A Bridge to the Dark World - Phenomenological Case Study Research

Abstract

The artical is a report on the phenomenological research of three co-researchers. We, the authors, report about the motives that have brought us together, the discoveries we made and the dilemmas raised by our research collaboration. The theme we began with and which ran throughout our investigation of experiencing (phenomenological case study) was made of segments of experiencing associated with suicidal thoughts. What prompted our research was KR's experience related to an anti-suicide contract and her critical reflection on this form of agreement between therapist and client. The course of our research gradually moved away from an investigation of the effects of compliance with (or failure of) an anti-suicide contract into a much wider research. The article outlines the basic methods and objectives of phenomenological research, some findings from our research and some essential features of such processes. The article concludes with a debate on the ethical and methodological dilemmas of this type of research.