The screaming silent cut on the body of Egyptian women: a phenomenological exploration of the meaning of self-harm in Egypt, with an existential reading of the findings
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- Title
- The screaming silent cut on the body of Egyptian women: a phenomenological exploration of the meaning of self-harm in Egypt, with an existential reading of the findings
- Creator
- Shahira Kamal
- Date
- 2014
- Abstract
- This dissertation uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the meaning of self-harm for Egyptian women who self-harm. After reviewing the literature, four Egyptian women were recruited in Cairo, Egypt. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant; the interview was transcribed and analysed for significant themes; five superordinate themes are discussed. The findings show how the entire process of self-harm serves as a mood container, which sometimes indicated a need for blood, and was reflective of a wider relationship to pain experience. The significance of the scars is demonstrated; how the scars held and represented various meanings, which then constituted parts of the meaning of self-harm for the individual. There was a focus on how relationships and judgements influence the process and permeate the meaning of self-harm. It was also found that self-loathing found expression and confirmation in self-harm, and was inherent to the process. The meaning of self-harm was one part of an entire relationship to body, which is used in various ways. The impact of the Egyptian culture was seen in relation to self-harm, the body, self, and others. The findings of this work are shown to have a direct impact on our work as psychotherapists, beginning to reveal the different facets of self-harm, and how each facet affects meaning for the individual. An existential reading of the findings is included emphasizing how self-harm is part of a bigger picture of existence. This work is also a step towards understanding what being a woman in Egypt means. This dissertation is a hopeful attempt in paving the way for others to qualitatively explore the meaning of self-harm in Egypt, and other Arab countries. It also highlights the universality of certain aspects of the phenomenon, which is useful in furthering understanding of self-harm."
- Subject
- Self-mutilation|Women--Egypt||
- Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Extent
- 128 pages
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2014
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Regent's University London & Shahira Kamal
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation