Data collection
Seven of the interviews are conducted at the essay author's reception, two in the informants' home, one at the informant's workplace after the end of the working day, and one in a booked group room at a library. In all cases, the interviews can be conducted in calm conditions, without any other person present. Each interview takes about 90 minutes. There is no compensation. In cases where the interview takes place at the essay author's reception, coffee is offered.
At the beginning of the interviews, a brief presentation of background and purpose is given. The informants learn that the study takes place within the framework of a psychology degree work at Stockholm University, under supervision, that the interviewer has a duty of confidentiality and that the purpose is to understand how the respondent himself views life, rather than how the questions are answered based on the special spiritual philosophy that the respondent possibly embraces. Furthermore, an assurance is given that all material will be treated confidentially, that participation is voluntary, that the informant may decline to answer questions and at any time has the right to cancel. The interviews are semi-structured, based on a guide (Appendix 2) with certain areas to be included and proposals for in-depth themes. The conversations are recorded on a good quality dictaphone.
In some cases, respondents are specifically questioned about the psychological orientation of the essay author (psychodynamic) and in light of the criticism of religion associated with Sigmund Freud, extra emphasis is placed on creating a good atmosphere. If the respondents wonder about the interviewer's own entrance to the research topic, I offer to say something small about this after the interview. Overall, I endeavour to have a non-knowing and problematizing attitude in relation to the issues raised in the interviews.