Dissertation Abstract
What Matters to the Heart:
Exploring the Psychological Significance of the Labyrinth

by Lea Goode-Harris, Ph.D.
Institute of Imaginal Studies,
Petaluma, California
©2001

The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore the psychological significance of the labyrinth, especially in regard to the relevance of the life-long process of individuation with particular attention to the transitional period of adolescence. Ten adolescents walked the labyrinth while contemplating two images in response to: "What matters to the heart?"and "What is the opposite of your heart's yearning?" Art-making and interviewing were employed as means of documenting the experiences of the subjects before walking the labyrinth, during the labyrinth walk, and during follow-up meetings.

Data analysis showed that the first two art-making images from each subject revealed opposites, obstacles, and a conflict, or a tension, existing between the images. The third, new image of each subject discovered in the labyrinth, contained something of the first two images, either in content or through shape, color, or form, and expanded each subject's awareness of self.

Furthermore, the language of all participants showed that each found a way to: a) express through a new image, as well as verbally, an ability to tolerate and explore the tensions found in their first two images; b) find an integration of those opposites as expressed in a third image; and c) articulate those findings to me, the researcher, to the program directors/art therapist interns (when they were available), and to each other in a small group of peers.

Ten adolescents took this opportunity to step into the unknown of the labyrinth and to express their hearts' desires and life struggles both imaginally and verbally. The implementation and results of this research are discussed in regard to implications for treatment and rehabilitation, and further research with other populations.