Cynthia, I think the first step is to understand IPA in the health system. Here is a recommended read:

http://www.nursingknowledge.org/interpretive-phenomenology-in-health-care-research.html

Another reference: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/interpretive-phenomenology-patricia-ellen-benner/1120863126?ean=9780803957220

The second reference is from both theory and practice and the author considers groups such as family from a feminine perspective, which may apply to AA women considering obesity. The book according to the summary is  a science of caring from a feminist perspective, introduces interpretive phenomenology to the study of natural groups such as families, and suggests a basis for developing nursing ethics that is true to the caring and healing practices of the nursing profession. A Heideggerian phenomenological perspective on the concept of person/toward a new medical ethics/parenting in public.

Several journal articles have been published considering body image from the point of view of African American women:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23411660

This article considers transgenerational meanings and experiences of obese African American adolescent girls and their mothers. An interpretive phenomenological study was conducted with seven African American adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17, and their adult female caregivers.

The first article considers adolescents and the next article is about older AA women. They conclude that weight-loss is not a motivator and that staying independent longer is a better motivator.

http://journals.humankinetics.com/japa-current-issue/japa-volume-23-issue-2-april/a-phenomenological-study-of-obesity-and-physical-activity-in-southern-african-american-older-women

I  really enjoy this forum. So much knowledge and expertise for a novice researcher like myself. Thanks again. Have you used IPA before?

Cynthia

Cynthia, I have studied qualitative analysis; however, it is not my field of expertise. I studied it outside of my department, since the Graduate Nursing Department had experts in IPA. It is not the same as first-hand experience; however, I learned so much from my esteemed colleagues.

I am a qualitative researcher using  IP as my method of choice

I highly recommend Patricia Benner's book on IP, Embodied, Caring, Ethics in Health Care ( or something close to that) you can google it.

R/

Thank you Deirdre,

Appreciate you.

Cynthia