“Slit och släng samhälle” WEAR AND TEAR – THEMATIC ANALYSIS ON ADDICTIONS Sivan Menczel — PSMT40 VT2018 — Final Exam Detailed Description of Analysis Groups, categories, patterns or themes in a qualitative analysis are subjected to the judgment of the person interpreting the material, which surpass any guidelines, though may be influenced by predetermined criteria or a purpose. It is therefore essential that the researcher thoughts and feelings will be noted during analysis. While the transcription of interviews are data, the analysis is the actual findings of the study. The work in many ways is to find the pieces in a massive pool of data that are crucial for deeper understanding of the material in hand, and constructing a greater whole, on a different level of meaningfulness. By framing the research question and creating a protocol for the interview, researcher may direct the data coming in to be relevant for the research question. However, meaningful data can sometimes emerge from sidetracked answers and unplanned points made and brought up by participants. It is important therefore in the analysis, that the researcher keeps an open mind and consider the material as unbiased as possible. Interviewee may not answer the question asked but, the meaningfulness of what they say, to the study, might be greater than expected by the researcher, answering a question that should have been asked. The researcher waits with extensive interpretations to the analysis momentum, trying to keep bias in bay, even during data collection. A short review of few selected qualitative studies that deal with similar issues are helpful to get ideas and inspiration, and to have nearby while analyzing the material, for moments of doubt and reflection (Patton, 2015). However, this mini-study takes an inductive, realistic approach and therefor any review of literature on the subject is done, after the initial coding. That is, an inductive thematic analysis is the main objective of this mini-study, in which the phenomenological value of addiction is the main subject of inquiry. The transcribed interviews were copied onto a table document, in the middle column, where notes and alternative themes could be written on the right column, and other suggestions for themes and categories, could be written on the left. The notes could be the researcher own thoughts and feelings, insights and discoveries, made while reading and analyzing the material, and that might shed a light on the analysis process. All interviews were read through 3 times before any analysis begun. The purpose of the study is to investigate experiences of addiction, and coping strategies people may have, to deal with such experiences. At first the analysis was then, directed at experiences of addiction. Experiences of addiction emerge in the text as actions, feelings and thoughts patterns. The first stage of the analysis was then focused on such elements that illuminate the experience of addiction. Segments of interview that were related to the experience in the moment, when participants themselves described how it was for them to be addicted, were marked with a color marker. These segments were then coded according to whether they were actions, thoughts or feelings. The same process was then done for segments regarding coping. Eventually, other important comments were coded as meaningful actions, thoughts and feelings as well. This was done to all 3 interviews before any further analysis took place. Some notes were taken during this stage, for example if parts seemed related to both experience and coping, this was noted during coding as well. Such was the constant thought in the back of the head that one’s behavior is not OK, felt to the researcher as part of the experience of being addicted, as it is also present at that moment of experiencing addiction, at the same time it is expressed as a coping strategy, to the participants themselves. Another example is, the pattern of how one of the interviewee tends to reflect on her addictions, in which initial thoughts often lead to reflections on her actions, which then leads to reflections on her feelings in that context. Some suggestions for themes were noted at this point as well.
1
After the systematic coding was done, based and directed by the research question, a datadriven, exploratory thematic coding was initiated. During this stage, the researcher was trying to generate as many themes as possible, to extract and develop from the text, in a realistic manner, in which semantic meaning was emphasized. After an extensive thematic coding, the researcher turned to reviewing prior qualitative studies, dealing with themes of addiction. Possible themes and formulations inspired by the literature were noted, for example, withdrawal as an alternative for abstinence, expressing negative affect of not having access to the desired activity (Fullwood, Quinn, Kaye, & Redding, 2017; Ureta, 2007). The thematic codes generated by researcher were revised at this point. A full list with all themes were arranged on a separate document, where an overall initial thematic map could be constructed. The data was then reorganized in a new document, where segments of text were selected according to their thematic relation, and arranged with some help of the systematic codes. Connections and comparisons could be made in this format, and the thematic map was then revised again. At this stage, main themes on somewhat latent level, were selected, and subthemes were divided into clear categories. The text was then reorganized again in accordance to, the selected main themes, subthemes and categories. Also at this stage, systematic codes were abounded in favor of the meaningful data-driven themes and categories. This meant that some themes were not directly related to the research question anymore, although appeared to be relevant for the understanding and conceptualizing of addiction in general, and in relation to the participants’ phenomenological experiences. For example, selfassurance developed in the analysis as a form of recognition and acceptance of own strengths and weakness, participants expressed, regarding their behavioral patterns. This kind of defense mechanism seemed to be a useful tool for participants in making sense and discussing their addictions, which showed to be a difficult subject for them to acknowledge. This was expressed, besides self-reassurance, also in an active, conscious search for answers, to the questions posed by the researcher, as well as other forms of rationalizing. With the full text thematically arranged in accordance to the initial thematic map, the researcher set to read through the material once again. This process focus was to ensure that, all text segments indeed fit their selection into their themes, there are no major overlaps between themes, there is an overall consistency within each theme and that the themes are internally coherent. Such factors are referred to in the literature as external heterogeneity and internal homogeneity (Braun & Clarke, 2006). After reading through the whole text, changes and revisions were made to the themes. Changes included moving some segments of text to more appropriate themes as well as creating new themes, subthemes and categories as required, and moving subthemes and categories around for a better fit, with relation to the text. At this stage, a new revised thematic map was constructed. This was done till satisfactory result was achieved. After a final thematic map was created and the material arranged accordingly, the researcher turned into analyzing further each theme separately. This process was done by reading all text arranged under a specific theme, subtheme or category. Themes, subthemes and categories were then renamed if needed, and specifically defined in detail. For example, a subtheme initially titled solution, became resolutions, and defined as a process rather than a conclusive outcome. Themes or categories represent segments of text, selected as common patterns of some specific phenomena, identified in the text. The process of defining themes captures, the essence of the text they represent. Also, some themes had to be refined, to better fit the text, with the definition of their essence. For example, excessive behavior, compulsive behavior and loss of control, had to be clearly distinguish from each other, and some segments of text were edited and moved about, to fit the different definitions developed by the researcher at this point. This process marks an extensive interpretive analysis, in which researcher’s own perceptions, we’re dominating. Some themes had to be abandoned in lack of placement or fit
2
to the model. Such themes could not have more than one segment of text, and if so, these segments of text had to fit under some other category, considering they entail significant meanings to the analysis. Distancing for example represented only one sentence, and was not clearly related to other themes, which lead to the researcher eventually discarding the category, considering also its highly interpretive nature. Recognition was then also aggregated with realizations to form one cluster subtheme. Another example for such revisions in the thematic analysis are a couple of sentences that moved from a category called Acceptance, to the subtheme Acknowledgement. Acceptance was then discarded as well. After all themes, subthemes and categories were thoroughly defined, significant extracts from the data, that are best at illuminating the themes, were selected. These extracts were then used, to explain in which way, the rest of the text captures, the themes identified by the researcher. At this stage, the focus was to tie the themes, and the structure of the thematic map, with the original research question. The interpretations made by the researcher were thus, how the themes identified in the data, can be related to addiction, and be used to answer the research question. Each theme, subtheme and category was then individually examined in relation to the research question, and conclusions were formulated in accordance. This interpretive part of the analysis was made in a new document, where only selected extracts from the data and definitions of themes and categories were included. However, at times the researcher did reexamined other parts of the text that were relevant to the interpretations and conclusions made, using the thematic map, and even going back to the original transcriptions, to recover full quotations that were lost during rearrangement of the text into themes. Conclusions formulated by the researcher, directly working with the themes, were eventually reconsidered further in the discussion in relation to own reflections regarding addiction, and other possible alternative interpretations that could be extracted from the data, such as alternative themes, or alternative conclusions. Finally, it is important to point out that this analysis was created within few days, which perceived as insufficient to the researcher, in terms of utilization of the available bulk of data. At the same time, the researcher acknowledges the lack of representativeness in the sample regarding addiction as a general, domain-independent phenomenon. Aim The aim of this mini-study is to explore experiences of addictions and what people experience as addictive, as well as different coping strategies people might use, to manage such experiences. Method Sample Participants were a convenience selection of psychology students, available to be interviewed on the dates set by the course coordinator. Participants were volunteers who received credits for their participation. There were no selection criteria. The sample consisted of 2 females and one male. Two of the participants are native Swedish, and one is of Chinese origins. The researcher who also conducted the interviews is of Israeli origins. However, all participants as well as the researcher are currently living in Sweden and maintain a sufficient fluent level of Swedish. All interviews were therefore conducted in Swedish. No other demographic information was collected. Data Collection Data was collected through focus interviews that were video recorded with a camera and a microphone, on three different occasions during the spring semester of 2018. Interviews were
3
of about 15 minutes each, and were conducted by the same interviewer, using the same interview guide. All interviews were taken place at the same room in the laboratory facilities of the Psychology department at the university of Stockholm, early in the morning. The interview guide was formulated in accordance to the research question based on the aim of the study and consisted of 2 main area of inquiry, for each 7 possible leading questions were noted. Initially regarding the experience of addiction and then following questions regarding how participants may manage such experiences, possible leading questions were for example: How does that makes you feel? What would you do then? An introduction was made by the interviewer at each occasion, in which the planned length of the interview was announced, as well as information about the educational nature of the study and the video recording procedure. Participants were informed about the commitment to confidentiality from behalf of the researcher as well as their voluntary participation, which they could terminate at any moment if they wished. Additionally, a short description of the purpose of the interview was given before any question was posed. Analysis Data processing used in this study applies a 6 stages thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). The procedure entails familiarization with the data, through transcription, fully done by the researcher, followed by reading through the transcribed interviews several times. After the initial stage, systematic coding was done in accordance to the main inquiry areas of the research question. At the third stage, researcher was generating themes, driven by the textual semantic meaning of the data, in an expletory manner. This stage was then followed by construction of a thematic map, and arranging of the data accordingly. At the 4th stage, the interpretive subjective understanding of the researcher was dominating thematic organization of the data, in which the thematic map was revised and reconstructed, to the discretion of the researcher. The 5th stage focused on refining and clearly defining themes and subthemes, so to capture the essence of the text and the interpretations made by the researcher. Finally, key quotations were selected from the data, to illuminate the thematic analysis and the interpretive process. The definitions of the themes, and the selected quotations, were then reevaluated in relation to the research question as presented in the result section bellow (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results The analysis developed in this study, reflects 3 main themes, which reflects the expression of addiction as a human phenomenon. These themes perceived by the analyst, as most essential elements of addiction as presented in the data. Having reciprocal relations, themes of addiction integrates both experience and coping, for which no clear distinction is found. The themes are Personal Consequences, Mental Processing and Social Context. 1. Personal consequences Having an addiction may have several consequences that mainly influence the addict personally, without clear implications to hers/his environment. Such consequences could be the Consuming of one’s life and personality by the addiction. In a way, the addiction dominating and to some extent taking control of the addict’s life and personality. Another subtheme identified in this context is Emotional Arousal, which marks the way addiction may control the addict’s state of mind on a daily base. Consuming How addiction could be consuming one’s life? This could be expressed in two ways as identified in the data: preoccupation and automatic responses. Preoccupation can be expressed
4
by taking a big proportion of time. Time one is actively preoccupied with addiction, that could have been used in a better way, more productive or meaningful to the addict. For example, a late-night indulgence in a videogame addiction, when one must wake up early to work the day after. ”sedan så kunde ju problemet då bli istället att jag, då kanske var tvättstugan klar vid tio, och då behöver jag egentligen gå lägga mig, för att jag ska upp och jobba, men då kunde jag sätta mig och spela i en och en halv timme istället och ska gå lägga mig klockan tolv, och vara trött på jobbet dagen efter” A psychological aspect of preoccupation is obsessions. Being cognitively preoccupied with thoughts about one’s addiction. To the point of exclusively dominating thought process, expressed in inability to think about anything else. ”bara tänka på att jag skulle kunna få gå hem och spela och inte tänka på någonting annat liksom” Finally, behavioral preoccupation can be experienced also in excessive behavior. That is being immersed in the addictive activity excessively, more than necessary or desired, in a way perceived as not normal. For example, hurrying up with anything else, to be able to play more videogames. “om det dök upp någonting, så skynda det jag mig klart, stressade klart mig så att jag skulle kunna få spela mer” Automatic response on the other hand, is a control dimension of consuming. The addiction controlling behavior, often felt to the addict as automatic response or lack of stimuli control. This is expressed in the data as compulsive behavior, meaning acting on an impulse without thinking, automatic responses to an irresistible urge. For example, when dealing with a smartphone application addiction, the finger riches out and wants to press. ”det blir automatiskt nästan sådana reaktioner. Man tänker inte men nu går jag i den app:en och kolar, det blir som, som fingret har rikt ut, det vill trycka där” This dimension could also be experienced as loss of control. The addiction take control over the addict’s behavior, especially against one's conscious wishes. For example, a shopaholic admitting to shopp more than desired, at times. ”Alltså ibland liksom så har jag handlat mer än vad jag velat” Emotional Arousal Addiction may entail for the addict personally also emotional consequences. Addictions influence the addict state of mind and emotional regulation. Negative affect of addiction could be withdrawal. Withdrawal can be defined as negative emotional consequences of not having access to the desired addiction (Fullwood et al., 2017). ”då kunde jag bli irriterad eftersom jag, hade sett fram emot det… det var en frustration, alltså rastlöshet liksom, det är så, det blir lite som man behöver dagens fix” Another somewhat negative affect in the context of addiction could be disappointment, or not living up to the expectations, when the addicted activity fails to provide the expected emotional benefits. ”Men samtidigt så lever det ju aldrig upp till, till den förväntningen som man har haft då när man har gått och laddat hela dagen.” Positive affect in relation to addiction is expressed as longing, feelings of a yearning desire, euphoria such elevated mood or state of intense excitement and happiness, involving the
5
addiction. Gratification felt in satisfaction of the desire and indulgence, the ultimately enjoying the pleasure in the addictive activity, expressed in the conscious apprehension: ”now I am doing it!” ”det blir en lite såhär euforisk känsla att man verkligen ser fram emot… längtar efter det… …då kändes det väldigt såhär avkopplande och bah ah nu får jag göra det” Personal consequences are in a way, the first most private contact people may have with their addictions. Already there the analyst recognizes the integration of coping and experience. The felt consuming nature of the addiction in terms of time and obsessions and the loss of control, as well as the emotional impact, reflect a hidden ambivalence and suspicion, cultivated within the addict. All of this, becoming significant in managing addiction when farther processing of it take place, as shown at the next main theme. 2. Mental Processing Mental Processing marks the thoughts process of excepting one’s addictions, explaining it to one self, searching for motives and rationalizing to understand, reason, evaluate and resolve issues that are related to the addiction and its consequences. Subthemes developed by the analyst, to outline the essence of this theme are Conscious Search, Ulterior Motives, Evaluation and Resolution. Conscious Search Addiction appears to be a difficult subject to discuss. In a way people must acknowledge their weaknesses. This calls in the addicts a process of conscious awakening, bringing conceptualization of the experience to full awareness. Conscious search identified in the text as clear acknowledgements, marking acceptance and cognitive appraisal of the existence of an addiction, or significant aspects of the addictive experience. ”någonting som jag kanske känt av själv är väl ett beroende av typ tv-spel” ”Jag tycker att beroende är lite läskigt” Conscious search was also a function of recognition and realization. Participants recognize the mental process regarding their addictions, arriving to some understanding and drawing conclusions. This could be seen in the text in an active search as well as in form of insights. For example, realizing that one might never had considered the idea of addiction in relation to one’s own experience, which is then clearly recognized as an addiction during a process of conscious search. ” Jag började fundera över om jag haft någonting som liknande beroende, och det är väldigt intressant att jag kanske inte riktigt har tänkt på att det som jag upplevde i den där perioden, var som ett beroende till liknande, så det var intressant att leta lite efter den… har någonting som jag kan kalla för beroende, men det var verkligen det under den där perioden.” Another aspect of conscious search was contradictions, that might mark some level of denial. At the beginning the participants tells how easy it is to get tired of something, one does excessively after a while, never wanting to ever do it again, yet by the end of the interview clearly admitting being involved in the past addiction, still today. ”Jag kan bli jätte uppe i en enda sak och sedan så var det i flera veckor och sedan så tröttnar jag och sedan så läggar jag bara undan det och så vill jag aldrig hålla på med det igen… …jag spelar ju fortfarande spel.”
6
Ulterior Motives Considering ulterior motives is the mental process in which people are trying to explain for themselves why they behave in the way they do and why and how, the specific addictive activity could be so addictive, in a way excusing their addiction. A possible motivation expressed in the text is of the symbolic value, such as an escape or a ritual. ”ett behov av, av fly liksom hela tiden” ”Men just då fredag kvällen, jag upplever det litegrand också, jag vet inte om det är beroende eller som påsechips har ett speciellt värde då. Då känns nu vi bara slappnar av, inte göra något konstruktivt” Other possible motivation identified were such of a compensatory nature, in which the addictive activity may fulfil a compensatory function. This shown in the text, could be to elevate mood, alleviate boredom or help the addict to keep on going with the duties and requirements of daily life. ”Man kan ju säkert får såhär uttråkad kan jag också vara…och sedan trycka” ”det här var ett nånting jag gjorde för att slippa må dåligt över att jag vantrivdes på jobbet” When asked what happens after the addictive activity is realized, the participant expressed being filled with the feeling of the next thing that must be done. This was interpreted by the analyst as if the addiction was in a way helping the participant keep on going. Considering the next thing to be done, could have been done without immersing in the addictive activity first. Also, the way the participants formulate the next things to be done as “all that”, clearly referring to less enjoyable daily chores. ”Typ nästa grej kanske. Nästa grej man ska göra… så gör man någonting annat man kanske studerar eller, man kanske hänger tvätt eller, tar ut diskmaskinen eller… allt det där” At some point, all the participants tried to rationalize their addiction in a way expressing ulterior motives that are either positive in nature such a utility, justify the addictive behavior out of the addiction context, self-reassure themselves that they are in control or plainly downplay the extent in which the addictions influenced their lives. ”Det är ett väldigt bra verktyg att hålla kontakt” ”Jag har två små barn, jag hinner inte gå ut på butiker” ”jag lägger alltid undan telefonen” ”du måste tänka lågt intensiv skala” Evaluation The evaluative process marks a clear understanding of the harm the addictive behavior may entail. However, in the text both conscious and subconscious processes were distinctly identified. The subconscious processing at this stage, in which the harm is managed, obviously emphasizes the point made by the analyst, regarding the challenging status of dealing with ones’ addictions on a certain level of awareness. While conscious evaluation was often expressed in simple reasoning and self-critic, subconscious evaluation was referred to as some unexplained inner resistance as well as “the thought in the back of the mind”. ”Det är inte som bästa användning av min tid. Det är inte hälsosamt” ”Det hade varit nice om jag inte hade behövt byta jobb typ för att. Utan att jag bara kunde sluta av mig-själv, så det har då varit något, då i den situationen att jag behövde ändra
7
liksom livsbetingelser, för att kunna byta, sluta, bryta det här beteendemönstret liksom.” ”Jag tror att det är en samlad process som ackumulerats. Jag har, under tiden, när jag kollad på den här app. så mycket, då samlas motstånd” ”Jag hade hela tiden en tanke i bakhuvud att såhär, det här är inte så bra.” Resolution Resolution is the hallmark of mental processing. The ability of resolution though clearly combines each of the other aspects of mental processing, however from a new perspective. Through resolution, acceptance, insights, motivations and evaluations are integrated and utilized, so to generate alternative strategies for action, make positive changes, struggle with change and arrive at a solution marked by some level of rehabilitation. For example, in the case of a shopaholic or managing a Facebook like application. ”Man skulle ha ett såhär ett köpfritt år, har jag funderat på många gånger. Och börjat med liksom kanske haft såhär typ 3 månader… och sedan så ah skit samma liksom. Så gör man inte längre liksom… men ah någon gång kanske.” ”I början det var så att jag blockerade visa, så jag ser bara kanske, till exempel jag har 100 kontakter, blockerar jag kanske 50, så jag ser bara de 50 som jag tycker bra att veta vad de som… man kan kommentera, likes och sånt. Men tycker det är halvvägs. Lika mycket tid jag kanske spendera på den. Det finns ingen skillnad i påverkan… Jag valt att stänga av allting, så blir det mer tydligt… …För min egen sida jag har inte saknat att, jag har inte tänkt på ah men jag ska kanske titta på vad de håller på just nu, jag inte haft det här behovet faktiskt.” The analysis so far presents appraisal and processing of addiction on a discrete personal level. Privately, ambivalence and suspicion towards habituated automatized behavior, evolve ever so subtle, into diverse mental processes in which, resolution is the ultimate goal. However, the final main theme that completes this puzzle, underlines social constructs as crucial for understanding of the phenomenon. Throughout the data, it becomes clear that without the social context, addiction which is otherwise conceptualized, by the participants, as so private and discrete that it is somewhat hidden from awareness, even for the addict him/her-self, rather meaningless. 3. Social Context Social Context is the rule by which the addiction game is played. The personal experience is reflected up on a definition socially constructed, by references participants may extract from their nearest environment. Motivation that was rationalized and excused on a personal level in mental processing, must manage conflicting motives within the addict’s social context, which leads to feelings of guilt. Within the social context, addicts face the moral consequences of their addictions as well. Subthemes are therefore conceptualized as: Social Reference, Conflicting Motives, Guilt and Morality. Social Reference Participants clearly turns to their near environment in search for references. Such references are used to define addiction, often combined with stereotypes of what addiction might be, in which alcohol and drugs are common examples. ”den upplevelsen som jag förstår, personer som beskriver beroende”
8
”Jag har ingen i min närhet som haft problem med typ, men säg så här alkoholism eller droger” Conflicting Motives The addict may be conflicted by addictive urges when the nature of the addictive behavior become incompatible with ones’ social identity. ”Sedan så har ju spel blivit någonting socialt någonting som jag gör med mina vänner, och då blir ju lite, det känns lite bättre också än någonting jag bara springer och sätta mig och göra själv, och stänger in mig” Conflicting motives expressed in the text also in terms of priority, when the addictive behavior received to be prioritized over significant others. In this case focus on the addiction may be associated with neglect of a partner or one’s children as in the case of a smartphone addiction. ”Barnen leker, eller de säger mamma ska du titta på den här, visa, och kanske jag är upptagen för att jag måste avsluta en kommentar, eller måste göra någonting sånt, och har inte uppmärksamhet riktad till dem, istället till telefonen” Guilt Feelings of guilt found in the text can be divided into offensive – worry and defensive – ready. Offensive – worry, refers to participants worries regarding how their addictive behavior may offend close significant others. For the videogame addict, this was a main cause for reducing addictive behavior. “såhär insåg jag också att det här drabbar min sambo negativt… …den saken premierat gjorde väl egentligen att jag började trappa när på spelandet” Worries about offending one’s friends and family, could even be expressed in relation to managing addiction at the level of resolution. For example, after deciding to close all streams on a Facebook like application, the participant apologized to friends. ”Jag har berättat till visa vänner, nära vänner. Men jag som har stängt av, så var inte förbannande, eller ta inte illa upp av mig, jag har kommenterat (skratt) för att jag har stängt av bara.” Guilt in the sense of defensive – ready, refers to some sort of hyper-awareness, exhibited by the participant, regarding own addictive behavior. In a way, this could be interpreted as readiness to defend one self, in case being socially challenged. For example, hyper-awareness regarding where the jacket, the shopaholic had that day, was made. ”Min skinnjacka står sytt i Pakistan liksom, vilket bra val ändå liksom fråga tecken. Alltså hela… och du ser ju hela kapitalismen, strukturen, samhället, det är inte hållbart för någon egentligen.” Morality Referring to feelings of shame and responsibility, moral aspects of addiction in the data were most evident in relation to sustainability and environmentalism, as well as setting an example for younger generations. Smartphone addiction expressed in the text, considered as bad example for the children. “Man ska inte ge ett dåligt exempel, som hålla på med en skärm till telefonen framför barnen.” And so, it’s seems social context is what drives people to acknowledge their addictions. Social consequences are perceived as more severe, which could be related to the fact, that such consequences may entail direct retribution. It is explicit in the data, that addiction perceived as
9
a problem, only when it leads to undesirable social situations. Social context appears to be the most significant motivation to controlling addictive behavior. Discussion Summery and conclusions Though addictions may control the addicts’ behavior, dominate their thoughts and take over their lives, social consequences are identified as crucial motivating force in making a change. It is with the help of social references, people define and conceptualize addiction at first. Reflecting stereotypes of addiction and socially constructed definitions, on their own experiences, in somewhat subconscious level, eventually leads to acknowledgement. This mental processing appears to be rather challenging to people, who will try to rationalize and reason with themselves, arriving at a resolution, only with the help of some mystical unexplained resistance. Considering the analysis in its whole, the analyst inclined to imply, that this resistance, though felt as an inner drive, as well related to social factors, such as feelings of guilt and moral responsibility. Coping in this case can hardly discussed as a well-planned strategy. As the experience of addiction unfolds as a subconscious mood regulation, limited by social context and environmental factors. The analyst in this case takes a rather cynical approach, considering the intense level of awareness in which addictions are managed in her own life. Methodological issues Limitations of the analysis are stated at the detailed description. Ethical considerations are addressed briefly at the method section. However, few more issues need to be addressed. The ethical considerations noted at the method section, do not discuss, researcher conduct during interviews. This issue is especially relevant in this case, as the main subject of inquiry is both sensitive and private. Interviewers must display great sensibility, and caution in addressing such a subject, in terms of suggestive remarks and pressure to answer questions. The interviewer does not want to cause any inconvenience to the interviewee. At the same time this might be considered as a limitation of the method. That is, most likely that participants did not share all their sensitive private information with the researcher, and that valuable information remains uncovered. Another possibility is that interviewees were biased by social desirability in their rensponses. Also, the interviews were remarkably short, which also limited the opportunity for the interviewer to gain sufficient trust and understanding, opening channels that are more difficult to connect on at first. The answers of the participants are therefore highly influenced by the personality and presence of the interviewer, and probably by the fact the interviews were being filmed and recorded.
10
“Slit och släng samhälle” WEAR AND TEAR – THEMATIC ANALYSIS ON ADDICTIONS
Thematic-map
11
References Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Patton, M. Q. (2015) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th Ed.). Sage Publication Fullwood, C., Quinn, S., Kaye, L. K., & Redding, C. (2017) My virtual friend: A qualitative analysis of the attitudes and experiences of Smartphone users: Implications for Smartphone attachment. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 347-355. doi: org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.05.029 Ureta, I. G. (2007) Addictive Buying: Causes, Processes, and Symbolic Meanings. Thematic Analysis of a Buying Addict’s diary. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 408-422. doi: org/10.1017/S1138741600006673
12
Report "Sivan Menczel — PSMT40 VT2018 — Final Exam"