The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee

The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Thomas, Richard R., Jr.
Language:English
Published: Antioch University / OhioLINK 2010
Subjects:
Clinical Psychology
obsessive-compulsive disorder
support group
qualitative
phenomenological
Online Access:http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1292620934
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spelling ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-antioch12926209342021-08-03T05:27:08Z The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee Thomas, Richard R., Jr. Clinical Psychology obsessive-compulsive disorder support group qualitative phenomenological This qualitative phenomenological dissertation utilizes the empirical descriptive phenomenological method, a modified Husserlian (1931) approach developed by A. P. Giorgi (1975, 1985, 1997) in order to lend voice to a vulnerable population of eight (four men and four women) adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) sufferers while also gleaning a greater understanding of their in vivo (or lived) experience. Though extensive quantitative research into the disorder exists, this study utilizes the words of the participants and searches for emergent themes amongst their collective experience. This study addresses the treatment gap of this crippling disorder, increases community awareness, and allows for emergence of positive psychology themes. Results include situated descriptions of each participant, the emergence of six significant themes: Phenomenology of Symptoms, Experience with Treatment, Coping and Resiliency, Interpersonal Relationships, Co-morbidity, and Support Group Attendance, and a collective structural statement of their overall experience. Though severity of symptomatology varied amongst the participants, an overwhelming and pervasive sense of doubt, mistrust, and lack of control over one‘s own thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors permeated the data. In addition, participants described feelings of personal shame and stigma from living with their disorder. Furthermore, all displayed coping mechanisms skillfully adapted to their particular personalities and symptomatology. Unexpectedly, all participants included in this study were involved in a support group at the time of their interview, leading to rich and detailed description of their experiences at both personal and collective levels. Support group participation clearly benefited all participants in providing a safe and accepting environment in which to share their experiences, learn the experiences of others, and gain perspective on their disorder. Furthermore, support group helped them to form community, learn about current 'best treatment' standards, and receive psycho-education and short-term exposure-response prevention interventions from mental health professionals directly tailored to their symptomatology. 2010 English text Antioch University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1292620934 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1292620934 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection NDLTD
language English
sources NDLTD
topic Clinical Psychology
obsessive-compulsive disorder
support group
qualitative
phenomenological
spellingShingle Clinical Psychology
obsessive-compulsive disorder
support group
qualitative
phenomenological
Thomas, Richard R., Jr.
The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
author Thomas, Richard R., Jr.
author_facet Thomas, Richard R., Jr.
author_sort Thomas, Richard R., Jr.
title The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
title_short The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
title_full The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
title_fullStr The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
title_full_unstemmed The Phenomenology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of the Adult Support Group Attendee
title_sort phenomenology of obsessive compulsive disorder from the perspective of the adult support group attendee
publisher Antioch University / OhioLINK
publishDate 2010
url http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1292620934
work_keys_str_mv AT thomasrichardrjr thephenomenologyofobsessivecompulsivedisorderfromtheperspectiveoftheadultsupportgroupattendee
AT thomasrichardrjr phenomenologyofobsessivecompulsivedisorderfromtheperspectiveoftheadultsupportgroupattendee
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