Transcript Contributions of Mindfulness-Based Practices for Critical Reflexivity

Contributions of Mindfulness-Based
Practices for Critical Reflexivity
By: Kirsten Ainsworth-Vincze
Agenda
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Overview of PRP
Highlights from the Literature Review
Methodology: Research Method & Paradigm
Data Collection/Data Analysis Methods
Findings: Themes
Suggestions
Overview of PRP
• Critical reflexivity is becoming a central
component of critical social work practice
• Poststructuralism offers a theoretical frame
for understanding the ways in which
power/knowledge, discourses and subjectivity
intersect
• Engaging in critical reflexivity can catalyze a
shift towards cultivating more ethical and just
relations
Overview
Critical reflexivity can work to:
1. Trouble normalizing and hegemonic
discourses
2. Open up spaces for the emergence of
subjugated narratives
3. Foster more equitable and ethical relations of
power
Overview
• Engaging in critical reflexivity typically
engenders difficult emotional experiences
• Social workers require tools and/or supports
• Research Question: How can mindfulnessbased practices support social worker’s
capacity to engage in critical reflexivity?
Highlights from the Literature Review
• Juxtaposed traditional forms of reflexivity to
critical forms of reflexivity to highlight the
‘critical difference’
• Opening up to uncertainty and including more
can effectively mitigate harm in client-worker
relations
Highlights from the Literature Review
• Discuss the effects of affects engendered
through engaging in critical reflexivity
• Identify the need to support workers
practicing critical reflexivity
• Propose and discuss the ways mindfulnessbased/meditation practices may be able to
offer vital support
Methodology
• The personal motivation to conduct this
research study was multifold
• Overall approach: qualitative & exploratory
• Research Method: Phenomenology
• Research Paradigm: Constructivist
• Method of Data Analysis: “Identifying the
regularity of theme” (Tesch, 1990).
Choosing a method & a paradigm:
• Identify your research goals/interests and
then focus these
• From these research goals/interests I was then
able to choose a method that was best suited
to my overall aim: phenomenology
• I then chose a paradigm that would offer
congruency and compatibility with the
research method: constructivist paradigm
Data Collection & Data Analysis
• Recruited and interviewed four participants
• Used semi-structured interviews to facilitate
and encourage descriptive stories
• Drew on Tesch’s (1990) approach to data
analysis: “The discovery of the regularity of
themes”
Findings
1. The transformative effects of awareness and
curiosity in social work
2. Linking compassion, ethical social work
practice and social justice
3. Connecting mindfulness-based practices to
critical social work practice
4. Working with difficult emotions: Being able
to stay with what is
Findings
All participants spoke passionately about
their experiences and their sense of the
potential far-reaching implications of
combining mindfulness-based practices with
critical social work practices such as critical
reflexivity .
Suggestions:
Take the time to choose a topic that you feel passionate about and
focus your study/question
To reduce anxiety and stress:
1. Do not isolate yourself: use colleagues, staff, friends, family to talk
about and synthesize your ideas
2. Try to be disciplined and organized with your time: use the first
semester
3. Note: This is a special process but reminding yourself that this is
not your magnum opus will mitigate getting stumped by
perfectionism
4. YOU CAN DO THIS…Enjoy!
Thank you for your attention and best wishes!