Social Work Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Methodological Approach for Practice and Research

“This book should be read by research students, early career researchers, social work practitioners as well as doctoral supervisors new to IPA, who will all find it helpful and insightful.” 

Dr Angie Bartoli, School of Social Sciences Student Experience Manager, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, Nottingham Trent University, UK 

“This book will be an extremely helpful companion to social work researchers at all stages of the research process from design though to dissemination, as well of being of real value to those supervising IPA projects.” 

Dr Martin Kettle, Senior Lecturer, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK


This first of its kind book provides a theoretical and practical exploration of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for Social Work. Accessibly written for those considering IPA from different perspectives, including social work students, social work practitioners, doctoral students, and research supervisors the book will guide all readers through its application in this field.

Social Work Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis takes the reader on a journey through how lived experience can be discovered, how effective social work research can be designed and explore practical strategies for maximising quality. The book is organised under three key parts:

• Discovering Lived Experience Through IPA Social Work Research
• Doing IPA Social Work Research
• Determining Social Work Knowledge Using IPA

This accessibly written, comprehensive book explores the specific fit of IPA within social work as a professional practice and research discipline drawing together values, skills and knowledge for eliciting, responding to and representing accounts of lived experience.

Sarah Vicary is Professor of Social Work and Mental Health at The Open University, UK.

Gillian Ferguson is a Lecturer in Social Work at The Open University, UK.