In more detail
Defining themes is part of phase 5 of reflexive thematic analysis, but definitions are useful long before that. Writing a working definition for each theme and code makes the researcher say what holds it together, and shows quickly when a theme is really two ideas or when two codes overlap.
A good working definition names the central idea, sets its edges, and can be read against the quotes coded to it. Definitions change as the analysis changes, and keeping earlier versions is a useful record of how the thinking developed.
The definitions written by the end of the analysis often become the opening sentences of each theme in the findings chapter.
In Themescape
Working definitions live in the definition column of the Framework tab, one row per theme, code or sub-code. The reader shows the definition above the quotes when you select a theme or code, and Work mode lets you edit it. Saving your progress writes the new wording back to the Framework file.
A short example
From the Working Well dataset
Wellbeing and Burnout
Working definition: How participants experience strain, depletion and recovery, and where they turn for support.
Exhaustion SignalsRecovery RitualsBlurring of RestSeeking Support
Made up data about working from home. Nothing in it comes from a real study.
Where to read more
Article: Writing working definitions that survive review ›
Definitions and quotes on selection ›
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE.