Date of Award
5-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies
Department
Holistic Health
First Advisor
Carol Geisler
Second Advisor
Stasia Johnson Steinhagen
Third Advisor
Janet Dahlem
Department/School
Holistic Health Studies
Abstract
The personal and business use of electronic/digital media (E/DM) has increased rapidly in the past few decades. Many research studies suggest a connection between this increased use and damage to mental and physical health. Few studies examine the potential benefits from decreased use, but non-scholarly sources encourage a practice of regularly unplugging from technology. Based in phenomenological inquiry, this study examines the lived experience of six adult Jewish women who unplug on a weekly basis as part of their observance of Jewish Shabbat. This study provides preliminary data on the benefits of this practice, using three arts-informed methods of data collection: storytelling, photography and collage. Results suggest that unplugging on a weekly basis provide holistic health benefits in the realms of mental, physical, spiritual, social and environmental health. Future research should include a larger, more varied population.
Recommended Citation
Michaels, Irene. (2016). Unplugging: A Phenomenological Study of the Perceived Holistic Health Benefits from Regular Digital Detox in the Context of Jewish Shabbat. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs/10