How do people experience challenges at work? Using IPA to investigate Lifespan Development principles in the workplace

Davies, Adam

Abstract

Summary: This study aimed to broaden the use of qualitative methods within lifespan development research while emphasizing the link with Counselling Psychology. It aimed to explore the question ‘how do people experience challenges at work?’ Semi-structured interviews were administered to six individuals from varying jobs, and the results were analysed using IPA.
Results: Two superordinate themes appeared, Control over Challenges and Maintenance. The first comprised of the themes ‘Adapt and Shape’, ‘Fully Grown’, ‘Climbing the Mountain’ and ‘Completion and Accomplishment’. These themes indicated that challenges gave participants an opportunity to alter their behaviours accordingly to fit with perceived level of challenge, as well as highlighting the positive experiences of challenges.
The second superordinate theme consisted of the themes ‘Shrug and Survive’, ‘Take a Step Back’ and ‘Freedom’. These indicated a lack of movement or action. At times participants appeared to not know what to do, to avoid challenges or were in an environment with an absence of perceived challenges.
All themes were noted to intersect with one another, and although each had a unique element, neither was mutually exclusive.
Conclusions: Results were interpreted in accordance with lifespan development theory where it was noted that the experiences of participants may demonstrate possible strategies underpinning key developmental processes. The practical relevance to Counselling Psychology was discussed too.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 21, 2019
• Keywords: Lifespan development, challenges, IPA.
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1490936
• Award Date: Nov 21, 2019