Individuation : experience in search of theory

• Main Author: Thoo, S. A. (Sheila Audrey)
• Other Authors: Fourie, David P.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Individuation; Experience; Theory; Self; Relationship; Socio-cultural context; Separateness-Togetherness; Individualist; Collectivist; Identity; 155.2; Individuation (Psychology); Personality and culture; Identity (Psychology); Collectivism; Individualism > Psychological aspects
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16204

This study arose from the experience of difficulties in individuating incorporating tensions in the self-group, self-other, and self-self relational dimensions. This situation initiated the questions: What does individuation mean in collectivist cultures? Can selfexpression occur in a different way to opposing public opinion? Can one conceptualise experiential dialectics to facilitate their resolution in practice? The literature initiated the questions: How do Western theories on individuation incorporate 'culture'? Does a relationship between the socio-cultural context and the process of self-expression exist? Conclusions were: - that the socio-cultural context influences this experience directly by influencing the process of self-expression via defining what is experienced as narcissistic, altruistic, or individualistic behaviour, and indirectly by the theories which reflect its norms; - that the relationship between experience, and theory and personal epistemologies potentially initiate tensions, and facilitate their resolution; - that a theory of individuation in collectivist cultures is lacking. A way of interpreting 'individuation' was discussed. === Psychology === M.A. (Psychology)