Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

3-1985

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Harold J. Fine

Committee Members

D. W. Winnicott, Kenneth Newton, Michael O'Connell

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to find out more about individuals' experience of possessions of special emotional significance. A phenomenological research approach to this topic was chosen as that most suited to the descriptive goals of the study. Twelve well-functioning, mature, articulate adults were interviewed in depth concerning their possessions of special importance, both past and present.

Data analysis was accomplished using a phenomenological reduction procedure. This procedure put emphasis both on remaining true to research participants' exact words and meaning, and on reducing data to basic inclusive themes, or structural invariants, of all experiences of possessions and special possessions reported. Six dimensions which comprised the structural invariants of the experience of special possessions emerged: (1) Qualities of the Object, (2) Experience of the Object as Possession, (3) Emotional Investment, (4) Interpersonal Meaning, (5) Illusion/Metaphor and (6) Temporal Process. A scoring system was devised using these dimensions, and all possessions were scored according to the system. Inter-rater reliabilities also were assessed for three independent raters.

Results indicated that well-functioning adults report a wide variety of special possessions at all ages, through the present. For all participants, special possessions embody the relation of self to other(s) over time. By far the most frequently reported special possession was one which embodied, in a non-literal manner, the relation of self to other(s), and whose meaning changed over time; such possessions were termed "transitional possessions." Various types of special possessions were described and defined; transitional possessions; transfixed possessions; fixed-literal possessions; and fixed-metaphoric possessions. The dynamic nature of the experience of transitional possessions, as well as their participation in an individual's lifelong growth and development, were discussed. Patterns in the meaning and developmental functions for transitional possessions over the course of the life span also were discussed.

Results of the study were discussed in terms of their relevance to developmental theory and to research and theory in the area of transitional objects and transitional phenomena. Need for the term "transitional possession," in order to clarify previous theoretical confusion between transitional objects and chronologically later and experientially distinct tangible transitional phenomena was presented. It was suggested that Tolpin's application of the concept of "transmuting internalization" to the developmental function of the transitional object could be extended to all transitional possessions. In addition, implications for clinical practice and future research were discussed.

In terms of clinical practice, it was suggested that understanding of an individual's special possessions can provide a cross section of that person's developmental issues and themes throughout life. The current research is seen to provide a normative baseline from which relative health and pathology can be assessed. Finally, the complexity of the phenomenon of special possessions, and the multiplicity of developmental functions which such possessions can serve within the therapeutic relationship was mentioned.

A need for a more integrated approach to research in the area of special possessions was noted. Among many possibilities for future research, study of populations of various ages, emotional adjustments, backgrounds and cultures were suggested, as was more detailed examination of the individual dimensions of the experience of special possessions. Use of more structured approaches based on the current research was also discussed.

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