Graduate Program
Clinical Psychology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Ronan Bernas
Thesis Committee Member
Russell Gruber
Thesis Committee Member
Marjorie Hanft-Martone
Abstract
If many of the problems associated with a Western sense of self stem from its penchant for distorting reality, it follows that to free ourselves from its grasp we would need to implement an alternative way to view our experience accurately, such as that described in the Buddhist doctrine of no-self. The dangers of becoming attached to the Western self are outlined, as well as the means of transcending them through accurate self-assessments gained from insights of no-self. In addition, considerable research is reviewed that supports this idea by suggesting that Western constructs similar to no-self, like the "quiet" ego, foster well-being and a range of other psychological benefits. Implications for implementing a no-self approach in psychotherapy are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Hinman, Bryan James, "Finding the path within the "ego tunnel": A Buddhist approach to tackling the problems of a Western self" (2011). Masters Theses. 608.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/608
