Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Research Articles

How do people living with obesity who use obesity services perceive healthcare professionals’ representation of the disease on social media? An interpretative phenomenological analysis

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore how people living with obesity who use obesity services perceive healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) online representation of the disease on social media. By...

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: A Phenomenological Interpretative Analysis Among Female Survivors in France.

Despite its prevalence, intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) remains a concealed and poorly understood form of violence against women. Although it is associated with numerous detrimental effects on mental health, very little is known about the subjective meaning of IPSV for survivors. This study addresses this gap by exploring IPSV from the perspective of female survivors within the context of their relationship with a male partner, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This study seeks to provide a detailed examination of the personal experience of IPSV and to illuminate its meaning from a personal standpoint. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven IPSV survivors who were recruited after filing a complaint for intimate partner violence (IPV) in France. In total, five superordinate themes were identified: (a) "Setting the stage" describes how the complex dynamics preceding IPSV influence self-representation; (b) "Feeling like I'm nothing" describes the emotional experience of IPSV; (c) "Trying to get it, not getting it" describes how IPSV generates intense cognitive load; (d) "Looking back, developing a theory" describes how IPSV is interpreted retrospectively after breaking up with a violent partner; and (e) "Today: living with it" describes how IPSV affects the present. This study highlights how emotional distress and cognitive uncertainty are present on the way to IPSV, through IPSV, and even after filing charges and separating from the violent partner. Additionally, it shows that survivors attribute IPSV to a sense of individual vulnerability related to romantic love, hope, and traumatic childhood history. This study presents unique findings as it is the first one to explore the lived experience of IPSV among a sample of French IPV survivors.

Dismissive attitudes and affirmative journeys: Parental perspectives on the mental health support of gender diverse children

Transgender/gender diverse (TGD) children experience poorer mental health and social outcomes than those who do not identify as TGD (Smith et al., 2014; Geist et al., 2019), including increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation (Haas et al., 2011; VanBergen & Love, 2022). Research has linked these poor outcomes to the micro-aggressions and dismissive attitudes of their families, communities and wider society (Brooks, 2000; Ryan et al., 2010). This service evaluation used Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with a small number of purposively sampled parents (n = 5) to explore experiences of their children’s involvement with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). The aim was to add to the understanding we have of the needs of TGD client groups and to inform service provision. This study supports the wider research base linking affirmative attitudes to more positive mental health outcomes, and adds additional nuance to our understandings of parental attitudes. Parents are not typically polarised in ‘affirmative’ or ‘dismissive’ positions, but rather engaged in journeys of personal growth and development, generally becoming more affirmative over time. These parents also described significant additional support needs with social deprivation, family breakdown and the impact of developmental difference highlighted. Recommendations for intervention are made.

Custodial Grandmothers in the Attappadi Indigenous Belt of Kerala: Towards Recognition and Action

The phenomenon of custodial grandparents has increased in South Asia and elsewhere, partly due to the growing trend of parents migrating for work, but often because of the untimely demise of one or both parents, illness, alcoholism and related issues affecting the birth parents. Adopting a phenomenological lens, this article explores the lived experiences and perceived needs of 10 custodial grandmothers from the Attappadi indigenous belt in Kerala to discuss how they cope with multiple challenges. Data gathering through indigenous storytelling methods and an interpretive phenomenological analysis points to new forms of feminisation of caregiving through custodial grandparenting, which require further research. Within the complex socio-economic and health contexts of the selected sample, our fieldwork explores the implications of the absence of the middle generation, which creates a network of intersecting disadvantages. We argue that the resulting calls for better support networks to assist these indigenous custodial grandmothers need to be addressed effectively at the levels of policy and practice.

"We Come From Different Worlds": The Collision of Caring and Carceral Institutions.

The purpose of this study was to give voice to the lived experiences of nurses and law enforcement officers whose professional responsibilities converge in the acute care setting, while gaining insight into the perspectives and interpretations of their experiences. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this quality study contributes to a growing body of literature exploring the influence of law enforcement in the hospital. Overwhelmingly, participants in this study expressed a contentious dynamic, fueled by arguments, struggles for power, and a feeling of coming from "different worlds." The influence of socially and spatially constructed territories was critical points of contention.

Exploring the experiences of an autistic male convicted of stalking

ABSTRACT Despite an increasing number of studies which examine the interplay between autism and offending mechanisms, there has been a lack of research investigating the interplay between autism and stalking. It was anticipated that findings from this investigation would inform future interventions with individuals with autism who stalk. This secondary data analysis research used a qualitative case study approach to explore the experiences of an individual with a High Functioning Autism (HFA) diagnosis, who had been convicted of stalking. Interview data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to gain a rich understanding of stalking behaviour from the perspective of the individual and to identify the key issues associated with Criminal Justice Service interventions. The following superordinate themes were identified; ‘What she means to me’, ‘Problematic, but unstoppable'’ and ‘Life after prison’. A key implication of the findings was that autistic traits can play a contextual role within stalking behaviour. Future recommendations of a specifically tailored treatment approach recognising and considering autism-related responsivity issues are discussed.

Sexisme bienveillant en entreprise : perceptions, impacts sur les projections de carrière et stratégies d’adaptation

<p>The workplace is not free from gender bias. In recent years, efforts to eradicate gender-based discriminatory behaviours at work have emerged (EIGE, 2021). However, a form of sexism still seems to be accepted because of its subjectively positive dimension: benevolent sexism (Glick & Fiske, 1996). This qualitative study examines the perception of benevolent sexism among female civil engineers, its potential impact on their career projections, and the strategies used to cope with benevolent sexist micro-aggressions. Semi-directed interviews were conducted with seven female civil engineer participants. The interviews were then analysed according to the steps of the interpretative phenomenological analysis method (Smith, 1996), combining a vertical and a horizontal analysis. Our results show a low perception of benevolent sexism by the participants interviewed and a very limited effective impact on their career projections. Seven coping strategies emerged from the interviews: confronting, desensitizing, recontextualizing, seeking support, refocusing, taking collective action, and leaving the company. The results obtained in this research can be explained by a habituation to sexist behaviours during studies in a predominantly male field, the importance of the contextual elements, particularly the high rate of employability of these women, and the potential effectiveness of the coping strategies implemented. Two main purposes were identified in these coping strategies: acting directly on perpetrators in order to decrease discrimination frequency and intensity (resistance), and reducing the impact of sexist behaviours on the target without affecting perpetrators (resignation).</p>

“Nobody Told Me”: First-Generation Music Educators’ Soundtracks to Navigating the Academy

First-generation college students (FGCSs) are the first in their families to receive a baccalaureate degree. As a result, they face multiple sociological, familial, and cultural challenges as they navigate their college and professional environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the cognitive soundtracks that FGCSs create to navigate the music academy, university culture, and their first few years of teaching. We conducted an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis with five first-generation music educators who successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in music education. We present the findings as individual soundtracks curated under a playlist titled “Nobody Told Me,” representing participants’ collective lived experiences. Findings suggest that FGCSs struggle with access to material resources, navigating hidden curricula, familial and cultural pressures, and an overarching fear of failure. Based on these findings, we present recommendations for programmatic changes and mentorship for music education programs and schools of music to better support FGCSs.

Early intervention in psychosis for first episode psychotic mania: the experience of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder

Background Early intervention for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been identified as a priority, but little is known about how existing early intervention services are experienced by this group or could be tailored to their needs. Aims This study examined the experience of early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, following first episode psychotic mania. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 adults in EIP services and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results One superordinate theme was formed, Rebuilding within EIP service, consisting of five subthemes: (i) Piecing together episode through talking to staff; (ii) Exploring other perspectives during CBT; (iii) Empowered through shared decision-making; (iv) Reconsidering future and purpose; (v) Service as safety-net. EIP provision was pivotal in helping participants understand their episode, adjust their perspective, build confidence and progress. Conclusions Aspects of the service that were valued, including person-centred relationships with staff, shared decision-making and the development of motivation and opportunities, reflect key principles of mental health care for young people following first episode psychosis. Furthermore, findings point to elements that may be particularly relevant to early intervention following first episode psychotic mania including managing mood escalation and individualised approaches to goals.

Remote consultations in primary care: Patient experiences and suggestions for improvement.

The use of Remote Consultations (RCs) in primary care expanded rapidly during the Covid-19 pandemic: their ongoing use highlights a need to improve experiences of them. We interviewed 17 adults in the UK, including a sub-sample of five people with a First Language other than English (FLotE). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified five major themes: (1) RCs are convenient, but they require appropriate technology and appropriate conditions of use; (2) even those with good general eHealth literacy and connectivity may struggle with systems that are not user-friendly; (3) greater reliance on verbal communication was experience as limiting empathy, and also made RCs more difficult for people with a FLotE; (4) RCs are considered inappropriate for complex conditions, or those with major psychological components; (5) continuity of care is important, but is often lacking. Overall, interviewees emphasised the need for more user-friendly processes, and greater attention to patients' preferences for consultation type.

Conspiracy of Silence in Oncological Palliative Care: Perspectives and Strategies of the Healthcare Team

Introduction: Silence about dismal news is common in palliative care, involving patients, family and the healthcare team. This phenomenon of hiding the truth – conspiracy of silence – has negative consequences and deserves attention from professionals. Objective: This study investigates and explores the strategies used by healthcare professionals to prevent and intervene in the conspiracy of silence in the context of oncological palliative care. Method: Cross-sectional qualitative study using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. The participants were nurses, doctors and a psychologist who work in the palliative care unit of a cancer center. A semi-structured interview was applied to a sample of 12 healthcare professionals. Results: The age of the participants varied between 31 and 64 years old, mostly females, ten nurses, one physician and one psychologist. From the analysis of the interviews, the following themes emerged: perceptionof the phenomenon of the conspiracy of silence; difficulties and challenges in dealing with the conspiracy of silence in palliative care; professionals’ feelings about the conspiracy of silence; strategies to intervene and prevent the conspiracy of silence. Important strategies were reported such as honest communication without impositions, listening to the motivations that led to the silence. Conclusion: Professionals are aware of the ethical duty to tell the truth when faced with a conspiracy of silence. However, continuous training is needed to develop skills for communicating dismal news in clinical settings and in medical education.

Prostitution in the shadow of life-long sexual abuse: Arab women’s retrospective experiences

ABSTRACT The present study uses the life-course and intersectionality perspectives to explore the meaning that aging Arab women attribute to their lived experiences of life-long sexual abuse in the shadow of engaging in prostitution. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of 10 older Arab women in Israel who were engaged in prostitution. Four themes emerged: experiencing childhood in the shadow of sexual abuse, becoming a prostitute, being entrapped in prostitution, and settling accounts with the native culture. Women aging in prostitution experience a harsh reality of abuse and loss. The present study points to multiple channels of abuse throughout the life course, from childhood until old age.

Experiences of Parenting an Autistic Individual During Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood in the Indian Context: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Background and aims: The needs of autistic individuals and their families are unique in each developmental phase, but this diversity is more palpable during adolescence. Literature generally presents a view that caregivers experience challenges in caring for autistic children, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where formal support services are uneven or unavailable. The present study explored the lived experiences of parents of autistic adolescents in the Indian context. Methods: In-depth interviews with 12 parents were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results: Three superordinate themes were derived: (a) Acceptance alongside recurring experiences of grief and loss, (b) post-traumatic growth and vicarious transformation, and (c) What after me? Planning for future care services with limited systemic support. Beginning with the initial recognition and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, parents progressed through a series of experiences that strengthened and challenged their understanding and aided in their acceptance. Parents recognize their adolescents’ key attributes, growth, development, and persisting differences that could contribute to future challenges. Grief experiences, however, sporadic, persisted alongside acceptance. Conclusion: Despite challenges, families were adapting to the changing needs of the developmental phases in unique ways, with or without formal support available to them. Nonetheless, there is a considerable need to address the existing gaps and felt needs of parents, focusing on empowering parents and capacity building toward providing comprehensive services to autistic individuals with a lifespan approach.

'There is still a part of me that would love to be the old me again', how do adolescents and young adults (AYA) experience cancer-related bodily changes: a phenomenological interview study.

Due to the increase in both cancer incidence and overall survival rates, more adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have to live with the effects that their cancer diagnosis and following treatments have on their bodies. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to gain more insight into the way AYAs experience these effects and how they respond to these effects. Semi-structured interviews with a sample of 11 AYAs with an age range of 25-41years at the time of the interview, who were diagnosed with different types of cancer, were conducted. Participants were recruited via social media and patient associations until data saturation was reached. A topic guide with open-ended questions about lived experiences was used. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed to analyse the transcripts. We identified six Group Experiential Themes based on different ways AYAs experience their bodies: (1) self-conscious body, (2) vulnerable body, (3) adapting to the body, (4) uncontrollable body, (5) remembering the body and (6) shared bodies. This study offers in-depth insight into the bodily experiences of AYAs after cancer and how they respond to these changes from a phenomenological point of view. This knowledge could be beneficial to provide more guidance for AYAs during and after their illness, by focussing on personalised psychological (after)care.

The acceptability of a donor human milk bank and donated human milk among mothers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Breastfeeding is a crucial public health approach that reduces infant morbidity and mortality by providing essential nutrients and antibodies, and breast milk is easily digested. Breastfeeding and donated milk serve as a preventative measure against necrotising enterocolitis. Additionally, they protect against viruses and nosocomial sepsis. When a birthing parent's own milk is unavailable, alternative enteral nutrition for preterm or low-birth-weight infants is either donor human milk (DHM) or artificial formula. This study aimed to understand mothers' acceptance of the donor human milk bank (DHMB) and DHM. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used purposive sampling to select 23 mothers in postnatal and neonatal wards. Data collection was via in-depth interviews using a semistructured interview guide. Manual data analysis using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework was used to coding. Concepts were grouped to generate themes. Three themes and nine subthemes were generated: (1) DHMBs (2) cultural perspective of DHMB, and (3) health considerations of DHM. Participants were unaware of the DHMB. Hesitancy in accepting DHM due to fear of contracting HIV was observed. Cultural beliefs are an influencing factor for use, while donation was driven by altruistic reasons, preventing waste, helping othersand having previously benefited from DHM. The study found that mothers are willing to donate human milk. Willingness to donate can be increased by raising awareness about DHMB and addressing cultureand safety concerns at antenatal clinics.

The change of intimate relationship between people with Alzheimer's disease and their adult child caregivers: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

This study aims to explore the change of intimate relationship between people with Alzheimer's disease and their adult child caregivers as the disease progresses. Twelve adult child caregivers were recruited through purposive sampling. Explanatory phenomenological analysis was conducted to analyse data collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews. This study found a dynamically changing relationship between adult child caregivers and their parents with Alzheimer's disease during care giving that evolved with the progress of the disease. The relationship was the most intimate in the middle stage of the disease for most caregivers and a new reciprocal relationship developed due to caregiving. Caregivers experienced different degrees of self-growth when providing care, though caregiver burdens were common. The positive experience and perception of caregivers were important for improving the quality of life for adult child caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.

The Lived Experience of Play and How It Relates to Psychological Wellbeing: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Study Amongst Undergraduate Students from Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health Professions' Programmes in the United Kingdom.

Current literature acknowledges that undergraduate students undertaking programmes in medicine, nursing, and allied health professions experience occupational stress which presents as a detriment to mental health, psychological wellbeing (PWB), and burnout. Strategies to improve the wellbeing of students have been slow to embed and have had limited impact, indeed the issue of declining wellbeing amongst this group is escalating. Studies from the business literature suggest that organisations that foster a playful environment reap benefits in terms of employee wellbeing. This interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study explored the lived experiences of play amongst undergraduate students from medicine, nursing, and allied health professions' programmes in the clinical practice setting. The resultant findings offer some unique empirical insights into the types of play that the students engaged in, ranging from informal banter with peers and patients to artful, sophisticated, cocreated play. The study also revealed insights about the factors which facilitate play, notably the "big personalities" on the ward. The factors which limited play are related to the tension between being a health professional and the enactment of play as well as hierarchical factors. Crucially, the study found that the practice of play induced key hedonic and eudaimonic PWB benefits to the students, ranging from positive affect to improved relationships, a sense of meaning, and a positive learning environment, offering original empirical insights. These findings have not been observed previously and shine a conceptual light on a previously unknown phenomenon.

Shining a light on the unseen athletes: stories of exclusion and resistance among gay athletes in professional team sports

PurposeThis study uncovers the challenges and coping mechanisms related to stigma and discrimination experienced by gay professional team sport athletes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, this study recruited six gay athletes in professional team sports. Data were collected through virtual one-on-one semi-structured interviews, along with field notes and reflexive journaling, and were thematically analyzed.FindingsThe first theme highlights the discrimination and marginalization experienced by gay athletes in professional team sports, as well as the perceived differences between these athletes and their heterosexual counterparts. The second theme includes anecdotes illustrating their experiences of exclusion, along with counter-stories that resist marginalization. The last theme comprises stories that underscore the lack of acceptance and advocacy, emphasizing the awareness education aimed at making the sporting realm more inclusive.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the extensive recruiting efforts for this study, numerous sports and countries remain unexplored. Follow-up studies are required to fill this gap. As this study was initiated, additional research is needed to provide information on athletes who are still in the closet. Cross-comparisons between gay athletes and their heterosexual teammates can help bridge the gap in perspectives.Practical implicationsParticipants emphasized collective efforts in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for gay athletes, including anti-discrimination policies related to language use, showers and relocation adjustments.Social implicationsParticipants have put forth concrete recommendations for enhancing inclusivity within team sport environments and society at large, including proposals for early educational initiatives within the school systems.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study that focuses on the experiences of gay professional team sport athletes.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Learnings from Employing IPA as a Qualitative Methodology in Educational Research

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is an established qualitative methodology widely adopted within health-based research. However, one gap in the literature is that little has been written about IPA’s employability within educationally situated research. Our paper aims to demonstrate that IPA is a suitable methodology for education research. This paper has two parts. In the first part, the authors utilise the method of exegesis and theoretical analysis to explicate and provide clarity concerning the often-misunderstood philosophical and theoretical background of IPA. In the second part, we advocate for IPA as a suitable option for qualitative research in educational contexts. To execute this advocacy, the authors present a specific example of qualitative research that successfully employed IPA as its methodological approach and system for analysis. We present the details of a research project that utilised IPA to explore spirituality in early childhood education contexts, and in doing so the authors illustrate how the theories and methods of IPA can be actualised, thus introducing IPA into education contexts in a coherent fashion. The overall aim of the paper is to affirm IPA as a viable qualitative approach for education researchers.

The experience of Thai adolescents with depression: A qualitative study.

People who have depression experience a maelstrom of emotion as they attempt to understand what is happening to them. While the experience has been quite extensively documented in adults and older individuals, there is a great deal less information available about adolescent depression experiences and reactions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of Thai-adolescents suffering from depression. Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Fourteen adolescents were recruited from a secondary school in Chiangrai province, Thailand. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The following four themes were identified: (1) struggling to make sense of their situation, (2) feeling down and withdrawing, (3) contemplating self-harm and (4) therapy as a last choice. The results point to the continuing significance of promoting psychoeducation for Thai-adolescents with depression as well as parents, school nurses and health providers while eliminating stigma.