The method of psychobiography: presenting a step-wise approach

Article

du Plessis, Carolina. 2017. "The method of psychobiography: presenting a step-wise approach." Qualitative Research in Psychology. 14 (2), pp. 216-237. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2017.1284290
Article Title

The method of psychobiography: presenting a step-wise approach

ERA Journal ID6635
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
Authordu Plessis, Carolina
Journal TitleQualitative Research in Psychology
Journal Citation14 (2), pp. 216-237
Number of Pages22
Year2017
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1478-0887
1478-0895
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2017.1284290
Abstract

Psychobiography as a qualitative research method in psychology has witnessed prolific growth in the last few decades. This growth has been accompanied by concerns regarding the veracity, rigour, quality, and trustworthiness of psychobiographical research. Current research has gone a long way toward addressing these concerns through the publication of excellent
best practice guidelines as well as criteria for evaluating the quality of psychobiographical research. However, a gap remains regarding guidelines detailing the steps involved in conducting psychobiographical research. This article addresses this gap by relying on existing psychobiographical guidelines and general qualitative research strategies to advance a stepwise approach to the conducting of a psychobiography. The aim is to provide simple and clear guidelines that can be
followed when undertaking psychobiographical research. Through so doing, this article contributes to the continuous growth and improvement of the field of psychobiographical research.

Keywordspsychobiography, psychobiographical method, qualitative research
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520105. Psychological methodology, design and analysis
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Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Johannesburg, South Africa
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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