Interpretative Phenomenological Approach Research Articles

Unlocking the path: Exploring parental perception and coping strategies amidst special education challenges within mainstream educational settings in Israel

AbstractWithin the dynamic context of inclusive education for children with special needs in Israel, parents play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The present study focuses on the experiences of parents with children who have special needs in inclusive educational frameworks in Israel. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with special needs who are enrolled in inclusive educational settings, either in mainstream classrooms or kindergartens. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, which yielded four main themes: persistent conflict, challenges in choosing educational settings, proactive coping strategies and interaction with educational settings. The study highlights conflicts with other parents, difficulties in decision‐making, and lack of adequate support from the system. Findings underscore the necessity for enhanced organizational frameworks, more proficient staff and supportive environments to effectively include children with special needs into mainstream education in Israel.

From traditional to transactional: exploration of khat use in Ethiopia through an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Khat, a naturally growing stimulant, has seen a significant increase in both consumption and cultivation in eastern Ethiopia. This reliance on khat in the region comes despite its known physiological complications, with users unable to restrict khat use due to its pervasive impact on their livelihood. This qualitative study sought to understand the meaning that those in eastern Ethiopia attribute to khat and explore their firsthand experiences with the substance. In June and July of 2023, six unstructured interviews were conducted among residents of the Haramaya District in Ethiopia. To promote a holistic comprehension of the participants’ lived experiences, an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was employed when collecting and analyzing the data. Participant responses were coded independently from one another by two different researchers identifying superordinate and corresponding subordinate themes. Among the participants, six superordinate themes were captured: economic backbone of the region, market disruption & fluctuation, pesticide use, societal relationships around khat, applications of khat, and access to healthcare. The participants’ responses indicated that the normalization of khat use, coupled with the downplaying of its addictive potential, has established a framework where khat consumption is not only allowed but, in some cases, even encouraged. The unique interplay between communal practice and individual preservation creates a cyclical effect of using khat to supplement energy to farm khat and then sell or stimulate further work on their farm. This study illuminates the transitionfrom what was once the traditional or spiritual use of khat, to a more practical use for ensuring economic livelihood.

Transnational grieving: The lived experience of Overseas Filipino Workers who lost their loved ones due to COVID-19

This study aimed to gain an insight into the lived experience of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who lost their family members due to COVID-19 during the lockdown in 2020. Five OFWs volunteered to participate in this study and underwent online semi-structured interviews. An interpretative phenomenological approach guided the data analysis, through which four major themes were derived: (1) experiencing the emotional strains of unexpected death while physically distant; (2) enduring the absence of traditional mourning rituals; (3) managing grief from a distance; and (4) finding closure through physical and symbolic presence. These findings shed light on how OFWs experienced loss and grief during the lockdown, as well as how they coped amidst the distance and eventually finding a degree of closure.

Positive Evidences of Polygamous Family Structures: a Qualitative Analysis through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach

Positive Evidences of Polygamous Family Structures: a Qualitative Analysis through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach

‘I call it self-love now’: Indian Women’s Experiences of Self-Partnering

ABSTRACT Coupledom, particularly marriage, is depicted as aspirational for women, but this article documents the experiences of Indian women who have resisted patriarchal norms around wedlock and who identify as ‘self-partnered’. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women between the ages of 25 and 69 living in various Indian cities. The article explores participants’ interpretations of self-partnering, the influences that led them to choose this identity, their experiences in past relationships, and their views on marriage and motherhood. The interviews were analysed through the interpretative phenomenological approach with reference to a feminist lens. The findings revealed that the participants considered self-partnering to be an act of self-reliance and personal fulfilment. Contrary to popular stereotypes, these women were neither phobic about relationships nor resistant to having a companion. Their choice was more about wanting to be with partners who could provide what they needed in a relationship. Parental support and financial independence were cited as factors that enabled self-partnering. The participants’ narratives revealed self-partnering to be much more than the reductive ideas associated with it. The study enriches the social-cultural critique of the evolution of social institutions such as marriage that have traditionally been embedded in patriarchy and heteronormativity.

Celebrity worship: friend or foe of mental health? Qualitative evidence from Ghanaian adolescents

ABSTRACT In an era where celebrity influence shapes the lives of young people worldwide, understanding its impact on adolescents has never been more critical. This study explores the growing phenomenon of celebrity worship among Ghanaian adolescents by employing an exploratory research design. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 adolescents who were conveniently sampled. Interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was adopted to uncover recurring patterns and themes in the data. Our findings show dual effects of celebrity worship on the mental health of the adolescents. These encompass positive aspects such as inspiration and motivation, and negative aspects like anxiety and low self-esteem. We also established that adolescents engage in celebrity worship for varied reasons, including a desire for social connection and a need for escapism. Thus, our study highlights the dynamic effects of celebrity worship on the mental health of adolescents. Further quantitative studies are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of this relationship.

Lived Experiences of Teacher-Writers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teacher-writers were at the forefront of developing instructional materials that became in demand by both teachers and learners. The instructional materials produced by the teacher-writers served as major learning tools for remediation, enhancement, and mastery of specific learning competencies. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to examine the lived experiences of these teacher-writers in the province of Sorsogon for the school years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. It also analyzed the crafting and coping mechanisms faced by the teacher-writers during the pandemic. The data were gathered through a structured interview with seven elementary teacher-writers in the province of Sorsogon. The informants’ responses were transcribed verbatim, translated, and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. Findings revealed that elementary teacher-writers were adjusting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the development of instructional materials, insufficient experience, inadequate training, and a scarcity of resources pose significant challenges for most teacher-writers. However, despite their experiences, teacher-writers have shown optimism to continue as teacher-writers even after the pandemic. As a result, the researchers identified coping mechanisms to help teacher-writers navigate their writing journey beyond the pandemic.

‘Male cystitis does not exist’: A qualitative study of general practitioners’ experiences and management of male urinary tract infections in France

Background Male urinary tract infections (mUTIs) are rare in primary care. The definition of mUTIs varies across countries. The therapeutic management of mUTIs in France is based on a 14-day course of fluoroquinolones despite a high risk of antimicrobial resistance. Objectives The objective of this qualitative study was to explore general practitioners’ (GPs) experiences and behaviours regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management of mUTIs. Methods GPs were recruited by convenience sampling in Haute Normandie (France) and interviewed individually with semi-structured guides. GPs’ experiences and behaviours were recorded and analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Results From March 2021 to May 2022, 20 GPs were included in the study. Defining a mUTI was perceived as a diagnostic challenge. A diagnosis based on clinical evidence alone was insufficient and complementary tests were required. For GPs: ‘male cystitis does not exist’. A mUTI was considered an unusual disease that could reveal an underlying condition. GPs considered fluoroquinolones to be ‘potent’ antibiotics and treated all patients with the same 14-day course. GPs implemented improvement strategies for antibiotic stewardship and followed the guidelines using a computerised decision support system. Conclusions GPs’ experiences of mUTIs are limited due to low exposure and variable clinical presentations in primary care, representing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In order to modify GPs’ antibiotic prescribing behaviours, a paradigm shift in the guidelines will need to be proposed. KEY MESSAGES Defining a male urinary tract infection represents a diagnostic challenge for GPs. A diagnosis based on clinical evidence alone is insufficient and complementary tests are required. A male urinary tract infection is an unusual disease in primary care and suggests a more serious underlying condition.

The Perspective of Residents Living With Dementia Toward Their Built Environment: A Walking Interview Study in German Nursing Homes.

In long-term care, the built environment can help residents maintain activities of daily living and thus positively influence their quality of life. The adequacy of the built environment can be systematically assessed using assessment tools. The German Environmental Audit Tool (G-EAT) was translated and psychometrically tested for the German setting. Previous research has shown that the perspective of people living with dementia has not been fully considered in this adaptation. To explore the residents' perspective, the question of how residents living with dementia experience the built environment of nursing homes was investigated. Walking interviews were conducted with residents. Inclusion criteria for participation were the presence of dementia (medically diagnosed or indicated by symptoms) and the ability to express themselves verbally in German. For data analysis, the audio material was transcribed and supplemented by the researchers' field notes and photographs. Data analysis followed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Fourteen residents from 2 nursing homes participated in the walking interviews. A total of 3 themes were identified: (1) being able to maintain the feeling "to refurnish" or having to let it go, (2) experiencing the limits and potentials of being independent because of the built environment, and (3) living in a community of residents. The perspective of the living environment of people living with dementia in nursing homes adds to the knowledge of assessment-based data. Boundaries between physical and social environments are experienced as fluid by residents. They do not see their living space as limited to their living unit but describe the nursing home as a living environment. This broadens the perspective of existing structural definitions in the setting.

Access to low vision rehabilitation services in Australia: practitioner perspective

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The burden of vision loss is both personal and economic. Having reduced vision can restrict access to education, job opportunities, and other activities, and patients can require substantial government funds for treatment and rehabilitation. An in-depth investigation of barriers and enablers is required to improve access to low vision rehabilitation services. Background Several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation services, leading to improved clinical and functional abilities. However not all patients make use of these resources. Methods A purposive sample of primary eyecare practitioners (optometrists and orthoptists who held a variety of roles in clinical practice, academia and low vision specific organisations) were invited to participate in focus groups that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The resulting data were de-identified, cleaned, independently coded by two researchers and compared. Data were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach that included inductive thematic analysis. Results Of the 21 practitioners attending the five focus groups, 67% were female and 33% were male. The participants were optometrists and orthoptists with a wide range (4 to 20+ years) of clinical experience in eyecare service delivery. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: three themes focus on identifying barriers, while one theme highlighted potential enablers. These themes encompassed barriers impacting referral frequency, practitioner knowledge, patient experience, and enablers that suggest improvement options for enhancing low vision services. Conclusion Miscommunication between service providers, miscommunication between patients and clinicians, late referral, cost of services and social stigma were major barriers preventing patients from receiving low vision services. Most practitioners admitted limited knowledge of the scope of services provided by low vision organisations, suggesting there is a need for enablers such as professional development, improved communication between service providers, enhanced referral guidelines and increased public awareness.

Strategies for enhancing Chinese students' engagement in a large class learning environment: An interpretative phenomenological approach

AimIt is common for Chinese students to sit quietly during classroom lectures, attentively following teachers’ instructions without interacting or asking questions, viewed as passive engagement. This study aims to understand further the passive engagement of Chinese students in relation to classroom questioning, just-in-time feedback and collaborative activities. With objectives to formulate strategies to enhance Chinese students' engagement in a large class learning environment without undermining the cultural dimension of "face". BackgroundEngaging in collaborative educational activities between teachers and students can be challenging in a large classroom learning environment. Within the Chinese context, Confucian-heritage culture may further exacerbate the challenges teachers face. Chinese students often appear passive when responding to questions. In this situation, educators may receive insufficient student feedback to modify and optimise their teaching and learning approaches. DesignA qualitative research method, with an interpretative phenomenological approach was employed in a self-financed institute of higher education in Hong Kong. MethodsEight nursing graduates were invited to participate in two focus group interviews to generate teaching and learning strategies. In addition, individual in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve nursing teachers recruited through a snowballing sampling strategy. The narratives were coded, categorised, themed, analysed and interpreted through thematic analysis. ResultsChinese students are concerned with "losing face" and the fear of being teased by their peers in a collectivist culture. Based on these findings, three teaching and learning strategies for engaging students in classroom questioning and collaborative activities were generated. These strategies include using digital learning platforms, the promotion of communication and fostering interpersonal relationships. ConclusionsIn higher education, academic managers and teachers must critically reflect on teaching and learning strategies tailor-made to different cultural and contextual settings. Collaborating on pedagogical reforms can provide solid guidance and insight on implementing student-centred learning for Chinese students in large class learning environments while respecting the cultural dimension of "face".

Understanding The Lived Experiences of Black Female College Athletes and Factors that Influence their Anxiety.

To inform the development of culturally and socially appropriate interventions, this study examined the lived experiences of Black female college athletes (BFCA) and identified sources that increase their vulnerability to anxiety. Black Feminist Thought, with sub-tenets of intersectionality and outsider within status, was used as the theoretical foundation to examine the lives of the BFCA. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this qualitative study addressed the question: What sociocultural factors affect anxiety in Black female college athletes? Nine Black female college athletes from an NCAA Division I program agreed to participate in this study. Regarding the sources of anxiety, four themes emerged: regimented schedule (subthemes: lack of freedom, decreased choices, and external locus), forced community (subthemes: isolation and team conflict), emphasis on athletics (subthemes: coaching pressures, training pressures, and academic pressures) and navigating marginalization (subthemes: gender & racial stereotypes and gender & racial inequality). Two unexpected themes also materialized: family support and suggested solutions (subthemes: representation and communication). The findings and analysis were based on the data collected and the theoretical lens. The results suggest the need for culturally appropriate interventions to support this specific college athlete population.

The role of teaching subject in teachers’ online identity construction: an interpretative phenomenological approach

ABSTRACT Framed in an interpretative phenomenological approach, this study explored the role of teaching subject (i.e. discipline) in Iranian teachers’ online identity construction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from teachers of hard and soft sciences through semi-structured interviews, reported practices and online interactions. Data analyses showed that the teachers’ online identities involved similarities and differences across their agency, emotion and reflexivity in relation to teaching subject. The authors found that teaching subject influences the relational nature of teachers’ identity construction, yet it mediates more profoundly the teachers’ agency and practices in online teaching. Moreover, the teachers’ emotion and reflexivity were largely constructed in light of their personalised and collegial understandings relevant to sociocultural idiosyncrasies of online education. The findings provide novel implications for characterising teachers’ online identities, which help teacher educators approach online teacher education in light of situated understandings that account for teacher identities in greater depth.

Unveiling relevant emotions, cognitions, and behaviours from the viewpoint of people with chronic low back pain: A qualitative study with patient involvement

ObjectiveTo gain insight into the emotions, cognitions, and behaviours experienced by people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) undergoing invasive treatment in a pain unit. DesignA cross-sectional qualitative study based on individual interviews. This study included patient involvement in its design and development. MethodsAn interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted to understand the multidimensional experience of patients. The interview script was a translated, adapted, and expanded version of the one proposed by Cognitive and Functional Therapy. A mixed coding method was applied to structure the interviews. Three themes were created, with the three most frequently reported emotions, cognitions, and behaviours as subthemes. A patient with CLBP approved the initial protocol and the aim of the study. Subsequently, the patient contributed questions to the interview script, checked the coding process, and approved the final version of the manuscript. ResultsTwenty-two patients undergoing epidural infiltrations in a pain unit were interviewed. (i)“Fears”, (ii)“Frustration”, and (iii)“Worry” were the three most commonly expressed emotions. Cognitions related to (i)“Pain predictability”, (ii)“Pain description and perception”, and (iii)“Pain interference/disability” were also widely reported. The theme “Behaviours” was composed of the following subthemes: (i)“Strategies for managing symptoms”, (ii)“Social behaviours”, and (iii)“Strategies for coping with daily tasks”. Noteworthily, cognitions related to the (i)“Diagnosis”, (ii)“Health system attention”, and (iii)“Medical prescriptions” arose from questions provided by patient involvement. ConclusionPatients with CLBP expressed a wide variety of emotions, cognitions, and behaviours that must be considered by health professionals with the goal of providing the best patient-centred care.

Referral pathways to early intervention services for psychosis and their influence on perceptions of care: An interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Most young adults experiencing psychosis enter early intervention services (EIS) via inpatient and emergency departments. These experiences are suggested to negatively impact their views of treatment and engagement in EIS. However, limited research has examined the impact of young adults' prior help-seeking experiences on these outcomes. The present study aimed to explore how young adults engaged in EIS have experienced initial help-seeking and make sense of these experiences in the context of their current treatment. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 young adults (mean age = 24.83) within their first 3-12 months of treatment in EIS. Interviews aimed to examine their experiences of help-seeking and referral to EIS as well as the impact of these experiences on their subsequent perception of, and engagement with EIS. 3 superordinate themes emerged: (1) Navigating the Maze of Healthcare (2) Dignity and (3) Impact of Help-Seeking and Referral Experiences. Participants with referral pathways involving urgent care services described more adversity during their referral pathway and tended to describe help-seeking experiences as contributing to negative views towards EIS and diminished engagement in treatment. The impact of early negative experiences with healthcare on views towards EIS and engagement is evident in participants' accounts. Sense making was further contextualized by participants' illness insight, degree of recovery, and social support throughout experiences. Emergent themes highlight the need for psychiatric services to emphasize service users' dignity and for EIS to provide opportunities for patients to process past negative mental healthcare experiences to strengthen engagement.

English Language Education as a Social Divider: A Case Study

This study explores how English language teachers and their students in Nepal have experienced about using English as a medium of instruction in their classroom. A case study was conducted at a public school in Sunsari district in Nepal where English language has been taught to the students in English medium classes and Nepali medium classes separately for some years. Class observation and in-depth interviews with the participants were devised as tools for collecting the data. Interpretive phenomenological approach helped the researcher to conclude that EMI has created a social division between the English language teachers and their students who use it and who do not in their classroom.

Exploring the factors influencing evidence-based approaches to advanced chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study involving nurses and physicians

BackgroundAdvanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) is associated with a high risk of adverse cardiovascular and renal events and has a significant impact on quality of life and life expectancy. Several studies have identified areas for improvement in their management in primary care. Some professional and environmental factors can act as key barriers to appropriate care.ObjectiveTo analyse attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control among primary care professionals related to the implementation of an evidence-based approach for individuals with ACKD in primary care.MethodologyThis was a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach based on the theory of planned behaviour. Two aspects of the evidence-based approach were explored: the implementation of clinical practice guidelines and the utilisation of electronic kidney disease records within the scope of this study. Primary care nurses and physicians participated in a previous pilot interview and five focus groups. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the gathered data was conducted.FindingsThirty-three primary care professionals participated. The emerging themes included: experiences in the management of ACKD (highlighting a distinct profile of older, frail patients with comorbidities masking CKD and a CKD follow-up primarily focused on analytical monitoring and drug adjustment); factors in the professional environment influencing the use of scientific evidence (such as time constraints, excessive electronic health records, and unfamiliar reference guidelines); attitudes towards the application of recommendations on ACKD (recognising limitations of computer systems despite considering them as guidance); and capacities to implement evidence-based recommendations (acknowledging formative needs and challenges in coordinating care with nephrology services).ConclusionsSeveral psychological elements identified through the TBP hinder the adequate implementation of an evidence-based approach for individuals with CKD. Attitudes have been identified as factors modulating the use of standardised electronic records. Instead, subjective norms (influences from the professional environment) and perceived behavioral control (perception of capabilities) acted as barriers to the proper application of clinical practice guidelines and standardised records.Implications for practiceStrategies aimed at optimising the management of people with ACKD should focus not only on training but also on improving attitudes, organisational structures, IT systems and coordination between primary care and nephrology.

Effectiveness of Environmental Leadership Indicators Based on Local Wisdom in Development Horticultural Agriculture in Ngada - Indonesia

This research delves into the pivotal role of farmer groups in driving the development of horticultural agriculture in Ngada Regency, Flores, Indonesia, under the leadership of their respective group chairmen who adopt an environmental leadership approach rooted in local wisdom, recognizing its significance in fostering effective agricultural development. Employing an interpretive phenomenological qualitative research approach, the study unravels the intricate dynamics of environmental leadership by delving into the lived experiences and perceptions of participants. Data collection involves diverse methods including observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) within horticultural farmer groups, highlighting nuances of their organizational structure and practices. Findings elucidate a spectrum of indicators emblematic of effective environmental leadership within the context of agricultural development, such as possessing an ecological vision, adeptness in motivating others, exemplifying leadership through personal conduct, effective communication skills, and a steadfast commitment to goal attainment, underscoring the interconnectedness between local wisdom, ecological stewardship, and leadership efficacy.

Observation as a professional tool for early childhood teachers’ inquiry habit of mind: an interpretative phenomenological study

ABSTRACT This study aimed at understanding and investigating the lived experiences of early childhood teachers’ observation practices as a professional tool. Interpretative phenomenological approach was utilized to investigate participants’ experiences deeply from their lived experiences. The current study's participants consisted of five early childhood teachers selected through purposive sampling. The three-interview series involving three separate interviews with each participant was used for data collection and the data was analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings describe participant teachers’ observation practices that provide data, how teachers convert data into information, and how they use observational data for decision-making. This study aims to draw attention to the critical role of observation in data-based decision-making and pinpoints practical implications for early childhood teachers.

Exploring risky health behaviors and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases among transnational undocumented labor migrants from Bangladesh: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status.MethodsUsing a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis.ResultsThe study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers.