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Büssing A, Weit M, Baumann K. Experiences of Awe and Gratitude and Related Triggers Among Religious Brothers and Sisters: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Germany. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:1880-1904. [PMID: 38240942 PMCID: PMC11060992 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey among religious brothers and sisters (n = 250) with their specific lifestyle and related spiritual practices stated moments of awe perceptions. They responded to both the Awe/Gratitude scale and to free text fields to substantiate their quantitative responses. Qualitative content analysis of their free text responses resulted in six main categories of awe triggers: (1) Nature, (2) Special Moments, (3) Transcendence Perceptions, (4) Religious practices, (5) Distinct People, and (6) Aesthetics, Art and Culture. Awe perceptions can be an immediate feeling and the outcome of a process of reflection in response to admiration, inspiration, and elevation. As these perceptions are related to psychological well-being and prosocial behaviors, their training can generate positive effects on quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arndt Büssing
- Professorship Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 59313, Herdecke, Germany.
- IUNCTUS - Competence Center for Christian Spirituality, Philosophical-Theological Academy, Münster, Germany.
| | - Michael Weit
- IUNCTUS - Competence Center for Christian Spirituality, Philosophical-Theological Academy, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Baumann
- Caritas Science and Christian Social Work, Faculty of Theology, Albert-Ludwig-University, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
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Mayukha A, Guzman A, Jitklongsub S, McAdams DP. "I want to lift my people up": Exploring the psychological correlates of racial themes within the life stories of midlife Black Americans. J Pers 2024. [PMID: 38606602 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores how middle-aged Black Americans talk about race, without prompting, while telling their life stories. METHOD Drawing upon a dataset of lengthy Life Story Interviews (N = 70), we first employed a keyword search to identify race-relevant interview scenes for each participant. Next, we conducted a thematic analysis of these scenes to identify salient racial narrative themes. Finally, we coded race-relevant scenes to examine the psychological correlates of racial narrative themes. RESULTS We identified 460 total racially themed Life Story Interview scenes, with the number of racially themed scenes ranging from 1 to 17 across participants' interviews. Racial narrative themes included Community of Care, Black Cultural Identity, Multiculturalism, Activism, Encounter with Racism, Systemic Racism, and Racial Reckoning. Quantitative analyses highlight a relationship between racial narrative themes and psychological measures of wisdom and generativity. CONCLUSION This study offers insight into the ways that race manifests in the life stories of Black Americans and highlights the importance of considering race in the study of narrative identity, and personality, more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Mayukha
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Ambar Guzman
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Sirin Jitklongsub
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Dan P McAdams
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Al-Omari M, Abu Khait A. Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of Cognitive-Reminiscence Therapy among Jordanian People with Major Depressive Disorders: A Mixed Methods Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37229657 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2205511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a major public health problem around the world. Negative automatic thoughts are cognitive errors that build in the mind, leading to depression. Cognitive-reminiscence therapy is one of the most effective psychosocial methods for managing cognitive errors. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive reminiscence therapy's feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder. A convergent-parallel design was employed. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 36 participants (Site 1: n = 16, Site 2: n = 20). A total of 31 participants were included in the analysis, divided into six groups, with 5-6 participants in each group. Cognitive-reminiscence therapy included eight supported sessions of up to 2 h each, delivered over 4 wk. Recruitment, adherence, retention, and attrition rates of 80%, 86.1%, and 13.9%, respectively, indicated the feasibility of the therapy. The acceptability of therapy was reflected in the following four themes: Positive Cognitive Reminiscence Therapy Perspectives and Outcomes; Cognitive Reminiscence Therapy Sessions Challenge; Suggestions for Improving Cognitive Reminiscence Therapy Sessions; and Motivational Home Activities. A significant reduction in the mean of depressive symptoms and negative automatic thoughts and a significant increase in the self-transcendence mean demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention. The study's results suggest that cognitive reminiscence therapy is feasible and acceptable among patients with major depressive disorder. This therapy is a promising nursing intervention to reduce depressive symptoms and negative automatic thoughts and increase self-transcendence for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdallah Abu Khait
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Kaup KK, Vasser M, Tulver K, Munk M, Pikamäe J, Aru J. Psychedelic replications in virtual reality and their potential as a therapeutic instrument: an open-label feasibility study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1088896. [PMID: 36937731 PMCID: PMC10022432 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1088896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research has shown promising results for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. One popular view claims that these benefits are mediated by the subjective experiences induced by these substances. Based on this, we designed a virtual reality experience, Psyrreal, that mimics the phenomenological components of psychedelic experiences. Aims We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Psyrreal and psychedelic VR experiences in treating depressive symptoms as well as explore the effect of Psyrreal on subjective factors which have been suggested to mediate the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Methods In this open-label feasibility study, thirteen participants with mild-to-moderate depression underwent a 2-day therapeutic intervention implementing Psyrreal. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2) at the start of the intervention and 2 weeks after. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews after Psyrreal was also conducted as an additional assessment of the method. Results A 2-day intervention implementing Psyrreal led to significant decreases in depressive symptoms at the 2-week follow-up (n = 10, p = 0.007, Hedges' g = 1.046) measured by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2). The analysis of semi-structured interviews suggests that Psyrreal could lead to insight and alterations in the sense of self in some people. Conclusion This work proposes a novel method using virtual reality to augment the treatment of psychological disorders as well as to precisely investigate the mediating subjective factors of the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances. Our preliminary results suggest that VR experiences combined with psychological support show potential in treating depressive symptoms and further research into similar methods is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madis Vasser
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadi Tulver
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mari Munk
- Psychiatry Clinic of North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Juhan Pikamäe
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaan Aru
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Hu X, Zhang H, Geng M. Letting go or giving up? The influence of self-transcendence meaning of life on goal adjustment in high action crisis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1054873. [PMID: 36818119 PMCID: PMC9929075 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1054873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
When individuals pursuing personal goals encounter setbacks and failures, they often fall into a conflict between disengaging from and striving toward the goal, defined as an action crisis. The present study investigated the influence and mechanism of self-transcendence meaning of life (STML) on goal disengagement and reengagement during a high versus a low action crisis. Study 1 included situations with different action crises. In Study 1, participants with high STML exhibited significantly higher goal disengagement and reengagement during high action crisis compared with low action crisis. Study 2 replicated the findings in Study 1 using participants' personal goals by questionnaires, and further exhibited that action crisis had negative effect on self-efficacy for participants with low STML, and this process subsequently reduced goal adjustment. Interestingly, no mediation effect of self-efficacy was found between action crisis and goal adjustment among participants with high STML. Findings from the present study suggest that releasing obsessions and adopting a dialectical relationship between success and failure may help individuals in high action-crisis situations, and self-efficacy may provide flexibility and autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Hu
- The Psychological Quality Education Centre, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Heyi Zhang
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Heyi Zhang,
| | - Meifang Geng
- The Psychological Quality Education Centre, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
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Bauer JJ, Thomsen DK. Introduction to the special issue on “Storying the good life: Pathways and pitfalls to adaptive narrative identity”. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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McAdams DP, Logan RL, Reischer HN. Beyond the redemptive self: Narratives of acceptance in later life (and in Other Contexts). JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Turner AF, Couch NG, Cowan HR, Otto-Meyer R, Murthy P, Logan RL, Rogers LO, McAdams DP. The Good and the Bad in Black and White: Stories of Life’s High and Low Points Told by Black and White Midlife Adults in America. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Wilmot MP, Ones DS. Agreeableness and Its Consequences: A Quantitative Review of Meta-Analytic Findings. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022; 26:242-280. [DOI: 10.1177/10888683211073007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Agreeableness impacts people and real-world outcomes. In the most comprehensive quantitative review to date, we summarize results from 142 meta-analyses reporting effects for 275 variables, which represent N > 1.9 million participants from k > 3,900 studies. Arranging variables by their content and type, we use an organizational framework of 16 conceptual categories that presents a detailed account of Agreeableness’ external relations. Overall, the trait has effects in a desirable direction for 93% of variables (grand mean [Formula: see text]). We also review lower order trait evidence for 42 variables from 20 meta-analyses. Using these empirical findings, in tandem with existing theory, we synthesize eight general themes that describe Agreeableness’ characteristic functioning across variables: self-transcendence, contentment, relational investment, teamworking, work investment, lower results emphasis, social norm orientation, and social integration. We conclude by discussing potential boundary conditions of findings, contributions and limitations of our review, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deniz S. Ones
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, USA
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Dunlop WL, Lind M, Hopwood CJ. Synthesizing Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory and the Narrative Identity Approach to Examine Personality Dynamics and Regulatory Processes. J Pers 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Robina-Ramírez R, Medina-Merodio JA, Estriegana R, Sánchez-Oro M, Castro-Serrano J. Stress at Work: Can the Spiritual Dimension Reduce It? An Approach From the Banking Sector. Front Psychol 2021; 12:715884. [PMID: 34721163 PMCID: PMC8555493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.715884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress at work motivated by pressures and labour control can alter the behaviour of workers. Since the 2008 economic crisis, banking in Spain has suffered a series of massive lay-offs to adjust to the new market situation. This new financial restructuring has meant greater labour pressure to achieve the required results. Faced with this adversity, employees have experienced greater stress at work. This work analyses the effect of reinforcing employees' spiritual dimension to transcend and correctly manage work pressure and stress at work. In so doing, 601 employees from 294 financial entities of five large IBEX banks participated in this pilot project. Through a participatory methodology based on a review of the literature, the study indicators have been delimited. The data obtained have been treated using the SEM-PLS method. The results propose the incorporation of a series of tools to reinforce values and transcendent employee behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Robina-Ramírez
- Departamento de Dirección de Empresa y Sociología, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Estriegana
- Departamento de Automática, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcelo Sánchez-Oro
- Departamento de Dirección de Empresa y Sociología, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José Castro-Serrano
- Departamento de Arte y Ciencias del Territorio, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Wong PTP, Arslan G, Bowers VL, Peacock EJ, Kjell ONE, Ivtzan I, Lomas T. Self-Transcendence as a Buffer Against COVID-19 Suffering: The Development and Validation of the Self-Transcendence Measure-B. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648549. [PMID: 34690853 PMCID: PMC8527188 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The age of COVID-19 calls for a different approach toward global well-being and flourishing through the transcendence suffering as advocated by existential positive psychology. In the present study, we primarily explained what self-transcendence is and why it represents the most promising path for human beings to flourish through the transformation of suffering in a difficult and uncertain world. After reviewing the literature on self-transcendence experiences, we concluded that the model of self-transcendence presented by Frankl is able to integrate both of the characteristics associated with self-transcendence. Afterward, we discussed how the self-transcendence paradigm proposed by Wong, an extension of the model by Frankl, may help awaken our innate capacity for connections with the true self, with others, and with God or something larger than oneself. We presented self-transcendence as a less-traveled but more promising route to achieve personal growth and mental health in troubled times. Finally, we presented the history of the development and psychometrics of the Self-Transcendence Measure-Brief (STM-B) and reported the empirical evidence that self-transcendence served as a buffer against COVID-19 suffering. The presented data in the current study suggested that the best way to overcome pandemic suffering and mental health crises is to cultivate self-transcendence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T. P. Wong
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Gökmen Arslan
- Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
- Centre for Wellbeing Science, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Itai Ivtzan
- Department of Psychology, Naropa University, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Tim Lomas
- Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
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Mehl-Madrona L, McFarlane P, Mainguy B. Effects of a Life Story Interview on the Physician-Patient Relationship with Chronic Pain Patients in a Primary Care Setting. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:688-696. [PMID: 34185546 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Within family medicine it is generally accepted that the more we know about patients' lives, the better the care we provide. Few studies have sought to quantify this historical assumption. We wondered if knowing their chronic pain, patients' life stories would improve the physician-patient relationship in a family medicine residency training program clinic. Methods: We selected patients in chronic pain with depression and/or anxiety who were considered difficult. After a lead in period to establish stability of ratings, we obtained a life story interview for 125 such patients after administering the doctor-patient relationship questionnaire to them and their physicians. Patients completed the McGill Pain Inventory (MPQ), the Zung Anxiety Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Physicians completed the Jefferson Physicians Empathy Scale. Questionnaires were repeated every 4 months. Results: The quality of the physician-patient relationship increased significantly over the course of the year for patients (increase of 0.60, standard deviation [SD] = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 0.63, p < 0.001) and for doctors (increase of 0.77, SD = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.81, p < 0.001). The perceived level of pain on the MPQ decreased significantly on the sensory component (71.2 ± 7.6 to 11.7 + 9.4, 95% CI = 0.589 to 9.411, p = 0.0270 and the affective component (4.2 + 3.4 to 2.1 + 4.3, 95% CI = 0.131 to 4.069, p = 0.037). Anxiety and depression ratings did not change. Physicians' empathy ratings increased significantly over the course of the year from a mean of 117.2 (SD = 10.2) to 125.1 (SD = 16.1) for a difference of 7.90, which was significant at p = 0.0273 with a 95% CI of -14.85 to -0.915. Discussion: Knowing the patient's life story improves the physician-patient relationship for both patients and physicians. When the physician-patient relationship improves, the perceived level of pain decreases. Physicians' empathy ratings increase. While the interview requires 90-120 min, it is billable, and can be done by medical students, medical assistants, social workers, or behavioral health. Conclusions: Obtaining life stories of chronic pain patients is a cost-effective way to reduce pain while simultaneously improving the physician-patient relationship and increasing physician empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Mehl-Madrona
- Family Medicine Residency, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Orono, ME, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford and Bangor, ME, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.,Coyote Institute, Orono, ME, USA.,Medical Arts and Humanities Program, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.,Wabanaki Health and Wellness, Bangor, ME, USA.,Acadia Hospital, Bangor, ME, USA
| | - Patrick McFarlane
- Family Medicine Residency, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Orono, ME, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford and Bangor, ME, USA.,Medical Arts and Humanities Program, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Barbara Mainguy
- Coyote Institute, Orono, ME, USA.,Wabanaki Health and Wellness, Bangor, ME, USA
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Reischer HN. The last chapters of life: A proposed research agenda for studying narrative identity in older adulthood. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Green Restaurant Consumers’ Pride and Social Healthy Narcissism Influencing Self-Actualization and Self-Transcendence That Drive Customer Citizenship Behavior. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su122410339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study explored green restaurant consumers’ self-actualization and self-transcendence motivations that drive customer citizenship behavior (CCB). A survey of green restaurant consumers was administered, and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed. The findings indicate the presence of positive associations between pride and self-actualization, and healthy social narcissism and self-transcendence. This study also found a positive relationship between self-actualization and self-transcendence, and they are positively associated with CCB. Interestingly, the findings suggest that green restaurant consumers’ pride, self-actualization and CCB path is more dominant path vis-à-vis the path from healthy social narcissism mediated by self-transcendence to CCB.
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