Simple wellness: Perceptions of health in persons who practice voluntary simplicity

Abstract

<p>This qualitative dissertation examines the lived experience and perceptions of health in seven Seattle residents who practiced voluntary simplicity in the late twentieth- and early twenty-first century. The overarching research questions addressed inquiry into the internal process that leads to deliberate lifestyle change (simplification) and the meaning of voluntary simplicity practice in the health and wellbeing of the individual within his/her community.</p> <p>Data were collected via a demographic survey which participants completed in the autumn of 2004, individual interviews conducted in October of 2004, a paper-and-pencil wellness assessment instrument which participants completed in October and November of 2004, and a focus group interview which met in March of 2005. Transcripts of the audio-tape recorded individual and focus group interviews were analyzed using QSR N6 software for qualitative analysis.</p> <p>The introduction provides the setting for the study of voluntary simplicity practitioners and wellness perceptions. The review of literature reveals a paucity of medical and nursing research on wellness; rather, most allopathic writing compares health in context of disease processes.</p> <p>The themes and values cited by participants as essential to voluntary simplicity were mindful living; wise use of resources; interdependence between humans, the environment and non-humans; sense of humor; generosity; and deliberate choice to be happy. Participants described intercultural experiences as formative in the evolution of their simplification processes.</p> <p>The study revealed that participants view wellness holistically in terms of balancing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. They had low utilization of allopathic healthcare services and high levels of self-responsibility for health promotion and health maintenance.</p> <p>In conclusion, the ethos of voluntary simplicity practice by study participants contributed to personal wellbeing and that of their various communities.</p>