A Phenomenological inquiry of women's experience of depersonalization

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dc.contributor.advisorRothery, Michael A.
dc.contributor.authorWiggins, Helen June
dc.date.accessioned2005-07-27T23:31:50Z
dc.date.available2005-07-27T23:31:50Z
dc.date.issued1991
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 174-188.en
dc.description.abstractThis research explores the lived experience of four women who range in age from their mid-thirties to early forties. The aim of this study is to broaden our understanding of the meaning of depersonalization to the women who experience it. The qualitative methodology of phenomenology was utilized. This method was guided by the theoretical framework of new paradigm research which strives to put a human element into research and feminist research which focuses on gender specific issues, including the concept of egalitarian relationships. The literature review explored dissociation disorders with respect to four areas: 1) early theories of depersonalization; 2) multiple personality disorder; 3) treatment of multiple personality; and 4) treatment of dissociation. The findings are presented as reduced stories of the women's experience. The essence of depersonalization was distilled from the stories of lived experience and this is presented in three theme clusters. The thematic clusters are: 1) defence of self, which includes the themes of control, coping and blocking; 2) self dispersion, with the themes of altered state of consciousness, going within and separation; and 3) self insight, which included knowing and awareness. Each cluster and theme is discussed using examples from the women's stories. The fear of insanity, while not a part of the experience, is discussed. This is presented in a feminist framework. Limitations and implications of the research are presented. Clinical implications for social work are addressed in two areas. First, clinical issues are explored for women who experience depersonalization as a coping mechanism. Secondly, clinical issues are discussed for women who live in violent relationships and experience depersonalization as a situational response.
dc.format.extentxiii, 199 leaves ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationWiggins, H. J. (1991). A Phenomenological inquiry of women's experience of depersonalization (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/11281en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/11281
dc.identifier.isbn0315668997en
dc.identifier.lccRC 553 D4 W54 1991en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/24506
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultySocial Work
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject.lccRC 553 D4 W54 1991en
dc.subject.lcshDepersonalization
dc.subject.lcshWomen - Attitudes
dc.subject.lcshDissociation (Psychology)
dc.titleA Phenomenological inquiry of women's experience of depersonalization
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Social Work (MSW)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 805 520535180
ucalgary.thesis.notesoffsiteen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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