Qualitative Narrative Inquiry Research Articles

Resilience of Post-Trafficked Women: A Narrative Inquiry

This study explores the resilience of post-trafficked women. It used a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, involving six participants from Kathmandu Valley. The purposive sampling method was adopted ensuring diverse representation. Thematic analysis was employed to identify resilience mechanisms and coping strategies. Through in-depth interviews, the research has uncovered how trauma, physical health challenges, economic disenfranchisement, and social reintegration impact survivors’ recovery. Findings revealed that the trauma continues to affect daily life, though coping strategies like engaging in hobbies significantly aid resilience. Physical health issues, compounded by past trauma, highlight the need for integrated healthcare solutions. Economic challenges, exacerbated by stigma, highlight the importance of vocational training and microfinance programs for achieving financial independence. Social integration and community support are crucial for overcoming stigma and fostering recovery. Contemporary issues, including the impact of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic, further complicate support efforts. The study concludes that comprehensive support systems, policy reforms, and innovative solutions are essential to enhance the resilience and recovery of trafficking survivors in Nepal.

It’s Just Too Much: Narratives of International Educators Navigating COVID-19

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to address how international educators who work with international students in the United States experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. Using secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction as frameworks alongside a qualitative narrative inquiry research design, we interviewed 31 international educator participants to understand how they navigated organizational dynamics on their campuses, supported international students, and were impacted personally and professionally by the pandemic. Findings demonstrate participants’ experiences being in alignment with elements of secondary traumatic stress given institutional pressures and isolation, constant exposure to the trauma and challenges of international students that they sought to assist with, and complex immigration regulations that were constantly in flux during the pandemic. International educators’ work environment, broader professional network, satisfaction and passion in working with international students, and overall commitment to their profession served as positive mitigators to the challenges they experienced and reflected element of compassion satisfaction.

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Realities of Indian Children Living With Alcohol-Dependent Parents.

The negative impact of Paternal Alcohol Use Disorder (PAUD) on children's psychosocial well-being is an overlooked issue that warrants more global research attention. Alcohol dependence is often seen as a hidden problem with subtle yet harmful effects, especially on the children of those with alcohol dependence. These children often remain invisible due to their loyalty and unwillingness to disclose their dysfunctional family situation. However, in the Indian context, these invisible children receive limited and insufficient support. This study aims to narrate the profound experiences of children growing up with fathers with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), highlighting the challenges of invisibility and the support they receive within the Indian cultural context. The study used a qualitative narrative research design, with a panel of child psychology experts selecting 12 participants aged 11-13 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected were transcribed from the local language into English and analyzed using narrative thematic analysis. The study revealed how PAUD negatively influences children's experiences and societal norms surrounding family honour and reputation. It also sheds light on the children's reluctance to seek help due to stigmatization, the circumstances that compel them to disclose their problems, and the support they receive to cope with these challenges. This study highlights the critical need for culturally specific interventions and support mechanisms in India to address the psychosocial challenges faced by children, emphasizing the importance of societal acknowledgment and strategic interventions to alleviate the detrimental impact of parental AUD on child well-being.

Aspek Pengaturan Keamanan Nasional dalam Kerangka Demokrasi

National security serves to realise and defend the entire territory of the Republic of Indonesia. The implementation of comprehensive national security is an integral part of various aspects of the life of the nation and state, namely ideology, politics, economy, socio-culture, defence and state security. Efforts to support national development as a state goal require the regulation and management of state security. Its current arrangements continue to face challenges with concerns that its implementation violates human rights by causing a setback to democracy. This paper explores how the regulation of national security within the framework of democracy in Indonesia. The method used is narrative qualitative research with a normative legal approach. Literature study is conducted to find the meaning of the regulation of national security aspects within the framework of democracy. The source of data is through the search for relevant literature to be analysed. The findings in this paper are that Indonesia already has four important capitals that can support the regulation of national security in law while still taking into account the principles of democracy and human rights. These are the constitutional basis in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, especially on human rights; the regulation of laws relating to management and institutions in national security; institutional arrangements where there is no institutional domination or every institution is equal; and the mainstreaming of the principles of human rights and democracy in government policy-making. Current conditions and future projections of the national security situation demand national security institutional arrangements by integrating Indonesia's deterrent forces to anticipate and deal with national security disturbances. Regulations in the form of laws allow the public to participate in the formulation of the material to be regulated in accordance with the formal requirements for the formation of laws, including transparency, participation and accountability.

Language investment and identity construction trajectory amongst ethnic minority preparatory undergraduates in China: a narrative inquiry

ABSTRACT China has adopted preferential policies, such as the Ethnic Preparatory Education Program, to promote the opportunities of ethnic minority students from underdeveloped regions to receive high-quality education, which has caused great tension in the identity construction of these students. This study adopted a qualitative narrative inquiry approach to investigate the investments and identity construction of three ethnic minority preparatory undergraduates (EMPUs) throughout their language learning process in the preparatory stage. The findings indicate that these participants have shown varying types and degrees of investment in language learning and constructed dynamic identity as a trajectory influenced by their language learning experiences in various contexts. Their language investment and identity construction have an impact on one another and are shaped by their aspiration to participate in an imagined community and realise an imagined identity.

Developing technological pedagogical content knowledge skills during teaching practicum

<span lang="EN-US">This study investigates the efforts of Indonesian pre-service teachers in developing their technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) skills during teaching practicum, explores the obstacles they encounter in this process, and examines their responses to the challenges of TPACK skills development. Employing qualitative narrative inquiry as the research method, the study interviews five pre-service teachers from various study programs to gain insights into their experiences. The findings demonstrate that Indonesian pre-service teachers employ diverse strategies to enhance their TPACK skills, including observing experienced teachers, participating in workshops or online courses, reading relevant literature on TPACK, and consistently integrating TPACK into their teaching practice. However, they face obstacles such as a lack of confidence in their teaching abilities, limited time and resources for reflective practice, and inadequate self-awareness regarding their skills. To overcome these obstacles, they respond by collaborating with peers and mentors, engaging in reflective teaching practice, and setting goals for each practicum session. The study provides valuable insights for teacher training institutions (TTIs), educators, practitioners, and policymakers, facilitating the implementation of more effective strategies for integrating TPACK in future events.</span>

Unicorn paradox: Understanding undergraduate Black men's leader identity, capacity, and efficacy.

This study highlights opportunities for developing programs and initiatives to assist Black men in understanding leadership and seeing themselves as leaders, and for decreasing low college retention and persistence rates. The themes from this qualitative narrative inquiry highlight leader identity, capacity, and efficacy for undergraduate Black men. Narrative inquiry was appropriate for this study because the researchers sought to better understand how Black undergraduate male student leaders make meaning of their experience in higher education related to their comprehension of leadership and identity as leaders.

Visual and Textual Interfaces in Design Research

Art and design creative techniques are increasingly used in educational and social sciences research as means to complement narrative qualitative research methodologies. Less known is the means by which interior design and visual arts students may use collage, concept maps or other artful visual tools when analysing the narrative in research. This paper demonstrates how artful methods can be combined with more traditional qualitative methodologies to uncover meaning in research texts or during the data analysis process. The authors show how both the phenomenon used and the method applied to data analysis offers a creative way to allow for meaning to emerge, while situating the research firmly in a phenomenological perspective of lived experience of the researcher through a collaborative conversation. Two visual examples are presented to demonstrate the phenomenon, and the discussion situates the usefulness of this type of research inquiry method.

Exploring Narratives of Teachers Working with Culturally Diverse Students: Any Insights about Inclusion?

The aim of the present study is to capture the teachers’ reflections and lived experiences on the inclusion of culturally diverse students in Greek school settings. Through a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, teachers share their personal accounts and stories about their efforts, initiatives, and moves towards more inclusive schooling, as well as the barriers they face in the school environment. Five (n = 5) primary school teachers were recruited purposefully because of their work experience with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in mainstream, integration or reception classes. Narrative-discursive analysis unravels the effectiveness of inclusive practice in Greece for culturally diverse students according to specific aspects of inclusive pedagogy such as progressive education, transformative learning, innovative practices, and strategies, as well as school–family partnership. Teachers’ experiences revealed their complex work to handle the increasing diversity in schools and to respond to all students’ needs in a context of slow but steady measures towards inclusion.

Parenting Amid Shadows: Exploring the Child-Rearing Experiences of Wives of Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder.

The pervasive impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) within families, particularly on parenting roles in Kerala, India, necessitates an in-depth exploration. This study aims to uncover the unique challenges and coping strategies employed by wives of individuals with AUD against a backdrop of societal stigma and economic hardship. This study, employing a qualitative narrative research design, delves into the experiences of 30 wives of men with AUD in Kerala. The study delves into the complexities of navigating parenting responsibilities amid challenges related to AUD, employing in-depth interviews with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide conducted in Malayalam.​​​​​The researchers used narrative analysis to extract the themes related to coping mechanisms, resilience, and the impact on children's psychological health. The study highlights significant emotional and social burdens on wives, including solo parenting, financial strain, and social stigma. Despite these challenges, the resilience and adaptive strategies of these women stand out, with extended family support, community resources, and personal beliefs playing crucial roles in their coping mechanisms. The study points out variations in coping strategies across different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive support systems sensitive to the socio-demographic differences among families affected by AUD. Tailored interventions that enhance access to professional support, foster community solidarity, and provide economic assistance are critical. Moreover, efforts to reduce stigma and promote understanding are essential for improving the psychological health and overall quality of life of these families.

“That Fight Still Goes On”: Narratives of Integration and Activism

Discussions of Black history and school desegregation in many K-12 schools have been narrowed to a few heroic figures and moments. Historic representations are currently challenged by a nationwide movement to uphold White supremacy and deny the violent history of racism in the US. The revisionist claims are challenged in this qualitative narrative research project that presents stories gathered from 10 Black educators in Augusta, Georgia, who recount their stories of desegregating schools and institutions as students or educators. This oral history narrative project imagines these stories as the basis for engaging K-12 teachers and students in creating new curricula.

Why Not Us? Experiences of Incarcerated Women on Education Access in Malawi Prisons

Many incarcerated women worldwide have low education profiles that cause them to commit petty criminal offences among others. Thus, education access to incarcerated people, including women can be undoubtedly an indispensable strategy for their rehabilitation. However, education access could still be patriarchal and not accessible to women in prisons. Guided by radical feminist theory, this study employed a qualitative narrative research approach to explore from incarcerated women and correctional officers how education was made accessible at two prison facilities in Malawi. The key finding was that there was social injustice in the provision of education to offenders. Education access was monopolised by male inmates. Women were denied access to education even though they needed and demanded it since authorities preferred to use the available inadequate educational resources to provide education to only male inmates. It was recommended that gender equality needed to be exercised in the provision of education opportunities in prisons. Where resources are scarce, at least similar educational resources should be made equally and equitably accessible to both male and female inmates.

A Transformative Journey Through Support Group Participation: Narratives of the Wives of Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder.

The issue of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has received significant attention, with a primary focus on individuals directly afflicted by the disorder. This extensive focus, while necessary, often overlooks the profound impact that AUD has on the family unit, particularly on spouses who play a crucial role in the dynamics of coping and recovery. However, the psychosocial and emotional challenges encountered by wives of those with AUD have been largely neglected in both research and therapeutic interventions. This oversight not only minimizes their suffering but also overlooks their potential contribution to the recovery process, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach to understanding and addressing AUD. Building upon this foundation, the current study delves into the less explored terrain of the psychosocial and emotional ramifications borne by wives of individuals suffering from AUD. By highlighting the pivotal role that these women fulfil in family dynamics, it seeks to shed light on the transformative effects of their engagement in support groups, aiming to demonstrate how these networks promote resilience, empowerment, and healing for both the women and their families, thus offering a more comprehensive perspective on AUD's impact on society. Employing a qualitative narrative research design, the study utilized purposive sampling to select 36 participants from the northern, southern, and central regions of Kerala, India. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews, conducted initially in the local language, were transcribed into English and analyzed using the constant comparative method, ensuring that ethical considerations were upheld throughout the research process. The results of the study illuminatethe multifaceted challenges faced by wives of individuals with AUD, including financial burdens, domestic violence, marital discord, and psychosocial issues. Notably, the participants reported a significant positive shift in their lives following their involvement in support groups, experiencing enhanced mental peace and tranquillity. This transformation enabled some participants to resume their education, engage with the community as role models and leaders, and reconstruct their lives. Most participants viewed their support group participation as a pivotal moment of hope restoration in their lives. The study reveals the necessity for integrating culturally sensitive support mechanisms into rehabilitation programs for families affected by AUD, advocating for broader adoption of support groups that cater to the specific sociocultural dynamics of affected communities.

Determining Science Education Students’ Career Aspirations and Future Career Perspectives: A Narrative Inquiry

Despite achieving similar college degrees, students venture into different paths post-graduation. Having a career plan with career aspirations and future career perspectives is essential for an individual to have a more straightforward career path. This qualitative narrative inquiry research determined science education students’ career aspirations and future career perspectives. Nineteen college science education students in a state university in Zambales, Philippines, were asked about their written narratives describing their career aspirations and future career perspectives. Data from the participants were subjected to thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. Findings showed that science education students’ career aspirations were (a) to teach and inspire students, (b) to pursue advanced studies, (c) to take licensure examinations, (d) to work abroad, and (e) to shift career. Meanwhile, the science education students’ perspectives toward their career after 10 years were (a) to become successful in the teaching field, (b) inspiring and teaching the students, (c) contented in the chosen profession, and (d) willing to embark on another journey. Based on the findings, researchers recommended the creation of career guidance and career management programs among graduating students to provide more apparent career aspirations and career perspectives among them as they become future professionals.

Effectiveness of In-Service Training Programs: A Narrative Approach of Teachers Professional Development at Girls Secondary Level

This research study aims to unravel the influence of in-service training programs on the teaching-learning process of secondary school teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study argues that teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of their students, and the quality of a nation's academic performance is linked to the quality of its teachers. Thus, it is essential to improve the quality of teacher education. Qualitative narrative research was employed in this study. The researcher selected five public girls' secondary schools through convenient sampling in district Mardan. The researcher selected ten secondary school teachers, and participants were selected using a random purposive technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following the saturation level of the interview questions. This research study furnished valuable findings with reference to in-service training that will assist in transforming teachers with sophisticated and constructivist teaching-learning processes. This research study accomplished recommendations at the teacher-educator level, policy level, teacher level, and student level. It's recommended that teachers should focus on reflective thinking and teacher group discussions in an attempt to make a more effective classroom. Teacher educators should empower teachers by reshaping their naive and traditional teaching practices. Realistic efforts need teachers' professional development with follow-up supervision by competent and dedicated trainers.

Success Stories of Non-ABM Accountancy Graduates

The study aimed to explore the experiences and journeys of non-ABM students who pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program and eventually became successful Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Following Polkinghorne's (1998) Narrative Mode of Analysis, a qualitative narrative inquiry approach was employed. Three participants were purposively selected based on the criteria of being non-ABM senior high school graduates, having completed a BS Accountancy program, and currently holding a CPA license. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews. The interviews explored the participants' motivations for choosing the accountancy program, their college experiences, challenges faced, preparations for the CPA licensure examination, and insights gained throughout their journeys. The study revealed that while the participants initially struggled due to a lack of background knowledge in accounting, they eventually adapted and succeeded through determination, hard work, and perseverance. The findings highlight the importance of passion, commitment, and proper guidance in achieving academic and professional goals, even when facing challenges stemming from misalignment between pre-university education and chosen career paths.

Success Stories of Non-ABM Accountancy Graduates

The study aimed to explore the experiences and journeys of non-ABM students who pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program and eventually became successful Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Following Polkinghorne's (1998) Narrative Mode of Analysis, a qualitative narrative inquiry approach was employed. Three participants were purposively selected based on the criteria of being non-ABM senior high school graduates, having completed a BS Accountancy program, and currently holding a CPA license. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews. The interviews explored the participants' motivations for choosing the accountancy program, their college experiences, challenges faced, preparations for the CPA licensure examination, and insights gained throughout their journeys. The study revealed that while the participants initially struggled due to a lack of background knowledge in accounting, they eventually adapted and succeeded through determination, hard work, and perseverance. The findings highlight the importance of passion, commitment, and proper guidance in achieving academic and professional goals, even when facing challenges stemming from misalignment between pre-university education and chosen career paths.

The Javanese Cultural Beliefs and Practices Among Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Introduction: Poor prognosis and higher mortality of chronic kidney disease are linked with cultural beliefs and practices. This study explored cultural beliefs and practices of Javanese people with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis for ≥5 years. Methods: A qualitative narrative inquiry was applied in this study. Data were collected through in-depth narrative interviews, followed by text messages, calls, and audio-visual calls for 6 weeks. Results: There were 14 participants; their mean age was 51.15 years and hemodialysis duration was 5 years and 2 months up to 10 years and 9 months. Four themes emerged: life-and-death acceptance, expectation of end-of-life care, contemplation of withdrawal from hemodialysis, and wishing for a good death. Discussion: Life values guided the ability to survive for the individual. Adherence to renal disease management regimen clashed with cultural values on occasions, such as social gatherings. Therefore, the unmet needs of patients should be addressed with a transcultural approach to modify personal health behaviors.

Analyzing the Role of Social Workers in Supporting People Living With HIV in New York City During the 1990s

Social workers play a crucial role in empowering people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their family members. This qualitative study aimed to reflect social workers’ experiences working with PLHIV in New York City in the 1990s. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry method and convenience sampling technique, two social workers who experienced working with PLHIV in New York City in the 1990s were interviewed for this study. Findings revealed that since the beginning of the epidemic, social workers have played crucial roles in providing a range of psychosocial services for PLHIV, including individual therapy and support groups. Furthermore, social workers acted as advocates who demanded social rights and social justice for the HIV population. Finally, social workers, in the early discovery of HIV, collaborated with the community of PLHIV to establish some of the early nonprofit organizations to overcome the structural barriers, including gender inequity and stigma, for PLHIV to live well.

Theorizing Filipino Pedagogical Beliefs: Narratives of Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Before and After Teaching Immersion

The purpose of this paper is to examine selected preservice elementary teachers' pedagogical beliefs before and after the teaching immersion program using Calderhead's Five Aspects of Pedagogical Beliefs. It aims to uncover meaningful experiences, challenges, and factors that contributed to the change in preservice teachers' pedagogical beliefs. This study employed a qualitative narrative research design with six preservice elementary teachers. The data revealed that the preservice teachers' beliefs significantly changed after the teaching immersion program. The factors contributing to their changes were time constraints, classroom management, and pedagogical responsibilities. However, two factors transcended Calderhead’s framework. Thus, the development of an enhanced framework, Seven Aspects of Pedagogical Beliefs, to include the participants’ beliefs on school culture and mentoring practices. The results of the study provide the pedagogical beliefs, meaningful experiences, challenges, and changes in pedagogical beliefs of pre-service teachers. However, the study is limited to Bachelor of Elementary Education. The study reveals that quality education in teacher education could be furthered through curriculum changes; therefore, it is critical to investigate how pedagogical beliefs influence preservice teachers' classroom decisions. This study uses a qualitative approach to provide a comprehensive picture of preservice teachers' pedagogical beliefs. Given that their beliefs differed before and after their teaching immersion, it is vital to provide new insights into the factors causing this difference.