TY - JOUR
T1 - Coping with major life events
T2 - The role of spirituality and self-transformation
AU - Palframan, Jason
AU - Lancaster, Brian Les
PY - 2009/4
Y1 - 2009/4
N2 - The aim of the current study was to explore the process of self-transformation as a result of coping with a major life event, and to address the role, if any, that spirituality plays within the coping and transformational process. Using grounded theory methodology, six participants were interviewed over a period of 6 months. The findings, supportive of previous research, produced a preliminary model illustrating transformation as a gradual process. The core category was identified as "openness," in that by being open to others or to the "Transcendent," the participants were able to let go and transform. It was theorized that openness, in this sense, enables acceptance of material deriving from a realm of self beyond the everyday ego. Indeed, such a journey of transformation crucially seems to entail expanding the conception of self beyond customary limits. Understood in this way, transformation may be conceptualized as a process of continual movement into the unconscious, where the totality of the self is awakened, resulting in a reinterpretation of life purpose. The consequences of the transformation for participants were positive in nature. The role that spirituality plays within the coping and transformation process was seen to manifest as being subtle and unfolding and/or supportive.
AB - The aim of the current study was to explore the process of self-transformation as a result of coping with a major life event, and to address the role, if any, that spirituality plays within the coping and transformational process. Using grounded theory methodology, six participants were interviewed over a period of 6 months. The findings, supportive of previous research, produced a preliminary model illustrating transformation as a gradual process. The core category was identified as "openness," in that by being open to others or to the "Transcendent," the participants were able to let go and transform. It was theorized that openness, in this sense, enables acceptance of material deriving from a realm of self beyond the everyday ego. Indeed, such a journey of transformation crucially seems to entail expanding the conception of self beyond customary limits. Understood in this way, transformation may be conceptualized as a process of continual movement into the unconscious, where the totality of the self is awakened, resulting in a reinterpretation of life purpose. The consequences of the transformation for participants were positive in nature. The role that spirituality plays within the coping and transformation process was seen to manifest as being subtle and unfolding and/or supportive.
KW - Coping
KW - Spirituality
KW - Transformation
KW - Transpersonal psychology
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=70449336482&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13674670802500684
DO - 10.1080/13674670802500684
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:70449336482
SN - 1367-4676
VL - 12
SP - 257
EP - 276
JO - Mental Health, Religion and Culture
JF - Mental Health, Religion and Culture
IS - 3
ER -