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Available
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Publication
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology Specialty in Somatic Psychology, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA, March 2012
Local notes
http://www.processwork.org/files/Finalprojects/Wagner_K_March_2012.pdf
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the interconnection of fulfilling life paths, women, and the body. Drawing upon traditional theories of fulfillment, positive psychology, feminist and diversity studies, as well as somatic psychology, the research explored how women experience fulfillment and what role, if any, the body plays in helping women find and navigate fulfilling life paths. Following an interpretive phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis, combined with case studies and informed by intersectionality and somatic awareness, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven women aged 46-71. The participants’ experiences indicated that women’s experiences of fulfillment are linked with the following: (1) a sense of connection with something bigger than themselves; (2) oppressive forces stemming from sociocultural, religious, and family beliefs and behaviors; (3) the process of crisis, conflict, and metamorphosis; (4) discovering the meaning and means to live true to self; and (5) bestowing life learnings to others. The findings help to place women’s experiences of fulfillment within a sociocultural context, pointing towards the importance of addressing both internal and external sources of conflict. Atri-level understanding of the body’s role in fulfilling life paths is also discussed, which includes physical, sociocultural, and internal/experiential dimensions.
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the interconnection of fulfilling life paths, women, and the body. Drawing upon traditional theories of fulfillment, positive psychology, feminist and diversity studies, as well as somatic psychology, the research explored how women experience fulfillment and what role, if any, the body plays in helping women find and navigate fulfilling life paths. Following an interpretive phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis, combined with case studies and informed by intersectionality and somatic awareness, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven women aged 46-71. The participants’ experiences indicated that women’s experiences of fulfillment are linked with the following: (1) a sense of connection with something bigger than themselves; (2) oppressive forces stemming from sociocultural, religious, and family beliefs and behaviors; (3) the process of crisis, conflict, and metamorphosis; (4) discovering the meaning and means to live true to self; and (5) bestowing life learnings to others. The findings help to place women’s experiences of fulfillment within a sociocultural context, pointing towards the importance of addressing both internal and external sources of conflict. Atri-level understanding of the body’s role in fulfilling life paths is also discussed, which includes physical, sociocultural, and internal/experiential dimensions.