Reflection on conducting hermeneutic phenomenological research into the experience of family caregivers of people with mental illness in Thailand

Hermeneutic phenomenology is a well-established research methodology in nursing and other qualitative health research. However, the use of this approach in non-Western study populations has not been widely undertaken in Thailand and presents some significant challenges. This paper provides a discussion of the challenges encountered by a doctoral student undertaking a PhD program in a Western country while conducting the research project in Thailand. The process of choosing a methodology and then using this methodology to research the lived experience of people caring for relatives with a mental illness in rural Thailand is described. The lessons learned from this research undertaking and recommendations for future researchers are also outlined. The study details and findings highlight the plight of family caregivers in rural-urban Thailand and are briefly mentioned as the background to the reflect on the cultural relevance and appropriateness of applying an essentially Western methodological perspective to understand the lived experience of people from another culture.