International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being

Parental perceptions of the psychosocial outcomes of equine-assisted activities and therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder in Japan: a phenomenological study
Kawamura N, Sakamoto M, Hashimoto C, Ozeki Y and Machida K
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges in social communication, behavioral regulation, and daily life adaptation. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) have been implemented as complementary approaches to support psychosocial development. However, little is known about the experiences of parents in Japan whose children participate in EAATs.
Health care workers' experiences of exercise in forensic psychiatry: a qualitative focus group study
Bergman H, Gutke A, Andiné P, Degl' Innocenti A, Nilsson T, Thomeé R and Wijk H
This study aimed to describe the experiences of using exercise as part of treatment and rehabilitation among health care workers for inpatients in forensic psychiatric care, especially regarding the significance of exercise as part of treatment or rehabilitation.
Exploring the caregiving perceptions and needs of family caregivers of older stroke patients: a descriptive qualitative study
Yang X, Wang H, Chen S, He Y and Chen Y
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with high incidence in aging Asian populations. Elderly stroke survivors often have physiological dysfunctions, relying heavily on primary informal caregivers. However, Chinese caregivers face unique cultural and practical challenges (e.g., close bonding, filial piety-driven self-sacrifice, urban-rural medical insurance gaps) has not been explored from a qualitative perspective.
Families' experiences with adolescents and young adults exhibiting non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): a qualitative study in Thailand
Auernaruemonsuk N and Thongpan M
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is often associated with emotional distress, depression, and anxiety, is a significant mental health issue among adolescents and young adults. Research on the role of family in addressing NSSI in Thailand is limited. This qualitative study examined familial perspectives on NSSI to identify systemic and relational factors influencing this behavior.
A qualitative exploration of older people's experience of discharge from mental health inpatient settings
Smith G, Hanlon B and Grinter DJ
Recently here has been interest in the patient's voice within community mental health settings as a catalyst of service development. There remains a lack of literature documenting the lived experience of inpatient mental health care in Older People's Mental Health (OPMH) inpatient settings. There is a drive within the National Health Service (NHS) to transition care to community settings and improve the discharge process.
How can school staff respond to student incidents of self-injurious thoughts and behaviours? A systematic scoping review
McGillivray L, Hudson A, Baffsky R, O'Dea B and Torok M
Self-harm risk is highest between ages 12-19, making it essential for schools to have clear, evidence-based practices for identifying and responding to self-injurious thoughts and behaviours (SITBs). This scoping review summarises best-practice responses in primary and high school settings, focusing on non-clinical staff. It provides a foundation for developing consistent, evidence-based whole-school guidelines.
What it means to thrive: a qualitative, interdisciplinary exploration of employees' understandings of "thriving" at work
Dalessandro C and Lovell A
Due to widespread societal changes, scholars and human resources (HR) practitioners need additional ideas and strategies to encourage employee well-being and "thriving" in the post-COVID workplace. However, academics and practitioners are typically not in conversation on this topic, which can lead to gaps between knowledge and practice.
"My suitcases are still not fully unpacked": Ukrainian refugee mothers under Norwegian temporary collective protection
Anjum G, Isaac L, Grzymala-Moszczynska H and Mazurowska K
This study explores the lived experiences of Ukrainian refugee mothers who have resettled in Norway under the temporary collective protection scheme. In particular, the research investigates how structural integration mechanisms, psychosocial well-being, and individual aspirations intersect in shaping adaptation processes.
Wik ACM, Bjorbækmo WS and Groven KS
This qualitative study aims to explore the lived experiences of 11 children and adolescents from Norway, aged 10 to 17, who are participating in a two-year community-based, family-centered intervention designed to promote weight management through dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Medication experience of aged patients and their family caregivers during transitions of care: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Zou L, Ma C, Liang X, Lu M, Wang R, Chen C and Xu Z
As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with chronic diseases increases. It is crucial to focus on the medication experience of elderly patients and their family caregivers during transitions of care (TOC) to improve prognosis and ensure medication safety. However, existing evidence mainly focuses on communication experiences of medication management during this period, which constitutes only part of the overall medication experience. This study aims to systematically review qualitative research exploring the medication experience of elderly patients and caregivers during TOC and provide insights for enhancing their medication experience and ensuring safety during this critical time.
: a phenomenological study of mothers' experiences caring for preschool children in high fine-dust environments
Seo JW and Ryu E
This study explores mothers' lived experiences of caring for preschool children (aged 3-6) in environments affected by fine dust. The study aims to uncover how mothers perceive their protective roles and navigate challenges stemming from environmental health concerns.
Having oneself as a stake- a qualitative study on Work-related psychosocial health among emergency call centre operators
Aléx J, Gardfall E, Nordfjäll M and Molin J
Although emergency call centre operators are not physically present at the scene of emergencies, they are still significantly impacted by these events. They are exposed to distressed individuals who express feelings of fear, desperation, and helplessness. Emergency call centre operators must endure this emotional exposure while simultaneously collecting crucial information from callers, relaying this information to responding units, and potentially instructing callers in critical first aid.
"I bought it, but I still don't know what it is": international students dealing with a new food culture in Norway - A qualitative study
Medin AC, Polspoel MEM, Vejrup K, Strömmer ST, Barker ME and Øverby NC
Over six million students study abroad each year, and many experience culture shock. Engaging with a new food culture often changes eating habits, and dietary acculturation can be challenging for young people. However, little is known about this process among international students in the Nordic context and how it affects their health and well-being. This study aimed to explore the main challenges international students face concerning food choices and eating habits after encountering Norwegian food culture.
Experiences of an unconditional cash transfer intervention among young adults with first-episode psychosis in South Africa: qualitative inquiry of patients and their caregivers
Mlay J, Ntlantsana V, Gcabashe N, Jamieson L, Naidu T, Bhengu BS, Thela L, Paruk S, Chiliza B, Burns JK, Lessells R and Tomita A
Strengthening social protection through cash transfers has proven effective in reducing common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, the acceptability of unconditional cash transfer (UCT) interventions, also known as Basic Income Support (BIS) in certain regions, for socially vulnerable young adults who have experienced first-episode psychosis (FEP) in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, remains unknown. This qualitative inquiry explored the experience and acceptability of an unconditional cash transfer (UCT) intervention among patients with FEP and their caregivers.
Narrative agency in retirement interviews: a qualitative longitudinal study
Kosonen H, Nikander P and Lumme-Sandt K
The outspoken aim of extending working lives faces the challenge of strong retirement age norms. This paper explores how older postal workers exercise their agency when narrating their retirement experiences and discusses implications for societal goals to extend working lives.
A salutogenic approach to aspects facilitating female immigrants' establishment in working life: an integrative literature review
Garell C, Lydell M, Zimmerman Nilsson MH and Hertting K
Studies show that female immigrants tend to struggle to establish themselves in the working life in a new society. Since previous research has primarily focused on barriers to integration, there is a need for more studies that encompass aspects that make integration toward employment possible for women.
"That kind of information is crucial to get across": co-developing a sexual assault support website with survivors and support providers
Hardeberg Bach M, Krogh SNS and Hansen M
Although eHealth can play a vital role in the lives of people affected by sexual violence, research indicates that eHealth applications often do not meet these users' needs.
Communication between Norwegian Pakistani patients and healthcare providers about traditional and complementary medicine: a qualitative study
Khalid S, Stub T, Kristoffersen AE, Borge CR and Alpers LM
Norwegian Pakistanis use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) to promote well-being and treat illnesses. Effective communication between T&CM users and healthcare providers (HCPs) about these practices is essential for patient safety. Therefore, this study aimed to explore HCPs' experiences in discussing T&CM practices with Norwegian Pakistani patients.
Bridging peer support and primary care in youth mental health: stakeholder perspectives on needs, key elements and integration challenges
Pellemans-van Rooijen R, Spigt M, Koonings FPM, Odink T, Noort VG, van Amelsvoort TAMJ and Leijdesdorff SMJ
This study explored how youth with mental health issues, peer support workers, and primary care professionals perceive youth's needs while receiving support, key elements of peer support, and its integration into primary healthcare.
Creating together, growing together: a qualitative study of adolescent experiences in an inclusive, co-creative performing arts project
Andreasen EM and Westergren T
Adolescence is a formative period marked by exploration, identity formation, and a growing need for belonging. Co-creative performing arts practices may support learning and relationship-building across diverse groups of young people. This study explored how adolescents without disabilities, enrolled in mainstream educational programmes, experienced and reflected on their participation in a long-term, inclusive, co-creative performing arts project ().
Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a reflexive thematic analysis of experiences of people before, during and after treatment
Ingman T, Chalder T and Lawrence V
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic illness marked by severe, medically unexplained fatigue. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) moderately improves fatigue and functioning. However, there is debate about recovery and how this should be operationalised. The impact of treatment on how recovery is viewed is also unclear. This study explored how people with CFS receiving CBT viewed recovery and whether these views differed at various stages of treatment.