Description
Aim: This cultural psychological study examines how British Zen practitioners shape spiritual identities through their domestic materiality, often overlooked by psychologists focused on individualistic perspectives.Methodology: In a two-phase constructivist grounded theory approach, I analysed participant-submitted photos of home practice spaces and conducted interviews to explore how material choices relate to lived Zen practice. Findings from both are integrated into a single framework.
Findings: Participants balance tradition and idiosyncrasy, negotiating aesthetic ideals, identity performance and spiritual practice with practical constraints. Domestic zen spaces reflect commitment and adaptability, and I examine how materiality shapes personal and collective spiritual identity. Findings highlight the interaction between cultural adaptation and individual expression, offering insight into Buddhism’s evolving Western presence.
| Period | 19 Aug 2025 → 22 Aug 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | International Association for the Psychology of Religion Conference 2025: Highlighting the Cross-Disciplinarity of the Psychology of Religion |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Birmingham, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |