Kristiina Heinonen1,2. 1. Savo Vocational College. 2. University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract
AIM: To describe reduction as a method in methodological and hermeneutic reduction and the hermeneutic circle using van Manen's principles, with the empirical example of the lifeworlds of multiple-birth families in Finland. BACKGROUND: Reduction involves several levels that can be distinguished for their methodological usefulness. Researchers can use reduction in different ways and dimensions for their methodological needs. DATA SOURCES: Open interviews with public health nurses, family care workers and parents of twins. REVIEW METHODS: The systematic literature and knowledge review shows there were no articles on multiple-birth families that used van Manen's method. DISCUSSION: This paper presents reduction as a method that uses the hermeneutic circle. The lifeworlds of multiple-birth families consist of three core themes: 'A state of constant vigilance'; 'Ensuring that they can continue to cope'; and 'Opportunities to share with other people'. CONCLUSION: Reduction allows us to perform deep phenomenological-hermeneutic research and understand people's lifeworlds. It helps to keep research stages separate but also enables a consolidated view. Social care and healthcare professionals have to hear parents' voices better to comprehensively understand their situation; they also need further tools and training to be able to empower parents of twins. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: The many variations in adapting reduction mean its use can be very complex and confusing. This paper adds to the discussion of phenomenology, hermeneutic study and reduction.
AIM: To describe reduction as a method in methodological and hermeneutic reduction and the hermeneutic circle using van Manen's principles, with the empirical example of the lifeworlds of multiple-birth families in Finland. BACKGROUND: Reduction involves several levels that can be distinguished for their methodological usefulness. Researchers can use reduction in different ways and dimensions for their methodological needs. DATA SOURCES: Open interviews with public health nurses, family care workers and parents of twins. REVIEW METHODS: The systematic literature and knowledge review shows there were no articles on multiple-birth families that used van Manen's method. DISCUSSION: This paper presents reduction as a method that uses the hermeneutic circle. The lifeworlds of multiple-birth families consist of three core themes: 'A state of constant vigilance'; 'Ensuring that they can continue to cope'; and 'Opportunities to share with other people'. CONCLUSION: Reduction allows us to perform deep phenomenological-hermeneutic research and understand people's lifeworlds. It helps to keep research stages separate but also enables a consolidated view. Social care and healthcare professionals have to hear parents' voices better to comprehensively understand their situation; they also need further tools and training to be able to empower parents of twins. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: The many variations in adapting reduction mean its use can be very complex and confusing. This paper adds to the discussion of phenomenology, hermeneutic study and reduction.
Entities:
Keywords:
Phenomenology; family care nursing; hermeneutic; lifeworld; methodology; multiple-birth families; reduction; van Manen