LE3 .A278 1997

1997

Sumarah, John

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

This study is a subjective inquiry into the meaning of anger in women's lives, as experienced within the context of their own unique life experiences. The central thesis of this study is that women's acceptance and integration of anger is a complex and dynamic process of exploring and understanding the origins of anger and recognizing the power of anger to be a positive and healing force in their lives. Five women participated in a three stage research process which involved in-depth, one to one interviews, a weekend retreat group experience, and a process of collaborative data analysis. Five major themes were identified: suppression and denial of anger, fear of anger, exploring the origins of anger, women's special needs in opening to anger, and emergence of self. Verbatim excerpts from interviews, journals and followup meetings are integrated with related literature in the presentation of these themes. Each woman's process of exploring and understanding her anger was different. The themes presented describe common elements in women's experience and portray how women's anger is influenced by oppressive social structures. Reflections on the research experience stress the importance of honouring one's unique process of opening up to anger as a way of becoming more self-assertive and using the voice of anger for personal and social change.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2731