title: Symbolic interactionism in grounded theory studies: women surviving with HIV/AIDS in rural northern Thailand.
abstract: Although it is generally acknowledged that symbolic interactionism and grounded theory are connected, the precise nature of their connection remains implicit and unexplained. As a result, many grounded theory studies are undertaken without an explanatory framework. This in turn results in the description rather than the explanation of data determined. In this report, the authors make explicit and explain the nature of the connections between symbolic interactionism and grounded theory research. Specifically, they make explicit the connection between Blumer's methodological principles and processes and grounded theory methodology. In addition, the authors illustrate the explanatory power of symbolic interactionism in grounded theory using data from a study of the HIV/AIDS experiences of married and widowed Thai women.
authors.affiliation: Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
authors.forename: Areewan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klunklin
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Greenwood
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D017533:Marital Status; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011287:Prejudice; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012424:Rural Population; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D013240:Stereotyping; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013561:Symbolism; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*