Phenomenology and phenomenological psychology for Brazilian psychologists: An empirical understanding

Abstract

The present study aimed to clarify the understanding that psychologists have about phenomenology and phenomenological psychology. For that, an exploratory study was carried out, using as research tool a questionnaire developed by the researchers, in which open questions were raised about the understanding on the subject, the appropriation of concepts in professional practice and the possibility (or not) of developing a phenomenological psychotherapy. Data were analyzed using the phenomenological qualitative method of Giorgi and Souza. As a result, it has been found that the Brazilian psychologist understands phenomenological psychology as an approach to psychology and believes that phenomenological psychotherapy is possible. We conclude that the Brazilian psychologist uses several concepts of phenomenology and phenomenological psychology in the description of his/her actions, but there is no correspondence with Husserl's proposal for phenomenology and phenomenological psychology.