The transformation of despair to empowerment

The purpose of this existential-phenomenological study was to understand the structure of the transformation of despair to empowerment in the context of the nuclear threat. The structure described in this study is the common pattern underlying the experiences of five individuals who had undergone a transformation from despair to empowerment at least two years earlier. For purposes of a literature review, the phenomenon of study was regarded as one instance of the transformation from a constricted limit-situation typified by grief, anxiety and anger, to a broadened sense of meaning and experience of wholeness. Literature which addressed this broad question was surveyed as was research directly related to the nuclear threat. No previous exploration of this particular transformation was discovered. Following a presentation of my own assumptions and experience of this process, I present the findings of an existential-phenomenological study which follows Colaizzi (1978) and Giorgi (1985). The findings consist of themes and descriptions which are uncovered and validated from a series of interviews with the co-researchers. The results show a clearly discernible pattern of growth through acknowledgement, expression, and moving through anxiety and suffering. The process of empowerment is seen as a powerful embodiment of meaning and purpose in the lives of the co-researchers. The study highlights the need for helping professionals to come to terms with the issue of the nuclear threat. It provides a cohesive perspective with which helping professionals can work with clients who are suffering as a result of that threat or a range of other life events which lead to despair.Education, Faculty ofEducational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department ofGraduat