Experience of Administering Life Grid in the Qualitative Interviews with Adolescent Children of Parents with Mental Illness

Abstract

Background: Methodological literature on qualitative research with children and young people suggests that traditional data collection methods can be strengthened through the use of creative and task-based methods. This article discusses the experience of using one such task-based method called the life grid, to explore the experiences of adolescent children who have a parent with psychotic illness, in the Indian context. Methods: The life grid was adapted for the present study and used with 24 adolescents aged 15–19 years. Feedback about their experience was collected on a five-point rating scale and via open-ended questions. The researchers’ observations and reflections were noted down as field notes. Results: A majority of the adolescents (83%) reported liking the activity. They appreciated the opportunity to use the life grid to generate a holistic perspective of their lives. Difficulties in recalling negative past events and language barriers were some of the challenges in the activity. Conclusions: The life grid appears to be an appropriate and useful tool for qualitative research with adolescents in India. This article contributes to ongoing discussions over culturally relevant methodologies and issues among child researchers in India.