Data Set used for qualitative research project re: Intersection of Buddhism and Western Psychology.
Abstract: Western psychology has a long history of incorporating Buddhist practices and traditions into aspects of treatment, perhaps most predominantly the practice and theory of mindfulness (Bankart, 2003; Chan-Wiles, 2013; Dryden & Still, 2006; Kress, 1993; Rhys-Davids, 1924). This qualitative study critically examines the integration of Buddhism and psychology through the lived experiences of four clinical psychology doctoral students. These students attended a 9-day meditation retreat and seminar in France which involved the study of Tibetan Buddhism and how it integrates with Western psychology. The lived experience was captured through in vivo journaling, retrospective journaling, and interviews between the students. This material was then analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) procedure outlined by Hill (2012), which incorporates phenomenological grounded theory and comprehensive process analysis (Hill et al., 2005). Four themes were identified: acceptance as an aspect of creating change, greater awareness for the concepts of Buddhism, Bodhicitta and the value of suffering, and integrating the experience and carrying it forward. The content of these themes is explored, along with implications for increased cultural sensitivity and clinical effectiveness in the implementation of mindfulness practices and other Tibetan Buddhist concepts in the practice of Western psychology.
Abstract: Western psychology has a long history of incorporating Buddhist practices and traditions into aspects of treatment, perhaps most predominantly the practice and theory of mindfulness (Bankart, 2003; Chan-Wiles, 2013; Dryden & Still, 2006; Kress, 1993; Rhys-Davids, 1924). This qualitative study critically examines the integration of Buddhism and psychology through the lived experiences of four clinical psychology doctoral students. These students attended a 9-day meditation retreat and seminar in France which involved the study of Tibetan Buddhism and how it integrates with Western psychology. The lived experience was captured through in vivo journaling, retrospective journaling, and interviews between the students. This material was then analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) procedure outlined by Hill (2012), which incorporates phenomenological grounded theory and comprehensive process analysis (Hill et al., 2005). Four themes were identified: acceptance as an aspect of creating change, greater awareness for the concepts of Buddhism, Bodhicitta and the value of suffering, and integrating the experience and carrying it forward. The content of these themes is explored, along with implications for increased cultural sensitivity and clinical effectiveness in the implementation of mindfulness practices and other Tibetan Buddhist concepts in the practice of Western psychology.