Working with stories in nursing research: Procedures used in narrative analysis

Authors: Kelly, Teresa; Howie, Linsey

Source: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, Volume 16, Number 2, April 2007 , pp. 136-144(9)

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Abstract:

This paper describes the procedures undertaken in a qualitative study that used nurses' stories to examine the influence of Gestalt therapy training on the professional practice of psychiatric nurses. The paper places narrative research methodologies within a nursing context before introducing narrative inquiry, specifically narrative analysis methodology. Procedures used in the study are subsequently described in sufficient detail to serve as a guide for novice researchers interested in undertaking a narrative analysis study. An exemplar of a storied outcome is provided to evidence the product of the narrative analysis research process. The paper concludes with reflections on the importance of articulating the process of narrative analysis as a means of developing interest and competence in narrative research, and using nurses' stories as a means of exploring, understanding, and communicating nursing practice.

Keywords: Gestalt therapy; narrative analysis methodology; narrative inquiry; psychiatric nursing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2007.00457.x

Affiliations: 1: School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Publication date: 2007-04-01