The purpose of this research project was to explore a model of transformative
learning for the promotion of successful aging in group counselling and psychotherapy.
This project explored how a model of life review, including guided autobiography (Birren
& Deutchman, 1991) and enactment(s) in group psychodrama (Westwood, 1997)
contributes to transformative learning (Mezirow, 1991, 1998). Successful aging
emphasizes the potential for psychological growth rather than decline across the life span.
In a field study, I used an ethnographic approach with an emphasis on reflexivity
(Atkinson & Hammersley, 1994; Fisher, 1995). For this model, seven co-researchers,
graduate students and professionals in practise, engaged in life review enactments in the
context of group psychodrama. Evidence for communicative and emancipatory action
two major domains of transformative learning (Mezirow, 1991), emerged from the data
analysis. Six major themes, including four process themes and two content themes
emerged: 1) the reflexive reconstruction of the self; 2) co-construction of the meaning of
experience; 3) moral betrayal and social injustice; 4) leadership and creating a democratic
public space; 5) action planning: individual and social action; and, 6) dreams as a
template for actions. These central themes are described. Case examples from the stories
of the co-researchers are offered as clarification. Suggestions and implications for future
research and practise are discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/10095 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Shaw, Muriel Edith |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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