A psychobiography of Vuyiswa Mckonie.

Abstract

This is a psychobiographical study of Vuyiswa Mackonie’s life, with the use of psychological theory to better understand and uncover her life. The choice was based on the extraordinary qualities that Vuyiswa Mackonie possesses. A purposive sampling was used in selecting the subject of the study. Vuyiswa Mackonie meets the requirements of a psychobiography study because of her extraordinary life and accomplishments. Vuyiswa Mackonie’s life story was explored using qualitative, single case, interpretive research approach. The study was guided by Levinson’s life structure theory (1996). The data for this study was collected from different sources; the researcher interviewed the subject and the community members to collect the data. According to Levinson (1996) an individual goes through a unique life structure which is characterized by sequential periods, eras, developmental periods and tasks that influence their lives at various stages. The study suggests that while the first two eras of Vuyiswa Mackonie (pre-adulthood era and early adulthood) are similar to that proposed by Levinson (1996), some aspects of the midlife and late adulthood transition are far different to those proposed by Levinson.