Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 Companionship or no companionship: That is the question: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of a young

womans reflections of leaving home Introduction This write up aims to present some of the factors involved in a young womans decision to leave the family home and live independently in her own home. Method Qualitative approaches attempt to explore rich data which stems from human experience, feeling, thought and social interaction. Thus suggesting that rich data is more accurately measured by paying attention to the ways in which individuals use words and express feelings and arguments when allowed to explore these ideas in discussion (Carlson, Martin & Buskist, 2004). One substantial difference is clear when considering the differences between Qualitative and Quantitative approaches. Qualitative research requires phenomena to be reduced to numerical values in order for statistical analysis to be performed. Therefore although Quantitative research begins with the collection of verbal data it is then converted to numerical data in order for Quantitative analysis to be carried out. In contrast to this qualitative data involves the collection of naturalistic verbal data such as interview transcripts or written diary accounts the analysis which is carried out on the data is always textual allowing the researcher to interpret what the text means rather than determining its numerical value. However Smith (2008) stated: While is it true that Qualitative and Quantitative research projects usually differ considerably in terms of research question, orientation and execution, it is actually difficult to make categorical distinctions between qualitative and quantitative methods. The method I will be using for my analysis is Interpretative Phenomenological analysis (IPA) a type of thematic analysis based on the outline by Smith (1995). IPA aims to explore the individuals personal experiences, account or state as opposed to producing an objective record of it. However access to this depends on the researchers own ability to be able to conceptualize another individuals personal world through the process of interpretive activity. IPA has a qualitative methodology and attempts to be as naturalistic as possible to enable this to happen. IPA also uses dual components these are phenomenological and interpretive components. Willig (2008) states: Interpretive phenomenological analysis is a version of the phenomenological method thats accepts the impossibility of gaining direct access to the research participants life worlds. Even though it aims to explore the research participants experience from his or her perspective, it recognizes that such an exploration must be necessarily implicate the researchers own view of the world as well as the nature of the interaction between researcher and participant. As a result, the phenomenological analysis produced by the researcher is always an interpretation of the participants experience.

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 Smith (2009) states: IPA is a qualitative research approach committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. IPA is phenomenological in that it is concerned with exploring experience in its own terms. IPA allows the researcher to systematically explore the data in depth allowing them to interpret the meaning behind an individuals personal account of a particular life experience. There are some substantial benefits for using IPA as my chosen method of analysis the first being that it provides a massive insight into the world of subjective experiences, IPA also offers specific guidelines with which to identify and integrate my themes. However there are also several weaknesses in regards to my chosen method of analysis such as the fact it relies on people being able to verbalise their experiences. IPA has also being accused of overemphasising on the perceptions of phenomena but not establishing the causality of it. There is also the danger of the analysis becoming removed from the speakers original words and meaning when interpreting the transcript. Lastly codes which can not be obviously contributed to recognised themes and codes may be ignored or minimised (Taylor, no date). Amys transcript had been developed from a semi-structured interview was read and re-read by myself at the beginning of my analysis. At this stage I produced a series of 1st level codes which included summary statements, comments regarding language use and descriptive labels which I felt described what had been said in the transcript. I wrote these in the left hand margin of the text. The second stage of my analysis involved interpreting what the descriptions I had identified when producing my 1st level codes told me about the phenomena under investigation, I wrote these in the right hand margin of the text. When in the third stage of analysis I was concerned with the development of themes a word or phrase that encapsulated, summarise and symbolize my 1 st and 2nd level codes. This was done by identifying similar codes and linking them together by topic for example I had reassurance, attention and security which were grouped under the theme of companionship. In order to incorporate theory in my analysis I need to identify psychological and sociological theories that can provide relevance and substantial support to my analysis.

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 Analysis and discussion I aim to explore Amys reflections of living at home and the reasons behind her subsequent decision to leave home. The analysis I offer aims to provide and in depth insight into a young womans outlook on living at home and the factors which led to her decision to leave. I anticipate that this analysis will inform the reader of the conditions and needs required for a young adult to make the decision to leave family life and make the transition to independent living. The analysis revealed three themes these were Conflict, Companionship and Responsibility. However due to the word restrictions attached to this assignment I will cover only two of the themes Conflict and Companionship in detail (see figure 1). The first theme I identified during my analysis Conflict illustrates one of the major contributory factors towards a young adult making the decision to leave home. I will explore how Amy describes this as been a result of inequality and unequal status within the family by drawing on Farrington & Keiths (1993) theory of social conflict within the family. The second theme identified during my analysis Companionship which demonstrated a very human need for security which can be achieved by receiving companionship with those close to us. I will explore Amys suggestions of companionship being a very important aspect of living at home and her feelings surrounding the loss of parental companionship by drawing on Bowlbys (1907 - 1990) theory of attachment. Conflict: a significant imbalance of inequality In the very early stages of the interview Amy describes how when living at home she found the situation a little problematic finding her family situation demanding due to the amount of people within the household. For example Amy (portfolio, p 22) states Yes (), that I eventually found a little problematic you know, there became, in a way, too many people to relate to at home, if you know what I mean then (). Through this quote Amy appears to suggest that the conflict arose from the family demands she faced when living at home. She describes how the conflict escalated as a result of both her siblings staying at home with her (portfolio, p 22) They are twenty three and nineteen years old and they both stayed at home together with me you know (). Farrington & Chertok (1993) in there Social Conflict Theory of the family suggest that conflict within the family is universal. They highlight how conflict can arise from inequality thus suggesting that Amys given statements above suggest this also to be true in regards to her family unit. Later on this is also evident when Amys describes how her being the older sister feels (portfolio, p 22) Yes I were (smiling) (), the big bad wolf in a way also (smiling) This quote suggests that Amy feels like a big bad wolf as she describes the unequal division of household chores between herself and her siblings (portfolio, p 22) Also in the early stages of the interview Amy describes how when she lived at home she had very frequently encountered conflict with her siblings. The following quote illustrates this (portfolio, p 22)

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 I think I did a lot more of the daily tasks than they did, so to say, and that irritated me quite a lot you know (smiling). But I also probably yelled quite a lot at them sometimes, and it resulted only in them getting annoyed at me so to say (). Amy seems to portray through the use of this quote that conflict also arose from her frustrations due to her the inequality in regards to the divination of practical chores between herself and her siblings. She describes how the conflict increased as a result of her response towards this inequality and her sisters subsequent vexation. Farrington & Chertok (1993) also suggest role conflict within their theory of Social Conflict Theory of the family. Amy suggests in the above statement that she had been prescribed her role by her family resulting in role conflict between herself and her siblings due to inequality. Again very early in the interview Amy indicates that the conflict stemmed from the fact that there were too many people in the home. This quote bellow illustrates this (portfolio, p 22) Yes (), that I eventually found a little problematic you know, there became, in a way, too many people to relate to at home, if you know what I mean then (). Through this quote Amy seems to indicate that Amy found it difficult to identify with the other family members as there were too many of her family members to relate to at any given time which caused increased conflict. Amy also describes how conflict may have been contributed to by the behaviour portrayed by her toward her siblings and how this affected her relationship with them towards the end of her stay. This quote illustrates this (portfolio, p 22) But I also probably yelled quite a lot at them sometimes, and it only resulted in them getting annoyed at me, so to say (). This probably did influence our relationship at the end of my staying there I think (). Through this quote Amy appears to indicate that the tension Amy felt was a contributory factor in regards to the escalation of conflict within the family unit and possibly a contributory factor which lead to her subsequent decision to leave the family home. As Farrington & Chertok (1993) suggested conflict is commonplace within the family unit and can be a result of many factors. Therefore Amys above statements suggest that the conflict had arisen from her prescribed role within the family unit and her obvious resentment towards her siblings perceived power. Companionship: disengagement of parental attachments in the quest for independence Again in the early stages of the interview Amy emphasizes the positive aspect of parental companionship that she received when living at the family home. This quote illustrates this (portfolio, p 22) The main positive thing was probably the companionship (), you know, having someone around you at all times that is (), hmm

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 I would like to suggest that this quote illustrates Amys need for reassurance and also suggests that this could have been on of the reasons she didnt leave home sooner. Amy also describes how when it suited her she appreciated and enjoyed the companionship she received from her parents. As this quote shows (portfolio, p 23) Yes, and I think that related itself mostly to me spending time together with my mother an father you know (), I really enjoyed walking down to chat with them sometimes, you know (), when it suited me so to say () It could be argued that this quote demonstrates Amy has a need for parental attention as it reassures her that she is still part of the family unit immaterial of the conflict. Bowlbys (1969) theory of attachment suggested that the attachment phase is never outgrown. Although not evident in the same way it remains active throughout the life cycle of every individual. This is demonstrated by Amys above statements which suggest although she has made the transition to independent living her parental home will remain an important anchor in her life as the companionship of her parents is something she misses. Amy also outlines that companionship is deemed as an immensely important aspect of her family life. As the following quotes show (portfolio, p 23) Yes, and I think that related itself mostly to me spending time together with my mother an father you know (), I really enjoyed walking down to chat with them sometimes, you know (), when it suited me so to say (), and us having meals together were something that I enjoyed much, that was very positive I think () Through this quote Amy appears to suggest that the companionship she received from her parents adhered to the parental attachment Amy still possessed. Amy describes how now living independently of her family she misses the companionship she received at home. As this quote shows (portfolio, p 23) Yes that is absolutely the case, yes () It could be argued that Amys parental attachment is still apparent and her need for security is still in existence making the quest for independent living difficult as the family companionship she emphasised as being important in the transcript has been lost. Bowlby (1969) believed that all adolescents and young adults have to make the transition from parental attachment to peer attachment and pair bonding in adult life which is no easy task. The above quotes suggest that Amy is in the process of disengaging from her parental attachments and mourning the loss of the parental companionship she received when she lived at home. Amy also describes how companionship within the home derived from family togetherness and positive communication. This quote shows this (portfolio, p 23) Yes, and I think that related itself mostly to me spending time together with my mother an father you know (), I really enjoyed walking down to chat with them sometimes, you know

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 (), when it suited me so to say (), and us having meals together were something that I enjoyed much, that was very positive I think () It could be argued that Amys need and enjoyment of parental companionship arose due to Amys parents undertaking their role by providing Amy with the security she still appeared to need as a young adult and Amy appears to suggest she was comfortable with her parents response. Bowlbys (1988) theory of attachment also looked at secure bases which can be given by parents, peers or marriage where companionship provides a protective shell when it is needed. Therefore Amys emphasis in the quotes above surrounding the importance of her spending time with her parents and receiving that companionship provided Amy with the secure base she needed at home.

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016 Reference list Books 1) Carlson, N.R., Martin, G.N., Buskist, W. (2004) Psychology. 2nd Edition. Great Britain: Pearson education limited 2) Bowlby, J. (1969) Attachment and loss. Volume 1. Great Britain: Mackays of Chatham PLC 3) Bowlby, J. (1988) A Secure Base, clinical applications of Attachment Theory. Great Britain: J.W. Arrowsmith LTD 4) Farrington, K., & Chertok, E. (1993). Social conflict theories of the family. In P.G. Boss, W. J. Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R. Schumm, & S. K. Steinmetz (Eds.), Sourcebook of family theories and methods: A contextual approach (pp. 357-381). New York: Plenum. 5) Smith, J. A. (2008) Qualitative Psychology: a practical guide to research methods. London: SAGE publications LTD 6) Smith, J.A., Flowers, P. & Larkin, M. (2009) Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. London: SAGE publications LTD 7) Willig, C. (2009) Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2nd Ed. England: Open University Press Websites 8) Taylor, M. (no date) Qualitative Methodology: Data collection and analysis. [online]. http://www.psy.ed.ac.uk/people/mtaylor3/Qualitative%20methods%20lecture.pdf . th Accessed [13 January 2010]

Journals 1) Smith, J.A. (1995). Qualitative methods, identity and transition to motherhood. The Psychologist, 8, 122-125

Name: Amy Naismith (U0960778012) Module: HFB1016