The method of psychobiography: presenting a step-wise approach

ABSTRACT

Psychobiography as a qualitative research method in psychology has witnessed prolific growth in the last few decades. This growth has been accompanied by concerns regarding the veracity, rigour, quality, and trustworthiness of psychobiographical research. Current research has gone a long way toward addressing these concerns through the publication of excellent best practice guidelines as well as criteria for evaluating the quality of psychobiographical research. However, a gap remains regarding guidelines detailing the steps involved in conducting psychobiographical research. This article addresses this gap by relying on existing psychobiographical guidelines and general qualitative research strategies to advance a step-wise approach to the conducting of a psychobiography. The aim is to provide simple and clear guidelines that can be followed when undertaking psychobiographical research. Through so doing, this article contributes to the continuous growth and improvement of the field of psychobiographical research.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychobiography
• psychobiography method
• qualitative research

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolina du Plessis

Dr. Carolina du Plessis is a clinical psychologist (registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa) and was a lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her fields of interest include social psychology, the psychology of religion, and psychobiography. She is currently the guest editor of a special edition of the Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology focusing on the relationship between phenomenology and psychobiography.