Phenomenological Analysis Research Articles

Exploring student teachers' stressors in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe

This study explores student teachers' resilience in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. More specifically, the study was intended to gain insights into the significant teaching practice COVID-19-induced teaching practice stressors. This research study contributes new knowledge to the ongoing discourses about student teachers' resilience in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era. To explore student teachers' resilience on teaching practice in COVID-19 era, the study employed a qualitative social constructivist approach through a phenomenological research design. Data were generated through focus group discussions and in-depth semi-structured interviews. One teachers' college was conveniently sampled, and twenty-one student teachers and six student teachers' mentors were purposively sampled from three primary schools in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The thematic findings revealed that student teachers teaching practice in the COVID-19 era are subjected to teaching practice stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus, illness, isolation, stigmatization and death, anxiety, uncertainty, hopelessness, economic hardships, prolonged teaching practice period, school closures, transference of face-to-face teaching to online learning. Finally, thematic results revealed that the capacity for resilience can be developed during initial teacher preparation, so the study recommends that the teacher education curriculum include a module on resilience.

Exploring the experience of working relationships for support workers of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Research suggests that a better awareness of how staff who directly support people with intellectual disabilities experience their working relationships, will contribute to understanding staff wellbeing and the quality of care they offer. This study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of support workers in supported living services in England. Six support workers participated in semi-structured interviews, about their working relationships with service-users and colleagues. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six interconnected themes emerged: The essence of good relationships; a trusting relationship as the vehicle for meeting service-users' needs; belonging to the support team; the organisational context of relationships; the social context of relationships; 'a fine balancing act'. The findings provide insights into staff wellbeing, indicating that developing supportive, trusting relationships with both service-users and colleagues, plays an important role in delivering effective care. Potential implications for service providers are discussed.

‘Yoga is a way of life’: A qualitative study of the experiences of using yoga as a treatment for substance use: An interpretive phenomenological analysis

AbstractIntroductionYoga is a form of complementary medicine for substance use disorder (SUD). Randomised controlled trials involving yoga for the treatment of SUD have found that yoga practice reduces the risk of relapse and improves mood and well‐being for people undergoing treatment for SUD; however, the lived experience of yoga practice involving the benefits of reducing SUD is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the in‐depth experience of yoga to inform the treatment of SUD.MethodsFive semi‐structured interviews explored experiences of yoga among people with a prior history of substance use. Four out of the five participants reported prior use of alcohol, and one reported the use of ‘GBL’ and methamphetamine. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in three final superordinate themes: (1) growing awareness of the body, mind and emotions; (2) yoga opens a positive way of life; and (3) blending the worlds of yoga and 12‐step recovery. Yoga was reported to enhance awareness of muscle tension, reduce physical stress, increase positive emotions and build tolerance to negative emotions. The integration of the eight‐limb philosophy of yoga, notably withdrawing of the senses, helped combat internal cues and triggers (negative thoughts and emotions) for relapse. Yoga was reported to be compatible with an abstinence‐based lifestyle found in 12‐step mutual aid programmes and helped extend social networks to support long‐term abstinence.ConclusionsThe experience of integrating the eight‐limb philosophy to support abstinence and the asana practice helped participants to reduce cue reactivity. Yoga appeared to enhance interoceptive awareness, which is useful for reducing physical stress related to triggers for relapse, making yogic practice a valuable tool to integrate within mainstream group and individual relapse prevention programmes. Therefore, programmes and health policymakers may want to consider treatments that integrate yogic practices to enhance and support long‐term abstinence for SUD.

Parenting the parents: A phenomenological study of parentified adolescents in Pakistan

AbstractThe current study aimed to explore the experience, expression and manifestation of parentification among adolescents experiencing parental discord in Pakistan. Interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA) was used for the study, and purposive sampling strategy was employed. The sample included eight boys and girls of class 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of government secondary and higher secondary schools of Lahore, Pakistan, and they were selected by non‐probability purposive sampling. The mean age of the participants was 16.37 and SD was 1.11. In depth, interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and IPA analysis was used for data analysis and interpretation. Three group experiential themes were identified: functional maturation, emotional ramifications and stifling self. The responses revealed that parentified adolescents were assumed accountable for a wide range of responsibilities, including financial contribution, managing household, maintaining familial relationships as well as bringing up younger siblings. This study will help understand the indigenous experience of parentification of Pakistani adolescents, and it will facilitate further elaboration of understanding the nature of the common practice of parentification, as well as its impact upon the adolescents.

Contextual barriers in effective interpersonal communication with patients: A qualitative analysis

PurposeCompetence building in interpersonal communication (IPC) between undergraduate students and patients requires deep understanding of the factors influencing their interaction. These factors, contextual to our clinical setup were explored from multisource perspectives to understand the perceived barriers in IPC. MethodQualitative hermeneutic phenomenological analysis was done for patient's semi-structured interviews (n = 16); interns (n = 15) and faculty (n = 14) unstructured focus group discussions. Three independent authors transcribed the data, derived codes and themes individually, and then collated and reflected on them to draw conclusions. Different collection methods, multisource perspectives, and multilevel analysis provided for triangulation and validation of the study results. ResultsThis study's multisource feedback identified seven inter-dependent barriers to interpersonal communication between students and patients. They were time constraints, lack of trust and respect, cultural diversity, loco-regional linguistic differences, lack of empathy, illiteracy, and financial constraints. ConclusionsThe study concluded by identifying the unique set of barriers preventing interpersonal communication in our clinical microsystem. Addressing these contextual factors by preparing training modules and workshops would prepare undergraduate students for patient-centered care and partnership.

Preceptors’ experiences in guiding nursing students to use research findings and to implement evidence-based practice†

Abstract Objective Evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been taught to students by identifying the best evidence/evidence from research results. However, the experiences of Indonesian nurse preceptors in helping students implement research findings have not been explored thoroughly. This study aimed to explore Indonesian nurse preceptors in guiding nursing students to use research findings. Methods This study used interpretive phenomenology analysis that involves 9 nurse preceptors from hospitals in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Results Three themes were generated during the analysis: “types of student supervision,” “issues during supervision,” and “the need for research literacy and supervision.” Conclusions Nurse preceptors need support to supervise the nursing students to use research findings. In addition to upgrading nursing skills, nurse preceptors must receive training in research and its utilization. Developing an appropriate strategy to assist students in using research findings will enhance the promotion of evidence-based nursing practices on a daily basis.

Investigating the relationship between nature exposure, nature connectedness and wellbeing in individuals with cancer

ABSTRACT Prior quantitative research has highlighted the benefits that nature brings to the well-being of cancer survivors. Here, an Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted to investigate the relationship between nature exposure, nature connectedness and well-being in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Semi-structured interviews of four participants revealed three themes. (1) Nature and the self (2) Restorative Nature (3) Evocative nature. Participants described a strong connection with nature, allowing them to feel a sense of relatedness to nature and fulfillment through the formation of social roles in relation to nature. Participants coping with the impacts of their cancer diagnosis experienced restorative effects from nature. By engaging their senses in nature and taking part in nature activities, individuals created psychological distancing, lessening the presence of negative affect. Nature evoked feelings and emotions within participants and was used to create meaning to their cancer diagnoses, with some participants viewing nature as evidence of a higher power. A sense of agency and control was felt through the mastery of tasks in nature, and the ability to manage aspects of participants’ cancer diagnosis. The findings highlight the importance of both nature exposure and nature connectedness in contributing to all facets of well-being.

Psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-Serodiscordant couples

ABSTRACT Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges to couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper explored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-serodiscordant couples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive and exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine participants took part in the study. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency on serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of support and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services. The findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant couples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of training, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant cases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial support services, and establishment and strengthening of the support groups.

Peace and Human Rights in Sri Lanka: The Struggle for Marginalised Communities to Advocate for Justice

Peace and human rights serve as a check on the dominant or majoritarian culture. An absence of human rights is conducive to weak democratic forms, unequal social and political relations, marginalisation, oppression and, in some cases, criminalisation of communities. Such a scenario can be found in Sri Lanka. This paper expands upon a principal research project which found that the marginalisation of participants arose from aspects of their particular identities, including diverse sexualities and genders, races, ethnicities, religions and youth. The principal research was informed by intersectionality, social interactionism, interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis. This paper was composed out of the research results and was further structured by literature review. People’s marginalisation, oppression and exclusion are related directly to the absence of peace and human rights manifested through injustices and structural barriers that frustrated social and political participation.

The Reception of Hamka's Tafsir Al-Azhar within Social Religious Issues in the Malay World

This study explores the reception and impact of Hamka's Tafsir Al-Azhar across the Malay world, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. Tafsir Al-Azhar, written by the renowned Malay scholar Hamka, is a significant work of Qur'anic exegesis that has influenced Islamic thought in Southeast Asia. By employing a qualitative research method, specifically a case study with phenomenological analysis, this research investigates how Tafsir Al-Azhar has been received, interpreted, and utilized by various Muslim communities in these regions. The study examines the historical context in which Hamka's work was produced, focusing on its dissemination and its pivotal role in addressing socio-religious issues from the mid-20th century to the present day. By applying reception theory, the analysis highlights the dynamic interaction between the text and its readers, revealing how interpretations of Tafsir Al-Azhar have evolved in response to shifting social, political, and cultural landscapes. The research also explores the influence of external religious streams, modernity, and globalization on the Malay Muslim identity, and how these factors have shaped the adaptation and reception of traditional tafsir practices. The findings suggest that while Tafsir Al-Azhar has become a central reference in the religious life of Malay Muslims, its reception varies significantly across different countries. These variations are influenced by local cultural, religious, and political contexts, as well as by Hamka's personal interactions with these communities. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Qur'anic interpretation in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing tafsir to address the diverse needs and challenges of Muslim communities in the region.

DINAMIKA GENERASI SANDWICH DALAM PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN : SEBUAH STUDI FENOMENOLOGI

The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance of the sandwich generation's financial management experiences in challenging financial times. Qualitative research design using interpretive phenomenological approach was employed. Three individuals who embodied the sandwich generation were interviewed in-depth in order to gather data. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method was employed to examine the interview results. The findings of this study suggest that the elements that drive informants to fulfill their role as a sandwich generation include favorable attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and felt religiosity. Based on his interpretation of the event, the informant experienced good emotions such as pride and believed that taking on this responsibility was a way of showing his parents love

Older Adults in CCRCs: Their Social Engagement, Processes and Solutions

ABSTRACT As the older adult population continues to grow, the demand for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) is increasing in the United States. Older adults living in CCRCs may, however, experience social isolation and loneliness if they lack meaningful and sustained social engagement – seen as the quintessence of fulfilled human living. To date, the social engagement preferences and priorities of older adults who live in CCRCs remain under researched. We therefore utilized participatory action research to explore the social engagement goals, processes and solutions of older adults living in CCRCs. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was adopted to explore the perspectives of 25 older adults living in a CCRC (females = 75%; mean age = 85; mean length of stay = 4.3 years). Thematic analysis of interview data identified three main themes, in addition to subthemes, critical to maintaining social wellbeing in a CCRC: 1) meaningful engagement with CCRC committees and clubs, and contributions to community led by those who live there; 2) opportunities and challenges associated with resilient living, as well as end-of life concerns; and 3) a sense of belonging and connectedness contributing to social community and health wellness. The findings suggest that the social engagement of older adults who live in a CCRC can be enhanced by introducing and promoting initiatives that bring joy, a sense of purpose, belonging, and fulfillment. This engagement needs to align with individuals’ preferences and priorities to ensure satisfying lives and a sense of community.

Cognitive status, psychological state and needs of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries: a qualitative study.

Aims/Background Pressure injury stands as a global healthcare concern, primarily affecting elderly individuals. As the ageing of the global population shows no signs of slowing down, both society and the families of the affected individuals continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of pressure injuries. The majority of pressure injury cases are managed at home, and the occurrence and progression of pressure injuries in the elderly are closely associated with informal caregivers. This study aims to qualitatively explore the cognitive status of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, as well as their psychological state and needs during the caregiving process. Methods This research is qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological in nature. A purposive sampling method was used. Eighteen caregivers of elderly patients with pressure injuries were selected from Jiangnan University Medical Centre as interviewees from June 2023 to August 2023. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data regarding the caregivers' cognition, psychological state, and care-related needs while caring for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries. The data were then organised and analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method and NVivo 11.0. Results Through the analysis of interview data from caregivers of elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The data analysis also revealed that the caregivers surveyed lacked the crucial awareness of preventing pressure injuries and that their caregiving practices were not up to standards. During the caregiving process, they were challenged with substantial stress while also experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety or depression. They had a strong desire for persistent medical support to alleviate the psychological and emotional challenges. Conclusion The findings of this study establish a collaborative relationship network among the hospitals, family, medical staff, and caregivers in the management of pressure injuries, but with a special attention to the caregivers' needs for disease-related knowledge and psychophysical support. Such relationships streamline communication between medical staff, patients, and their caregivers, facilitating the adoption of active and correct methods by caregivers to prevent and care for pressure injuries. This can positively impact the quality of care for pressure injuries, further improving the life quality of patients and their caregivers, controlling the incidence of pressure injuries, and reducing readmission rates.

The Lived Experiences of Hospice Healthcare Workers Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults With Advanced Cancer: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Objective: To understand the lived experience of healthcare workers who provide palliative care to adolescents and young adults living with advanced cancer. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was the design of this study. Hospice healthcare workers from four pediatric hospices across Canada were recruited through purposive sampling. Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted. Results: Eighteen hospice healthcare workers participated. Two superordinate themes were identified. First, balancing on the tightrope of uncertainty wherein hospice healthcare workers strive to do their best while aiming to take the path of least regret. This theme was underscored by a notion of doing for the adolescents and young adults. Second, acting as a proxy revolves around the importance of fostering relationships with adolescents and young adults through honesty and transparency. The cycle of protection between adolescents and young adults, families, and healthcare providers was emphasized. Conclusions: An action-focused orientation when supporting adolescents and young adults was shared by the healthcare workers. The need to do for adolescents and young adults and the need to protect not only the people they care for but also themselves. More exploration is needed on how healthcare workers who care for adolescents and young adults can be supported while better understanding coping mechanisms.

A common framework for fermion mass hierarchy, leptogenesis and dark matter

In this work, we explore an extension of the Standard Model designed to elucidate the fermion mass hierarchy, account for the dark matter relic abundance, and explain the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. Beyond the Standard Model particle content, our model introduces additional scalars and fermions. Notably, the light active neutrinos and the first two generations of charged fermions acquire masses at the one-loop level. The model accommodates successful low-scale leptogenesis, permitting the mass of the decaying heavy right-handed neutrino to be as low as 10 TeV. We conduct a detailed analysis of the dark matter phenomenology and explore various interesting phenomenological implications. These include charged lepton flavor violation, muon and electron anomalous magnetic moments, constraints arising from electroweak precision observables, and implications for collider experiments.

Beyond the Reach: Horror and Phenomenal Life

ABSTRACT The goals of this paper is to offer a phenomenological analysis of the phenomenon of horror and argue that horror displays an organization of experience that cannot be traced back to the activity of the constituting subject. The main claim is that the essential feature of horror consists of its unintelligibility, which is neither reducible to the psychoanalytical repression nor to the complete breakdown of intelligibility but should be rather conceived as counter-intelligibility: horror occurs when anomalies and irregularities that are normally seen as disrupting the phenomenal field and undermining everyday intelligibility turn into positive principles of a new organization of experience. The confusion and perversion of horror consist of transforming the negativities and counter-forces of the cultural phenomenal field into a positive way of being. Horror is an optimal way of bringing non-optimality and disarray, which is characterized by self-exclusion from the cultural domain of intelligibility.

Modern Islamic Boarding School English Teachers’ Workload and Their Performance : A Phenomenological Analysis

Modern Islamic Boarding School English Teachers’ Workload and Their Performance : A Phenomenological Analysis

Providing medically assisted dying in Canada: a qualitative study of emotional and moral impact

PurposeMedical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada places the medical provider at the centre of the process. The MAiD provider holds primary responsibility for determining eligibility and becomes acquainted with...

Psycho-social sufferings and sexual difficulties among female survivors of child sexual abuse in Pakistan

BackgroundChild sexual abuse is a universal social challenge and the victims of childhood sexual abuse suffer a range of short and long term psychological, social, behavioral and physical problems that vary in different cultures. The study was carried out to explore the perceived impacts of childhood sexual abuse in Pakistan, because no such study was conducted in Pakistan earlier.MethodsInterpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. A snowball sampling technique was used to approach the sample of current study. The sample of the study comprised ten female survivors of childhood sexual abuse of age ranged between 18 and 22 years (Mage= 20.10 years) with the education ranging from matric to BSc. Out of these participants, four were married and six were unmarried and belonged to different cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected via a semi-structured interview schedule and all interviews were verbatim transcribed.ResultsA rigorous iterative process of data analysis resulted in three super-ordinate themes and ten sub-ordinate themes: Experiencing Abuse (emotional trauma, and physical distress), Psycho-social Distress (low self-esteem, negative self-concept, psychological pain, social suffering, and retaliation vs. forgiveness), and Sexual Difficulties (passive role, emotionally aloof, aversion from hetero-sexuality and avoidance).ConclusionIt was concluded that childhood sexual abuse is an intense experience that has short- and long-term negative impacts on the lives of female survivors and engulfs their lives as a whole. The study has implications for psychiatrists, psychologists, family counselors, social scientists, educationists, and parents.

Pioneering approaches: Navigating mind wandering and self-silencing in dissociated adolescent female sexual trauma survivors - An interpretative phenomenological analysis

BackgroundMinimal exploration exists on mind wandering and self-silencing in adolescent girls with sexual trauma and dissociation. ObjectiveTo investigate the lived experiences of female adolescent sexual trauma survivors with dissociation, focusing on overcoming mind-wandering and self-silencing through Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy. Participants and settingsThis study, conducted in Sikkim, India, addresses a research gap in a culturally distinct context. Three adolescent girls diagnosed with PTSD and dissociation by a psychiatrist were selected through purposive sampling. MethodThis study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore participants' individual stories and perspectives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences and narratives of three participants. ResultsThe IPA analysis revealed three super-ordinate themes: coping mechanisms, support and relationships, and, therapeutic approaches and the healing journey. In coping mechanisms participants reported (1) mind-wandering, self-blame, and daydreaming, (2) self-silencing, and (3) sublimation through academic achievement. The support and relationships theme included (1) lack of support from family, (2) attachment issues with mothers, (3) gender-based double standards, (4) Lack of infrastructure and health care human resources, with some participants turning to (5) faith-healing for mental health issues. The therapeutic approaches and healing journey theme demonstrated the effectiveness of Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy in alleviating mind-wandering and self-silencing. ConclusionsThis study underscores the resilience of survivors of post-sexual trauma, advocating for culturally sensitive healing and evidence-based practices. Addressing mind-wandering and self-silencing through Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy strengthens support systems, pioneering ways to mitigate the impact of sexual abuse.