Phenomenological Enquiry and Psychological Research in Caring and Quality of Life Contexts: Acknowledging the Invisible

Differing schools of phenomenology are examined to acknowledge that research must appreciate their main differences in guiding the resultant phenomenological method used. Confusion between schools can lead to weaknesses and confusion in methodology this being particularly salient in applied settings examining care and quality of life. Intentionality, the phenomenological reduction and the role of bracketing/epoche are discussed within descriptive and interpretive phenomenology, followed by a brief look at phenomenology, interviewing and data analysis. Phenomenology is positioned here in caring contexts as a means of accessing that which escapes traditional empirical measurement in care research. There is a need for a more comprehensive model of care including care in all its manifestations including the lived experiences of both formal professional carers and informal carers.