Winston Churchill’s ‘Black Dog’: a psychobiographical case study for depressive realism
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Authors
Human, Samantha
Issue Date
2015-01
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alfred Adler , Case study research , Depression , Depressive realism , Individual psychology , Psychobiography , Single case study , Sir Winston Churchill
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative psychobiographical study sets out to explore and describe the life of Sir Winston Churchill within the context of his lifelong experience with depression, his ‘Black Dog’. The aim of the research is to present a case for depressive realism with Churchill as the single case study. The reconstruction of Churchill’s life as a psychological narrative is contextualised within the theoretical framework of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Individual Psychology.
Data was collated via biographical and life history material. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to.
The findings of this study reveal that Churchill’s depression had positive gains of him striving to contribute to society, potentially demonstrating that depressive realism exists as a side-effect of depression. The significance of which, conceivably substantiates the idea that positive aspects of depression do exist, enabling a potentially more encouraging and constructive outlook for individuals suffering from depression.
Description
Text in English
Citation
Human, Samantha (2015) Winston Churchill’s ‘Black Dog’: a psychobiographical case study for depressive realism, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18837>