On the Subject Matter of Phenomenological Psychopathology

Abstract

This chapter provides a framework for the phenomenological study of mental disorders. The framework relies on a distinction between (ontological) existentials and (ontic) modes. Existentials are the categorial structures of human existence, such as intentionality, temporality, selfhood, and affective situatedness. Modes are the particular, concrete phenomena that belong to these categorial structures, with each existential having its own set of modes. In the first section, the chapter articulates this distinction by drawing primarily on the work of Martin Heidegger—especially his study of the ontological structure of affective situatedness (Befindlichkeit) and its particular, ontic modes, which he calls moods (Stimmungen). In the second section, the chapter draws on a study of grief to demonstrate how this framework can be used when conducting phenomenological interviews and analyses. In the concluding section, the chapter explains how this framework can guide phenomenological studies across a broad range of existential structures.

Embodiment and Objectification in Illness and Health Care: Taking Phenomenology from Theory to Practice

“…A few researchers have used phenomenological concepts in their qualitative studies and have also provided preliminary reflections on how they incorporate these concepts (Fernandez & Køster, 2019; Klinke, Thorsteinsson, & Jónsdóttir, 2014; Slatman, 2014). Before other researchers can successfully employ conceptual approaches, these techniques will need to be articulated in considerably greater detail.…”

Intensive care nurses’ experiences of caring for isolated COVID-positive patients during first wave of COVID-19

“…In this study, we employ a methodological approach termed Phenomenologically Grounded Qualitative Research (PGQR). 18 , 19 To apply PGQR, the researchers explicitly incorporate phenomenological concepts in the design of the study, using them to formulate the overarching research focus, the interview questions, and focus observations. 20 The concepts used in the study design are called “existentials.” 18 , 19 These are the basic structures of experience, such as temporality, affectivity, spatiality, and embodiment.…”

Phenomenology as a resource for translational research in mental health: methodological trends, challenges and new directions

“…These may include selfhood, embodiment, temporality, spatiality, affectivity, understanding, intersubjectivity, etc. (Broome et al, 2012;Fernandez and Køster, 2019;Køster and Fernandez, 2021).…”