From the Editor’s Desk: The Value of Modifiability

I have been thinking about the value of modifiability as a criterion of classic grounded theory rigor.  In June 2020, I wrote about the need for research, and especially grounded theory research focused on changing social processes. What I couldn’t foresee was that we were on the mere cusp of multi-year virulence and social upheaval.  I wrote, “These are troubling days of pandemic illness, cultural upheaval, racial animus, international disruption, and political turmoil. . . .  We are in uncharted territory.  In response, particularly to Covid-19, structural and...

The Practical Use of Awareness Theory

Barney Glaser, PhD Editor’s note: Through examples found in their seminal theory, Awareness of Dying, Glaser and Strauss (1965) demonstrated how to develop and write a classic grounded theory in a way that is applicable to practice. Awareness of Dying was one of four monographs that culminated from a six-year funded research program titled Hospital Personnel, Nursing Care and Dying Patients (Glaser & Strauss, 1968). In Awareness of Dying, Glaser and Strauss identified different levels of awareness of impending death and the effects these have on patients, families,...

Personalizing Wellness: A Grounded Theory Study

Kari Allen-Hammer, Saybrook University Abstract The impetus for exploring how people created wellness using classic grounded theory rose from an interest in understanding behavior that shaped a health-conscious lifestyle. The grand tour question was, “what does wellness look like to you; how do you see yourself cultivating that in your life?” Thirty-three data samples were collected from interviews, a diary, and field observations. The substantive theory of personalizing wellness outlined three stages in forming a health-conscious lifestyle. Stage 1, Awakening...

Collaborative Grounded Theory

Kara L. Vander Linden, Ed.D. Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies, USA Catherine J. Tompkins, Ph.D., MSW, George Mason University, USA Abstract This article describes how two researchers’ professional relationship began as a mentor/mentee relationship and transformed into co-researchers using grounded theory. We explain how we navigated each stage of the process of conducting a GT study using a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. The article also presents some key takeaways for researchers to consider when working collaboratively. Keywords:...

Absenting: Fathers of Children with Autism Face the Future

Kianna Marie McCoy, Ph.D., MOT, OTR/L, ICDL Susan Braude Stillman, EdD, Six Seconds Abstract Absenting is defined as the father’s fear of what will happen to his child with autism when he is no longer living. The core variable, absenting, was discovered from data based on the main concern of fathers of children with autism. This is the first time in the literature that absenting has been used in association with fathers of children with autism. Fathers of children with autism face the future to resolve absenting in three ways: 1) preparing financially, 2) preparing for...

Recruitment and Data Collection in the 21st Century: Implications for ...

Emily J. Cashwell, Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies Abstract For many people, many aspects of daily life now occur online. Most individuals are well-versed in communication via email and social media, and many are experienced with audio and video conferencing software as a means to hold business meetings and to connect with family and friends. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has shifted many aspects of modern life, and some universities have imposed research restrictions that prohibit face-to-face interviews. Because of these changes in the structure...