Looking Inward: Philosophical and Methodological Perspectives on Phenomenological Self-Reflection

Abstract

Engaging in early and ongoing self-reflection during interpretive phenomenological research is critical for ensuring trustworthiness or rigor. However, the lack of guidelines and clarity about the role of self-reflection in this methodology creates both theoretical and procedural confusion. The purpose of this article is to describe key philosophical underpinnings, characteristics, and hallmarks of the process of self-reflection in interpretive phenomenological investigation and to provide a list of guidelines that facilitate this process. Excerpts from an interpretive phenomenological study are used to illustrate characteristics of quality self-reflection. The guidelines are intended to be particularly beneficial for novice researchers who may find self-reflective writing to be daunting and unclear. Facilitating use of self-reflection may strengthen both the interpretive phenomenological body of work as well as that of all qualitative research.

Tangled pasts, healthier futures: Nursing strategies to improve American Indian/Alaska Native health equity

“…The relationship developed gradually and was supported by management consistently assigning the author to the patient over a period of weeks, which represents a best practice in terms of continuity of care and trust building (Keltner, et al, 2004;Pool, 2018).…”

Experienced Pediatric Oncology Nurses Using Self-Reflective Practices in the Clinical Setting: A Phenomenological Investigation

“…In the 20th and 21st centuries, reflective practice continued to develop as a process of self-awareness by analyzing one's thoughts and emotions (Chacko & Sreerenjini, 2012;Pool, 2018). For example, in the mid-1990s, nursing scholars and educators sought to improve patient care by recruiting nurses who were aware of their emotions and could process those emotions skillfully in the clinical setting (Kerfoot, 1996).…”

“…Charalambous and Kaite (2013) stated, "It is the authors' belief that data regarding the experiences of the students should also be collected through written narratives (diaries), a means that allows the narrator to describe the experience in more detail without the pressure of the interview" (p. 2). The problem is instead of using reflective practices as a process of selfawareness, understanding, and changing past behaviors (Chacko & Sreerenjini, 2012;Pool, 2018), Charalambous and Kaite (2013) used reflective narratives as a method for researching lived experiences rather than as a method for teaching students about being reflective.…”

“…What is self-reflection? Self-reflection was defined in the literature as (a) a process of asking oneself simple questions to better understand an experience (Borton, 1970), (b) a process of personal and professional development (Atkins & Murphy, 1994;Mann et al, 2009;Oluwatoyin, 2015;Ruth-Sahd, 2003;Schön, 1983), (c) a meaningful cycle of thinking that can lead to self-awareness and self-understanding (Atkins & Murphy, 1994;Boud et al, 1985;Boyd & Fales, 1983;Chacko & Sreerenjini, 2012;Fowler, 2014;Gibbs, 1988;Kerfoot, 1996;Kolb, 1984;Pool, 2018;Smyth, 1989), and (d) a process of thinking that leads to action (Boud et al, 1985;Boyd & Fales, 1983;Gibbs, 1988;Hentz & Lauterbach, 2005;Kolb, 1984;Schön, 1983, Smyth, 1989. In Chapter 2, I also discussed how self-reflection could be used as a strategy to develop authentic and emotionally intelligent leaders (Akerjordet & Severinsson, 2008;Avolio & Gardner, 2005;Kerfoot, 1996;Shirley, 2006).…”

“…Nursing leadership is responsible for developing programs and cultivating behaviors (e.g., authenticity, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience) that include a safe and healthy environment for nurses (Akerjordet & Severinsson, 2008;Avolio & Gardner, 2005;Chacko & Sreerenjini, 2012;Kerfoot, 1996;Pool, 2018;Shirley, 2006). Developing programs where nurses learn about self-reflective behaviors can potentially improve their capacity to cope with workplace stressors in a positive manner (Horton-Deutsch & Sherwood, 2008).…”