Intentionality forms the matrix of healing: a theory

Author: Zahourek RP
Affiliation: New York University, School of Education, Division of Nursing.
Conference/Journal: Altern Ther Health Med
Date published: 2004
Other: Volume ID: 10 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 40-9 , Special Notes: Doctoral dissertation , Word Count: 125


The understanding of intentionality in a healing context has been incomplete and confusing. Attempts have been made to describe it as a concrete mental force in healing while healing has been accepted as a nonlocal phenomenon. This paper reviews several definitions and theoretical frameworks of intentionality. It proposes a new integrative theory of intentionality, Intentionality: the Matrix of Healing. The theory proposes definitions, forms, and phases of intentionality, a process of development and mediators that sculpt intentionality in healing. The theory has implications for conceptualizing intentionality and provides a framework for continued exploration of the nature of intentionality in healing for scholars as well as clinicians. SETTING: This study was done as a Doctoral dissertation at New York University, School of Education, Division of Nursing.