Two approaches to the study of experiences of health and old age: the thematic interview and the narrative method

This paper discusses two methods of data collection for the study of experienced health and old age: the thematic interview and the narrative method, both of which represent the interpretive research paradigm. Two applications of the method are described: the thematic interview was used in a study of patient experiences of health and nursing, and the narrative method in a study of experiences of ageing. The role and utility of the methods are discussed from the point of view of nursing research.