Experimental Phenomenology as Personalized Health Intervention: A Case Illustration

Abstract

Experimental phenomenology is the investigation of phenomenological practices and their effects. To engage in a phenomenological practice means to focus attention on aspects of one’s experiences (e.g., sense impressions or body sensations) while adopting a specific kind of attitude (e.g., an explorative attitude) according to some set of instructions. The basic assumption is that the regulation of attention and attitudes involved in such practices may have effects on people’s health and quality of life. The present paper describes the basic principles of experimental phenomenology as an approach to personalized health interventions and illustrates these principles with a case, where a mindful embodiment practice was constructed for an individual suffering from insomnia due to early morning awakenings. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of personalization, the ambition to formulate general conclusions about the effects of phenomenological practices, and the need for measurements not only before and after treatment but also during the treatment process.