Integrating Qualitative Methods within Intervention Mapping: A Practical Guide for Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

Abstract

Qualitative research methods have historically been undervalued in psychology and health sciences, overshadowed by the dominance of behaviorism and a positivist research tradition that prioritized quantitative approaches. Qualitative methods were often dismissed as overly interpretive and subjective, perceived as incompatible with positivist principles. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in the use of qualitative methods, with growing recognition of their unique contributions, particularly as complementary to quantitative approaches. Despite this progress, concerns remain, including the resource-intensive nature of qualitative research and the perceived lack of generalizability of findings. Furthermore, many health scholars receive limited training in these methods, hindering their broader adoption and effective use. We argue for the indispensable integration of qualitative methods in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health interventions and advocate for improved training for health promoters and other professionals. Qualitative research can offer critical insights into why and how interventions succeed, capturing essential stakeholder perspectives that can inform adaptation and enhance effectiveness of interventions. Using the example of Intervention Mapping, we outline a guide to selecting appropriate qualitative methods for various contexts, target populations, and phases of intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation. We also provide an outlook on how the challenges of qualitative methods can be addressed.