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Exploring Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language in Creating a Meaningful Life: Angela Merkel in Psychobiography

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Psychobiographical Illustrations on Meaning and Identity in Sociocultural Contexts

Part of the book series: Sociocultural Psychology of the Lifecourse ((SPL))

Abstract

Psychobiography is a well established methodological approach to explore the entire lifespan or specific events in the life of extraordinary individuals by using psychological theories.

This study uses a new psychobiographical focus, exploring the interplay of personality, non-verbal communication and body language to analyse the meaning of specific life events in the life of Angela Merkel, the contemporary German chancellor. It thereby contributes to political psychological psychobiographies of global women leaders through adult observation.

The study evaluates how Merkel uses non-verbal communication and body language to establish herself as a meaningful chancellor.

Methodologically, a hermeneutical research paradigm is used, with Merkel being purposefully sampled as the subject of research. This study draws on written accounts for analysis and interpretation of Merkel and refers to media scenario as a relevant methodological reference for adult observation, exploring Merkel as a public figure.

Accordingly, the study expands on previously used theories in psychobiography, while contributing to new and original research on Angela Merkel as one of the women leaders in the world.

Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are.

—Angela Merkel

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, p. 60.

  2. 2.

    Translated from German: “Ich bin ein Bewegungsidiot”, Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, 52.

  3. 3.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, p. 48.

  4. 4.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, p. 56.

  5. 5.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, 53.

  6. 6.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, 56.

  7. 7.

    Angela Merkel in Koelbl, 1999, p. 53.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shanghai University of Political Science and Law (SHUPL), Shanghai, China

    Ulrich Sollmann

  2. Sino-German Academy of Psychotherapy, Bochum, Germany

    Ulrich Sollmann

  3. Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Claude-Hélène Mayer

  4. Kulturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Europa Universität Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany

    Claude-Hélène Mayer

Authors
  1. Ulrich Sollmann
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  2. Claude-Hélène Mayer
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Claude-Hélène Mayer

  2. Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    Paul, J.P. Fouché

  3. Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

    Roelf Van Niekerk

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Sollmann, U., Mayer, CH. (2021). Exploring Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language in Creating a Meaningful Life: Angela Merkel in Psychobiography. In: Mayer, CH., Fouché, P.J., Van Niekerk, R. (eds) Psychobiographical Illustrations on Meaning and Identity in Sociocultural Contexts . Sociocultural Psychology of the Lifecourse . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81238-6_4

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