Connectivity: Person-Centred Research Principles to Inform Constructivist Grounded Theory

Person-centred approaches to practice recognise the global call to humanise healthcare, where people are valued and their preferences and needs are respected (WHO, 2015). Researchers must also embrace person-centred approaches to further inform person-centredness as the foundation of healthcare policy and practice. Healthcare researchers, policymakers, leaders, educators, and multi-disciplinary practitioners are invited to consider how person-centred methodologies enhance the value and authenticity of research. Person-centred research principles to guide researchers are available (Dewing et al., 2021; McCormack et al., 2017), and one approach proposes an overarching research principle of connectivity; the being, doing, and knowing of the researcher throughout the development, implementation, and dissemination of the research study (Jacobs et al., 2017). An exploration of the principles of attentiveness and dialogue, empowerment and participation, critical reflexivity, and loving kindness that inform connectivity (Jacobs et al., 2017; van Leishout & Peelo-Kilroe, 2021) is presented here. No single methodology is associated with person-centred research, and researchers are encouraged to consider how to incorporate person-centred principles in many different contexts. This paper explores the innovative use of person-centred principles to underpin a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study illuminating the person-centred nursing process of engaging authentically (McCormack & McCance, 2021). Synergies and connections between the person-centred research principles and Charmaz’s CGT approaches are explored, and further considerations are highlighted. We contend that person-centred research principles support CGT research, explicitly building on Charmaz’s relational approaches and enabling a rigorous foundation for engaging in research, where valuing and respect are central.