An Introduction to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Useful Approach for Occupational Therapy Research

Abstract

Occupational therapy is currently experiencing a professional refocusing on occupation and its intrinsic relationship with health and wellbeing (Molineux 2004). However, in order to keep this momentum going and to enhance the confidence of therapists in their practice, it is vital that research is undertaken that enables the development of an understanding of how occupation is experienced and ascribed meaning by individuals. This opinion piece suggests that interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a useful methodology for therapists to develop such an understanding. It introduces the reader to IPA, including a brief overview of its theoretical underpinnings, highlights factors to consider when planning an IPA study, and discusses how it may provide a useful approach for occupational therapy researchers.