Entry 9

The phenomenological perspective of psychology was first practiced by Wilhelm Wundt, who developed the idea of introspection (where an individual would actually record and evaluate their own subjective thoughts). This became an important aspect of the psychodynamic approach to realizing what one's unconscious thoughts were, and how they controlled one's behavior. However, humanistic psychologists in the mid twentieth century took Wundt's theories to another level by stressing the validity of subjective experiences to one's own free will, and how we shape our own self-actualizing development.

Like the humanisitic perspective, the phenomenological notes how everyone is good by birth, and on a path towards perfection no matter what. All humankind strives for some kind of growth and maturity in life, with a final, end result being a more whole, complete person. Thus, it focuses on the more positive and open apects of anyone's life, and thier achievements towards gaining a clear outlook on their true self.

"The major themes and underlying assumptions of this perspective are:
There is a ‘self’ which has beautiful and unique form.
It is changing and growing. Everyone’s self is unique.
Once we provide a nurturing outer and inner environment, growth towards our higher selves occurs naturally.
We have enormous potential, possibility, and choice.
Uniqueness of Individuals: we view the world from our own unique perspective and our subjective experience of reality is very important. Phenomenology means 'the subjective experience of individuals'.
We can and must exercise our free will. Some people think that they don’t have the capacity or ability to make life HAPPEN for themselves. Or they believe that past problems are insurmountable. Or they spend so much time regretting the past that they are blinded to the possibilities of the here and now and the future. This perspective takes the view that this is due to people losing sight of the free will they possess and not recognizing their own potential for change and growth." (Neill 5).

As an ever-growing individual I see myself having unlimited potential. I know, personally, I have changerd throughout the years. Just over the past year, after coming to India and opening my eyes to so many amazing experiences, I have matured and seen not only the beauty and optimistic side to myself, but also the wonders of everything around me (not to sound cheesy, but it's true!). Becoming more independent, secure, creative and caring has been the biggest part of my time here, and I feel like these parts of my newer, changing attitude and personality are what will help me get through the next four years at university and the rest of my adult life. In essence, the things I have learned and been exposed to in just 10 months will stay with me the rest of my life. And, although these experiences are very personal and subjective, they affect and will continue to affect my behavior unless something changes them in the future. But I am happy now with myself, content to be this way, but also willing to change (because, as my dad told me before I left, "The only thing in life that is permanent is change.").

At the time being, my inner environment (as mentioned above) is very nurturing and unique. My outer environment could do some work, and in the months to come I will be adjusting to very dramatic changes when I get back home and then take off to college a couple months later. So, until I settle down again (in about 6 months) my external relationships and stimuli will not be very suitable for spontaneous or self-sustained growth (according to this perpective), but I will encounter challenges and experiences that will motivate me to develop in ways I have yet to think of. That's why this period of transition is so necessary for me: I will be living life first hand without much adult supervision, simply because I am an adult; simply because I am unique; simply because I have free will! I CAN'T WAIT!

Sources:

Neill, James. Introduction to Phenomenological Perspectives on Personality. 2003. http://wilderdom.com/personality/L10-0PhenomenologicalPerspectivesPersonality.html Using the sources:

(Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2000). Perspectives on personality (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Funder, D. C. (1997). The personality puzzle. New York: Norton.
Keutzer, C. S. (1978). Whatever turns you on: Triggers to transcendental experiences. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 18, 77-80.
Maslow, A.H. (1970). Motivation and Personality (2nd ed.). New York: Van Nostrand.)

Digital Scrapbook. "Graduation." Word Art. http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/ images/wordart/04_Graduation_WordArt_Sample.jpg

McClamrock, Ron. "Dilbert: 'Free Will'." Cartoon. http://profron.net/fun/Dilbert_FreeWill.gif

CWU. "Wilhelm Wundt." Picture. http://www.cwu.edu/~warren/images/Wundt3.jpg