Original Articles

Contemplating the Self: A Brief Phenomenological Participatory Action Study

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 23 , issue 4 , 2013 , pages: 639–641

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820680

Author(s): Stephen D. Edwards Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Sumeshni Govender Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Dumisani R. Nzima Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Mandla M. Hlongwane Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Jabulani D. Thwala Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Ashmin Singh Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments, , Pricilla B. Mbele Psychology and Educational Psychology Departments,

Keywords: self contemplation , phenomenology , psychology , participatory action research

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Abstract

This study examines Self contemplation from a heuristic phenomenological and applied psychological perspective using a participatory action research approach. The participant authors (n = 6; females = 50%, majority ethnicity = isiZulu = 67%) engaged in reflective contemplation of the Self to generate qualitative data that captured its core features and psychological applications. The data were thematically analyzed. Core features of the Self were revealed in contemplative, spiritual, ancestral, healing and psychotherapeutic themes. Specific psychological applications consisted of various universal characteristics of healing including the therapeutic relationship, therapeutic moments, integrity, dialogue, authenticity, intentionality, will, belief, practice and breath-work.

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