Going Home: an Intuitive Inquiry Into the Experience Of
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
GOING HOME: AN INTUITIVE INQUIRY INTO THE EXPERIENCE OF READING FANTASY LITERATURE by Sheree Meyers Campbell A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology Institute of Transpersonal Psychology Palo Alto, California May 21, 2012 I certify that I have read and approved the content and presentation of this dissertation: ________________________________________________ _________________ Genie Palmer, Ph.D., Committee Chairperson Date ________________________________________________ _________________ Dennis Patrick Slattery, Ph.D., Committee Member Date ________________________________________________ _________________ Lisa Sloan, Ph.D., Committee Member Date UMI Number: 3522528 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3522528 Copyright 2012 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 Copyright Sheree Meyers Campbell 2012 All Rights Reserved Formatted according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition ii Abstract Going Home: An Intuitive Inquiry into the Experience of Reading Fantasy Literature by Sheree Meyers Campbell This dissertation explored the experience of reading fantasy literature in an absorbed state, especially the positive meaningful aspects, such as its ability to heal, transform, or remind one of the meaning of life and one’s values. The hermeneutic research method of intuitive inquiry was used. The researcher began by using self-reflection and a literature review to articulate her preliminary understandings, or, lenses. These lenses were then modified and developed through engagement with detailed written accounts of the experiences of 18 acquired participants (9 women and 9 men, 22 to 64 years of age; 4 from California, 7 from other states, 1 from Poland, 2 from France, 2 from UK, 1 from Italy, and 1 from New Zealand). Findings included lists of positive meaningful experiences of absorbed fantasy reading, in-depth narratives, each describing one positive meaningful experience of absorbed fantasy reading, related creative expression, and 14 final lenses. The final lenses regarding absorbed fantasy reading are: (a) altered state of consciousness that is similar to focused meditation, dreaming sleep, and shamanic journeys; (b) relationship to story; (c) intense emotions; (d) vivid images; (e) distortion of time and perception; (f) ineffable; (g) transformation; (h) healing, consoling and validating; (i) story mirrors life; (j) story is teacher, guide and companion; (k) sense of home; (l) sense of freedom; (m) escape; and (n) creative inspiration. These lenses were integrated with existing literature. The researcher concluded that the experience of reading fantasy literature in an absorbed state is essentially a spiritual experience that facilitates transformation, especially at critical junctures iii and times of transition. The results of this study extend the literature on beneficial and therapeutic effects of reading, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, imaginal psychology, intuitive inquiry, and the use of written narratives in qualitative research. The clinical applications of this study to depth psychotherapy are discussed. iv Acknowledgements I would like to express my deep appreciation to the following people: Genie Palmer, Dennis Slattery, Lisa Sloan, Neville Campbell, George Cullison, and Seán O’Laoire. From them I received the support and inspiration necessary to conceptualize and finish this project. I would also like to express my appreciation for the participants of this study, for without them there would be no project. v Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... v List of Creative Expression ............................................................................................................ xi List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ xii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Research Questions ............................................................................................................. 5 Purpose of Study ................................................................................................................. 6 Significance of Study .......................................................................................................... 6 Relevance of Study to Transpersonal Psychology .............................................................. 9 Overview of Study ............................................................................................................ 10 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 12 Fantasy Literature ............................................................................................................. 13 Definition of fantasy literature .............................................................................. 13 The hero’s journey ................................................................................................ 16 Shamanic initiation ............................................................................................... 16 Reality, Soul, and Spirit .................................................................................................... 17 Levels of existence. ............................................................................................... 18 Levels of selfhood ................................................................................................. 19 Psychology of Fantasy ...................................................................................................... 19 Scientism ............................................................................................................... 19 Alternative viewpoints .......................................................................................... 21 Psychology of Reading ..................................................................................................... 22 Definition of reading ............................................................................................. 22 vi Experience of reading ........................................................................................... 22 Relationship between reader and writer. ............................................................... 24 Reading and dreaming .......................................................................................... 25 Psychological Effects of Absorbed Reading ..................................................................... 25 Hypnosis. .............................................................................................................. 29 Transportation. ...................................................................................................... 33 Personal involvement ............................................................................................ 35 Flow and peak experiences ................................................................................... 36 Story and Therapy ............................................................................................................. 38 Bibliotherapy ......................................................................................................... 39 Fantasy literature and therapy ............................................................................... 44 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 46 Chapter 3: Research Method ......................................................................................................... 48 Intuitive Inquiry ................................................................................................................ 48 Validity ............................................................................................................................. 55 Cycle 1: Clarifying the Research Topic ............................................................................ 58 Cycle 2: Identifying the Preliminary Lenses .................................................................... 65 Cycle 3: Collecting Original Data and Preparing Summary Reports ............................... 70 Narrative data ........................................................................................................ 70 Soliciting and selecting participants ....................................................................