The Phenomenology of Meditation for Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Violence Against Women April 14, 2006 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1177/1077801206288177 via OpenAlex
Summary
Meditation can foster a centered awareness that differs from typical experiences for female survivors of intimate partner violence. In a study involving six participants who practiced concentrative meditation daily and attended weekly group sessions for six weeks, interviews revealed this transformative experience. The findings indicate that meditation may be beneficial as an intervention for these survivors and highlight the necessity for additional research.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | female survivors of intimate partner violence |
| Key finding | Meditation helps female survivors of intimate partner violence achieve a centered awareness distinct from their usual mode of being. |
Abstract
An existential-phenomenological methodology was utilized to investigate the experience of meditation for female survivors of intimate partner violence. Six coresearchers were taught a form of concentrative meditation and were asked to meditate daily and to attend a weekly group meditation for 6 weeks. Semistructured interviews were utilized to gather the data. The essence of the experience that was revealed was the emergence of a centered awareness that is distinctly different from the usual mode of being in the world. Findings suggest the value of meditation as an intervention strategy with survivors and demonstrate the need for further research in this area.