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Interpersonal dimensions of self-criticism: exploring nuanced social processes through vignettes in interpretative phenomenological analysis

Caroline Winzenried (Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, Australia)
Jennifer Coburn (Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, Australia)

Qualitative Research Journal

ISSN: 1443-9883

Article publication date: 19 October 2022

Issue publication date: 17 February 2023

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was twofold: to explore the everyday experiences and interpretations of verbalised self-criticism in emergent adult males (ages 18–25) in social contexts and, secondly, to explore the utilisation of vignettes in phenomenological research exploring social processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Four Australian male participants participated in semi-structured interviews to share the participants' experiences and sense-making of self-criticism in social contexts. Vignettes of verbalised self-criticism were used to prompt attentive reflection. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Four superordinate themes emerged from participant responses: (1) searching for context, (2) self-improving or self-attacking, (3) self-criticism as a social tool, and (4) engaging and distancing responses.

Originality/value

This study provides useful insights into how verbalised self-criticism in social contexts was experienced by four emergent adult males. Furthermore, this study provides a working example of how vignettes can be used within an interpretative phenomenological analysis frame to prompt attentive reflection on sensitive, nuanced social phenomenon. Implications for future research are discussed. Further research could use this study's findings to explore female responses to verbalised self-criticism and potential causality between contextual factors and the nature of responses.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Associate Professor Rose Anne Misajon for her invaluable methodological guidance in the planning stages. The authors are also grateful for the feedback and support provided by colleagues, friends, and family throughout the writing process.

Citation

Winzenried, C. and Coburn, J. (2023), "Interpersonal dimensions of self-criticism: exploring nuanced social processes through vignettes in interpretative phenomenological analysis", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 191-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-07-2022-0093

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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