Music enables the holistic development and discovery of self: A phenomenological study of two Christian musicians

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabella S. K. Fung

Music draws on body, space, time and relationships to offer a sacred experience. Musicking makes personal, social, emotional and spiritual connections with people. Cultural identity is formed through the arts, and the spirituality in music is a medium through which people explore their identities. This study examines how music facilitates the holistic development of two Melbourne-born Chinese-Australian Christian musicians. The Confucian Evolving Self Model, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, and music education aims offer conceptualising scaffolds to illuminate their self-discovery. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to report on multiple semi-structured interviews undertaken over three years. This study considered the interaction of various value systems – the fusion of Confucianism, Christian and psychological cultures in the process of musical development and identity formation. It fills a research gap and complements existing approaches to understanding the social contexts influencing the acquisition of musical skills and musicians’ occupational choices. The permissive parenting that both participants experienced might account for them being able to follow a career in music without familial resistance. The current findings can advocate for music education because the spiritual aspects of musical experiences were perceived as a mirror in fostering the holistic development of both participants.

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabella S. K. Fung

This phenomenological study focuses on the effect of parenting rooted in Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) on music learning of four American-born Chinese siblings from the same family. It investigates parental differential treatment (PDT) and sibling interactions on the musical development of the participants raised by musician parents. Participants’ music practice habits and their learning and performing opportunities can further account for their music identity formation. Hermeneutic inquiries explore how individuals make sense of their experiences. Data consisted of six semi-structured interviews conducted among this family and their email correspondences, and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four overarching themes emerged from the family narratives: parenting rooted in CHC-inspired music learning in this family; parental musicianship and continuous support, combined with kin role modelling and siblings’ sound practice habit positively facilitated their successful music learning; optimal learning and performing opportunities were highly beneficial in the siblings’ music learning process; and sibling relationships affected by PDT did not have long-term aversive effects on their learning or wellbeing. The findings show that PDT occurs among CHC families and children need to have a safe environment to thrive. Scholars and health practitioners should acquire intercultural knowledge to effectively work with families of diverse cultures.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1321103X2110206
Author(s):  
Stephen A Paparo

Though methods of somatic education such as the Feldenkrais Method are becoming more widely recognized as complementary approaches in vocal and choral pedagogy, there is little research that examines the experiences of singers who participate in such mind–body approaches. With the intent of exploring pedagogical implications of somatic education in music education, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of undergraduate vocal music education majors enrolled in an elective, 7-week Feldenkrais course. Specifically, how do singers describe in their participation in Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons, and how do these experiences inform their understanding of how they sing? Data were gathered from questionnaires, weekly journals, and semi-structured interviews. Phenomenological data analysis following Moustakas’s approach revealed three themes reported as textural and structural descriptions: (a) improved quality of movement, (b) heightened awareness of singing, and (c) enhanced practice. The overall essence of participants’ experience may be summarized as a process of self-discovery that provided individualized benefits for singing. Discussion includes pedagogical implications of somatic teaching and learning in PreK through university contexts as well as suggestions for future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liesl van der Merwe ◽  
John Habron

This article presents an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the lived spiritual experiences of five Dalcroze teachers while teaching Dalcroze Eurhythmics. It responds to a recent expansion of research into spirituality within music education and also in relation to Dalcroze Eurhythmics. However, there is no study on the lived spiritual experiences of Dalcroze practitioners. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to understand how five Dalcroze teachers make sense of their spiritual experiences while teaching Dalcroze Eurhythmics. After semi-structured interviews, we interpreted the experiences of each individual participant separately before doing a cross-case analysis. A six-step, iterative, and inductive data analysis cycle was followed. The superordinate themes that emerged are: Breathing is essential; Giving and receiving energy (physical and emotional); Creating connections through sound and movement; Awareness of self, other, environment, and music; Growth and learning; Meaning and holism; Wellbeing; and Precious moments of transcending time and space. Participants’ spiritual experiences are discussed against the background of “A conceptual model of spirituality in music education” as well as “A conceptual study of spirituality in selected writings of Émile Jaques-Dalcroze.” Music educators’ awareness of spirituality while teaching Dalcroze Eurhythmics could be heightened to increase their “pedagogical thoughtfulness and tact.”


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Mathewson

This study describes the childbirth experiences of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews of four women who gave birth to a baby within the last five years. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: control, anxiety, and detachment. This contributes to the current body of research by extending knowledge on what it means to experience childbirth for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, told by the woman herself. These findings are especially important in understanding what is required in providing safe, sensitive care for all childbearing women, and has important implications for practice, education, and further research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 874-889
Author(s):  
Katey Warran ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Rosie Perkins

The aim of this study was to explore the experience and perceived impact of group singing for men with cancer. Through the lens of phenomenology, semi-structured interviews were carried out with five patients with prostate cancer, focusing on their experience of cancer, singing, and the perceived impact of the choir. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged from the data: (a) meeting existential changes; (b) dynamic connection to others; (c) a holistic experience; (d) a positive experience. The experience of singing was viewed by participants as: something positive; a social experience; an ineffable experience; an activity that engages the whole person. The perceived impact of singing included: providing support in the face of the existential uncertainty brought about by having cancer; a dynamic connection to others; fulfilment; enhanced wellbeing; finding some form of benefit from the cancer experience. These results indicate that group singing has potential as an appropriate intervention for men living with cancer. This study, though small-scale, sheds some light on how to deliver holistic healthcare and how to optimise current choirs in health settings.


Adolescents ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-53
Author(s):  
Isabelle Lensvelt ◽  
Alexander Hassett ◽  
Alicia Colbridge

Looked-after children are exposed to significant developmental trauma which may impact their identity development. Discourses of vulnerability and maladaptation often surround this group, while care-leavers often self-identify as survivors. The role of culture in identity formation is also well documented, and cultural socialisation is linked to psychological adjustment and wellbeing. Despite this, little research has explored identity development in black and minority ethnic (BAME) care-leavers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used to analyse eight semi-structured interviews with BAME care-leavers about their experience of identity development. Three superordinate themes were developed: My journey—how I became me; Identity as a process—the processes that support identity development; and who am I—how I see myself now. Participants’ identity development was adaptive in the context of surviving significant disruption and trauma. Findings are discussed with reference to previous research and limitations are considered. Clinical implications include the need to address additional barriers to positive self-identity faced by BAME care leavers, the importance of acknowledging care-leaver identity as adaptive and embodying a trauma-informed approach to working with this group. Further research into how care-leavers experience their cultural identity is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marium Sohail ◽  
Rahila Yasmeen

Objectives: To explore experiences of medical residents about stages and nature of transitional journey from induction into residency program to achievement of consultant title. Methods: Qualitative phenomenological study was conducted at Sir Gangaram hospital and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore for six months from Feb 2019-July 2019 after IRB/ERC approval from Islamic International Medical College (Ref# Riphah/IIMC/ERC/19/0320). Using purposive criterion sampling, 16 semi-structured interviews in four departments, four strata of junior residents, senior residents, newly-qualified consultants, and supervising consultants with four participants each were conducted till theoretical saturation of data was achieved. After informed consent, audio recorded data was transcribed verbatim & analyzed through Atlas.ti 7 using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. After Bracketing and horizontalization, data was coded line by line. Codes (324) were merged to categories (19) for structural and textural description. Composite description of phenomenon was done by abstraction of themes (eight for stages and two for nature of journey). Results: Eight themes for stages as merriment, anguish, melancholy, acceptance and efforts, intensive learning, burnishing to shine, identity formation and intra-stage oscillations were identified. Two themes for journey’s nature were exponential learning & oscillating journey. Conclusion: The transitional journey is a multi-stage complex, oscillating journey. An oscillating electron model is presented upon the findings of this study to explain resident transition doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3853 How to cite this:Sohail M, Yasmeen R. Conceptualizing Medical Resident’s Journey through Wonderland of Clinical Practice: From transitional shock to role adaptation to independent practice. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3853 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Landman ◽  
Tanya Pieterse

This article presents the findings of research conducted on ‘forgiveness’ as a spiritual construct, religious survival strategy and meaning-giving tool during incarceration. The research was conducted with 30 men serving long-term sentences in Zonderwater, a correctional centre outside Pretoria, South Africa. A review of literature showed that forgiveness has mainly been seen as something the perpetrator owed the victim and that asking for and granting forgiveness were religious imperatives. However, this study shows that offenders, in the troubled space of incarceration, survived by putting themselves in control of forgiveness. They found peace of mind by granting forgiveness to those who caused them to be incarcerated, whilst at the same time taking responsibility for their own actions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. Applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology, the collected data were analysed and the following themes were identified: (1) forgiving those who transgressed against me; (2) the role of politics in forgiveness; (3) God’s role in forgiveness; and (4) the effects of forgiveness on the self.Contribution: This article contributes to an understanding of the construction of forgiveness as experienced by offenders, independent from the traditional victim-offender relations. Living in a troubled, unforgiving space, these men are expected to practice forgiveness by set standards. From their shared narratives, it is illustrated that their spiritual navigation with this phenomenon is not a chronological, time dependent process, but a multi-dimensional, personal journey to self-discovery.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Mathewson

This study describes the childbirth experiences of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews of four women who gave birth to a baby within the last five years. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: control, anxiety, and detachment. This contributes to the current body of research by extending knowledge on what it means to experience childbirth for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, told by the woman herself. These findings are especially important in understanding what is required in providing safe, sensitive care for all childbearing women, and has important implications for practice, education, and further research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ko Wai Chan

The present qualitative study aimed to explore how the attitudes, experiences, and feelings of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos could be used to enhance psychosocial wellbeing similar to mindfulness-based treatment programs. ASMR is an atypical and multisensory phenomenon in which a tingling sensation is often elicited following specific audio-visual stimulations. Although ASMR experiences have been announced to enhance wellbeing and phenomenologically superimposed with mindfulness, there is a lack of research exploring how ASMR experiences relate to wellbeing. In this study, the theoretical underpinnings of the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM) by Patti M. Valkenburg and Jochen Peter (2013) are merged with Positive psychology's wellbeing theory (PERMA) by Seligman (2011) for the first time with the objective to explore and link the distinguishing characteristics of ASMR video with wellbeing outcomes.The study entailed two in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were conducted with three university students (one female and two males) in Finland. Interpretative phenomenological analysis with coding schemes was employed and guided by DSMM and Seligman's five domains of well-being. Three main themes and fourteen subthemes emerged from the analyses of the interview transcripts corresponding to the research question. The main themes include ASMR intentional use, ASMR media contents, and ASMR multisensory integration. The subthemes encompass prior ASMR-like experiences, social pressure from family members and curiosity, different types of sound, voices, and movement; nostalgic thoughts, pro-change bias, and positive responses. Exploration of interviewees' narratives further brought to light issues concerning ASMR's emotional effects on wellbeing. Analyses reveal different subthemes clustered into five main themes: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships (Connectedness), Meaning and Making a Connection, and Accomplishment.The findings showed how ASMR videos enhance wellbeing through mindfulness-like experiences. These research findings are significant due to the ASMR videos' potential to increase wellbeing and happiness. Furthermore, their influence can extend to elevating the ability to concentrate on tasks at hand, improving the quality of sleep by stopping rumination, increasing self-confidence, and motivating altruistic behavior. The beneficial potential of ASMR videos to promote psychosocial wellbeing is remarkable


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