A participatory journal/dialogue approach to narrative research illustrated using a study of informal caregiving

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we describe a participatory approach to data collection and analysis, illustrated by using a study of informal caregiving. Participants chose their own method of journaling their experiences of caregiving: they used written journals, photographs, or a combination of these methods to record their experiences. Participants reflected on and discussed the journal entries during regular telephone interviews with the researcher. Four participants completed up to six interviews each based on their journal entries. The interview transcripts were analysed using narrative analysis. This participatory journal/dialogue method provided rich, reflective and insightful information. This approach was particularly useful for exploring dynamic experience; participants had the opportunity to recollect, reshape, and narrate the importance of the transitory experiences of caregiving described in their journals. The narrative analysis revealed caregiving identities grounded in the daily mundane work of informal care.

KEYWORDS:

• Solicited diaries
• self-directed photography
• visual diary
• journal/dialogue approach
• informal caregiving

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical Approval

The study referred to in this paper has ethical approval from the Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern B, Application 10/67.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. MAUX 09/02.

Notes on contributors

Mary Breheny

Mary Breheny is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Massey University. Her research focuses on the ways that inequalities throughout the lifespan accumulate in later life.

Barbara Horrell

Barbara Horrell completed her PhD in Psychology at Massey University. Her research examined informal caregiving of older people from a capability approach.

Christine Stephens

Christine Stephens is Professor of Social Science Research in the School of Psychology, Massey University. She teaches health promotion and research methods. She leads the Health and Ageing Research Team and conducts research with older people.