Life stories of anxious people

• Main Author: Stanton, Mari Isabell
• Other Authors: Rapmund, Valerie Joan
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Thematic content analysis; Social constructionism; Anxiety; Authentic self; Case study; Constructivism; Emotional connection; Emotional independence; Emotional responsibility; Epistemology Isolation; Life stories; Modernism; Postmodernism; Purposeful sampling; Qualitative research; Research methodology; Sensitivity; 616.8914; Social isolation; Emotional intelligence; Constructivism (Psychology); Narrative therapy
• Online Access: Stanton, Mari Isabell (2009) Life stories of anxious people, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1904>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1904

This study was aimed at giving a voice to two people, constructed as anxious. The epistemological framework is social constructionism. Two in-depth interviews with individuals who constructed themselves, or accepted the constructions of others of themselves as anxious, were done. The 'case study approach' was chosen as most suitable method to gain access to the information. 'Thematic content analysis' was the method of analysis. The life stories of participants were reconstructed in terms of themes. Recurring themes in these life stories were elucidated and linked with the literature. This study allowed valuable and rich information about the life stories of two anxious people to emerge. Amongst the identified themes, 'sensitivity' and the need for 'authenticity' were identified as particularly important areas for clinical practice and future research. Lay people wishing to gain a better understanding of either their own or their loved one's anxiety could also benefit from this study. === Psychology === M.A. (Clinical Psychology)