Taking Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Further: Reviewing Recent Developments and Innovations in IPA Research

Authors

• Jonathan A. Smith, Birbeck University of London, Great BritainFollow

Abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research methodology: longitudinal; multi-modal; mixed methods. For each of these developments the paper describes how the innovation is being implemented and the distinctive contribution arising from making these advancements in IPA design. I also provide two detailed examples of studies using each of the advanced methodologies along with suggestions for further reading. The paper also includes briefer discussion of recent changes in some of the terminology employed in IPA analysis and recent guidance on writing and evaluating high quality IPA.

Keywords

interpretative phenomenological analysis, longitudinal, multi-modal, mixed methods

Author Note

Jonathan A. Smith is Professor of Psychology at Birkbeck University of London where he leads the interpretative phenomenological analysis research group IPARG) and teaches qualitative methods. Jonathan developed IPA and has employed it to address a wide range of issues in health and well being. Please direct correspondence to [email protected]

Author Bio(s)

Jonathan A Smith is Professor of Psychology at Birkbeck University of London where he leads the interpretative phenomenological analysis research group IPARG) and teaches qualitative methods. Jonathan developed IPA and has employed it to address a wide range of issues in health and well being.

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the close collaborative work with my colleagues who are named as co-authors on the studies I have referred to in this paper.

Publication Date

10-18-2026

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended APA Citation

Smith, J. A. (2026). Taking interpretative phenomenological analysis further: Reviewing recent developments and innovations in IPA research. The Qualitative Report, 31(9), 6578-6589.