Exploring change in an individual's mental health : an autoethnography

Abstract

This dissertation explores change in the researcher’s mental health during a specific time period. The study more specifically focuses on identifying moments of psychological change in the researcher’s narrative, as well as exploring the potential involvement of contextual factors. Increased knowledge over the occurrence of psychological change outside of the usual psychiatric and psychological interventions, can contribute towards understanding the influences that are necessary for psychological growth; eventually adding to what constitutes effective treatments. Additional value of this exploration involves the personal and professional growth of the researcher. The autoethnographic nature of this study allows the researcher to use an evocative personal narrative as the method of presentation. The narrative consists of an autobiographical account and includes several texts that were taken from journals that the researcher kept during the period of change. An explorative process is used and aims to encourage different interpretations and, in line with a postmodern stance, takes on a conversational style to support this endeavour. Key Terms Autoethnography; Evocative personal narrative; Mental health; Personal growth; Postmodernism; Psychological change; Reflexivity; Social constructionism.