Page 28 [28]
26 a USING INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
ence the data analysis. Ihe process of the analysis has to be shared where each
researcher could express the own interpretation then consensus could be
reached in case of emergent themes and master themes.
1.3. IPA AND RECOVERY
In the previous sub-chapter, the elements of recovery were presented. This
section will highlight why IPA is a suitable method for examining recovery
processes and what elements IPA is focusing on during a research study. Also,
I would like to highlight what these mean in the research practice.
As it was presented, recovery is considered to be a process (Terry & Card¬
well, 2015). With IPA processes of experience change could be examined
beneficially (Smith et al., 2009). Therefore, IPA examines not just a particular
event, it also examines the process in which it is embedded, because the
meaning of a particular event (e.g., a turning point) could be captured through
its context. In research practice, during an IPA study, the researcher should
let the participants tell their stories in detail. During the data analysis pro¬
cesses should be discovered in participants’ narratives.
Recovery is a subjective process, which could be different for everyone
(Terry & Cardwell, 2015). IPA is working with a person-centered approach
and aims to discover the subjective aspect of the phenomenon. During an
IPA research study, the researcher should let the participants talk about their
own experience and the way they see it. During the analysis the researcher
should keep this subjective way. Thus, the results should represent what the
experience is like to the participant.
IPA’s central inquiry is the examination of how people make sense of their
significant life experiences (Smith et al., 2009) and how they construct their
narratives (according to Hanninen, 2004 individuals interpreting their past
events, present situations and future project by using cultural narrative models
as resources). In recovery, the essential element is the meaning-making pro¬
cess. Making sense of the past, the condition or illness and making sense of
life beyond the illness is essential in recovery (Koski-Jannes, 1998; Larkin &
Griffiths, 2002). In research practice, the researcher should explore the mean¬
ing-making process of the participant and during the interviews question like
these could be asked: What does this experience mean to you? What is it like
for you? During the analysis, the researcher should collect these meaning and
step into the cycle of interpretation (double hermeneutics).
With IPA the impact of a particular experience in one’s identity and the
process of identity formation could be examined (Smith et al., 2009). Identity
change during substance use and recovery is important. The self is generated
from moment to moment based on physical stimuli and thoughts. Psycho¬