ABSTRACT
Grounded theory is a qualitative methodology that guides the exploration and understanding of social processes that occur within society. Originally utilized in the field of nursing for health research, this methodology has grown in popularity and offers great opportunities for better understanding engagement in occupation for both occupational science and occupational therapy. The authors begin this chapter with an overview of grounded theory, including its epistemological and ontological orientation; before outlining key considerations for the planning and implementation of grounded theory research, with a more focused consideration of best practice application. To illustrate, the authors draw on a grounded theory study that sought to uncover the relational process of narrative storytelling in brain injury rehabilitation. The final sections of the chapter explore some of the issues pertaining to rigor and ethics, as well as key considerations in critiquing grounded theory studies. In doing so the aim is to make explicit the ‘fit’ between grounded theory methodology and occupationally focused inquiry.
