Participatory Descriptive Phenomenology: a methodological framework

This methodological paper presents a participatory adaptation of descriptive phenomenology, co-produced with public contributors. Traditionally, descriptive phenomenological analysis is performed by a sole trained analyst responsible for conducting bracketing, reduction, and essence-seeking. In contrast, we explore how these processes can be shared within collaborative partnerships. Through iterative development and reflexive discussion, we adapted key phenomenological processes to make them usable and meaningful for public contributors. In doing so, we reoriented the epistemic assumptions of phenomenological inquiry, with meaning-making situated within relational, participatory processes. Public contributors are seldom involved in data analysis, or when they are, are asked to assess themes already generated by researchers. We argue that a participatory descriptive phenomenology offers a promising model for inclusive, culturally grounded qualitative research. Our methodological reflections contribute to debates on power, co-production, and epistemic justice, and demonstrate how descriptive phenomenology can be expanded methodologically and theoretically to bring people’s lived experiences to the fore.