Health throughout the lifespan: The phenomenon of the inner child reflected in events during childhood experienced by older persons

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and gain more knowledge of the phenomenon of the inner child, reflected in events during childhood experienced by older persons. Thirteen older persons aged 70 to 91 years old were interviewed. A hermeneutical phenomenological analysis of the data revealed two main themes: the inner child becomes visible and the inner child's presence through life. The participants’ narratives showed that their understanding of the experiences included both positive and negative feelings, as well as ways to be creative, in which the inner child became visible. The participants’ experiences indicated that the inner child was present throughout the lifespan, was found in challenges that occurred in life, and could turn something bad into something good. However, the presence of the inner child could also be a source for development throughout life and could interfere with the person. The findings from this study point to older persons’ need to be recognized, acknowledged, and understood as a unique person living his or her own life. In addition, dimensions of well-being such as feeling safe, loved, supported, and creating space for fantasy and possibilities can be compared to the physical, mental, social, and existential dimensions of well-being found in WHO surveys and definitions of health. This calls for a holistic approach when caring for older persons.

Adverse Childhood Experiences & mental health – the urgent need for public health intervention in India

“…These findings from the global research make a compelling reason to re-apply and create a more integrated approach for measuring and preventing adverse childhood experiences, specifically in mental health care management for India. In other words, the concept of the “inner child” phenomena (a psychosynthesis of all ages from childhood to old age) continues to impact human being’s overall expressions of themselves in the world [ 24 ].…”

Connecting with my inner child through vocal psychotherapy

“…Being spontaneous and paying attention to shadow parts is often connected to the concept of the inner child. The inner child was developed from the Jungian Child archetype (Jung and Kerényi, 1949; Sjöblom et al, 2016). It is considered the impressionable, vulnerable, usually hidden childlike part of a person.…”