Sociocultural reflexivity study of the development of social participation among Thai adults with depression

ABSTRACT

Reflexivity is essential for a grounded theory study to systematically collect and analyze data and develop rigour and credibility. This study aimed to provide reflexivity in a Thai sociocultural context that influences the social participation of the Thai adults suffering from depression, employing Alvesson and Skolberg’s reflexivity through constant comparative methodology. The study used reflexive notes from the reflexive stance of the primary researcher in her doctoral study for assisting the construction of a substantial theory in the development of social participation among Thai adults with depression. Krengjai, or mutual dependence in social life and coexistence, revealed a linkage reciprocating support and challenged rebounding social participation. The reflexivity of krengjai showed limitations and appropriateness for social participation among Thai adults with depression. In conclusion, krengjai’s reflexivity encouraged the researcher’s and grounded theory study’s moral and theoretical sensitivity.

KEYWORDS:

• Reflexivity
• grounded theory study
• depression
• social participation
• Thai

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participants in the first author’s doctoral study and the Tokyo Human Resources Fund for City Diplomacy Scholarship. Supaluck Phadsri: Research design, methodology, data collection and curation, conceptualisation, writing - reviewing and editing. Rieko Shioji and Atsuko Tanimura: Conceptualisation, reviewing and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

Raw data would remain confidential and would not be shared because of ethical concerns.