ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the methods used to analyse the data generated, the existential and hermeneutic phenomenological approach used within the clay work sessions, and the analysis of the art therapy/clay work process. These are presented here in order to show transparency regarding the data generated, and to allow potential replication of the methods used within future studies. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis used to discover the themes is described, as are the fundamentals of Participatory Action Research used in the early stages of the study, and the use of a multiple case-study design. The process for translating data into subordinate and superordinate themes is outlined, as well as the continuation of the iterative process by revisiting the data and developing this into three further major themes, i.e. making connections and making meaning through stories of body image and self-identity; clay work as meaningful play; and the impact of mothers and others on body image and self-identity. Revisiting the data therefore brought clarification and the development of new insights, enabling new learning and new meanings to be found.
