scholarly journals Forgiveness as a spiritual construct experienced by men serving long-term sentences in Zonderwater, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Landman ◽  
Tanya Pieterse
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Peace Of Mind ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Self Discovery ◽  
Chronological Time

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.

scholarly journals Alcohol in long-term care homes: A qualitative investigation with residents, relatives, care workers and managers

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252110181
Author(s):  
Jakob Emiliussen ◽  
Søren Engelsen ◽  
Regina Christiansen ◽  
Anette Søgaard Nielsen ◽  
Søren Harnow Klausen
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Symbolic Value

Introduction: Western societies are aging rapidly, and habitual use of alcohol is changing among older adults. Hence, care facilities are facing novel challenges regarding alcohol use. This pioneering qualitative study seeks to investigate the role of alcohol in care homes, as seen from the perspectives of residents, care workers, relatives, and institution management simultaneously. Method: Five residents, four care workers, three relatives, and two care home managers participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 60 minutes maximum. An interpretative phenomenological analysis framework were utilised for the analysis. Results: It seems that there is a positive attitude towards the use of alcohol in care homes across the four groups of participants. They find that the use of alcohol is presently low among the residents. Importantly there appears to be an important symbolic value in the rituals surrounding alcohol which is upheld by all four groups. Conclusion: While experiences between the four groups seem to converge regarding the use of alcohol, there are still some important differences. Importantly, we suggest that these unique views be utilised in developing methods for handling alcohol use in care homes in the future.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

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
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Holistic Development ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Self Discovery

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.

The Sexual Experience of Married Middle-Aged Women as a Source of Mental Wellbeing: Perceptions, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-203
Author(s):  
Tal Braverman-Uriel ◽  
Tal Litvak-Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Women's Leadership ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Significant Development ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

The impact of sexuality on mental wellbeing in women in long-term relationships has only been partially investigated. Emphasis has been on quantitative research studies that do not capture the breadth of the field. The present study looked at how and to what extent women maintain sexual desire in long-term relationships, and how sexuality affects their mental wellbeing. The study used a qualitative narrative approach and included semi-structured interviews with approximately 20 Israeli women aged 40–55 from similar socioeconomic backgrounds and in longstanding, permanent relationships. The findings indicate significant development over the years in the perception of the role of sexuality and its impact on mental wellbeing. The path to good sexuality can and should follow women’s leadership and initiative. Such women have the desire to make an impact, willingness to make an effort, and even an actual ability to exert influence. The interviewees’ tools, strategies, insights and ways of coping can serve as models for other women seeking better sexuality in a long-term relationship.

scholarly journals Older People in a Community Gospel Choir: Musical Engagement and Social Connection

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn Joseph ◽  
Jane Southcott
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Musical Engagement ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Gospel Choir ◽  
Freedom Songs ◽  
Social Importance

This research explores the role of community music in the lives of older Australians. This qualitative case study investigated the meanings and understandings ascribed by participants to their musical engagement in the South of the River Community Gospel Choir. This mixed a cappella SATB choir was formed in 2002 in Melbourne. The choir began with a repertoire of African-American Gospel music and South African Freedom Songs. With time their musical choices have transitioned to include more contemporary Australian composed works. The choir sings in diverse community settings such as high security prisons, palliative care, hospitals and the more common range of gigs such as community events, private events and folk festivals. Data were gathered from individual and focus group semi-structured interviews undertaken in 2016 with the members of the choir and with the Musical Director. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and reported under the themes of Musical engagement and Social connection, Performing and Outreach. The findings confirmed the pivotal musical and social importance of the Music Director; the importance of performance opportunities that support both socialising and community outreach; and the role of ensemble membership in fostering and maintaining understandings of self-worth and self-esteem.

Evaluating Change in Housing for Sustainable Development: Kosuyolu Case in Istanbul

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Dilek Yildiz
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Land Use Pattern ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban Dynamics ◽  
Unique Identity ◽  
Historic Memory ◽  
Alternative Scenarios

Sparse attention has been paid to the inevitable processes of change that enable progress in today's globalizing urban centres, but also threaten their unique identity, historic memory, and cultural heritage. The aims of this work are to understand the urban dynamics that trigger these change processes, uncover their effects, and discuss how these changes can be utilized to achieve sustainable development. The case study, which uses a comparative mixed method strategy consisting of archival research, fieldwork, and semi-structured interviews, is the Kosuyolu Housing Settlement, a project dating to the 1950s that represents one of Istanbul's best examples of urban development and housing culture. Displaying the architectural and urban planning ideals of the Modern period, this settlement is a concrete example that reflects the period's considerations regarding social housing. Through this case, change in housing has been evaluated in terms of sustainability indicators. The derived evidences show the significant role of governance and the maintained land use pattern for the achievement of the sustainable development and these evidences are used to suggest the development of an adaption guide that will assist in sustainable development in the short term, and the creation of alternative scenarios that are flexible and easy to adapt, active, and based on participatory processes for the long term.

The utility of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Kelly ◽  
Sheranne Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Event portfolios promote synergies among events and stakeholders within a destination in order to maximise resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio using the four stages of Parvatiyar and Sheth’s (2000) process model of relationship marketing: formation, management and governance, performance evaluation, and evolution. Design/methodology/approach Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourism and government stakeholders involved in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio within a single destination. Findings The destination outlined clear strategic goals through an event strategy. An Events Board was established to bring together key stakeholders from tourism, events, and government to oversee the development of an event portfolio. The Events Board gave advice to relevant tourism and government stakeholders on which events they should provide funding. Developing relationships was not a stated objective, but the Events Board realised the importance of relationships to create and maintain the destination’s event portfolio. Long-term funding contracts were used as a mechanism to establish relationships and were an impetus for interaction. Relationships were also maintained through dedicated staff who managed the relationships between the destination stakeholders and the events. Practical implications Understanding factors that contribute to the successful creation and maintenance of event portfolios can inform destination stakeholders who are responsible for generating tourism through events. Originality/value Limited research has examined the creation and maintenance of event portfolios. This study provides insight into the central importance of relationships in creating and maintaining an event portfolio.

scholarly journals ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’: Exploring the role of support in women’s experiences of mastectomy without reconstruction

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1598-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Archer ◽  
Fiona G Holland ◽  
Jane Montague
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Positive Support ◽  
Unilateral Mastectomy

This study explores the role of others in supporting younger women who opt not to reconstruct their breast post-mastectomy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s/40s. The women lived in England, had been diagnosed a minimum of 5 years previously and had undergone unilateral mastectomy. An interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: Assuring the self: ‘I’ll love you whatever’, Challenging the self: ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’ and Accepting the self: ‘I’ve come out the other side’. The women’s experiences of positive support and challenges to their sense of self are discussed.

Experiencing Responsive Technology in a Mixed Work: Interactive music as embodied and situated activity

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-427
Author(s):  
Anna Einarsson
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interactive Music ◽  
Sensorimotor Interaction ◽  
The Relationship

How is performing with responsive technology in a mixed work experienced by performers, and how may the notion of embodied cognition further our understanding of this interaction? These questions are addressed here analysing accounts from singers performing the author’s mixed work Metamorphoses (2015). Combining semi-structured interviews and inspiration from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, questions concerning the ‘self’ when listening, singing, moving and relating to fellow musicians, as well as the relationship towards the computer, are explored. The results include a notion of the computer as neither separated nor detached but both, and highlight the importance of the situation, including not only the here and now but also social and cultural dimensions. The discussion emphasises the role of sensorimotor interaction and bodily experience in human meaning-making.

scholarly journals The two faces of secondary headship

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Guihen
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Teacher Role ◽  
Meaningful Difference ◽  
Head Teacher ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Analysis Methodology

Men continue to outnumber women at the secondary head teacher level. This article reports on some of the preliminary findings of a larger study exploring the ways in which women deputy head teachers, as potential aspirants to headship, perceive the secondary head teacher role. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. The data revealed that, while making decisions about their professional futures, the majority of the women held dual, contradictory images of secondary headship. One image consisted of a role plagued by risk, performativity and stress, whereas the other focused on the agentic capacity head teachers have to transform lives and communities. The article highlights the ways in which a belief in the power of headship to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people can encourage some women to aspire towards headship regardless of the precarity they perceive as being ingrained within the head teacher role.

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