Is there a place for ontological hermeneutics in mental‐health nursing research? A review of a hermeneutic study

Abstract

A lot of research carried out within the context of mental-health nursing using qualitative data collection tools claims that it is hermeneutical, with usually just a short section describing the hermeneutical methodology as though it is a very broad philosophical approach. Criticisms of the latter approach more often than not concentrate on the level of the data collection tools without getting to grips with the underlying hermeneutical philosophy. This paper examines the difference between methodological and ontological hermeneutics and then gives an example of a piece of research using the latter approach. It is then argued that criticisms of the hermeneutical approach usually only concentrate on methodological hermeneutics with the consequence that they seriously misapply their criticisms if the research is using ontological hermeneutics.

A Narrative in Search of a Methodology

“…Although Geanellos was interested in describing mental health nursing practice with a view to theory development or theory testing, her conclusion is relevant to this study, as she states that storytelling demonstrates its value as “a means of discovering or confirming mental health nursing knowledge” (p. 93). For Chang and Horrocks (), understanding of people gained through hermeneutics was kaleidoscopic and constantly undergoing change.…”

<p>Junior-to-junior research interviews as method for clinical practitioner-researchers</p>

“…When viewed in this way, the subjectivity inherent in being reflexive can be transformed from possible limitation into valuable opportunity 30. Rich insights can be realized by considering the researcher an active agent in the research process, examining their personal responses and interpersonal dynamics 34,35. Potential power imbalances between researcher and participant – such as the one between two junior doctors at different stages in training – can also be acknowledged and addressed 36.…”

Leading Aesthetically: Insights from the Founders of the San Antonio Conservation Society

“…Woodward and Funk (2010) explicitly described artist-leaders as Hermenauts -leaders who seek, question, interpret, and create or craft meaning. A hermeneutic process not only facilitates understanding within an individual, it also aids in the understanding of social and cultural characteristics that can be represented in artistic forms (Chang & Horrocks, 2008). Through this continuous act of meaning-making, meaning is stabilized.…”