Self-transformation through the experience and resolution of mental health crises

Abstract

This study investigated the spiritually positive self-transformation resulting from the experience and resolution of a mental health crisis. To participate in this study, a person’s experience needed to meet 4 criteria: The individual (a) experienced a crisis affecting self-concept and reality testing, which (b) resulted in a transformation that (c) was spiritually positive—that is, integrative and meaningful—and (d) they had no current acute mental health conditions. The study was conducted in 2 phases, the first of which used assessment instruments to evaluate participants’ (N = 35) appropriateness for this study relative to the above criteria. In the second phase, participants (N = 23) were selected to participate in face-to-face semistructured interviews about the overall experience: from pre-crisis through to resolution and integration. The rich interview data generated a composite statement regarding the self-transformational process. The phenomenological research design steered away from focusing solely on the crisis, which often draws great interest in clinical and research settings. Instead, participants were encouraged to exercise semantic freedom and to talk about their whole experience from beginning to end. The common denominator of participation was the experience of a spiritually positive resolution, that is, a transformational growth. Results highlight the importance of acknowledging that such phenomena occur and that they deserve greater consideration, especially in formulating a semantic around the spiritual nature of these and all experiences.