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Chirico A, Borghesi F, Yaden DB, Pizzolante M, Sarcinella ED, Cipresso P, Gaggioli A. Unveiling the underlying structure of awe in virtual reality and in autobiographical recall: an exploratory study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12474. [PMID: 38816477 PMCID: PMC11139977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, awe has attracted the attention of an increasing number of researchers. The use of virtual reality has been identified as one of the most effective techniques for eliciting awe, in addition to more personalized methods for inducing emotion, such as autobiographical recall. However, previous measures of awe were unable to uncover the hidden structure of this experience. Awe experience scale (AWE-S) has been validated as a comprehensive measure of contingent awe in English, providing new opportunities for analysis. In this two-phases study, we investigated whether the latent structure of the experience of awe evoked by the autobiographical recall technique (Study 1) overlapped with that induced by exposing participants to a validated virtual reality awe-eliciting training (Study 2). The original English AWE-S structure held both in autobiographical recall induction and virtual reality-based elicitation. Despite evidence of overlap between English and Italian structures, low correlations were found between Italian trait measures used to test the concurrent validity of the AWE-S in the Italian sample and AWE-S state dimensions. This study highlights cultural differences in awe experience, trait, and state variations, and provides new insights into the standardized induction of this emotion through simulated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Borghesi
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.
| | - David B Yaden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marta Pizzolante
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Diletta Sarcinella
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Flatten C, Linares Gutiérrez D, Kübel SL, Taylor S, Wittmann M. Increased wakefulness as measured by the WAKE-16 is related to mindfulness and emotional self-regulation in experienced Buddhist meditators. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2024; 287:287-307. [PMID: 39097357 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We tested and validated the German version of a new instrument for measuring "wakefulness," defined as "an expansive, higher-functioning, and stable state of being in which a person's vision of and relationship to the world are transformed, along with their subjective experience, their sense of identity and their conceptual outlook" (Taylor, 2017, p. 22). METHODS In order to test the construct validity of the new instrument (Inventory of Secular/Spiritual Wakefulness; WAKE-16), we performed a parametric comparison between a group of expert meditators (n=36) with a history of predominantly meditating in silence and demographically matched non-meditators (n=36) for the WAKE-16 and two conceptually related questionnaires of mindfulness and emotion regulation. RESULTS Significantly higher scores for the meditators on the WAKE-16 indicate construct validity of the new instrument. Meditators scored higher on the two mindfulness subscales "presence" and "acceptance," as well as on the SEE subscales of emotion regulation and body-related symbolization of emotions. Within the group of meditators, there were significant correlations between wakefulness and mindfulness, accepting one's own emotions, and experiencing overwhelming emotions. The only significant correlation in non-meditators was found between wakefulness and accepting one's own emotions. DISCUSSION The new instrument shows construct validity by discriminating between the two groups. Correlations between wakefulness and related psychological constructs indicate convergent validity. Future studies could attempt to increase discriminatory accuracy of the definition of wakefulness, as well as finding objective methods of measuring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sebastian L Kübel
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steve Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Leeds School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany.
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Jia Y, Schenkman M, O Connor H, Jayanna K, Pearmain R, Van’t Westeinde A, Patel KD. Validation of the Awareness Atlas-a new measure of the manifestation of consciousness. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1283980. [PMID: 38577121 PMCID: PMC10994143 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1283980] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Consciousness has intrigued philosophers and scholars for millennia and has been the topic of considerable scientific investigation in recent decades. Despite its importance, there is no unifying definition of the term, nor are there widely accepted measures of consciousness. Indeed, it is likely that consciousness-by its very nature-eludes measurement. It is, however, possible to measure how consciousness manifests as a lived experience. Yet here, too, holistic measures are lacking. This investigation describes the development and validation of the Awareness Atlas, a measure of the manifestation of consciousness. The scale was informed by heart-based contemplative practices and the resulting lived experience with a focus on the impacts of manifestation of consciousness on daily life. Four hundred forty-nine individuals from the USA, Canada, India, and Europe participated in psychometric testing of the scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for validation, demonstrating excellent validity in measuring manifestation of consciousness. The final model fit exceeded all required thresholds, indicating an excellent fitted model with a single dimensionality to measure the manifestation of consciousness comprised of four subscales: Relationship to Others; Listening to the Heart; Connection with Higher Self; and Acceptance and Letting Go. Number of years meditating and practicing Heartfulness meditation were positively related to the total and subscale scores. Test-retest reliability was excellent for the total scale, and good to excellent for the four subscales. Findings demonstrate that the Awareness Atlas is a well-constructed tool that will be useful in examining changes in manifestation of consciousness with various experiences (e.g., meditation, life-altering conditions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuane Jia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Health Professions, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Margaret Schenkman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Krishnmurthy Jayanna
- Division of Public Health, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India
- Center for Integrative Health and Wellbeing, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Annelies Van’t Westeinde
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Unit for Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ge BH, Yang F. Transcending the self to transcend suffering. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1113965. [PMID: 37484086 PMCID: PMC10361767 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Suffering is inevitable in human life. Our perspective paper theorizes on precise mechanisms for how self-transcendence-the state in which an individual looks beyond the self and adopts a larger perspective including concern for others and the world-may help people endure the experience of suffering. From an examination of empirical literature ranging from social psychology to clinical research, we propose that self-transcendence may aid the endurance of suffering along three psychological levels: (1) On the level of affect, the unique profundity and positivity of self-transcendent experiences (e.g., awe, flow, compassion) may supersede and reduce the salience of negative affect arising from suffering (e.g., fear, despair, depressive mood). (2) On the level of cognition, the larger frame of reference provided by self-transcendent thinking may contextualize one's suffering as something comprehendible, thereby helping to resolve the challenges of making meaning from suffering (e.g., that one's existing meaning systems are unable to explain the suffering event). (3) On the level of motivation, the drive to fulfill one's need for self-transcendence may counterbalance the more hedonically-oriented motivations that can promote negative coping strategies in response to suffering (e.g., avoidance, substance abuse). All three mechanisms may also provoke downstream prosocial behaviors that help embed the individual into networks of social support. Altogether, by synthesizing specific mechanisms from affective, cognitive, and motivational self-transcendent processes, our paper establishes a theoretical framework for how self-transcendence may help people endure and transcend suffering, thereby elevating the conditions and experiences of our existence.
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Kähönen J. Psychedelic unselfing: self-transcendence and change of values in psychedelic experiences. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1104627. [PMID: 37388660 PMCID: PMC10300451 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1104627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic experiences have been shown to both facilitate (re)connection to one's values and change values, including enhancing aesthetic appreciation, promoting pro-environmental attitudes, and encouraging prosocial behavior. This article presents an empirically informed framework of philosophical psychology to understand how self-transcendence relates to psychedelic value changes. Most of the observed psychedelic value changes are toward the self-transcendent values of Schwartz's value theory. As psychedelics also reliably cause various self-transcendent experiences (STEs), a parsimonious hypothesis is that STEs change values toward self-transcendent values. I argue that STEs indeed can lead to value changes, and discuss the morally relevant process of self-transcendence through Iris Murdoch's concept of "unselfing". I argue that overt egocentric concerns easily bias one's valuations. Unselfing reduces egocentric attributions of salience and enhances non-egocentric attention to the world, widening one's perspective and shifting evaluation toward self-transcendent modes. Values are inherently tied to various evaluative contexts, and unselfing can attune the individual to evaluative contexts and accompanying values beyond the self. Understood this way, psychedelics can provide temporarily enhanced access to self-transcendent values and function as sources of aspiration and value change. However, contextual factors can complicate whether STEs lead to long-term changes in values. The framework is supported by various research strands establishing empirical and conceptual connections between long-term differences in egocentricity, STEs, and self-transcendent values. Furthermore, the link between unselfing and value changes is supported by phenomenological and theoretical analysis of psychedelic experiences, as well as empirical findings on their long-term effects. This article furthers understanding of psychedelic value changes and contributes to discussions on whether value changes are justified, whether they result from cultural context, and whether psychedelics could function as tools of moral neuroenhancement.
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Steen A, Braam AA, Berghuis H, Glas G. Meaning in life in personality disorder: An empirical approach considering self-direction, self-transcendence and spiritual/religious worldviews. JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2023.2199172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelien Steen
- GGz Centraal, Zwaluw & Enk, Centre for Psychotherapy, Ermelo, The Netherlands
- Department of Humanist Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A.W. Arjan Braam
- Department of Humanist Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Altrecht Mental Health Care, Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Department of Residency Training, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Han Berghuis
- NPI, Centre for Personality Disorders, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Glas
- Vrije Universiteit, Department of Philosophy and Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Liedgren J, Desmet PMA, Gaggioli A. Liminal design: A conceptual framework and three-step approach for developing technology that delivers transcendence and deeper experiences. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1043170. [PMID: 36844338 PMCID: PMC9945118 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1043170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As ubiquitous technology is increasingly mediating our relationships with the world and others, we argue that the sublime is struggling to find room in product design primarily aimed at commercial and transactional goals such as speed and efficiency. We suggest a new category of products to promote deeper and more meaningful experiences, specifically those offering liminality, transcendence, and personal transformation. This paper introduces a conceptual framework and three-step design approach looking at narrative participation in design through abstractions to promote, hold and deepen more complex emotions. We explore implications from a theoretical point of view and suggest product examples for how the model might be applied in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pieter M. A. Desmet
- Department of Human Centered Design, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy,IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Andrea Gaggioli,
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Isham A, Elf P, Jackson T. Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1051478. [PMID: 36452396 PMCID: PMC9701724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1051478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, much has been written on the role of different mental states and their potential to influence our way of thinking and, perhaps more importantly, the way we act. With the recent acceleration of environmental and mental health issues, alongside the limited effectiveness of existing interventions, an exploration of new approaches to deliver transformative change is required. We therefore explore the emerging potential of a type of mental state known as self-transcendent experiences (STEs) as a driver of ecological wellbeing. We focus on four types of STEs: those facilitated by experiences of flow, awe, and mindfulness, as well as by psychedelic-induced experiences. Some of these experiences can occur naturally, through sometimes unexpected encounters with nature or during immersion in every-day activities that one intrinsically enjoys, as well as through more intentional practices such as meditation or the administration of psychedelics in controlled, legal settings. We explore the evidence base linking each of the four types of STE to ecological wellbeing before proposing potential hypotheses to be tested to understand why STEs can have such beneficial effects. We end by looking at the factors that might need to be considered if STEs are going to be practically implemented as a means of achieving ecological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Isham
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Elf
- Middlesex University Business School, Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR), Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Jackson
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Sugiura M. Adaptability, supernaturalness, and the neurocognitive basis of the self-transcendence trait: Toward an integrated framework through disaster psychology and a self-agency model. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:943809. [PMID: 36062259 PMCID: PMC9435587 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.943809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Motoaki Sugiura
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- *Correspondence: Motoaki Sugiura
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Chirico A, Pizzolante M, Kitson A, Gianotti E, Riecke BE, Gaggioli A. Defining Transformative Experiences: A Conceptual Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:790300. [PMID: 35814064 PMCID: PMC9263695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.790300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of transformative experience (TE) has been widely explored by several disciplines from philosophy to neurobiology, and in different domains, from the spiritual to the educational one. This attitude has engendered heterogeneous models to explain this phenomenon. However, a consistent and clear understanding of this construct remains elusive. The aim of this work is to provide an initial comprehensive interdisciplinary, cross-domain, up-to-date, and integrated overview on the concept of TEs. Firstly, all the models and theories on TEs were reviewed to extract and analyze TEs’ main components emerging from different disciplines. Then, this preliminary analysis was integrated with an in-depth examination of redundancies and particularities across domains and disciplines, to provide an integrated theoretical framework of TEs and a preliminary interdisciplinary operational definition of TEs. This examination, in turn, can help organize current research and theories, thus providing suggestions for operationalizing TEs as well as encouraging new interdisciplinary research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alice Chirico,
| | - Marta Pizzolante
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Kitson
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Elena Gianotti
- Department of Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernhard E. Riecke
- School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Chirico A, Pizzolante M, Villani D. Self-transcendent dispositions and spirituality: the mediating role of believing in a benevolent world. JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2022.2079041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Pizzolante
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Villani
- Department of Psychology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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12
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Khoshnoud S, Alvarez Igarzábal F, Wittmann M. Brain–Heart Interaction and the Experience of Flow While Playing a Video Game. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:819834. [PMID: 35572002 PMCID: PMC9096496 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.819834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The flow state – an experience of complete absorption in an activity – is linked with less self-referential processing and increased arousal. We used the heart-evoked potential (HEP), an index representing brain–heart interaction, as well as indices of peripheral physiology to assess the state of flow in individuals playing a video game. 22 gamers and 21 non-gamers played the video game Thumper for 25 min while their brain and cardiorespiratory signals were simultaneously recorded. The more participants were absorbed in the game, the less they thought about time and the faster time passed subjectively. On the cortical level, the fronto-central HEP amplitude was significantly lower while playing the game compared to resting states before and after the game, reflecting less self-referential processing while playing. This HEP effect corresponded with lower activity during gameplay in brain regions contributing to interoceptive processing. The HEP amplitude predicted the level of absorption in the game. While the HEP amplitude was overall lower during the gaming session than during the resting states, within the gaming session the amplitude of HEP was positively associated with absorption. Since higher absorption was related to higher performance in the game, the higher HEP in more absorbed individuals reflects more efficient brain–heart interaction, which is necessary for efficient game play. On the physiological level, a higher level of flow was associated with increased overall sympathetic activity and less inhibited parasympathetic activity toward the end of the game. These results are building blocks for future neurophysiological assessments of flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Khoshnoud
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotechnology, Institute for Neuromodulation and Neurotechnology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shiva Khoshnoud,
| | | | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
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Wahbeh H, Fry N, Speirn P, Hrnjic L, Ancel E, Niebauer E. Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences. F1000Res 2022; 10:497. [PMID: 36017375 PMCID: PMC9364752 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.52957.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboos exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey that collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacting decision-making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helané Wahbeh
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
- Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Nina Fry
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
| | - Paolo Speirn
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
| | - Lutvija Hrnjic
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
| | - Emma Ancel
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
| | - Erica Niebauer
- Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, 94928, USA
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Holistic View of Intuition and Analysis in Leadership Decision-Making and Problem-Solving. ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/admsci12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Making decisions is a key task for leaders and managers. Senior leaders are currently exposed to increasing amounts of data which they must process quickly in our current dynamic world. Complex factors in the business world are not always best approached through an analytical framework. Using tacit knowledge gained through intuition can enable a more holistic understanding of the deep nature of today’s problems. This paper takes an expansive view of decision-making with intuition right at the centre and canvasses understandings of intuition arising from philosophy, psychology, Western and Eastern beliefs; and proposes a model that relates intuition to other problem-solving approaches. The paper presents the results of interviews with senior leaders who must make difficult decisions in complex turbulent environments. The interview schedule is based on questions raised in a prior literature search concerning the relationship between intuition and analysis in complexity decision-making and problem-solving, the usefulness to this group of respondents, the possibilities of combining both approaches and any conflict arising from that combination, and understandings of the concept of intuition by these respondents. The resultant model presents a visual description of a process that moves from exterior assessment achieved via sensing and analysis, through to deeper understandings and a more holistic discernment gained through intuition. The model has the potential to assist leaders faced with difficult-to-solve problems in providing a better understanding of the steps involved in tackling problems of increasing levels of complexity.
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Bredicean C, Tamasan SC, Lungeanu D, Giurgi-Oncu C, Stoica IP, Panfil AL, Vasilian C, Secosan I, Ursoniu S, Patrascu R. Burnout Toll on Empathy Would Mediate the Missing Professional Support in the COVID-19 Outbreak. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2231-2244. [PMID: 34104014 PMCID: PMC8180265 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s300578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, massively disruptive at the general population level and for healthcare systems. We aimed to evaluate the psychological distress associated with work-related experiences among medical professionals and supporting staff during the pandemic outbreak. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2020, employing a self-administered on-line questionnaire that included the collection of socio-demographic and professional status information, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and a subscale of the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) for empathy. A total of 364 professionals of the county-coordinated area responded. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings and a mediation model was analyzed, applying the causal step strategy. The specific direct and causal mediation effects were estimated with the bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap sampling method. Results Anxiety, burnout, stress, resilience, and empathy proved to be significantly associated with both the professional category (ie, consultant, specialty doctor, trainee doctor, senior nurse, trainee nurse or other) and the perceived professional support (the nonparametric multivariate permutation test resulted in p=0.048 and p<0.001, respectively). When controlling for the marital and professional status, the female gender had an OR=2.26, 95% CI (1.21; 4.22) toward a high level of empathy compared to males. The causal mediation effect of the perceived lack of professional support on empathy through burnout-depersonalization was highly significant (p<0.001) with an average of 0.0599, 95% CI (0.0238; 0.10), while the direct effect was non-significant (p=0.536) with an average of 0.0295, 95% CI (-0.0774; 0.15). Conclusion We highlighted the impact of the lack of professional support on healthcare workers' empathy through burnout-depersonalization in a context of a high workload, time pressure, job stress beyond previous training, and inherently limited organizational support, which are potentially modifiable factors in the mid-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bredicean
- NEUROPSY-COG Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology, Department of Neuroscience, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Psychiatry Compartment, "Dr. Victor Popescu" Emergency Military Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Diana Lungeanu
- Center for Modeling Biological Systems and Data Analysis, Department of Functional Sciences, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalina Giurgi-Oncu
- NEUROPSY-COG Center for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology, Department of Neuroscience, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,"Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ileana-Pepita Stoica
- Mental Health Center, "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anca-Livia Panfil
- Liaison Psychiatry, "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Claudia Vasilian
- Liaison Psychiatry, "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ica Secosan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Discipline of Public Health and Health Management, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Department of Functional Sciences, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Raul Patrascu
- "Pius Branzeu" County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Functional Sciences, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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16
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Codella R, Chirico A, Lucidi F, Ferrulli A, La Torre A, Luzi L. The immune-modulatory effects of exercise should be favorably harnessed against COVID-19. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:1119-1122. [PMID: 32885340 PMCID: PMC7471548 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01403-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Codella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate (Milano), 20090, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Chirico
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Lucidi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ferrulli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate (Milano), 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - A La Torre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate (Milano), 20090, Milan, Italy
- IRCCSIstituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - L Luzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate (Milano), 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
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17
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Chirico A, Gaggioli A. The Potential Role of Awe for Depression: Reassembling the Puzzle. Front Psychol 2021; 12:617715. [PMID: 33981268 PMCID: PMC8107378 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, interest in the unique pathways linking discrete positive emotions to specific health outcomes has gained increasing attention, but the role of awe is yet to be elucidated. Awe is a complex and transformative emotion that can restructure individuals' mental frames so deeply that it could be considered a therapeutic asset for major mental health major issues, including depression. Despite sparse evidence showing a potential connection between depression and awe, this link has not been combined into a proposal resulting in specific intervention guidelines. The aim of this perspective was three-fold: (i) to provide a new unifying model of awe's functioning-the Matryoshka model; (ii) to show systematic and explicit connections between this emotion and depression; and (iii) to suggest specific guidelines of intervention utilizing the potential therapeutic role of awe for mental health, specifically for depression. This theoretical endeavor in its entirety has been framed within the health domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chirico
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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18
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Kim JJ, Munroe M, Feng Z, Morris S, Al-Refae M, Antonacci R, Ferrari M. Personal Growth and Well-Being in the Time of COVID: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648060. [PMID: 33841285 PMCID: PMC8025836 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical distancing measures necessitated by COVID-19 have resulted in a severe withdrawal from the patterns of daily life, necessitating significantly reduced contact with other people. To many, such withdrawal can be a major cause of distress. But, to some, this sort of withdrawal is an integral part of growth, a pathway to a more enriching life. The present study uses a sequential explanatory QUAN-qual design to investigate whether people who felt that their lives had changed for the better after being forced to engage in physical distancing, what factors predicted such well-being, and how they spent their time to generate this sense of well-being. We invited 614 participants who reported closely following physical distancing recommendations to complete a survey exploring this topic. Our analyses, after controlling for all other variables in the regression model, found a greater positive association between presence of meaning in life, coping style, and self-transcendent wisdom and residualized current well-being accounting for retrospective assessments of well-being prior to physical distancing. An extreme-case content analysis of participants' personal projects found that participants with low self-transcendent wisdom reported more survival-oriented projects (e.g., acquiring groceries or engaging in distracting entertainments), while participants reporting high self-transcendent wisdom reported more projects involving deepening interactions with other people, especially family. Our findings suggest a more nuanced pathway from adversity to a deeper sense of well-being by showing the importance of not merely coping with adversity, but truly transcending it.
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