Thematic analysis is one of the most commonly used methods in analyzing qualitative data. It is an approach that has been tried and tested as a rigorous means of analyzing qualitative data in disciplines such as psychology, management and media studies. Boyatzis describes it as a method that “allows for the translation of qualitative information into quantitative data” (4). In this assignment, the first section is the diagrammatic representation of the hierarchical model of the themes developed from the survey responses. The second section describes these themes in detail with quotes to support them.
Hierarchical model
Themes
The hierarchical model depicts 5 different themes that have emerged from the self-reported definitions of mental health. However, only four of those themes have been reported often enough to merit a further description. These four themes are - Well-being, Coping, Balance and Feelings.
Well-being – This theme includes definitions of mental health that are described as mental, emotional and physical well-being. When people report mental health as any form of well being, it will be coded under this theme.
Quote: “Mental health refers to the state of an individual's mental wellbeing, which can be positive or negative and subject to change at any given time depending on circumstance”.
Coping – This theme is two-pronged. It includes a) situations that need coping with as well as b) coping mechanisms that aid in mental health. These include coping with stress, adverse situations and everyday routine. It also includes coping through support systems and through friends and family.
Quote: “Mental health is in my opinion a set of strategies to cope with emotional situations both positive and negative. I would feel that mental health is also ability to cope with stress”.
Balance – Many participants reported mental health as a balanced state of mind. This theme includes such descriptions of mental health, and includes balance of emotions, state of mind and also, sanity.
Quote: “How balanced your mind is. A state of being able to deal with good times and bad times as they come”.
Feelings – This theme is about different aspects of feelings that a human being experiences. It includes descriptions about feelings like awareness of feelings, acceptance of feelings and taking control of one’s feelings.
Quote: “How someone feels and actions that are emotional or psychological or physical that result from these feelings”.
Works Cited
Boyatzis, Richard E. Transforming Qualitative Information: Thematic Analysis and Code Development. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, 1998. Print.
