Performing interpretative phenomenological analysis: A perspective for psychosocial investigation

International audienceIntroduction. - Interpretative phenomenological analysis is a qualitative discourse analysis method that has sprung up much research in psychology over the past 20 years. Grounded in phenomenology, idiography and hermeneutics, this research strategy strongly suits the understanding of individuals lived experience and their sense making of life events. Objective. - This paper aims at offering a practical illustration of IPA based on a psychosocial study regarding difficult medical decisions in oncology. Results. - Applied to the case of a surgeon, the different steps of IPA were useful to shed light on the interpersonal (relationships with patients) and social (expectations due to the physician's medical speciality) dynamics at stake in the complex experience of this professional practice. Conclusion. - IPA is a fruitful methodological tool for revealing the psychosocial dynamics of behaviour and offering a psychosocial interpretation of their meaning from an individual's point of view. (C) 2017 Societe Franyaise de Psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved