Methodology

Qualitative research, specifically an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). An IPA study is a research approach focused on understanding how individuals make sense of their personal experiences. In an IPA study, researchers explore deep, subjective insights by interviewing people about significant events or aspects of their lives—such as loss, trauma, or identity—and then analyzing their responses to uncover themes and meanings. This method is particularly valuable in psychology and related fields because it aims to capture the complexity of human emotions, thoughts, and interpretations, providing rich, detailed insights that can inform therapeutic practices and deepen our understanding of human behavior.