unit three research report

Over the course of our life, we inevitably encounter critical incidents that shape our identity. However, at times society tends to curate fixed attachments to negative experiences, which in turn dilutes self-perception. Through this chain reaction, many people tend to suppress internal conflicts rather than express themselves. With this combination, internal barriers arise that prevent many from achieving personal successes. The objective of my research is to tackle these conflicts by answering, “How can we identify the barriers that exist within who we are versus who we want to be?” 

To further develop my question, I engaged in primary and secondary research throughout unit three. Interviews built foundational perspectives, while surveys identified themes of emotional suppression. Observations, reflective practice, creative experimentation, along with research across articles, academic journals, and social data, helped to navigate the development of interventions and the prioritization of underlying drivers: Self-Positionality, Alternative Universes, and Radical Acceptance.

Self-Positionality reflects on one’s social position, usually proposed by researchers. However, a TedTalk led by Hsin-Tse (Steven) Lin ‍suggested “taking this reflective practice and using it in our everyday lives” (TEDx Talks, 2022). A Positionality Statement provided by the Centre of Teaching and Learning at Queen’s University explained that “their intersections shape how we understand and engage with the world” (Queen’s University, n.d.). Initially, I understood self-positionality to be the way we describe ourselves. However, it became evident that social class can influence subconscious behaviors and perspectives. An interview conducted with psychotherapist Sara Maude emphasized that “thoughts turn into perceptions which turn into beliefs” (Maude, 2026). Through these resources, I found self-positionality to be crucial to reflective practice around suppressed feelings. An article by Dr. Meagan Pollock clarified that, “A reflection on positionality (power, privilege, position) might uncover uncomfortable and painful truths of survival…or it might reveal unexpected elements of privilege and support” (Pollock, 2023). It makes me question the influential depth our social positions have on the expansion of our goals. For example, a discussion with Rinu Ogundeji explained, “An aversion to something as simple as a color could originate from childhood experiences involving exclusion or bullying” (Ogundeji, 2026). While this particular example applies to color theory, the foundation can be carried forward into other parts of our lives. 

The idea of Alternative Universes began with a speech by Jim Carrey, who suggested, “Thought is an illusory thing, and…responsible for…most of the suffering we experience…I wondered who is…aware that I am thinking?” (Carrey, 2009). His message highlights that thoughts are not our identity, but something we can observe. This echoed my conversation with Sara Maude, who noted: “thoughts are just thoughts” (Maude, 2026). So how can we curate separation from thoughts and our identity? Spiritual leader Rupert Spira discusses, “thoughts may be conditioned by individual experiences…or your own past conditioning through experiences you had as a child” (Spira, 2023). This connection relates to self-positionality. How might critical incidents subconsciously have a long-term impact on our thoughts? Educational writer Richard Sheposh proposes that “The multiverse…is a theoretical concept proposing that our observable universe is just one of potentially infinite universes that coexist in reality” (Sheposh, 2019). These resources led me to explore the idea of an alternate universe as a medium for self-reflective practice. For example, what characteristics might the alternate universe version of myself hold that I currently do not? Applying this development to my workshops, the most impactful feedback stated that participants realized their curated vision boards expressed their fears, and “there really aren’t as many barriers as you…get in your own head about and overthink things with.” A theory from Interstellar by Christopher Nolan proposes that parallel realities signal your calling. In the film, Dr. Brand suggests that “Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space” (Nolan, 2014). I am curious to explore whether, if thoughts are separate from our identity, then is it possible that desires we develop as children can be coming from an alternate universe?

According to Dr. Laura Allen, Radical Acceptance is the “practice of fully embracing reality without resistance or avoidance, particularly in distressing or painful situations” (Allen, 2025). She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to explain how it “refers to the open, willing, and non-judgemental acknowledgment of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, just as they are, without trying to avoid, suppress, or change them” (Allen, 2025). A repeated pattern I have observed across personal relations is that many people reject the idea of intentional reflection. Without reflection, how can we separate who we are versus who we are not? A study conducted by Philip Shaver at UC Davis explains that, “Attachment anxiety was associated with high activation of negative self-representations and unremitting separation-related thoughts” (Shaver, 2004). Furthermore, psychologist Tara Brach emphasized, “pain + non-acceptance = suffering” and the relationship of the reality of what is and “recognizing” and “allowing” (Brach cited in Quirk, 2022). Research published by the National Library of Medicine showcased that “emotional suppression predicted increased depressed mood, reduced perceived support…goal effort…and success across time” (Low et al., 2017). This data led me to explore suppressive engagement through primary research across two surveys. I questioned my participants on their perspectives applying reflective practice. While most participants turn to journaling, art, music, exercise, and therapy, several participants mentioned feeling a lack of adequate resources needed to acknowledge periods of mental discomfort. The question that comes to mind is, how can we develop a methodology that serves as a long-term approach to radical acceptance? 

The connection between this data helped with navigating the direction of my ongoing interventions. For my workshops, I targeted participants between the ages of 22-65 to test the engagement and reception within each age group. With the application of the methodologies I have been building, I used the process of identification, reflection, and transformation with applied visuals to curate activities for my participants. Each activity was specifically designed to guide the participants into vulnerable introspection through positionality statements, fear identification, and the curation of vision boards to draw comparisons between an alternate universe and current reality.

To date, this project has enabled my personal understanding of the significance of emotional confrontation. While self-positionality and radical acceptance curate a strong connection, the challenge seems to be developing adequate information for the application of alternative universes in my project. I have been investigating networks in quantum physics that can provide feedback on areas of exploration to build a stronger foundation on quantum theories. This research has also enabled me to identify personal barriers rooted in childhood experiences, contributing to my understanding of psychological barriers in relation with our personal goals across our lifetime.

Bibliography

Allen, L. (2025) ‘Radical acceptance: Theory, approaches and applications’, RCCS. Available at: https://www.rccs.org.uk/post/radical-acceptance-theory-approaches-and-applications

Brach, T. (2022) ‘The healing power of radical acceptance’, Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/being-your-best-self/202203/the-healing-power-of-radical-acceptance

Carrey, J. (2009) ‘Jim Carrey on Awakening’ [Video]. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIaY0l5qV0c

Fraley, R.C. and Shaver, P.R. (1997) ‘Adult attachment and the suppression of unwanted thoughts’, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(5), pp. 1080–1091. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.73.5.1080.

Lin, H.-T.S. (2022) ‘If We Were Mirrors: Positionality and Our Lives’ [Video]. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpa90Fc07o8

Low RS, Overall NC, Hammond MD, Girme YU. Emotional suppression during personal goal pursuit impedes goal strivings and achievement. Emotion. 2017 Mar;17(2):208-223. doi: 10.1037/emo0000218. Epub 2016 Aug 29. PMID: 27571225.

Maude, S. (2025) ‘What’s the difference between self-awareness and consciousness?’, The Mind Solution. Available at: https://themindsolution.com/blog/the-difference-between-self-awareness-and-consciousness/

Mikulincer, Mario & Dolev, Tamar & Shaver, Phillip. (2004). Attachment-Related Strategies During Thought Suppression: Ironic Rebounds and Vulnerable Self-Representations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 87. 940-956. 10.1037/0022-3514.87.6.940. 

Nolan, C. (dir.) (2014) Interstellar [Film]. USA: Paramount Pictures.

Pollock, M. (2023) ‘Why do we need to reflect on positionality?’, Engineer Inclusion. Available at: https://engineerinclusion.com/why-do-we-need-to-reflect-on-positionality/

Queen’s University Centre for Teaching and Learning (n.d.) ‘Positionality statement’. Available at: https://www.queensu.ca/ctl/resources/positionality-statement

Sano, A. (2024) ‘Our thoughts don’t come from the mind’ [Video]. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azoJBzKawTs

Sheposh, R. (2019) ‘Multiverse (meta-universe)’, EBSCO Research Starters. Available at: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/physics/multiverse-meta-universe

Spira, R. (2023) ‘Our thoughts don’t come from the mind’ [Video]. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azoJBzKawTs