Research Article
André de Waal, Esther Mollema, Eunice Willemstein, Ineke Slagter, Marco Schreurs, Michel Hodes, Peter Boudewijn
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 1-33
ABSTRACT
Quality improvement of healthcare institutions has become increasingly important these past decades, mainly due to demographic developments. At the same time, the sector is suffering from political and budgetary pressures which makes quality improvement a tall order. As a result, healthcare institutions have been searching for frameworks which can help them in difficult circumstances to improve their quality by increasing their dynamic capabilities and organizational competencies. This research sets out to identify such a framework. Based on a review of the existing literature the HPO Framework was chosen and subsequently applied at three Dutch nursing home care institutions. In a period of three years the HPO Diagnosis was performed at the three institutions. This yielded information on their status on the way to high performance and attention points which they needed to address to help them further along their journey. Based on an analysis of the transformation process, the experiences and lessons learned from each institution were identified and summarized. All institutions have made progress and achieved better organizational results because of the application of the HPO Framework. The theoretical contribution of this research is that it expands the literature on quality improvement of healthcare institutions based on holistic longitudinal research, and practically it provides healthcare institutions with a validated framework that helps them achieve quality improvements and high performance.
Keywords: Healthcare sector, nursing home care institutes, high performance organizations, longitudinal research, HPO, organizational improvement
Research Article
Dellanira Garcia, David Martinez, Everardo Leon, Erin Grinshteyn
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 34-54
ABSTRACT
Research on fear among college students in the US is under-studied. Fear of various forms of violence among college students is associated with adverse health outcomes including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Latinx college students often experience a higher prevalence of fear compared with White college students. Less is known about the types of fears commonly experienced by Latinx college students and the perceived impact of fear on health and well-being. Self-identified Latinx university students (n=20) were recruited, via convenience sampling, to participate in focus group discussions. The research team employed an inductive thematic analysis to explore various types of fears among students and their effects on health and wellbeing. Five themes emerged from the data including: (1) Hypervigilance, (2) Fear of White people, (3) Burden of being a person of color (POC)/Latinx, (4) Impacts on health, and (5) Interventions and programs to assist with decreasing fears. Proof and power quotes were identified and selected to substantiate the importance of each theme. Results of this exploratory qualitative study underscore substantial fear, particularly race-based fear, among Latinx college students and their perceived impacts on various aspects of health. Particular attention and intervention is needed to address the impact of these specific fears reported by Latinx college students that influence the prevalence of adverse mental and physical health outcomes in this population
Keywords: Hispanic/Latino, Latinx, college students, fear, mental health
Research Article
Kelly Lockwood
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 55-69
ABSTRACT
Researchers who have previously analyzed silence in interview data, have generally considered literal silences, such as the lack of the spoken word, and/or have taken a singular approach to understand silence. This paper moves beyond this literal and singular understandings of silence to explore narratives gaps, constraint and ambiguities, in the stories of mothers in prison. A feminist narrative approach, combined with the Listening Guide (Doucet & Mauthner, 2008; Mauthner et al., 1998) method of analysis is adopted to explore the stories of twenty mothers with experience of imprisonment. Silence is identified through three different types of stories; ‘Unworthy’ stories highlight where narration may be limited owing to a perceived sense that some stories are not worthy of narration or analytical consideration; ‘Untellable’ stories illustrate how contradictory gendered narratives converge to make some stories difficult to tell, or indeed untellable; ‘Unbecoming’ stories challenge Western storytelling formats that seek a clear resolution. Such stories speak to the ongoing challenges of finding a story to live with in the present. Utilising the Listening Guide with its multi-layered approach to narrative analysis, this article has identified the multifaceted way in which ‘silence’ is imposed, negotiated and utilised in competing and contrasting ways, in the stories of mothers in prison. In attending to these ‘silences’, this paper has enabled consideration of stories that lay outside the ideal of intensive mothering.
Keywords: Feminism, listening guide, mothering, narrative, prison, silence
Research Article
Jimin Lee, Si Wang, Alena G Esposito
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 70-100
ABSTRACT
As generative AI tools have become more widely adopted in higher education, understanding how students perceive these resources, especially compared to traditional human mentorship, is critical. This qualitative study applied the Perceptual Bias Activation (PBA) framework to explore how undergraduates interpret mentorship responses identified as either human- or AI- generated in the context of managing mental health challenges and coursework. Using Inductive Content Analysis (ICA) of students’ written explanations, we found that judgments varied. Once students categorized a response as human or AI, their perceptions were filtered through biases influencing interpretations of tone, language, specificity, and empathy. Participants who believed a response was human-authored emphasized authenticity, warmth, and contextual detail, whereas those perceiving it as AI-generated highlighted generic phrasing, impersonal tone, and limited contextualization. Misattributions, where human responses were labeled as AI and vice versa, showed that initial biases, rather than intrinsic message qualities, guided interpretations. While AI responses seen as “human” could be viewed as somewhat caring or helpful, accurate recognition of AI often diminished perceived empathy and usefulness. These findings demonstrate that perceptual biases shape how students engage with both human and AI mentorship, potentially influencing long-term behavior and preferences. Future research should explore strategies to mitigate these biases, investigate diverse mentorship scenarios and student populations, and develop evidence-based guidelines for responsibly integrating generative AI tools into educational mentorship and support systems.
Keywords: Inductive Content Analysis, Higher Education, Mentorship, Cognitive Psychology, Perceptual Bias, Generative AI, Human-AI Interaction
Research Article
Dana Gallant, Brooke DeSipio
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 101-118
ABSTRACT
Childless cohabiting couples are often excluded from research related to financial and household management strategies. This qualitative study explores the unique ways in which childless cohabiting couples navigate their finances and households. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five couples, and ten individuals total. Interviews were conducted both individually and as a couple. Interviews were analyzed using open coding, axial coding, and selective coding for shared themes. The researchers identified 6 themes: the impact of COVID-19, financial education, financial reliance on family, the intent of marriage in the future, the 50/50 ideal, and gendered household management. This study shows how childless cohabiting couples must engage in significant relational work to manage their financials and household. Based on shifting relationship ideologies and economic realities, the relational work that childless cohabiting couples engage in is distinct from the work that married couples or couples with children engage in. These findings are significant in understanding this under-researched population, informing educational and relational interventions, and provide a direction for future research.
Keywords: Childless, Cohabitation, Couples, Finances, Gendered Division of Labor, Household Management
Research Article
Richard Tighe, Pat McKiernan
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 119-154
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 reinforced maladaptive behaviors found in social anxiety and cultural variants, such as hikikomori and taijin kyofusho. As a result, mental health professionals had to modify their modalities to adapt to the changes that resulted from the pandemic. This study used a qualitative research method and Theory of Mind (ToM) framework exploring ToM deficits resulting from the pandemic and linked to social anxiety. Twenty mental health professionals with experience working in Japan were chosen for the study. The participants had worked in Japan during COVID and held a master's degree or equivalent in a mental health discipline. Participants were interviewed via Zoom, using the COVID Social Anxiety Questionnaire – Version 1 (CSAQ-V1). The findings indicate that the development of the "Silo Effect" greatly influenced maladaptive behaviors found in social anxiety. Many participants modified their approaches to account for ToM deficits exacerbated by COVID-19, the move to telehealth, and restrictions resulting from Japan's pandemic, including addressing humanistic and psychodynamic therapy in light of less proactive clients and changes made to CBT and third-wave CBT to compensate for telehealth. The importance of psychoeducation in tackling the stigma surrounding mental health with families in Japan was also addressed, as well as tackling school refusal. The research opened opportunities for further exploration, such as studies on the Silo Effect and its impact on ToM deficits and the long-term implications of psychoeducation on stigma in Japan. Continued research into how modalities are modified could provide greater clarity into the effectiveness of modalities on social anxiety post-pandemic.
Keywords: Social anxiety, hikikomori, Taijin Kyofusho, school refusal, silo effect, theory of mind, Japan, mental health, psychoeducation, COVID-19
Research Article
Samuel Jaye Tanner, Erin Miller
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 155-167
ABSTRACT
This article considers how the compulsion of whiteness towards conditional acceptance limits the degree to which educational researchers and teachers can bring pedagogies meant to grapple with white supremacy to schools. We rely on of narrative research to share a story about implementing whiteness pedagogies in elementary schools. Our intention is to interpret the ways in which compulsions of whiteness limited our ability to implement our teaching and learning in the current moment.
Keywords: Narrative Inquiry, Critical Whiteness Studies, Anti-racist Pedagogy
Research Article
Alicia Clark
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 168-190
ABSTRACT
This systematic literature review comprehensively assessed existing literature on diagnosis, screening, and interventions appropriate for Black children and adolescents who present with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities. Four research questions were answered in this project. The first two research questions explored intervention strategies that were most appropriate for school-aged Black children who presented with neurodevelopmental disorders, while the third and fourth research questions explored strategies to help practitioners in preventing misdiagnosis and improving access to evidence-based treatment. The theoretical frameworks were Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories. Research indicated Black children experienced treatment disparities and misdiagnosis yet more effective diagnosis and treatment modalities, such as telehealth delivery and AI-supported mental health screening and psychological testing, may help address these issues. An analysis of the findings and recommendations for future research included exploring the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment options via telehealth delivery. There were 12 emerging themes analyzed for all research questions. The findings revealed that interventions for Black children should be designed to address various life areas, including spirituality, related to social emotional skills to be deemed effective. Implications for professional practice include developing cultural competence and implementing standard screening assessments as part of providing mental health services and psychological assessment services.
Keywords: Interventions for Black children, screening assessments, Black children, neurodevelopmental disorders
Research Article
Justin Andersson
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 191-219
ABSTRACT
In the United States, science education has undergone substantial reform efforts due to projections of an increased need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Recent reform efforts call for students to engage in scientific inquiry through the practices of scientists and engineers. Research highlights the potential for student immersion in research and engineering practices, such as science fairs, to meet the needs of updated standards. Furthermore, groups of students that have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM careers, such as women, might benefit from science learning opportunities like scientific research for science fairs that can take place both within and outside of the typical school day. While some research has investigated student motivation using expectancy-value theory, for example, and other research has investigated students' compulsory participation, no known research has produced a theoretical model of why students choose to become involved in science research opportunities. Constructivist grounded theory is one approach that can develop theory about these motivational processes, from the perspective of the participant. The goal of this study was to theorize about female students' motivational processes when they re-engage with scientific research across grades 6-12. Data was collected through intensive interviews and analyzed using constructivist grounded theory from 21 students across eight rural and urban school districts in a Great Plains state. Findings, vetted through theoretical sampling and member-checking, yielded a theoretical model of the processes, challenges, and supports female students encountered. This study contributes to the literature on motivation to do scientific research through science fairs as findings highlight students’ needs for autonomy in their research topic, students’ realization of scientific research as a tool to investigate meaningful problems, and findings suggest the development of science identity. Science fairs are seen as venues where difference-making research can be divulged to the scientific community.
Keywords: Grounded theory, Motivation, Science fair, Sponsor teacher, Student research
Research Article
Mari-Esther Edwards, Kevin Steinmetz
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 220-236
ABSTRACT
Body-worn cameras (BWCs) continue to be examined, primarily within the context of police departments, as a tool to increase community and law enforcement relations across the United States. Unfortunately, little research has examined the possible use of BWCs within community supervision agencies. Thus, the current study examines BWCs within the context of community supervision. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were gathered among CSOs and administrators from a large community supervision agency on the verge of adopting BWC technologies. Results point to five prevailing perceptions of BWCs rooted in the types of accounts BWC footage is said to provide including (1) useful, (2) trustworthy, (3) untrustworthy, (4) intrusive and (5) punitive. Findings are considered in the context of the community supervision occupational culture and organizational context. Lastly, it is imperative that community supervision agencies who have or are considering implementing BWCs have clear policies and procedures regarding the privacy of bystanders and activation and deactivation protocol.
Keywords: Body-Worn Cameras, Community Supervision, Parole, Probation, Surveillance.
Research Article
Jamie D. J. Elston-Short, Martin Benwell
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 237-254
ABSTRACT
A systematic literature of thirty-nine full text publications ranging between 2000-2021 was conducted and analysed utilizing a narrative synthesis. The review was interested in the implications of bespoke psychological therapy for comorbid psychological and physical health conditions, particularly with NHS Talking Therapies in mind. The review sought to address research questions regarding the operationalisation of integrated therapy and the implication for professional identity of psychological therapists who work in collaborative settings. Findings were applied to NHS Talking Therapies who have publicly created a specialized pathway in primary care to treat clients with comorbid conditions. It was found that most healthcare providers were enthusiastic about integrated therapy but that semantic tangling impacted on deployment. Therapist training is often uniprofessional, helpful for professional identity formation but when entering interprofessional networks identity risks included blurred role boundaries and resorting to case management allocation rather than fostering creativity, thereby underusing the skills within the integrated network. Recommendations were made to provide frequent reflexive practice both within and between professionals with feedback.
Keywords: NHS Talking Therapies; interprofessional identity; integrated therapy; long-term health conditions; systematic review
Research Article
Sophie Ann Alexander, Timothy Hopper
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 255-286
ABSTRACT
Despite growing interest in rock climbing research, little is known about its health benefits from the perspective of climbers themselves. This qualitative study used photovoice, a participatory method where participants selected photographs to reflect on the significance of climbing in their lives. Additionally, a confessional tale was integrated as a reflective postscript, offering insight into the researcher’s journey, and highlighting the dilemmas, tensions, and ethical or methodological challenges encountered throughout the process. Virtual and in-person focus groups were conducted, and photographs and narratives from nine rock climbers were analyzed, with pseudonyms used for privacy. Through thematic analysis five key themes emerged: (1) social connection, (2) shared adventure, (3) psychological skill development, (4) emotional regulation, and (5) full-circle moments. The findings support rock climbing’s potential as a therapeutic tool for mental health and well-being, warranting further investigation by both practitioners and researchers. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the benefits of rock climbing, emphasizing its potential as a holistic approach that improves mental health, physical well-being, and community engagement.
Keywords: Community, Confessional Tale, Photovoice, Rock Climbing, Well-being