Adaptive Strategies in Obtaining a New Transitional Identity Space

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Adaptive Strategies in Obtaining a New Transitional Identity Space

Journal Title: Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy - Year 2015, Vol 18, Issue 3

Abstract

Introduction: This article presents the dynamics between the identity space and the interactional methods it establishes. Therefore I have centred my research on identifying the adaptive means employed within establishing an identity-transitional space in student campuses, by means of exploring and consciously acknowledging the specific interactional methods with the space comprised of the campus dorm room. Objectives: The main objective was centred on exploring the way in which campus students organise their transitional-identity space and we also investigated the adaptive strategies employed when establishing transitional-identity spaces as well as internalising said spaces as means of gaining maturity and interacting with a creative-adaptive purpose. Methods: In order to study the means of establishing a transitional-identity space we have employed the method of qualitative research, which allows us to pin-point the sense and significance of the researched phenomenon. The qualitative research method is incorporated in the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to offer insights on how students, in a given context (students living in a campus) make sense of a particular phenomenon. Therefore we came up with a semi-structured interview guide following the life-story pattern which allowed us to identify different aspects of the transitional-identity space pertaining to student life. Results: The statistic and qualitative analysis allowed the identification of specific means by which the dorm room space was being customised, the means of making such a transitional-identity space one’s own with a consequential role of becoming more mature and entering adulthood. Through the identification of their own subjective means of relating to a collective transitional space, the students had the possibility to negotiate their own space, thus coming up with means of constructive co-habitation. Conclusions: By researching the way in which the transitional-identity space is being configured during such an important and defining stage, namely student life, we are able to identify some means of experiential diagnosis, diagnosis which grants the possibility of a therapeutic intervention through which students might gain creative means of implementing future spaces which they will establish during adulthood.

Authors and Affiliations

Cristina Denisa Godeanu

Keywords

EP ID EP245808
DOI -
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