Naming themes in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): Recommendations and examples

Journal article

Nigbur, D. and Chatfield, Sheryl L. 2025. Naming themes in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): Recommendations and examples. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 24. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241312792
AuthorsNigbur, D. and Chatfield, Sheryl L.
Abstract

In qualitative research, theme typically refers to an identified trend running through the data. Themes play a prominent role in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and may serve as a framework for presentation. Although comprehensive resources are available to guide researchers through stages of IPA analysis, there is far less information on specific strategies for associating a theme with a name or label for IPA, or for other qualitative approaches. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present strategies for thoughtful development of IPA theme names. To this end, we present and summarize available theme-naming guidance associated with multiple methods including IPA and thematic analysis. We supplement this with examples from prior IPA research studies we believe illustrate effective theme names, organized in three broad categories of theme focus, phrasing, and structure. Within these categories we provide guidelines for researchers to consider to best address the research purpose and most effectively communicate the key findings.

KeywordsThemes (data); Research methods; Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
Year2025
JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods
Journal citation24
PublisherSAGE
ISSN1609-4069
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241312792
Official URLhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/16094069241312792
Publication dates
Online09 Jan 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted24 Dec 2024
Deposited08 Jan 2025
Accepted author manuscript
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Restricted
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