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Full-Text Articles in Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Spirituality And Awe Experiences In Second-Generation Minnesota Hmong: A Phenomenological Study, Mai L. Xiong, Megan E. Pfenning, Sheri L. Demartelaere May 2023

Spirituality And Awe Experiences In Second-Generation Minnesota Hmong: A Phenomenological Study, Mai L. Xiong, Megan E. Pfenning, Sheri L. Demartelaere

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Due to the effects of relocation and acculturation, some Hmong may have lost touch with traditional spiritual practices, potentially limiting second-generation’s access to spirituality’s health benefits. Awe is an emotion linked to spirituality, shown to serve as a spiritual catalyst. Acculturation impacts how spirituality and awe are experienced, understood and expressed across the generations. To date, there are more than 81,000 Hmong people who live in Minnesota. Through a constructivist lens, the purpose of this study is to describe spirituality and awe experiences within the second-generation Hmong living in Minnesota. Utilizing a phenomenological approach and a holism framework, Interpretive Phenomenological …


May The Forest Be With You: A Phenomenological Study Of Disenfranchised Grievers And Their Time In Nature During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mira L. Bronstein, Amanda Schaeppia, Becky Timm, Taylor Tinkham May 2021

May The Forest Be With You: A Phenomenological Study Of Disenfranchised Grievers And Their Time In Nature During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mira L. Bronstein, Amanda Schaeppia, Becky Timm, Taylor Tinkham

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest in the United States in March 2020, and a slew of challenges came with the adjustment. Individuals felt the isolation of quarantine while grieving disenfranchised losses, losses that alienate the griever from the community, and social rules of grief such as canceled events, missing friends and family, and missing milestones at work or school. One place that was not closed to the public during the height of the pandemic was the outdoors. Nature is beneficial to mental, physical, and spiritual health. In this phenomenological study, we describe how being in nature helped adult disenfranchised …


Self-Reflection Interventions For Implicit Gender Bias Reduction: Scoping The Literature For A Conceptual Way Forward, Jenny Adams Salmela, Mariah K. Prinster,, Vanessa Shuck May 2021

Self-Reflection Interventions For Implicit Gender Bias Reduction: Scoping The Literature For A Conceptual Way Forward, Jenny Adams Salmela, Mariah K. Prinster,, Vanessa Shuck

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Current binary male/female perceptions of gender in the colonial West are inherently exclusionary, breed inequality and violence, and curb full expression of self, limiting personal and collective potential. Implicit biases are unseen cognitive forces within us, manipulating internal and external experiences of the illegitimate and manufactured gender binary that infuses into daily culture, and undermines our ability to achieve true equality in society. For the purposes of our design and develop framework, this scoping review assesses the 2010-2020 literature on self-reflection interventions to reduce implicit bias, identifies their foundational efficacy components, and suggests a model for applying to gender bias …


An Arts-Informed Study Describing Experiences Of Adults Diagnosed With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Their Perceptions Of Interactions With Medical Practitioners, Kirsten Anne Bergren, Michal Ward May 2021

An Arts-Informed Study Describing Experiences Of Adults Diagnosed With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Their Perceptions Of Interactions With Medical Practitioners, Kirsten Anne Bergren, Michal Ward

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Trauma from abuse is complex and can manifest in many ways in the body, including psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), a kind of dissociation that resembles a seizure but is not an epileptic seizure. Medical practitioners often misdiagnose and misjudge people with PNES, and as a result, patients often feel stigmatized and misunderstood. The purpose of this research using an arts-informed method is to describe the experiences of adults diagnosed with PNES and their perceptions of interactions with medical practitioners relative to their PNES care. Using non-probability sampling via social media, six participants with a self-reported PNES diagnosis submitted a description …


Transformative Experiences Of Play For Adults: An Organic Inquiry, Kimberly Anderson, Jennifer Bayles, Caroline Dayton, Rupa Ryan Kryzer May 2020

Transformative Experiences Of Play For Adults: An Organic Inquiry, Kimberly Anderson, Jennifer Bayles, Caroline Dayton, Rupa Ryan Kryzer

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Researchers have spent decades understanding the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of play, despite significant ambiguity in the definition of the term. While the majority of previous research focuses on the developmental and therapeutic effects of play in youth or elderly populations, there is a gap in the literature on the benefits of play for adults aged 18-67. Because of the holistic nature of the benefits of play, those who engage have an opportunity to transform through their activities. The purpose of this research is to describe the transformative experiences of adults engaging in play. Utilizing the Organic Inquiry research …


A Phenomenological Study Of Adults Receiving Gender Affirmation Care At Clinics Specializing In Transgender Healthcare, Elizabeth Crandall, Rebecca Debaker, Brandon Lorge, Ellen Schneider, Kendra-Ann Seenandan-Sookdeo May 2020

A Phenomenological Study Of Adults Receiving Gender Affirmation Care At Clinics Specializing In Transgender Healthcare, Elizabeth Crandall, Rebecca Debaker, Brandon Lorge, Ellen Schneider, Kendra-Ann Seenandan-Sookdeo

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Transgender adults encounter obstacles accessing adequate healthcare; additionally, providers face barriers in meeting the unique needs of transgender people. To mitigate barriers, select clinics specialize in transgender healthcare. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of adults receiving gender affirmation care at clinics specializing in transgender healthcare. We administered a digital questionnaire with open-ended questions and an optional photograph upload representative of participants’ experiences, obtaining a purposeful sample of 20 respondents. Steeped in a critical inquiry paradigm while utilizing hermeneutic phenomenology in data analysis, six themes emerged: Clinic Operational Experiences, A Sense of Belonging, Participants’ Views …


Turning Wounds Into Wisdom: An Intuitive Inquiry Into Healing Women’S Body Image Through Creative Expression, Mary Jewison, Alicia Mcniel, Crysia Pettigrew, Carmelita Sharpback May 2020

Turning Wounds Into Wisdom: An Intuitive Inquiry Into Healing Women’S Body Image Through Creative Expression, Mary Jewison, Alicia Mcniel, Crysia Pettigrew, Carmelita Sharpback

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Body dissatisfaction among women is prevalent, affecting many facets of life and presenting few effective healing interventions for changing one’s body perception. In the qualitative contexts of the critical paradigm and an intuitive culture of inquiry, we used A/R/Tography with the four researchers also acting as participants. To describe how creative expression may change a woman’s deeply held perception of her body, we conducted and participated in a retreat focused on personal narratives, reflective journaling, storytelling, and individual creativity. Through the application of thematic analysis, we identified themes of community, exhaustion, hope, and insight. Results of this research suggest the …


Changing Brains, Changing Lives: Researching The Lived Experience Of Individuals Practicing Self-Directed Neuroplasticity, Tim Klein, Beth Kendall, Theresa Tougas May 2019

Changing Brains, Changing Lives: Researching The Lived Experience Of Individuals Practicing Self-Directed Neuroplasticity, Tim Klein, Beth Kendall, Theresa Tougas

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt both structure and function in response to sensory experiences. Self-directed neuroplasticity (SDN) specifically addresses the capacity to proactively modify cerebral function through volitional control and the intentional practice of focusing attention in desired ways. In other words, the mind can consciously change the brain. Self-directed neuroplasticity (SDN) approaches are successfully used to treat a range of challenges such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and emotional response regulation. However, no research describes the lived experiences of individuals practicing SDN across multiple modalities. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, this phenomenological inquiry describes the …


The Relationship Between Fermented Foods And Depression: A Systematic Review, M. Beth Hanssens, Susan Patterson, Cathy Wagner May 2019

The Relationship Between Fermented Foods And Depression: A Systematic Review, M. Beth Hanssens, Susan Patterson, Cathy Wagner

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Depression is a global health issue that is socially and economically expensive. The gut microbiome influences depression, and fermented foods contain bacteria that contribute to the ecology of the gut microbiome. We performed a systematic review of clinical research that examines the relationship between fermented food and depression by conducting an electronic search of four academic databases using the search terms fermented, fermented foods, fermentation, and depression. The inclusion criteria are: inpatient, outpatient, and community settings; human participants age 5-110 years old; any diagnosis of depression; daily ingestion of fermented foods regardless of ingredients; written in English; published full text …


Interviews With Energy Healers: Perspectives On Trauma And Practice, Dawn Ebeling, Allison Runchey May 2019

Interviews With Energy Healers: Perspectives On Trauma And Practice, Dawn Ebeling, Allison Runchey

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Healing from trauma is a complex process, and current recommendations include working with the body. Energy healing (EH) is a holistic health practice using light or near-body touch to balance the body’s energy system. Research indicates EH reduces trauma associated symptoms. The pervasiveness of trauma makes it probable EH practitioners encounter trauma survivors. We interviewed 12 EH practitioners in a metropolitan area to describe perspectives on trauma and practice, initiating action research through information gathering and interpretation. Results of descriptive and conceptual analysis show in several ways EH practitioner’s perspectives and practices align with a trauma-informed approach even with little …


American Indian Perspectives On Healing From Historical Trauma: An Indigenous Inquiry, Renee Beaulieu-Banks, Kim Sundeen, Kyra Christopherson May 2018

American Indian Perspectives On Healing From Historical Trauma: An Indigenous Inquiry, Renee Beaulieu-Banks, Kim Sundeen, Kyra Christopherson

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

American Indians in the United States have endured a collective history of deliberate mass extermination efforts for over 500 years, resulting in cumulative emotional and psychological trauma across generations, termed Historical Trauma (HT). Mounting research explores the myriad of responses (psychological, physical, mental and spiritual) to this trauma, known as Historical Trauma Response (HTR), within current American Indian populations. The majority of research regarding HT pertains to historical tragedies, inequities, disparities, and ongoing systematically induced deficits in American Indian populations with an emphasis on what can be done to fix it. Furthermore, contemporary Western research has not integrated American Indian …


The Impact Of Healing Touch On Stress Levels In Hospital Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Amy Kovars, Michele Shapiro May 2018

The Impact Of Healing Touch On Stress Levels In Hospital Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Amy Kovars, Michele Shapiro

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Hospital nurses form the backbone of patient care in America. Due to the highly charged, stressful environment, hospital nurses self-report increases in stress, fatigue, anxiety, health concerns and declining well-being which can lead to burnout, impaired patient care, or career changes. Holistic interventions such as Healing Touch (HT) relieve stress and promote healing. The purpose of our research is to describe the impact of HT on stress levels in hospital nurses. For this empirical, quasi-experimental pilot study, with a pre-test post-test design, we used a convenience sample of urban hospital nurses (n=11) and paired them up with a Healing Touch …


Complementary And Integrative Therapies For The Management Of Insomnia In Chronic Disease: An Applied Research Project, Juliana Saynor, Lisa Benson, Mary Mckinley, Nicole Anderson May 2017

Complementary And Integrative Therapies For The Management Of Insomnia In Chronic Disease: An Applied Research Project, Juliana Saynor, Lisa Benson, Mary Mckinley, Nicole Anderson

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

One-half of all adults in America have a diagnosis of at least one chronic disease. Up to 80% of people with chronic diseases suffer from insomnia, creating a significant health burden. Healthcare providers (HCPs) do not routinely address insomnia and primarily use pharmaceuticals to manage insomnia. The purpose of this research is to co-create with HCPs an educational artifact that helps them inform their chronically ill patients about evidence-based complementary and integrative therapies (CIT) for insomnia management. Based on a design and development culture of inquiry and research method, we used the literature to create a preliminary educational artifact focused …


The Effects Of Mandala Coloring On Reducing Stress In Corporate Employees: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Kelly Asplin, Olivia Augustin, Jenna Burckhard, Katie Jacobson May 2017

The Effects Of Mandala Coloring On Reducing Stress In Corporate Employees: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Kelly Asplin, Olivia Augustin, Jenna Burckhard, Katie Jacobson

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Job demands and extended hours contribute to chronic employee stress, leading to physical and psychological health problems. Workplace wellness programs (WWPs) strive to improve employee’s physical health and wellbeing, but lack holistic options addressing stress reduction for the mind, body, and spirit. The purpose of this project is to describe the effects mandala coloring has on reducing objective and subjective stress levels in corporate employees. This empirical, quasi-experimental pilot study sampled 14 employees (n = 6 experimental, n = 8 control) measuring blood pressure, pulse, and perceived stress levels over a course of three weeks of coloring. Participants of this …


Urban Adolescent Women And Urban Nature: A Phenomenological Inquiry Of The Human-Nature Relationship, Shyla A. Earl, Erin Heinitz May 2017

Urban Adolescent Women And Urban Nature: A Phenomenological Inquiry Of The Human-Nature Relationship, Shyla A. Earl, Erin Heinitz

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The Human-Nature Relationship (HNR) is a complex, dynamic co-evolutionary relationship between humans and nature that governs human health and ecological sustainability. Demographic factors (e.g., age, gender) and personal perception (e.g., beliefs, thoughts, values) shape this relationship and subsequent human and ecological health; therefore, understanding the HNR for specific populations is imperative. We conducted a phenomenological inquiry into the lived experience of urban adolescent women (UAW) to describe their HNR, particularly with urban nature, through open-ended interviews with 10 urban female-identified persons aged 13- 18. We use Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and find that UAW express their HNR through three themes: …


The Effect Of Coloring On Perceived Stress Levels Of Hospital Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Kate Berg Hanson, Dee Lukas, Colleen Merchlewitz, Jordan Rice, Glenda Robicheau, Whitney Ulvestad May 2017

The Effect Of Coloring On Perceived Stress Levels Of Hospital Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study, Kate Berg Hanson, Dee Lukas, Colleen Merchlewitz, Jordan Rice, Glenda Robicheau, Whitney Ulvestad

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Hospital nurses experience stress specific to their occupation, due to shift work, intense workload, and unsupportive management. Current literature suggests coloring offers a holistic approach to stress management, but most workplace wellness programs focus primarily on physical health. The purpose of our research is to describe the effect of coloring on perceived stress levels of hospital nurses. In this empirical, quasi-experimental pilot study, four female participants completed Perceived Stress Scale surveys (PSS-10), stress meter ratings (using visual analog scales) and responded to a brief journal prompt following individual coloring sessions over the course of two weeks. Through quantitative and qualitative …


Development Of The Infant Gut Microbiome: An Empirical Survey Of Prenatal Practitioners, Sally St. John, Kathleen Powers, Alexandra Kerlin May 2017

Development Of The Infant Gut Microbiome: An Empirical Survey Of Prenatal Practitioners, Sally St. John, Kathleen Powers, Alexandra Kerlin

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The critical window of infant gut microbiome development (IGMD) is preconception through three years of age. The improper development of the infant gut microbiome contributes to the rise of chronic illness. The literature provides no evidence that prenatal care practitioners educate patients about the critical window of IGMD. The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate knowledge of prenatal care practitioners (obstetrical and gynecological physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, and doulas) about IGMD and how they use this knowledge in their practices. Seventy-eight registered prenatal care practitioners from Minnesota participated in an online survey consisting of 18 qualitative and quantitative …


The Lived Experience Of Adults Using A Meditation App: A Phenomenological Study, Cally R. Strobel, Zashata L. Burton, Angela J. Katzmarek, Gina M. Gafford May 2017

The Lived Experience Of Adults Using A Meditation App: A Phenomenological Study, Cally R. Strobel, Zashata L. Burton, Angela J. Katzmarek, Gina M. Gafford

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Stress is increasingly prevalent in Western culture, and researchers associate it with physical and psychological health issues. Previous research indicates meditation, specifically through meditation apps on smartphones, is beneficial for reducing stress. However, limited research addresses qualitative data regarding meditation apps; therefore, this study describes the lived experience of adults using a meditation app called Headspace. We used phenomenology as a method to describe the essence of participant lived experiences. We collected qualitative data by having twelve adults journal about their experiences after completing a series of ten meditation app sessions. We completed a thematic analysis with the journal entries, …


How Immersion In Nature Impacts The Human Spirit: A Phenomenological Study, Becky Schauer, Kishori Koch, Laura Lemieux, Kendra Willey May 2016

How Immersion In Nature Impacts The Human Spirit: A Phenomenological Study, Becky Schauer, Kishori Koch, Laura Lemieux, Kendra Willey

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Research demonstrates that spending time in nature restores, heals, and fosters connection in people. However, little is known regarding nature’s impact on the human spirit. The purpose of this phenomenological, mixed-method study is to describe nature’s impact on the human spirit. Twenty-six adults spent a minimum of fifteen minutes-a-day over a ten-day time period immersing themselves in nature and reflecting on a dimension of their spirit. Participants used photography and journaling to share reflections regarding how nature impacted their spirit. Six main spiritual themes emerged from thematic analysis: connection, vibrancy, awe/presence, joy, gratitude, and compassion. Of these six themes, the …


Celebrating Sabbath: An Organic Inquiry Into The Transformative Power Of A Sanctuary In Time, Barbara Baker Speedling May 2016

Celebrating Sabbath: An Organic Inquiry Into The Transformative Power Of A Sanctuary In Time, Barbara Baker Speedling

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Researchers and scholars indicate that the holistic practice of Sabbath-keeping has several health benefits when done for intrinsic reasons. Most research on Sabbath-keeping is about individuals who have strong community support for observing a regular Sabbath. Little research exists about those who celebrate a Sabbath without such support, or on the transformative effects of Sabbath-keeping. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe in what ways celebrating a weekly Sabbath promotes transformation in individuals not part of a strong Sabbath-keeping community. Ten women share their stories through in-depth interviews set in organic inquiry. Six themes emerged: Sabbath-keeping enhances self-awareness, …


A Systematic Review Of Ume Health Benefits, Mina Christensen May 2016

A Systematic Review Of Ume Health Benefits, Mina Christensen

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Ume is a Japanese apricot, and Bainiku Ekisu (BE) is concentrated ume juice. Ume has been used as a food and folk remedy for thousands of years in East Asian countries, and BE was created in Japan centuries ago and has been used as a remedy since. In the Western world, the nutritional and medicinal benefits of ume and BE are not popularly known, despite many experimental studies showing their numerous health benefits. There are no known systematic reviews of the health benefits of ume and BE. Therefore, this systematic review describes the last 20 years of quality empirical studies …


Bringing The Pieces Back Together: An Organic Inquiry Into Women’S Spiritual Transformation Through Depression, Jami A. Collins Lillquist, Ann L. Machmeier, Elizabeth A. Mulvihill May 2016

Bringing The Pieces Back Together: An Organic Inquiry Into Women’S Spiritual Transformation Through Depression, Jami A. Collins Lillquist, Ann L. Machmeier, Elizabeth A. Mulvihill

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Women experience depression at twice the rate of men. Researchers have focused on biomedical and psychosocial factors in their extensive exploration into the causes and treatments of women’s depression. When viewed from a holistic lens of mind, body, and spirit, the spiritual experience of depression is missing in the literature. The purpose of this research study is to describe how a woman's spiritual self transforms through depression. Organic Inquiry incorporates transpersonal psychology and feminist spirituality and was used in this study to collect and analyze the stories of 12 women through unstructured interviews. Results suggest the women's spiritual transformation involved …


Exploring The Relationship Between Developing Intuition And Intuitive Decision-Making: A Quasi-Experimental Research Design, Courtney Czerniak, Jody Berkner May 2016

Exploring The Relationship Between Developing Intuition And Intuitive Decision-Making: A Quasi-Experimental Research Design, Courtney Czerniak, Jody Berkner

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Scientific research suggests intuition is a complex process and a valuable component in decision-making. This pilot study explores the relationship between developing intuition and intuitive decision-making. Through an empirical approach with a holistic view, we utilized a quasi-experimental methodology to explore causation between an intuition development intervention and intuitive decision-making test scores among 20 participants. Primary findings of the paired sample two tailed t-test were t (19) = .127, p = .900, indicate no statistical significance between developing intuition and intuitive decision-making skills. However, secondary findings were congruent with the literature. The calculated mean, median, mode, and range of intuitive …


Older Adults And The Availability Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Assisted Living Facilities: A Critical Examination, Chris Pommerenke, Julie Poupore May 2016

Older Adults And The Availability Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Assisted Living Facilities: A Critical Examination, Chris Pommerenke, Julie Poupore

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Over the next two decades, the population of adults over age 55 will undergo exponential growth. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is popular, and offers pain management, increased mobility, a sense of control over health, improved health overall despite physical frailty, personal responsibility over health and health care, and preservation of good health. We identified and interviewed decision-makers from eight assisted living facilities in two Twin Cities counties regarding what types of CAM they offer onsite and why. Quantitative and qualitative data, were analyzed to describe CAM therapies and identify themes. Themes emerged around access to CAM, barriers to …


Unplugging: A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceived Holistic Health Benefits From Regular Digital Detox In The Context Of Jewish Shabbat, Irene Michaels May 2016

Unplugging: A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceived Holistic Health Benefits From Regular Digital Detox In The Context Of Jewish Shabbat, Irene Michaels

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The personal and business use of electronic/digital media (E/DM) has increased rapidly in the past few decades. Many research studies suggest a connection between this increased use and damage to mental and physical health. Few studies examine the potential benefits from decreased use, but non-scholarly sources encourage a practice of regularly unplugging from technology. Based in phenomenological inquiry, this study examines the lived experience of six adult Jewish women who unplug on a weekly basis as part of their observance of Jewish Shabbat. This study provides preliminary data on the benefits of this practice, using three arts-informed methods of data …


Exploring The Use Of Cam And Its Influence On The Spiritual Lives Of Christian Religious Professionals, Jennifer L. Collins, Cynthia J. Sampers Jun 2015

Exploring The Use Of Cam And Its Influence On The Spiritual Lives Of Christian Religious Professionals, Jennifer L. Collins, Cynthia J. Sampers

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Religion and the Church; medicine and healing. Interconnected before the time of Descartes, these integral domains have experienced significant change in recent decades as people have become disillusioned with conventional biomedicine and institutional Christianity. More people are seeking holistic forms of healing—perhaps once again reuniting body, mind, and spirit, as a bone resetting from a centuries-old fracture or dislocation. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of Eastern and energy-based forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Christian religious professionals. Based on a qualitative culture of inquiry, we conducted 10 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with individual clergy …


Effects Of A Conscious Breathing Intervention On Emotion And Energy Flow, Amy Heath, Heather Mashuga, Ann Arens May 2015

Effects Of A Conscious Breathing Intervention On Emotion And Energy Flow, Amy Heath, Heather Mashuga, Ann Arens

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The breath is a powerful internal resource that is within conscious control. Theories in the literature indicate unconscious breathing patterns can suppress emotion and restrict energy flow, however, the effects of conscious breathing on these elements are not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of a conscious breathing intervention on emotion and energy flow. We used a quasi-experimental design, and conducted three individual case studies on ourselves over 6 weeks. We collected qualitative data, which included professional aura and chakra readings, photographs, body scan diagrams, journals, and third party observation forms. We performed within-case …


The Effects Of Storytelling On Happiness And Resilience In Older Adults, Barbara J. R. Mager, Lou Ann M. Stevens May 2015

The Effects Of Storytelling On Happiness And Resilience In Older Adults, Barbara J. R. Mager, Lou Ann M. Stevens

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

A person’s mind, body and spirit each age at a different pace. Several studies suggest that resilient older adults are happier and tend to report a better quality of life, regardless of actual health status. Studies also suggest that storytelling is one way to build happiness and resilience. We focused on storytelling as an intervention to build resilience in older adults. This study differs from previous studies in that we wanted to know if resilience could be affected in the short-term. The empirical culture of inquiry led us to use a case study method with a quasi-experimental design. We structured …


The Crone Archetype: Women Reclaim Their Authentic Self By Resonating With Crone Images, Joanne Sienko Ott May 2011

The Crone Archetype: Women Reclaim Their Authentic Self By Resonating With Crone Images, Joanne Sienko Ott

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to describe the lived experience of women who resonate or activate crone archetypal images. The literature describes the crone archetype as a pre-existent form in the collective unconscious that embodies instinctive ways of channeling wisdom, inner knowing, and intuition, guiding us through the transition of life, and going inward to bring forth the light for transformation. When women resonate or activate the crone archetypal image they tap into the psyche, to reclaim primordial images and receive the power within them that honor older women. Seven in-depth interviews were completed with older women who described …