Spirituality and the Sense of Self: An Inductive Analysis

Authors

Louis F. Kavar, Capella UniversityFollow

Abstract

The investigation examined the understanding of spirituality as related to the sense of self. Self-reports from semi-structured interviews of participants with a stated value for spirituality are analyzed inductively. Using a Rogerian understanding of self, the analysis identified six themes related to how participants understand spirituality as related to their sense of self. The themes demonstrate that spirituality is a key dimension to self understanding and is part of relationships, social engagement, an understanding of meaning and purpose in life, and an overall sense of happiness and joy.

Keywords

Spirituality, Self, Inductive Analysis

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Louis F. Kavar is lead faculty member for qualitative research in General Psychology, the Department of Psychology, Capella University. He holds a master of arts in spirituality from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he is the author of seven books including The Integrated Self: A Holistic Approach to Spirituality and Mental Health Practice. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Louis F. Kavar at his E-mail: lou@loukavar.com

Publication Date

5-25-2015

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2144

Recommended APA Citation

Kavar, L. F. (2015). Spirituality and the Sense of Self: An Inductive Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 20(5), 697-711. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2144