Boundaries of the self : a phenomenological inquiry into the experience of losing a sense of self

Psychological boundary disturbances within the normal range of experience were explored in order to delineate the basic features and meanings that these experiences have for individuals. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 17 subjects drawn from the university community who were asked to describe their experiences of having temporarily lost a sense of self. Phenomenological analysis of these interviews yielded three interrelated themes present for all partici-pants: (1) separating/connecting, (2) encountering limits/encountering possibilities, and (3) having control/losing control. This thematic structure was used to distinguish the nature of positive and negative experiences. Participants' experiences were also discussed in relation to theoretical concepts of regression, "being" versus "doing", true and false self functioning, and transitional phenomena, as well as implications for psychotherapy and assessment. In general it was found that experiences of losing a sense of self were perceived as valuable, leading to transformation of the self in ways that were ultimately enriching. The findings extend the concept of boundary loss beyond psychopathology toward a broader understanding of these experiences as a potential means of creative self-preservation and self-discovery.