soul-searching

[ sohl-sur-ching ]

/ ˈsoʊlˌsɜr tʃɪŋ /

the act or process of close and penetrating analysis of oneself, to determine one's true motives and sentiments.

Origin of soul-searching

First recorded in 1605–15

And then, finally, I think it's going to be important for all of us to do some soul-searching.

Full Remarks by President Obama on Trayvon Martin |The Daily Beast |July 19, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
The disaster has inspired a backlash and a round of soul-searching.

American Apparel’s Dov Charney on the Bangladesh Tragedy |Daniel Gross |May 8, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
And so now the hand-wringing, second-guessing, and soul-searching begins.

GOP Rank and File May Block Leaders’ Plans to Win Latinos With Reform |Laura Colarusso |November 12, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
The party, after months of shock and soul-searching, finally appears to have moved on, as primary ballots loom in October.

DSK's French Accuser Speaks |Tracy McNicoll |September 30, 2011 |DAILY BEAST

These conversations, and lots of soul-searching, helped me come to some degree of peace with my childhood.

My Brother, Autism, and Me |Julia Rothwax |March 6, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
The proof to which God put Abraham is the most soul-searching proof that ever comes into human lives.

Living for the Best |James G. K. McClure
I've done some soul-searching myself, and it hasn't been a pleasant task.

The Lani People |J. F. Bone
The soul-searching eye of Cromwell peered through his visor, and turned alternately on Neville and Beaumont.

The Loyalists, Vol. 1-3 |Jane West
History teaches us that wealth, whenever it has come to them by chance, has put an end to their soul-searching.

A Book of Prefaces |H. L. Mencken
He paused, and their eyes were locked in a soul-searching look.

A Breath of Prairie and other stories |Will Lillibridge

soul-searching

deep or critical examination of one's motives, actions, beliefs, etc

displaying the characteristics of deep or painful self-analysis