Entering the abyss: A heuristic self-search and organic inquiry into the experience and transformational potential of existential grief
by Caro, Christina M., Ph.D., INSTITUTE OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 2007, 350 pages; 3263751

Abstract:

This study applied an integrated qualitative research method, informed by Heuristic Self-Search Inquiry, organic inquiry, and intuitive inquiry, to explore the dimensions and transformational potential of the experience of existential grief within the framework of the six transpersonal domains of body, emotion, mind, spirituality, community, and creativity. The goal was to expand self-understanding, deepen self-knowledge, and provide the opportunity for transformative experiences to all who engaged in and with the study. Twelve participant coresearchers, 5 men and 7 women aged 29 to 65, participated in the study. Two were Asian American, 2 biracial Asian American, and 8 Caucasian. The 4 volunteer early readers consisted of 1 African American man and 3 Caucasian women aged 34 to 58. Data was collected in three distinct, yet integrated, phases: (a) a two-year self-search inquiry as the primary researcher with focus on the Self who feels, (b) a 1 to 1½ hour interview with 12 coresearchers followed by collaborative narrative creation, and (c) 3 validity assessment questionnaires completed by coresearchers and the four early readers. The results were presented in the form of 13 narratives describing individual experiences of existential grief. A group story was also created through creative synthesis of all 13 narratives. Significant themes included, but were not limited to, sensations of constriction in chest and throat, as well as sensations of physical dissociation or fragmentation; emotions of despair, loneliness, emotional pain, sadness, anger, and fear, as well as peace, joy, and fearlessness; thoughts of meaninglessness, questioning—Why? How?, longing, hiding, justice, and acceptance; spiritual questioning, affirmation of faith or humanistic independence, authenticity, and connection to earth, animals, and spirit; interpersonal separation, existential aloneness, and isolation, as well as creation of community, genuine friendships, and deeper parent-child connection; and loss or freeing of creative expression.

 
AdviserJan Fisher
SchoolINSTITUTE OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY
SourceDAI/B 68-04, p. , Aug 2007
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsPhilosophy; Developmental psychology; Psychology
Publication Number3263751
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