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Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting

Braun, Virginia; Clarke, Victoria

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Authors

Virginia Braun

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Dr Victoria Clarke Victoria.Clarke@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Qualitative & Critical Psychology



Abstract

Despite the persistent dominance of a ‘scientific psychology’ paradigm in health psychology, the use of qualitative research continues to grow. Qualitative approaches are often based on fundamentally different values from (post)positivistempiricism, raising important considerations for quality, and whether qualitative work adheres to, and is judged by, appropriate publication standards. Thematic analysis (TA) has become a particularly popular method in qualitative health psychology, but poor practice is widespread. To support high quality, methodologically coherent TA practice and reporting, we critically reviewed 100 systematically selected papers reporting TA, published in five prominent health psychology journals. Our review assessed reported practice, and considered this in relation to methodological and quality recommendations. We identified 10 common areas of problematic practice in the reviewed papers, the majority citing reflexive TA. Considering the role of three ‘arbiters of quality’ in a peer review publication system–authors, reviewers, and editors–we developed 20 recommendations for authors, to support them in conducting and reporting high quality TA research, with associated questions for reviewers and editors to consider when evaluating TA manuscripts for publication. We end with considerations for facilitating better qualitative research, and enriching the understandings and knowledge base from which health psychology is practiced.

Citation

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2023). Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting. Health Psychology Review, 17(4), 695-718. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 16, 2022
Online Publication Date Jan 19, 2023
Publication Date 2023
Deposit Date Jan 20, 2023
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Health Psychology Review
Print ISSN 1743-7199
Electronic ISSN 1743-7202
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 17
Issue 4
Pages 695-718
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594
Keywords Coding; Quality criteria; Qualitative research; Reflexivity; Reporting standards; Theme
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10367574
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594?journalCode=rhpr20

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Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting (117 Kb)
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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Copyright Statement
This is the author’s accepted manuscript of an original article published by Taylor & Francis in Health Psychology Review on 19th of January 2023. The published version is available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594?journalCode=rhpr20

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594




Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting (504 Kb)
PDF

Licence
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Publisher Licence URL
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Copyright Statement
This is the author’s accepted manuscript of an original article published by Taylor & Francis in Health Psychology Review on 19th of January 2023. The published version is available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594?journalCode=rhpr20

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2022.2161594









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