Lived experience research as it was intended: Two Australian phenomenological case studies

Introduction: Involving those with lived experience of issues such as family violence and family separation within research, policy, and practice is increasingly recognised as imperative. However, the authors have become concerned that any qualitative research inviting people to share something about their lives will be viewed as capable of discerning the participants “lived experience.”  Instead, we return to the phenomenological thinkings of Edmund Husserl (1900/1970) who urges us to “go back to the things themselves” (zu de Sachen Selbst).

Goals/methods: We present two case studies of phenomenological research, as examples of the depth of insight that can be revealed. Study 1- a descriptive phenomenological analysis of the lived experience of security and contentment for 8 latency aged children in shared time parenting arrangements. Study 2 - a feminist interpretative phenomenological analysis of 9 women whose partners were referred to a behavioural change program.

Results: Study 1 developed a child-generated phenomenology based on careful analysis of children’s pre-reflective descriptions of which aspects of the care arrangement contribute to their felt security and contentment in shared care, and which aspects compromise it.

Study 2 exposed the referral period as a time of pivotal assessment for women - emphasizing the need for community services to take into account the far-reaching implications that referring a perpetrator to a behavioural change program can have.

Conclusions: Highlighting similarities and differences in these two methodological approaches, we discuss unique features of each approach in practice. Drawing on the findings from each study, we identify future research directions.