City Research Online City, University of London Institutional Repository Citation: Nezami, A. (2017). The overview effect and counselling psychology: astronaut experiences of earth gazing. (Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City, University of London) This is the accepted version of the paper. This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Permanent repository link: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/17938/ Link to published version: Copyright and reuse: City Research Online aims to make research outputs of City, University of London available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the author(s) and/or copyright holders. URLs from City Research Online may be freely distributed and linked to. City Research Online: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/ [email protected] THE OVERVIEW EFFECT AND COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY ...ASTRONAUT EXPERIENCES OF EARTH GAZING ANNAHITA NEZAMI PORTFOLIO FOR PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY CITY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY SUBMITTED JUNE 2017 The Overview Effect and Counselling Psychology: Astronaut Experiences of Earth Gazing Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................ 2 LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................ 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................... 7 DECLARATION OF POWERS OF DISCRETION ............................................................ 8 CONFIDENTIALITY .................................................................................................. 9 1 PREFACE ..................................................................................................... 10 1.1 Outline of Portfolio ............................................................................ 10 1.2 Theoretical Approach to Research ................................................... 11 1.3 Epistemological Approach to Research .......................................... 12 1.4 Counselling Psychology ................................................................... 12 1.5 References ......................................................................................... 14 2 RESEARCH: THE OVERVIEW EFFECT AND COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY .......... 15 2.1 Abstract .............................................................................................. 16 2.2 Personal Reflexivity ........................................................................... 17 2.3 Introduction ....................................................................................... 20 2.4 Literature Review ............................................................................... 28 2.4.1 Theoretical Understanding of Human-Nature Relationship ........... 28 2.4.2 Empirical Research on Biophilia and ART .................................... 29 2.4.3 Empirical Research on SRT.......................................................... 30 2.4.4 Nature’s Impact on Depressive Symptoms ................................... 37 2.4.5 Critical Review of Research .......................................................... 38 2.4.6 Atypical Involvement with Nature: Earth Gazing ........................... 42 2.4.7 Rationale ...................................................................................... 47 2.4.8 Research Aims and Question ....................................................... 48 2.5 Methodology ...................................................................................... 50 2.5.1 Research Title .............................................................................. 50 2.5.2 Research Design and Question .................................................... 50 2.5.3 Overview ...................................................................................... 50 2.5.4 Reflexivity ..................................................................................... 50 2.5.5 Epistemological Framework .......................................................... 51 2.5.6 Epistemological Reflexivity ........................................................... 52 2.5.7 Rationale for a Qualitative Perspective ......................................... 54 2.5.8 Philosophical Underpinnings of IPA .............................................. 55 2.5.9 What Is IPA .................................................................................. 59 2.5.10 Is IPA Compatible with Constructivism? ....................................... 60 2.5.11 Rationale for IPA Methodology ..................................................... 61 2.5.12 Limitations of IPA .......................................................................... 63 2.6 Research Methods ............................................................................. 65 2.6.1 Sampling and Participant Recruitment .......................................... 65 2.6.2 Situating the Sample .................................................................... 66 2.6.3 Interview Procedure ...................................................................... 67 2.6.4 Interview Schedule and Questions................................................ 68 2.6.5 Ethical Considerations .................................................................. 69 2.6.6 Trustworthiness ............................................................................ 71 2.6.7 Digital Recording and Transcriptions ............................................ 72 2.6.8 Analytical Strategy ........................................................................ 73 2.6.9 Stage 1: Reading/Rereading and Initial Notes .............................. 73 2 The Overview Effect and Counselling Psychology: Astronaut Experiences of Earth Gazing 2.6.10 Stage 2: Line By Line Analysis ..................................................... 74 2.6.11 Stage 3: Development of Emerging Themes ................................ 75 2.6.12 Stage 4: Searching for Connections ............................................. 75 2.6.13 Stage 5: Moving to the Next Case ................................................ 76 2.6.14 Stage 6: Identifying Patterns ......................................................... 76 2.6.15 Methodological and Procedural Reflexivity ................................... 76 2.7 Research Findings............................................................................. 78 2.7.1 Theme One: Deeply Impactful Perceptions of Earth ..................... 80 2.7.1.1 Phantasmagorical Spectacle with a Sobering Contradiction ................ 80 2.7.1.2 Fragile Oasis and the Existential Awakening ........................................ 84 2.7.1.3 Earth Coming Alive In Darkness and Light ........................................... 87 2.7.2 Theme Two: Profound and Unexpected Emotional Impact ........... 91 2.7.2.1 The Development of a Strong Emotional Attachment to Earth ............. 91 2.7.2.2 A Divine Cosmic Order: Spirituality ....................................................... 96 2.7.2.3 Otherworldly: A Surreal and Awe Inspiring Experience ...................... 101 2.7.3 Theme Three: A Space Odyssey ................................................ 105 2.7.3.1 We Are All Connected: Universal Values ............................................ 105 2.7.3.2 Inter-subjectivity and Solidarity ........................................................... 111 2.7.4 Negative Case Analysis .............................................................. 114 2.7.5 Summary of Findings from Analysis ............................................ 116 2.7.6 Analytical Reflexivity ................................................................... 119 2.8 Discussion ....................................................................................... 124 2.8.1 Beauty, Vastness and Fragility ................................................... 124 2.8.2 Detachment Reinforcing Attachment .......................................... 126 2.8.3 Earth’s Affordances and Value ................................................... 128 2.8.4 Time, Existence and Uncertainty ................................................ 130 2.8.5 Spirituality ................................................................................... 132 2.8.6 Awe and Wonder ........................................................................ 135 2.8.7 Universal Values and Solidarity .................................................. 137 2.8.8 Theorising Findings .................................................................... 139 2.8.9 Relevance to Counselling Psychology ........................................ 141 2.8.10 Applications to Practice .............................................................. 143 2.8.10.1 Stargazing ....................................................................................... 144 2.8.10.2 Guided Imagery and Mindfulness ................................................... 144 2.8.10.3 Virtual Reality .................................................................................. 145 2.8.10.4 Mission Planning: Interplanetary ..................................................... 147 2.8.11 Limitations .................................................................................. 147 2.8.12 Suggestions for Future Research ............................................... 149 2.8.13 Concluding Comment