Multi family member interview studies: a focus on data analysis

Abstract

Although qualitative research about couples and families is becoming increasingly widespread, the aspect of data analysis remains largely underrepresented in the literature. In this methodological paper, we outline one specific approach to data analysis in the context of multi family member interview studies. Inspired by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Dyadic Interview Analysis, this approach allows for the detailed and systematic analysis of family practices and the co‐construction of shared family realities. Based on an example study in the field of medically assisted reproduction, we give a detailed explanation of the aim of this approach, the different steps in the analysis process and the output of a multi family member interview study. The findings of this example study are discussed in light of the methodological challenges and opportunities. Practitioner points Multi family member interview analysis allows for the systematic analysis of family practices and the co‐construction of shared family realities The findings might approximate to the therapeutic complexities that systemic therapists often encounter better than classical quantitative or qualitative research One specific data analysis approach in the context of multi family member interview studies is outlined as data analysis remains underrepresented in the literature

The family practice of support-giving after a pediatric cancer diagnosis: A multi-family member interview analysis

“…Inspired by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith et al, 2009) and Dyadic Interview Analysis (Eisikovits and Koren, 2010), Multi Family Member Interview Analysis (MFMIA; Van Parys et al, 2017) facilitates the understanding of broader family dynamics by obtaining and combining the perspectives of multiple family members. MFMIA consists of three phases ( Fig.…”

“…To fill this gap, we completed a study using one-to-one interviews with multiple family members (i.e., mothers, fathers and siblings), focusing on family support-giving. Multi Family Member Interview Analysis (MFMIA; Van Parys et al, 2017) was used as a methodological framework to analyze the individual interviews, focusing on families as the unit of analysis. Inspired by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et al, 2009) and Dyadic Interview Analysis (Eisikovits and Koren, 2010), MFMIA allows a detailed and systematic analysis of shared family experiences (Van Parys et al, 2017).…”

“…Multi Family Member Interview Analysis (MFMIA; Van Parys et al, 2017) was used as a methodological framework to analyze the individual interviews, focusing on families as the unit of analysis. Inspired by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et al, 2009) and Dyadic Interview Analysis (Eisikovits and Koren, 2010), MFMIA allows a detailed and systematic analysis of shared family experiences (Van Parys et al, 2017). This approach has proved insightful in studies that analyze experiences shared by family members, particularly when assessing sensitive topics such as adjustment to an illness (Eisikovits and Koren, 2010).…”

The Experiences and Healthcare Needs of Families Living With Pediatric Brain Tumor: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study Protocol

“…This is a longitudinal qualitative study. We will take a "multiple perspectives" approach to explore and understand both individual perspectives and experiences, and the family dynamics and experiences, of living with a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis (Harden et al, 2010;Van Parys et al, 2017). A multi-method ("mosaic"; Clark, 2017) approach will be used for flexible data collection that addresses the diverse needs of children and families living with a life threatening illness.…”

Five Phases of Dyadic Analysis: Stretching the Boundaries of Understanding of Family Relationships

“…As described in the model of Van Parys et al. (), the aim of this phase was to obtain a holistic understanding of all the families as one group, and to find convergences between the themes that emerged in the various families.…”