Van Kaam’s phenomenology: theoretical-methodological contributions to nursing research

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the theoretical-methodological contribution of van Kaam’s phenomenology to nursing research. Methods: Theoretical reflection based on scientific literature. Results and discussion: Intentionality emerges as a central concept and the 7 steps of the van Kaam’s method modified by Moustakas were developed: horizontalization; reduction and elimination; categorization and thematization of invariant constituents; application and validation; construction of the individual textural description; construction of the individual structural description; and composite description. Final considerations: van Kaam’s theoretical-methodological framework allows a different look at the phenomenon, since the knowledge produced comes from the textural and structural essence of the lived experience, in a composite description, considering its different perceptive dimensions.