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Reflexivity in Heideggerian Hermeneutic Phenomenology: The Hermeneutic Phenomenological Circle
Ken Hok Man Ho1,2, Daphne Sze Ki Cheung3,4,5, Sharon Bourke1
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
Aim:
To discuss reflexivity for conducting hermeneutic phenomenology and to present the hermeneutic phenomenological circle.
Design:
Discussion paper.
Methods:
We employed data on the lived experience of loneliness of older adults in residential care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic to demonstrate the reflexivity required for hermeneutic phenomenology. We showcased a reflective process grounded in Heidegger's notions of Being and temporality to uncover the context of meaningfulness and its temporal influence on being.
Results:
We proposed a hermeneutic phenomenological circle encompassing four relations passing between Being, the interpreter and being. The circle was successfully applied to demonstrate the reflexivity required to conduct hermeneutic phenomenology.
Conclusions:
Engaging in reflexivity requires the researcher to develop knowledge about the philosophy of hermeneutic phenomenology. The hermeneutic phenomenological circle facilitates researchers in anchoring their reflections in Being and temporality.
Implications:
The hermeneutic phenomenological circle serves as a useful tool for researchers/health professionals to learn hermeneutic phenomenology and to facilitate researchers/health professionals at all career stages to engage in reflexivity.
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