Layering the wounded self: Using a pluralistic qualitative approach to explore meaning–making around self–injury

Abstract

This paper shows how a study using a pluralistic qualitative design explored the meaning–making process taking place around repetitive self–injury. By combining three interpretative lenses (interpretative phenomenological analysis, narrative analysis and psychosocial analysis), the researchers were able to develop a rich, multi–layered understanding of one individual’s experience of the behaviour. However, the project also raised significant methodological and epistemological issues. In the present review, we hope to illustrate the value of qualitative pluralism as a mixed methods approach enabling researchers and scientist-practitioners to engage more deeply with the subjective meanings attached to severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.