Grounded Theory Research Articles

Deconstruction and Remodelling: A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Family Resilience of Disabled Elderly People in China.

This study aims to understand the family experiences of disabled elderly people facing adversity from the perspective of family resilience and to develop a theoretical model to explain the constitution of family resilience. Family resilience is the ability of families to cope with, adapt to, and recover from significant stressors and challenges. Although some studies have focused on disabled elderly people, the components of their family resilience have received little attention. A grounded theory. A total of 30 participants were selected by theoretical sampling, and all participants were from families with disabled elderly people in Chengdu, China. Data were obtained via semi-structured interviews. The COREQ checklist for qualitative research was followed. A theoretical model of family resilience for disabled elderly people was established based on three categories: family organisation, family beliefs, and family relationships. Family organisations include the organisation model and resources; family beliefs include coping styles and adversity remodelling; and family relationships include communication and atmosphere. These categories suggest that there are several similar components of family resilience for disabled elderly people, which can be used to understand how families cope with this challenging experience by adjusting their roles, resources, and perspectives. Our findings are believed to offer significant theoretical and practical implications for improving the resilience and well-being of families with disabled elderly members, improving the effectiveness of caregiving services, and guiding strategies for disabled elderly individuals, their families, caregivers, and researchers. Healthcare professionals must recognise that disability impacts not only the individual but also the entire family system. The process of disability is slowed by early intervention, and psychological counselling services are provided to relieve stress and anxiety. Training in practical skills can be provided to build social support networks to help them cope with challenges.

‘O le toe Fa’amoemoe ‘o le ‘Aiga - A Family’s Last Hope

Introduction: In general, populations worldwide are aging with non-communicable diseases more likely to affect the elderly; and this group is prone to suffer from more than one chronic condition often resulting in complex clinical and psychosocial situations. As a result, the need for hospice and palliative care services will increase. However, Pacific people prefer to be cared for at home by their family, and they are therefore less likely to access and use hospice and palliative care services. There is limited evidence as to why there is less use of hospice and palliative care services, and there is a gap in strategies aimed at improving access within a Pacific context. This aligns with a poor understanding of the availability of health services more generally within a Pacific context. This research explores the understanding of these services by Samoan female family caregivers who cared for an elderly relative diagnosed with a life limiting condition, in Auckland, New Zealand. Methods: Qualitative methodology was used, and was underpinned by two approaches: Talanoa, and Constructivist Grounded Theory. Participants were interviewed and the data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Findings from the research acknowledge the importance of understanding cultural beliefs and values, and the relationship between these and the understanding and utilization of, hospice and palliative care services. Conclusion: Several opportunities are identified to enhance engagement by Samoan families with these services.

Lost and changed meaning in life of people with Long Covid: a qualitative study

ABSTRACTLong Covid (LC) has been called the greatest mass-disabling event in human history. For patients, LC not only has implications for quality of life but also for meaning in life: how one’s life and the world are understood and what is seen as valuable in one’s life. This qualitative empirical study used a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach to investigate the meaning in life of people struggling with LC through ten patient interviews. This study shows that patients lose their prior understanding of life and come to a changed meaning in life, in part due to the experienced (social) isolation and loss of (both physical and cognitive) abilities caused by LC. Moreover, patients struggled with acceptance, uncertainty, and the inherent incomprehensibility and uncontrollability that living with LC entails, though this simultaneously co-existed with hope, optimism and acceptance. Additionally, dimensions of meaning intersect; a patient having some understanding of their illness (dimension of meaning: comprehension) required an understanding Other (dimension of meaning: connection). Emerging from lockdown brought the challenge and isolation of adjusting to chronic illness in society as usual (albeit divided about COVID-19 measures). This study thus offers novel insights regarding changed, present, and sought meaning in life for LC patients.

Consumer Inertia to Continued use of Mobile Payment Services for Retail Transactions: A Grounded Theory Study

Consumer Inertia to Continued use of Mobile Payment Services for Retail Transactions: A Grounded Theory Study

“The Dam Wall Broke”: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Method Analysis of Writing on the First Decade of Democracy in the South African Art World

ABSTRACT The end of each decade of democracy has seen periods of reflection in the South African visual art world through numerous initiatives, especially exhibitions and book publications. In 2024, after 30 years of democracy, the field is poised for another such moment of introspection. This article considers the first decade of democracy from the perspective of writing in the art world. Through a Constructivist Grounded Theory Method extant text analysis, a reading is conducted across various prominent South African art publications reflecting on the first decade, and these texts are coded to discern the major categories, or themes, that emerge through them, thereby distilling the period’s main features and concerns for influential writers and thinkers in the field at the time as themes. These include, (1) emerging onto the international art scene after the boycott, (2) navigating international demands and local challenges, (3) government failures, (4) presuming equality under democracy and globalism, (5) race and the persistence of white dominance, (6) challenging Western- and Eurocentricism, (7) questioning visual arts education, (8) lacking engagement with art, (9) questions around moving on from resistance art, (10) negotiating and representing identity, and (11) the rise and critique of the gallery system. Not only are the major concerns and their textures succinctly revealed through the rigorous Grounded Theory Method coding process, but their crystallisation also deepens our understanding of how the art world has interacted with the periods of democracy, and which particular sets of preoccupations have informed its discourses.

Constructing a grounded theory of grit in sport: understanding the development and outcomes of long-term passion and perseverance in competitive athletes

ABSTRACT To be successful, athletes are expected to overcome the many setbacks and demands of sport throughout the entirety of their competitive career. Grit – or passion and perseverance over long terms – has been linked to positive outcomes in the sport domain, but progress in the field has been hindered by a lack of sufficient theory. The purpose of this study was to construct a grounded theory of competitive athletes’ grit in sport, and constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted. Twenty-seven participants (14 women, 13 men; 22 athletes, 5 coaches) involved in competitive sport participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis involved an iterative process of initial coding, focused coding, axial coding, and theoretical integration. Results showed grit to be a malleable dispositional tendency that was formed over time as athletes amassed significant sport experiences. With the encouragement from supportive others, athletes would adopt adaptive cognitions about success and failure. These cognitions would then develop into a propensity to identify and strive towards long-term goals in sport. Participants described grit as leading to several outcomes, including sport-specific goal achievement, adaptive outcomes, and maladaptive outcomes. Our research advances the study of grit in sport by providing researchers and practitioners a deeper understanding of the processes that encapsulate competitive athletes’ sport-specific grit. Implications for practice (e.g., how sport support persons might foster grit in athletes) and recommendations for future research (e.g., improving the measurement of grit in sport) are also discussed.

Critical Elements and Theoretical Logic of Horizontal Transfer Payment System for Eco-Compensation: A Study Based on Grounded Theory

In recent years, how to coordinate the sustainable production and life of human society with the protection of ecological environment has become particularly important. This paper reviewed and analyzed the existing Chinese and English literature on Horizontal transfer payment system for eco-compensation (or hereinafter referred to as ECITPS), based on which this paper applied Grounded Theory to study the critical elements and theoretical logic of the System, exploring its formation process and logical procedure, and constructing a theoretical model of this System. It was found that the theoretical model of eco-compensation Horizontal transfer payment system is mainly divided into three stages, namely, the early, middle and late stages. Moreover, the logic of the ECITPS as a whole was the validation of PDCA Deming Cycle Theory, while the previous research on Horizontal transfer payment for eco-compensation was more focused on the specific object, with a lack of the overall macro understand of the theoretical framework for the system. Therefore, this paper assisted to promote the improvement of the ECITPS from the macro theoretical framework, and provided a reference idea for the development of the transfer payment field in the future period.

Linked Transitions in Later Life – Retiring as Transitional Assemblage in the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic challenges expectations of retirement. In this paper, we ask: How is the retirement transition experienced in the everyday lives of older adults during pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic times? The paper draws on 15 semi-structured interviews with adults aged 60–75 years living in Germany within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were analyzed based on social constructivist Grounded Theory and Situational Analysis. We identified four themes: (1) general retiring experiences; (2) changes in the everyday lives following the retirement transition; (3) changes in their social life and (4) subjective wellbeing. The findings suggest that both retirement and the COVID-19 pandemic entail significant changes to older adults’ experience. Results show that experiences of both groups are similar but vary in degree. Adults retiring in pandemic times feel like missing out on the retirement life. We conclude by outlining a relational perspective on retirement research.

Exploration of Family-Centered Care in NICUs: A Grounded Theory Methodology.

This study aimed to explore the experience of family-centered care (FCC) for high-risk infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) among their parents and healthcare providers (HCPs) using the grounded theory methodology to understand the processes and interactions involved. By employing the grounded theory approach described by Corbin and Strauss, in-depth interviews were conducted with parents and HCPs experienced in NICU settings. Participants were selected via theoretical and snowball sampling, and data were managed and analyzed concurrently using MAXQDA software. The analysis was performed through open coding, process analysis, and category integration. The analysis of the experiences of FCC for high-risk infants in the NICU produced a detailed framework involving 71 concepts, 27 subcategories, and 11 upper categories. Through process analysis and category integration, the study identified a significant process termed "Union of care" characterized by four sequential phases: [Wandering]-[Approaching with one mind]-[Becoming a harmonious team]-[Carrying on the care]. This process model underscores the dynamic and collaborative nature of FCC in the complex environment of the NICU. This study highlights the importance of dynamic interaction and mutual understanding between parents and HCPs in FCC for high-risk infants. The promotion of a cooperative approach is recommended, with a focus on open communication, respect for parental roles, and HCPs' facilitation of parental involvement in care processes. Future research should consider larger and more diverse participant groups to broaden understanding and develop more inclusive FCC strategies.

Unlocking athlete potential: The evolution of coaching strategies through artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming sports coaching, offering new tools to enhance athlete performance and training methods. However, the balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining the human touch in coaching remains a critical challenge. This study investigates how AI can be effectively integrated into sports coaching while maintaining the essential human elements of leadership, mentorship, and personalized support. The research aims to provide a framework for combining AI technology with traditional coaching strategies to optimize performance. Using Grounded Theory (GT) methodology, the study conducted expert interviews and performed a detailed literature review to understand the interaction between AI and sports coaching. The resulting “Synergy Theory” model explains how AI can enhance training while highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical standards and human-centered coaching practices. The research reveals that AI can considerably improve performance analysis, injury prevention, and training customization. However, over-reliance on AI risks undermining the human aspects of coaching. The findings underscore the need for technological literacy among coaches and the ethical integration of AI in sports. Challenges such as data quality, resistance to technology, and privacy concerns must also be addressed. The present article is one of the first studies to comprehensively explore the ethical, practical, and technical considerations of integrating AI into sports coaching. This study also offers practical recommendations for balancing AI technology with traditional coaching methods.

Priorities and expectations of researchers, funders, patients and the public regarding the funding of medical research: results from the PERSPECT qualitative study

BackgroundIdeally, medical research provides crucial data about disease processes, diagnoses, prognoses, treatment targets and outcomes, and systems of care. However, medical research is costly, and funding is difficult to receive...

Exploring telemedicine and organizational challenges in the healthcare system: a qualitative analysis using Grounded Theory.

Telemedicine is a context-specific intervention that implies significant procedural changes in a health organization. The objective of the study is to explore healthcare professionals' usage of and perceptions towards telemedicine technology and identify the perceived factors and related process change, influencing the effective adoption of telemedicine from an organizational perspective. The study includes multi-disciplinary commentaries of a purposive sample of 31 healthcare professionals, conducted through semi-structured qualitative interviews and employs Grounded Theory and Thematic Analysis techniques to analyze the data. Telemedicine is perceived as a highly beneficial digital intervention in healthcare, focusing on the delivery of effective healthcare, and promoting healthcare equity. Healthcare professionals showed their willingness to assimilate technology into clinical decision-making, resulting in better treatment outcomes, and recommended its' adoption into mainstream healthcare as a viable approach to providing remote healthcare. The key organizational issues with telemedicine adoption were system requirements, network connectivity, non-standardized medical records, and legal bottlenecks, that can be addressed by improving infrastructural convenience, optimizing service processes, imparting training, and adopting better technical measures. The focus is on exploring factors significant for the adoption of telemedicine technology from the perspective of multi-specialties in a health organization, rather than a specific specialty, as studied in previous scholarly work. This study contributes to the theory by proposing a conceptual framework on critical factors for telemedicine adoption, integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and diffusion of innovation (DOI).

South Korean Provincial Government’s Introduction of the International Baccalaureate and Its Educational Effects on Middle School Students: A Grounded Theory Study

In South Korea, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) has been implemented in public education for several years. This article explores the IB MYP’s characteristics and educational effects by adopting the grounded theory research approach of Corbin and Strauss (1990, 2015). A total of 27 students from three public middle schools offering the IB MYP in one Korean city participated in interviews. Through the interviews, 151 concepts, 41 sub-categories, and 22 categories were identified. Compared to conventional Korean education, the IB MYP’s noticeable traits include student-centered classes, inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary subjects, writing-centered tests, and an emphasis on the IB learner profile. While these differences may initially pose difficulties for Korean students, they can lead to positive outcomes in the cognitive and affective domains, as well as in interpersonal relationships. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Korean provincial government should develop a long-term vision both nationally and internationally.

Brand Corporateness: Measurement and Symbolic Meaning of an Unfavorable Brand Association

Abstract This research establishes brand corporateness as a novel brand association that most consumers find unfavorable. Exploratory focus group findings first illuminate consumer meaning structures and attitudes around brand corporateness. An inductive grounded theory approach suggests three core (hierarchical, mechanistic, opaque) and three ancillary (ubiquitous, traditional, strategic) dimensions of the construct, informing a subsequent literature review that theoretically confirms this structure. Our theorizing also suggests that greater corporateness diminishes consumers’ self-brand connection because the symbolic meanings of its core dimensions clash with several fundamental human values, a negative effect that is heightened among more politically liberal consumers. The main empirical work then develops and validates a measure of brand corporateness across eleven studies using best practices in scale development. After a rigorous item generation and refinement process, our studies provide converging evidence for the scale’s structural, nomological, discriminant, predictive, and ecological validity.

A Model to Strengthen the Quality of Midwifery Education: A Grounded Theory Approach

A well-educated midwifery workforce is critical to providing quality health services. However, the quality of midwifery education in Nigeria is identified as a factor contributing to the country’s poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes and inability to meet global development goals. This study aimed to analyse the process used to strengthen the quality of midwifery education with the aim of generating a middle-range model to prepare competent and confident midwifery graduates. The Strauss and Corbin version of the Grounded Theory approach that is underpinned by the Social Constructivism Paradigm was adopted for this qualitative study. Strengthening the quality of midwifery education (SQME) emerged as the model’s core phenomenon. Major concepts, including the midwifery education context, nature of the curriculum, SQME process, pillars, and outcomes, supported the core phenomenon. Strengthening the quality of midwifery education can be achieved over a long time provided the pillars of SQME are deep-rooted to sustain the process of strengthening the quality of midwifery education. The model can be used to strengthen the quality of midwifery education and may be adapted to nursing/allied health programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to online formats on hearing voices group facilitators in the UK

ABSTRACT Background This study explores the impact on Hearing Voices Group (HVG) facilitators on the rapid shift to using video-teleconferencing communication (VTC) to host HVGs triggered by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Method A qualitative, interview-based design was implemented, adopting a Grounded Theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven HVG facilitators from across the UK using VTC. Results Nine major themes were identified with four overarching thematic categories; (1) Societal reality & change; (2) Increased reliance on technology; (3) Impact on groups; (4) Impact on facilitator role. Discussion A preliminary theory is presented which discusses the inter-relating impact on facilitators and HVGs, in the context of increased reliance on technology, social reality and social change. The recurring themes of limited understanding of and access to IT, and the lack of support structures for HVG facilitators need addressing to support the future efficacy of VTC-mediated HVGs. Limitations are discussed alongside suggestions for future practice.

Scoping review and thematic analysis of informed consent in humanitarian emergencies

BackgroundTo identify and to summarize challenges related to the informed consent process for research completed during humanitarian emergencies.MethodsUsing relevant search terms, a search of 5 databases was completed, without language, date, or study type restriction. Studies were screened for inclusion, with eligible studies being those that were relevant to the informed consent process for research studies completed in humanitarian emergencies. A Grounded Theory Analysis was completed to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsReview identified 30 relevant studies. We identified 11 challenges (lack of trust, therapeutic misconception, reduced capacity, security and privacy concerns, harmful research, power differential, literacy, language/local and cultural context, researcher burden and re-evaluation of ongoing trials) and 7 strategies (engage local research communities, use alternative to standard written consent process, modify traditional process of research ethics board review, dynamic consent, training of research staff, mandating transparency of commercial interests, and mandating reporting of informed consent process in all publications) to confront the challenges. These challenges and strategies were unique to the informed consent process in research conducted during humanitarian emergencies.ConclusionsThis scoping review identified an evidence-based guide for researchers and research ethics boards to perform ethical informed consent procedures in humanitarian emergencies.Trial RegistrationThis trial was not registered as scoping reviews can not be registered as per updated PROSPERO guidelines.

Effective Academic Leadership in Clinical Departments of Medical Universities: A Grounded Theory

Universities of Medical Sciences as the organizations that provide human resources for the health systems need effective leaders who can promote the medical status of the countries. In this regard, the present qualitative grounded theory study is an attempt to design an effective leadership model for departments of clinical education. The study identified causal conditions, background, confounding variables, consequences, and the central theme of “belief in effective leadership” to determine formation process of effective leadership. Based on the study findings, effective leadership model was designed for clinical education departments of medical universities. The distinguishing aspect of this model compared to the previously presented models of academic leadership is creation of the belief of effective leadership in medical sciences universities. This distinguishing factor emphasizes the academic leader’s recognition of their immediate environment, university, department and their selves.

Sustainable Craft Culture: Socio‐Cultural Drivers and Economic Impact on Sustainable Development

ABSTRACTThe craft culture of West Bengal, India, is deeply rooted in rich socio‐cultural traditions and plays a crucial role in advancing economic development and sustainability. This study explores the intricate socio‐cultural drivers that shape West Bengal's craft culture and examines their profound impact on sustainable development. The research delves into the historical, religious, and social dynamics that influence both the commercialization and preservation of traditional crafts. The qualitative study was performed using Grounded Theory and laddering technique, which highlighted the significance of cultural preservation, identity, and community engagement while illuminating the close relationship between craftspeople and their trade. The quantitative study highlights that the craft industry is influenced by eight major factors. It was further identified that the factors having the major impact were Perceived Cultural Preservation, Perceived Cultural Identity, Community Engagement, and Education and Awareness, highlighting the crucial role these areas play in maintaining and advancing West Bengal's craft culture. When considered collectively, the studies offer a thorough grasp of the cultural relevance influencing West Bengal's artisan traditions. By bridging the gap between cultural preservation and economic imperatives, this study provides a comprehensive framework for supporting the resilience and vitality of traditional crafts in the contemporary global landscape.

Enhancing project success through value-creating social interactions: insights from project managers in Iranian governmental organizations

Purpose Despite significant advancements in project processes, tools and systems, overall project success rates have not markedly improved. Recent studies underscore the importance of “value creation” as a key factor in enhancing project outcomes, particularly through the interaction between project managers and employees. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding how project managers can effectively leverage daily social interactions to foster cooperation and create value in complex, temporary and high-pressure environments typical of project-based organizations. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of project managers in governmental project-based organizations, focusing on how they use social interactions as a strategic tool for value creation. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with various groups of project managers using open-ended questions, selected through the snowball sampling method. The collected data were then analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory techniques. Findings The findings indicate that project managers can foster value creation in the minds of employees by employing a range of behavioral strategies in the workplace. The effectiveness of these strategies, however, is influenced by the prevailing social culture within the project implementation site. Originality/value Consequently, understanding and adopting the appropriate behavioral approaches depend on the project’s unique social context. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the most effective parameters for value creation through social interactions in project spaces.