Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1998

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Howard R. Pollio

Committee Members

Marilyn Kallet, Kathleen Lawler, Michael Smith

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of solitude in the lives of creative writers. A phenomenological research method was utilized to describe the experience. Eight working fiction writers (participants) were interviewed about their experiences of solitude. These interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using an interpretive-hermeneutic approach.

Analysis of interviews resulted in four major themes: Creating the Space; Opening Up/Letting Go; Encountering Creative Energy; and Bringing into Being. Participants reported creating a space of solitude; they described it as both a state of being and a physical location. Participants reported being open to whatever thoughts, ideas, or feelings came to them in solitude. They described letting go of fear in order to create. After opening up and letting go, participants described encountering an "energy" within oneself, outside oneself, or both. Participants used the following terms to describe this encounter: "thrilling," "exciting," "libidinal," "vivid," "rich," "intense," "orgasmic," "exhilarating," "inspiring," "focused," "energizing," "hypnotic," and "mystical." One participant reported feeling physically drained after the encounter. Participants reported three main outcomes of their experiences of solitude: self-knowledge, healing, and a written product in the form of a poem, short story, novel, or play.

Present results were discussed in terms of: 1) relevant theories of being alone and 2) relevant theories of the writer's creative process. Also discussed were implications for future research.

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