Type:	Journal Article
Title:	The phenomenology of meditation for female survivors of intimate partner violence
Other Titles:	Violence against women
Authors:	Kane, Kathleen E
Keywords:	Counselling;Mental health
Year:	2006
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Citation:	12 (5), May 2006
Notes:	This article looks at how an existential-phenomenological methodology was used to explore the experience of meditation for female survivors of intimate partner violence. Six co-researchers were taught a form of concentrative meditation and were required to attend a weekly group meditation for 6 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Themes included: motivated by a desire for change; challenges with the learning process; changes in practice over time; changes in sensory perception; experiencing group practice as different from individual practice; feelings of wellbeing; global cognitive or behavioural changes; connection with the self or spiritual connection; and dealing with abuse-related material. Helping trauma survivors reconnect with themselves could facilitate self-acceptance and a sense of empowerment and meditation seemed to be effective for developing these qualities in the co-researchers. The nature of meditation as a self-controlled strategy puts a woman in a position of empowerment over her own recovery process. However, meditation may not be appropriate for everyone as clients in the middle of intense PTSD symptoms may find mediation difficult or disturbing. Findings suggest the value of meditation as an intervention strategy and the need for further research into this area.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12565
ISSN:	1077-8012
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.