An interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the transition from army to civilian life.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alice Jones
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Civilian Life ◽  
Transition Experience ◽  
Personality Perception ◽  
Transition To Civilian Life ◽  
Army Personnel

This thesis presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) exploring the transition from army to civilian life. The research purpose was to explore the experiences of ex-army personnel of their transition from army to civilian life by building an in-depth picture of each participant’s experience of transitioning from the army to civilian life, as well as an understanding of how they felt about their time in the army. The following research questions were used to guide the research, Question 1: How do ex-army personnel perceive their experience of their transition from military to civilian life? Question 2: How do ex-army personnel adjust to a civilian lifestyle? Question 3: How do ex-army personnel make sense of their identity during their transition to civilian lifestyle? Question 4: How do ex-army personnel perceive support could be further developed or introduced, to facilitate individuals in the transition from military to civilian life? The thesis addressed three research aims, Aim 1: to examine how ex-army personnel perceive their experience of their transition from military to civilian life, Aim 2: to explore how ex-army personnel adjust to a civilian lifestyle, Aim 3: to develop an interpretation of the best ways in which to support ex-army personnel during their transition to civilian life. The three aims were achieved through the use of an IPA approach to the analysis of 9 interviews. Participants were individuals who had served in the army and experienced the transition from army to civilian life first hand. Nine master themes were developed as a result of the analysis. The nine master themes identified were: Identity, Control, Personality, Perception of the army, Wellbeing, Civilian lifestyle, Civilian connection, Army life, and Support. In its unique contribution to knowledge, this thesis builds upon the existing quantitative research on the topic of the transition from army to civilian life creating further depth and understanding. It explores how individuals perceive their transition experience and how they made meaning of this in their reflections. In addition to this, it uses the examination and evaluation of the transition experience to develop an interpretation of how ex-army personnel may be better supported in their transition to civilian life.

Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander B. Belser ◽  
Gabrielle Agin-Liebes ◽  
T. Cody Swift ◽  
Sara Terrana ◽  
Neşe Devenot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Letting Go ◽  
Relational Embeddedness ◽  
Visual Phenomena

The psychological mechanisms of action involved in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are not yet well understood. Despite a resurgence of quantitative research regarding psilocybin, the current study is the first qualitative study of participant experiences in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Semistructured interviews were carried out with 13 adult participants aged 22 to 69 years ( M = 50 years) with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis. Participants received a moderate dose of psilocybin and adjunctive psychotherapy with an emphasis on the process of meaning-making. Verbatim transcribed interviews were analyzed by a five-member research team using interpretative phenomenological analysis. General themes found in all or nearly all transcripts included relational embeddedness, emotional range, the role of music as conveyor of experience, meaningful visual phenomena, wisdom lessons, revised life priorities, and a desire to repeat the psilocybin experience. Typical themes found in the majority of transcripts included the following: exalted feelings of joy, bliss, and love; embodiment; ineffability; alterations to identity; a movement from feelings of separateness to interconnectedness; experiences of transient psychological distress; the appearance of loved ones as guiding spirits; and sharing the experience with loved ones posttreatment. Variant themes found in a minority of participant transcripts include lasting changes to sense of identity, synesthesia experiences, catharsis of powerful emotion, improved relationships after treatment, surrender or “letting go,” forgiveness, and a continued struggle to integrate experience. The findings support the conclusion that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy may provide an effective treatment for psychological distress in cancer patients. Implications for theory and treatment are discussed.

scholarly journals Insights on the Process of Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis in a Sport Coaching Research Project

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Callary ◽  
Scott Rathwell ◽  
Bradley Young
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology ◽  
First Time

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is a qualitative research methodology used to understand participants’ subjective realities through personal interpretations of their lived experiences and the meanings they attach to these experiences (Smith, 2011). IPA has been used predominantly in health psychology, with rising interest within the field of sport psychology and coaching. This article seeks to describe insights about the processes of IPA by a research team using the methodological approach for the first time. These experiences are shared against the backdrop of research exploring the lived experiences of Masters athletes within the context of coached competitive swim programs. We describe how the multiple facets of IPA influence the refinement of the research question, the planning and implementation of data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. We elaborate on our perceptions of the complexities of IPA and make recommendations for how future research teams might smoothly navigate the rigorous research process to yield rich in-depth data and interpretations.

Working After Loss: How Bereavement Counsellors Experience Returning to Therapeutic Work After the Death of Their Parent

2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110676
Author(s):  
Dr. Colleen Swinden
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Grief And Loss ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Therapeutic Work ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
The Impact

Despite increased interest in the impact of external events on counsellors, surprisingly little has been written on counsellor bereavement. To address the research question: How do bereavement counsellors experience therapeutic work after the death of their parent? Interviews were conducted with four bereaved counsellors who reflected on its impact on their work. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three major themes emerged; how decisions about returning to work were informed by colleagues and supervision; the benefits of returning to work and the use of ‘bracketing’; long-term implications for practice including heightened empathy with clients’ and disclosure of loss. In addition, participants felt they had insufficient guidance regarding fitness to practice. The possible limitations of the study were that self-selection may have introduced an element of bias to the results. These findings support existing literature and also revealed potential gaps in grief and loss training for counsellors and supervisors. A particular training issue for supervisors might be identifying and discussing fitness to practice issues with supervisees. There are also implications for counsellors in terms of the use of self-disclosure in therapy. Suggested further research to explore the use of self-disclosure in greater depth.

scholarly journals Working Relationally with Adolescents Who Have Experienced Complex Interpersonal Trauma: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Amari ◽  
Adam Mahoney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Interpersonal Trauma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Distance Relationship

AbstractThe study explores practitioners’ experiences of working with adolescents with complex interpersonal trauma. Five mental health professionals were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to identify themes related to the research question. Three superordinate themes emerged: “The distance-relationship dynamic”; “The unknown self”; “Practitioners’ presence”. Participants reported the fragility of their relationships with clients, enhanced awareness of their professional and personal identity, and highlighted the importance of meeting their clients as persons. Results are discussed within the literature that considers the role of the person of the therapist to foster therapeutic change. Future research could explore the role of therapeutic distance, the interplay between transference-countertransference and attachment dynamics, and the relevance of practitioners’ playfulness with traumatised youth. Finally, this study proposes a model of use of self as “compassion-in-action” to express practitioners’ ‘response-ability’ to their clients’ trauma as commitment to social justice.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation of Executive Function in Externally Paced Sports within “the Structure and Chaos of the Game”

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Doucette ◽  
Ryan E. Rhodes ◽  
Mauricio Garcia-Barrera
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Effective Performance

Introduction: While previous quantitative research has determined that executive function is malleable to sport participation, executive functioning in sport has not yet been investigated qualitatively in elite university athletes' sport experiences. Understanding the executive processes used in sports from an athletes ' perspective is vital to create more pertinent assessments as well as to provide accessible, athlete-focused language to describe executive function in sport. Therefore, our study had the following research question: 'What is the role of executive function in elite EP sports athletes' sport experiences?'. Methods: 19 Canadian U-Sports athletes (ages 18 – 25; 37% female) were recruited through emailing coaches and social media. The participants completed semi-structured interviews via Zoom with a focus on identifying their executive function processes in sport. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Results: We generated three themes: 1) Engaging in pre-play or pre-game planning, organization and decision making, 2) Engaging in mid-play problem solving and purposive action and 3) Engaging in post-play or post-game information processing, emotional control and effective performance. Conclusions: Our study determined that the executive functions athletes use are dependent on their involvement in the play and the point of the game (pre-, mid- or post-). The three themes demonstrate that throughout different moments of the game, the athletes engage in several executive functions such as planning (pre-), problem-solving (mid-), and self-monitoring (post-). These findings offer a unique contribution to our understanding of athletes’ executive function in sport and have important implications for sports psychologists and related professionals assessing and explaining executive function to athletes in the future.

The Role of Cognitions and Beliefs in Trichotillomania: A Qualitative Study Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imogen C. Rehm ◽  
Maja Nedeljkovic ◽  
Anna Thomas ◽  
Richard Moulding
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Cognitive Therapies ◽  
Depth Interviews

Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterised by the removal of one's hair, causing hair loss. Phenomenological research on TTM has investigated its associated behavioural and affective factors. Few studies have investigated the possible role of cognitions and beliefs, despite emerging support for cognitive therapies in treating this disorder. This study aimed to explore and describe the cognitions and beliefs that contribute to the onset and maintenance of hairpulling in TTM. Eight women with TTM participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews to explore their experience of cognitions and beliefs before, during and after typical hairpulling episodes. Interviews were analysed using the qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Six superordinate themes of beliefs were identified as important: negative self-beliefs, control beliefs, beliefs about coping, beliefs about negative emotions, permission-giving beliefs, and perfectionism. These preliminary findings suggest that cognitions may play an important role in TTM phenomenology. Future quantitative research on the role of cognitions and beliefs in TTM in larger samples has the potential to advance cognitive-behavioural models and treatments of this poorly understood disorder.

‘This is your golden time. You enjoy it and you’ve plenty time for crying after’: How dysphagia impacts family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1097-1107
Author(s):  
Dominika Lisiecka ◽  
Helen Kelly ◽  
Jeanne Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
South West ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Background: Dysphagia (swallowing impairments) is a well-recognised symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caring for a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been recognised as a complex and demanding task. No study to date investigated the impact of dysphagia on the lives of caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aim: To investigate the experiences of dysphagia from the perspective of family caregivers of people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Individual interviews (n = 15) plus observations of mealtime preparation were conducted, where possible (seven or n). Setting/participants: Participants comprised family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dysphagia living in the South West of Ireland ( n = 10). Findings: Dysphagia transformed the mealtime experiences of the caregivers and changed their approaches to food. Frustration related to the inability to stabilise the weight of the person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the fear of choking emerged strongly. The caregivers strived to ensure the safety of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during meals by providing constant supervision. Despite the challenges precipitated by dysphagia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the caregivers wished to maintain normality for as long as they perceived it to be possible. Conclusion: This study provides a unique contribution in advancing our understanding of the impact of dysphagia on the caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Professionals must explore and recognise the needs of the caregivers and provide them with appropriate support, especially how to manage choking.

scholarly journals Stories of female special school headteachers and their experience of headship: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Amanda Jane Costello
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Special School ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Social Forces ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Ideal Types ◽  
Underrepresentation Of Women

Leadership positions in special schools are becoming increasingly difficult to fill and there is a significant gap in the literature on special school leadership in general. This gap in the research includes a focus on the life stories of female headteachers in these settings and situated within a constructivist paradigm. Taking a narrative approach, this study will explore the life stories of female special school headteachers, building on an understanding of their leadership journey in order to potentially act as an inspiration to others. Detailing different aspects of the special school headteachers’ experiences, the themes highlighted the complexity of the women’s impressions of special school headship, the heterogeneity among the special school headteacher stories and the importance of critical reflection within their journey. Unstructured interviews were conducted with six participants. All interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three subordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘managing constraint’, ‘motivating forces’ and ‘perceptions of special school headship and the future’. Drawing on Giddens’ theory of social forces and his belief about the primacy of human knowledgeability over social forces, and also Margaret Archer’s theory of reflexivity as an intercessor between structural forces and human agency, this thesis proposes three types of special school headteacher: ‘the strategic and decisive leader’, ‘the values-orientated professional’ and ‘the person-centred educator’. These ideal types illustrate the heterogeneous ways in which a small sample of women special school headteachers had reflected on, positioned themselves towards and navigated their way through the career challenges in special education. This typology together with the nuanced analysis advanced throughout this thesis offers a unique contribution to knowledge. The varying inferences for special school practice 4 and research were discussed and I conclude by arguing that the underrepresentation of women in special school headship is a complex situation, and the stories of special school headteachers merit a place at the centre of our theorising and understanding of it. The findings reported in this thesis may be of interest to potential special school headteacher aspirants, as well as those tasked with identifying and training future special school leaders.

scholarly journals Making Sense of Participant Experiences: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Midwifery Research

10.28945/3486 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha J Charlick ◽  
Jan Pincombe ◽  
Lois McKellar ◽  
Andrea Fielder
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Individualized Care ◽  
The Individual

Selecting the most appropriate methodology for research as a doctoral student is one of the most important yet difficult decisions. Not only should the methodology suit the research question, it is important that it resonates with the philosophy of one’s discipline and produces needed results that will contribute to knowledge. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is an approach to qualitative enquiry. IPA seeks to explore how individuals make sense of their major life experiences and is committed to the detailed study of each particular case before moving to broader claims. In the field of midwifery, midwives work with women throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period, offering individualized care based on the unique needs of each woman. IPA aligns with this women-centered philosophy as it offers a methodological approach that considers the individual in a local context. By capturing context specific situations, IPA allows broad-based knowledge to be contextualized within a social and cultural context, producing relevant findings. Thus the access to IPA studies will enable midwives to better care for women and their families through understanding the experiences and perceptions of those in their scope of practice. This paper presents the theoretical framework leading to practical guidelines on how to con-duct a doctoral-level IPA study, as experienced by the first author. It also addresses the advantages and challenges around utilizing IPA, illustrated through examples from the doc-toral student’s study on the journey of exclusive breastfeeding in Australia.

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