Un éclairage de la transition de retraite par l’analyse interprétative phénoménologique (IPA)

Introduction

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a method of qualitative discourse analysis that aims to understand lived experience and the meaning that individuals attribute to it.

Objectives

After describing its theoretical foundations and its methodology, this paper applies this method on a research on the experience of retirement transition which collected 28 interviews. It thus aims to show the interest of this method in understanding the psychological and reflexive processes inherent in periods of life marked by transformations.

Method

Centred on the way in which people imagine their own transformation of identity at retirement age and on the meaning they give to it, the analysis takes into account the adjustments made to daily life, to the relationship with time, and to social relations. This analysis is based on the detailed study of a case, and then compared to five other cases.

Results

The need to make a break, manifested by the extent and form of the transformations given on a daily basis, varies according to the subjects, meaning being attributed not only to the break but also to continuity. A temporal experience marked by a present to be reconfigured and interpersonal relationships deemed meaningful, is, on the other hand, very shared.

Conclusion

By bringing to light the psychological and reflexive processes of the experience of retirement, this study carried out with reference to the IPA can contribute to nourishing the practices of support for retirement, which are tending to develop.