Theoretically informed qualitative psychotherapy research: A primer

Abstract

This paper presents an introduction to theoretically informed qualitative psychotherapy research (QPR). Although QPR researchers have traditionally remained silent on theory, we suggest this has resulted in an implicit and unacknowledged use of theory. We argue instead for a clear articulation of qualitative researchers' theory and outline how theory can be incorporated to inform the entire qualitative research process. This approach assumes the research problem is embedded in a clearly defined and articulated theoretical framework, which also informs data collection and data analysis. We outline how researchers can use explicit theoretical frameworks to inform research question formulation, data collection and data analysis and illustrate this with specific applications of the method in practice. We believe that starting from a declared theoretical framework sets up a dialogue between the research problem, the type of data required and their meaningful analysis and interpretation. This aims not only to achieve greater depth in the final product of research, but also to enhance its utility in terms of practice; it contributes to building, altering and differentiating theory; and it allows for greater transparency by openly articulating the theoretical framework that scaffolds the entirety of the research process.

A multi-center, randomized, 12-month, parallel-group, feasibility study to assess the acceptability and preliminary impact of family navigation plus usual care versus usual care on attrition in managing pediatric obesity: a study protocol

“…For objective 1 (measuring acceptability), we will perform a theoretically informed analysis of interview data using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA; [ 96 ]). Our theoretically informed analysis situates the professional knowledge of the researcher, allows transparent examination of the research by the reader, and has two main characteristics: how data are structured and how data are interpreted [ 97 ]. The structure of our analytic process will be anchored in the theoretical framework.…”

“It's wrong to relax, you have to be on the go, go, go, all the time”: Emotional transformation in a case of emotion‐focused therapy for generalised anxiety disorder

“…The research design consisted of a qualitative, observational, single case study of a successful EFT treatment for GAD. A theoretical framework derived from Pascual‐Leone and Greenberg's (2007) model of sequential emotional transformation was used as a basis for qualitative analysis using a theoretically informed descriptive–interpretative approach (Elliott & Timulak, 2005, 2021; Hissa & Timulak, 2020). Qualitative analysis was triangulated by a quantitative analysis, which used existing observer‐based scales to rate all emotion events identified across therapy in terms of emotions present, level of emotional arousal, productivity of emotional processing and presence of affective‐meaning states.…”

Conducting video therapy with adults with an intellectual disability: A qualitative study of qualified and trainee psychologists' experiences

“…To encourage reflexivity, “bracketing” interviews were undertaken before data collection and during analysis (Fischer, 2009). “Bracketing” is a process designed to “bracket” the researcher's prior beliefs or assumptions from their involvement with the current study, thus allowing them to view data with “fresh eyes” (Hissa & Timulak, 2020). Reflexivity was also assured by regular supervision with an experienced researcher in IPA to allow space to reflect on the research.…”