Depression as a transformational experience : a phenomenological hermeneutic approach

This study set out to explore and gain a deeper understanding of women’s experiences of depression as a transformational experience through non-dual consciousness that could not be found in contemporary psychological theories alone. The intent is to stimulate conversation and understanding through the culmination of contemporary understanding and theory intertwined with feminist and transpersonal epistomologies to explore the lived experiences of five women who have experienced transformation through their experience of depression. A phenomenological hermeneutics approach was used to approach the phenomenon of depression as a transformational experience in women to honour the lived experience of the five women who chose to participate in this research. This study allowed for conversations to emerge out of the lived experience of the women who have been embracing non-dual consciousness for two years prior to participating in this research. Analysis and interpretation of the transcripts resulted in the emergence of twelve themes. These twelve themes fell into three main categories including Part A: The Descent, Part B: The Transformational Journey, and Part C: Transpersonal Integration. A summary of the findings were provided as well as a discussion of strengths and limitations of this study.

Authors

• Falk, Sharie
• University of Lethbridge. School of Health Sciences

• Dissertations, Academic
• Depression, Mental -- Case studies

Identifier

hdl:10133/657

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/657