You are not alone: an existential-phenomenological exploration of how inner dialogue is experienced by rape survivors

Fraser, Natalie (2021) You are not alone: an existential-phenomenological exploration of how inner dialogue is experienced by rape survivors. DCPsych thesis, Middlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC). [Thesis]

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Abstract

This research investigated how inner dialogue is experienced by rape survivors. Eight women were interviewed about their experiences and the data was analysed using Structural Existential Analysis (SEA). A novel application of SEA was developed and a step-by-step model for application and verification is provided. The findings are presented in two parts. Part 1 “Characteristics of Inner Dialogue” provides a novel conceptualisation of a personalised inner dialogical community, detailing its development, dominance, and functions with specific emphasis on self-creation, healing, and meaning. Part 2 “Long-Lived Experiences” offers in-depth understandings of how inner dialogue is experienced in the aftermath of rape. Implications and specific interventions for counselling psychologists, practitioners, the judiciary system, the general public, and survivors of sexual trauma are suggested and discussed in detail.

The findings conclude that inner dialogue is a multifaceted innate phenomenon, not a pathological symptom of mental unwellness. Active engagement with inner dialogue facilitates deeper connection with the self and increased control over life experiences. The experience of rape is not an isolated physical violation, it has the potential to violate all areas of a person ’s lived experience, shattering previously held values with long-term implications for the victim and the people in their lives. The healing process is individually unique. Societies’ perceptions of stigmas, stereotypes, and rape-myths create hostile environments and directly impede healing from trauma.

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