St. Catherine University SOPHIA Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers Holistic Health Studies 5-2019 Changing Brains, Changing Lives: Researching the Lived Experience of Individuals Practicing Self-Directed Neuroplasticity Tim Klein St. Catherine University, [email protected] Beth Kendall St. Catherine University, [email protected] Theresa Tougas St. Catherine University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs Part of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons Recommended Citation Klein, Tim; Kendall, Beth; and Tougas, Theresa. (2019). Changing Brains, Changing Lives: Researching the Lived Experience of Individuals Practicing Self-Directed Neuroplasticity. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs/20 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Holistic Health Studies at SOPHIA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers by an authorized administrator of SOPHIA. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY Changing Brains, Changing Lives: Researching the Lived Experience of Individuals Practicing Self-Directed Neuroplasticity Tim Klein, Beth Kendall, & Theresa Tougas St. Catherine University May 22, 2019 LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY ii Acknowledgements We would like to collectively express heartfelt gratitude to the many people who made this project possible. We begin with our teacher and advisor, Dr. Carol Geisler, associate professor at St. Catherine University. Thank you, Carol, for your profound passion and wisdom, sharp insights, and spirited sense of humor. Because of you, we continue to see possibilities. Next, we would like to acknowledge the generous support of the following experts in the field of self-directed neuroplasticity: Dr. Rick Hanson, Dr. Martin Hart, Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz, Robert G. Smith, and Lisa Wimberger. Your pioneering work and willingness to assist in our recruitment efforts helped bring this study to fruition. Lastly, we would like to personally thank those who supported us in meaningful ways. Tim Klein: To my brother, Matt, who challenged me to push through the fear and follow my passion for holistic health. Thank you for loving and believing in me enough to ask, “What the heck are you waiting for?” I miss you yet continue to draw inspiration and strength from the amazing example you set in living life to the fullest. Beth Kendall: My deepest gratitude to Kellie A. Bronson for always making me laugh, especially at myself. Your unfailing support and belief in me made anything possible. Theresa Tougas: To my parents, thank you for always believing in me, even when I didn't. Your support means more to me than you will ever know. LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY iii Dedication This work is dedicated to our study participants. LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY iv Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Literature Review............................................................................................................................ 6 Overview of Neuroplasticity ....................................................................................................... 6 Adaptive and Maladaptive Plasticity ........................................................................................ 10 Mind and Brain ......................................................................................................................... 17 Self-Directed Neuroplasticity ................................................................................................... 21 Summary and Research Question ............................................................................................. 30 Research Lenses ............................................................................................................................ 31 Research Paradigm and Culture of Inquiry ............................................................................... 31 Theoretical Lenses .................................................................................................................... 34 Personal and Professional Lenses ............................................................................................. 36 Method .......................................................................................................................................... 45 Rationale for Research Design.................................................................................................. 45 Sampling Procedures and Data Sources ................................................................................... 52 Instrumentation ......................................................................................................................... 54 Data Collection Procedures ....................................................................................................... 61 Data Analysis Procedures ......................................................................................................... 63 Design Rigor ............................................................................................................................. 66 Protection of Human Subjects .................................................................................................. 68 Design-Specific Limitations ..................................................................................................... 71 Results ........................................................................................................................................... 73 Description of the Participants .................................................................................................. 73 Observational Data.................................................................................................................... 75 Descriptive Context of Practices ............................................................................................... 76 Themes ...................................................................................................................................... 81 Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 90 Findings Supported by the Literature ....................................................................................... 90 Unanticipated Findings ............................................................................................................. 92 Implications............................................................................................................................... 99 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 104 References ................................................................................................................................... 106 LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY v Appendix A ................................................................................................................................. 133 Appendix B ................................................................................................................................. 135 Appendix C ................................................................................................................................. 136 Appendix D ................................................................................................................................. 140 Appendix E ................................................................................................................................. 148 Running head: LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-DIRECTED NEUROPLASTICITY 1 Abstract Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt both structure and function in response to sensory experiences. Self-directed neuroplasticity (SDN) specifically addresses the capacity to proactively modify cerebral function through volitional control and the intentional practice of focusing attention in desired ways. In other words, the mind can consciously change the brain. Self-directed neuroplasticity (SDN) approaches are successfully used to treat a range of challenges such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and emotional response regulation. However, no research describes the lived experiences of individuals practicing SDN across multiple modalities. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, this phenomenological inquiry describes the lived experiences of 13 participants practicing SDN. In addition to identifying SDN uses and multifaceted aspects to SDN practices outside of current academic literature, this study utilized thematic analysis to uncover four themes: Seeking, Empowerment, Growth in Relationships, and Transformation. Results offer insights into expanding SDN uses, broadening practice context, and life-changing transformation. Implications include the need to increase