Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This qualitative narrative inquiry-based study collected multi-type data in order to answer the research question ‘How can embroidering influence change in relation to a person in the context of their everyday life?’ Data analysis included examination of embroideries, observation, participation in embroidering and visiting embroidery related events in partnership with five women, who regularly embroidered. Data was interpreted through narrative analysis which uncovered new understanding of how embroidering can be understood as a transitional and self-regulatory process. The findings suggest that embroidering is one type of a variety of stitching processes which people actively use to alter their physical and emotional state which include, stitching for rest, adventure, escape, sense of self, breaking the rules and connection. The solitary aspect of embroidering seems important and appears to be conditional on close affiliation of body, mind and materials. Such embroidering relations can induce effects on the body and mind that include absorption, liberty, addiction, love, aesthetic stimulation, calmness and frustration. Contextual conditions have been found to influence engagement and practice including initiation into the field, influences of the female stereotype, amateurism and the non-practical product. The findings are discussed in relation to the concepts of occupational engagement, quantum entanglement, optimal experience and further links to recent neuroscience, where deep engagement has been shown to lead to a temporary rest from self-awareness. The conclusion proposes that embroidering can influence health through an intimate and cooperative relationship of body, mind and materials in the context of an ongoing personal story.