Title

Stress: The Development and Influence on Self-Identity

Authors

Earl Grey, Walden University

Files

Description

Using a grounded theory methodology and constantcomparative analysis, the investigator sought to develop an empirical understanding of the experience of stress and its influence on identity development. The 23 participants, who did not meet criteria for a DSM-IV-TR diagnoses, received 10 - 60 minutes sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment (EMDR). EMDR treatment targets stressful memories and elicits recall of thoughts, imagery, emotions, and physical body sensations related to the stressful experience. The data from video recorded sessions provided holistic information regarding each participant’s experience and recall of stressful events. The results yielded thematic developmental patterns of thoughts, emotional experiences, and physical body sensations. These thematic patterns provide improved understanding of the influence of stress on holistic identity development. The findings have implications to manage stress, compassion fatigue, burnout, and anxiety.

Publication Date

2014

City

National Harbor, MD

Keywords

Research Symposium

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Comparative Psychology | Medicine and Health Sciences