA has now become one of the best known and most widely used qualitative approaches in psychology. After a first decade of development in the United Kingdom, IPA has become an integral part of the research landscape in health psychology and in clinical psychology, and is increasingly being used in other disciplines. It has helped to raise the awareness of a generation of researchers to what qualitative psychology can contribute, and it has enriched the repertoire of methodological practices available for addressing important issues in health. With the growing interest in IPA, we think it is now timely and valuable to offer a French introduction to this approach. The aim of this paper is to introduce to the French-speaking scientific community the foundations of IPA, the different steps involved in a research project and finally the avenues for developing the approach. This paper begins with a general overview of the theoretical foundations of IPA and its place in the scientific landscape in psychology. This is followed by a step-by-step guide to carrying out an IPA study. This begins with an outline of the structure and the content of the data collection process, and the conduct of the interview as well as the alternative frameworks to face-to-face interview and the recommended sample size. We have paid special attention to the analysis cycle and to the communication, assessment and scope of findings. To carry out good IPA requires grasping its core sensibilities. First, IPA has a commitment to an analysis which moves beyond the descriptive to the interpretative, but an interpretative grounded in the close reading of the participant's account. Second, IPA is strongly idiographic, beginning with the close analysis of each case and only then moving to a second level of analysis of the patterning of convergences and divergences within the corpus. Finally, the article discusses various issues arising from the approach and concludes with some thoughts on the issue of language and on future developments like the contribution of single cases, studies of dyadic and group dynamics and the continued involvement of IPA within mixed methods designs.

Simulating Others’ Realities: Insiders Reflect on Disability Simulations

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis study was to explore the meaning persons who experience disability ascribed to disability simulations as a pedagogical tool. Reflective writing, one-on-one interviews, and field notes were used to gather information on disability simulation use in a required postsecondary kinesiology course. Seven people who use wheelchairs full time (3 men, 4 women), ranging in age from 28 to 44 yr (average age = 36) shared their perspectives. The thematic analysis revealed 3 themes. The theme "Disability Mentors Required" revealed the participants' collective questioning of their absence from the design and implementation of disability simulations. "Life Is Not a Simulation" illustrated the juxtaposition of disability reality and disability simulations. "Why Are They Laughing?" contrasted the use of fun as a strategy to engage students against the risk of distracting them from deeper reflection. Through the lens of ableism, the importance of disability representation in the development and implementation of disability simulations was affirmed as a means to deepen pedagogical reflexiveness of their intended use.

Citizenship rights, discrimination and stigmatisation of LGBTI students by health care services at a South African rural-based university

abstractLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals experience stigmatisation and discrimination in their everyday lives. These experiences are noted in South Africa, even though its constitution of 1996 is recorded as the first constitution in the world to explicitly provide for non-discrimination against people based on gender and sexual orientation. This article highlights the findings of an interpretative phenomenological analysis study conducted in a South African rural university. The purpose of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of LGBTI individuals with regard to utilisation of the health care services in a South African rural university. The findings of the study focus on citizenship rights and the discrimination that LGBTI students experience in accessing health care services. The main forms of discrimination reported are the heterocentric nature of services and treatment at the campus health clinic and the heteronormative prejudice held by university health care personnel. Recommendations are made to address the problematic social exclusion that arises from heterocentric delivery of health services and highlight the equal rights of LGBTI students to health care that addresses all students’ needs, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, in a South African rural university.

From PBL tutoring to PBL coaching in undergraduate medical education: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

BackgroundCoaching psychology is of increasing interest to medical educators for its potential benefits as a facilitative method in problem-based learning (PBL). However, the field lacks empirical studies that explore the lived experiences of students and tutors in the PBL coaching process. This study aimed to elicit knowledge regarding medical students’ and tutors’ experiences and perceptions of PBL coaching in the context of Chinese undergraduate medical education.MethodsThe qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed. Participants comprised third year medical students (n=20) and PBL tutors (n=5) who have adopted a coaching approach in PBL for a semester. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences of PBL coaching. Data analysis followed an iterative four-stage scheme of Biggerstaff and Thompson.ResultsSix main themes emerged from diverse experiences and interpretations: 1) mindsets of coaching and learning, 2) the development of learning dispositions and capacities, 3) student group collaboration, 4) tutor–student relationships, 5) personal and professional development, and 6) challenges and difficulties in implementation.ConclusionsIt could be concluded that PBL coaching is a dynamic, facilitative process that makes a particular contribution to the learning process from psychological, emotional, and social perspectives, whilst it demonstrates significant overlaps with PBL tutoring in terms of supporting students’ cognitive activities in PBL. Further research is needed to identify the barriers and challenges for medical educators to implement coaching in the PBL process.

Making Sense of Participant Experiences: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Midwifery Research

Selecting the most appropriate methodology for research as a doctoral student is one of the most important yet difficult decisions. Not only should the methodology suit the research question, it is important that it resonates with the philosophy of one’s discipline and produces needed results that will contribute to knowledge. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is an approach to qualitative enquiry. IPA seeks to explore how individuals make sense of their major life experiences and is committed to the detailed study of each particular case before moving to broader claims. In the field of midwifery, midwives work with women throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period, offering individualized care based on the unique needs of each woman. IPA aligns with this women-centered philosophy as it offers a methodological approach that considers the individual in a local context. By capturing context specific situations, IPA allows broad-based knowledge to be contextualized within a social and cultural context, producing relevant findings. Thus the access to IPA studies will enable midwives to better care for women and their families through understanding the experiences and perceptions of those in their scope of practice. This paper presents the theoretical framework leading to practical guidelines on how to con-duct a doctoral-level IPA study, as experienced by the first author. It also addresses the advantages and challenges around utilizing IPA, illustrated through examples from the doc-toral student’s study on the journey of exclusive breastfeeding in Australia.

Self‐Compassion and Self‐Criticism in Recovery in Psychosis: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

To increase understanding of the internal processes of recovery in psychosis, with particular consideration given to self-compassion and self-criticism. Qualitative data were collected by semistructured interviews, from 10 participants with psychosis, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five superordinate themes emerged: (a) "my mind can't take the load": the "curse" of psychosis; (b) the "trap" of self-criticism; (c) "coming to terms" with psychosis in my life to "move on"; (d) "on my own two feet"; and (e) "an opportunity" for growth. The themes included a reciprocal relationship between psychosis and self-criticism, processes of acceptance, empowerment, and posttraumatic growth. The internal process of self-to-self relating contributed to 2 maintenance cycles: self-criticism maintained distressing experiences of psychosis and compassionate self-acceptance resulted in empowered action and promoted recovery and growth. The dual process of acceptance and change in relationship to self was central to recovery.

How sickle cell disease patients experience, understand and explain their pain: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the UK's most common blood disorder causing sickle shaped red blood cells to block small blood vessels inducing both acute and chronic pain. A crucial factor in determining quality of life for those with SCD is the severity, timing and number of painful sickling episodes. However, little research focuses on the nature of pain and so it is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth and meaning led account of the experience of SCD pain. Qualitative research design. Seven face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants described experiencing unimaginable, agonising, continuous, inescapable and limitless pain which was almost impossible to describe; participants resorted to using analogy and personification as a way to overcome this difficulty. Participants spoke about a process where, ultimately, they felt obliged to accept their illness as it would never be cured; but were able to appreciate life and recognize positive life lessons as a result of living with SCD. This research indicates that therapeutic work around analogy can help individuals understand and express their pain and that current attempts to measure pain are unhelpful for SCD populations. Further research is needed across a wider SCD population to forward the findings of this qualitative study. What is already known on this subject? Sickle cell disease (SCD) has an impact on all aspects of a person's life (Edwards et al., 2005, International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12, 171). Strickland , Jackson, Gilead, McGuire, and Quarles (2001, Journal of the National Black Nurses' Association, 12, 36) suggest that one of the crucial factors in determining quality of life for those with SCD is the severity, timing and number of painful sickling episodes. Exacerbations of pain are also cited as explanation for the majority of medical contacts for people with SCD (McClish et al., 2009, Pain, 145, 246). The majority of research focuses on the consequences of pain in terms of handicap, and its impact on emotional well-being, relationships and the need for medication/hospital treatment (Booker et al., 2006, Chronic Illness, 2, 39; Weisberg et al., 2013, Journal of Hospital Medicine, 8, 42) rather than how SCD patients experience and understand their pain. However, the actual nature of pain experience in SCD is poorly understood and sub-optimally managed (Booker et al., 2006; Taylor et al., 2010, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 40, 416). What does this study add? The experience of SCD pain is indescribable without the use of analogy, as it is unbearable, agonising, constant, inescapable and without limit. Difficulty describing pain creates a perception of being misunderstood or minimized by professionals. Personification of pain is often employed by patients to attempt to form a relationship with pain. Current pain measures used in clinical practice are inadequate at capturing the acute and chronic SCD pain experience.