An existential exploration of the experience of coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community

DCPsych thesis


Feigin, E. 2021. An existential exploration of the experience of coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community. DCPsych thesis Middlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC) Psychology
TypeDCPsych thesis
TitleAn existential exploration of the experience of coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community
AuthorsFeigin, E.
Abstract

This research considers an existential exploration of the experience of coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community. It is grounded in a qualitative, phenomenological and existential methodology. Eight participants were interviewed, all male between the ages of 20-30, who grew up in the Orthodox Jewish community and came out as gay, a minimum of three years ago. The interviews were semi-structured in nature; they were recorded and transcribed. The interview transcripts were analysed using SEA, a phenomenological and existential research tool. It used two specific features of SEA; the four worlds and its paradoxes, and the timeline tool. Accordingly, data was analysed against the four existential worlds, and the four periods of time identified in the timeline tool; with the moments of coming out being the present focus. Key themes, paradoxes and similarities were drawn out from across the analysis. They were then analysed alongside a consideration of relevant literature, also presented in this study. Overall, significant findings were identified, which both resonated with, supported and questioned existing literature. Findings were linked to four particular time periods: before, during and after coming out, and the ongoing state of participants. The findings relating to the time period before coming out mainly linked to matters around identity and findings linked to the actual moments of coming out mainly related to embodiment overall. The findings of the time period immediately after coming out linked to relationships and emotions, whereas the findings linking to the ongoing state of participants were to do with spirituality and meaning. This study concludes by outlining the valuable contribution these findings have made to Counselling Psychology, as well as areas that have been highlighted as ripe for further research.

Keywordscoming out; coming out in the Orthodox Jewish community; coming out in religious communities; being gay in Judaism; coming out in Judaism
Sustainable Development Goals10 Reduced inequalities
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
Department namePsychology
Institution nameMiddlesex University / New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
Collaborating institutionNew School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC)
PublisherMiddlesex University Research Repository
Publication dates
Online19 Feb 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted04 Feb 2021
Deposited19 Feb 2024
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
LanguageEnglish
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https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/1006v9

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EFeigin thesis.pdf
File access level: Open

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