Motivation and emotion/Book/2024/Spirituality and mental health

Spirituality and mental health
How does spirituality contribute to mental health and emotional well-being?

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Overview

Alcoholics Anonymous

Figure 2, Alcoholics Anonymous sobriety chips Jane, a 45-year-old woman, has spent more than ten years battling alcoholism. Her prior traumas that remained unaddressed combined with the demands of her job sent her down a path towards addiction. Originally used as a coping mechanism for her nervousness and feelings of inadequacy, Jane's drinking eventually became a major habit that had an impact on her relationships, profession, and general mental health. She frequently felt caught in a vicious cycle of guilt and humiliation, which made her drinking habits even worse. After several failed attempts to quit drinking on her own, Jane decided to join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a well-known 12-step program that integrates spirituality as a core component of recovery. At first, Jane was skeptical of the spiritual aspect of AA, as she had never considered herself particularly religious or spiritual. However, as she progressed through the program, she began to see the potential benefits of embracing spirituality as part of her recovery journey. Acknowledging a "Higher Power" is part of the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which purposefully leaves room for a variety of spiritual views. This Higher Power grew to represent strength, hope, and an outside source of direction for Jane. She was able to acknowledge that she required assistance beyond her own strength of will and give up some of the control she had been tenaciously attempting to hold onto thanks to this change of perspective. Throughout this chapter on spirituality and mental health, we will explore how Jane has utilised spirituality on her journey to live a sober life, and continuously improve her mental health.

Spirituality gives people a feeling of meaning, purpose, and connection that goes beyond the material components of life, it has a substantial impact on mental health. Psychological theories, like the humanistic approach of Carl Rogers, place a strong emphasis on the value of personal development and self-actualization, which are frequently linked to spiritual experiences. Maslow's hierarchy of needs (see Figure 3) emphasises this even more by placing transcendence and self-actualization—which are frequently attained via spiritual fulfilment—at the top of the human motivation hierarchy. Furthermore, the study of positive psychology emphasises how important spirituality is for promoting resilience, emotional control, and overall well-being. When these viewpoints are combined, it becomes clear that spirituality may have a significant positive impact on mental health by enabling people to face life's obstacles with more inner peace and resilience.

What is spirituality? What is the difference between spirituality and religion? What is the connection between spirituality and emotional regulation? What is the Humanistic approach and how does it contribute to improving mental health in clinical practice?

Figure 1, Yoga effects on body

What is spirituality?

Spirituality encompasses a wide range of personal beliefs and experiences that entail a profound connection to a higher power or a larger existence beyond oneself. It includes an array of convictions, behaviours, and life experiences pertaining to the pursuit of insight, meaning, and purpose in the world. Spirituality is more individualised and has a wider range of expressions than organised religion, which usually entails certain ideas, rituals, and organisations.

Important facets of spirituality consist of:

• Connection: Feeling a connection to the cosmos, nature, other people, a higher power, or even one's inner self is a common aspect of spirituality. This relationship can give rise to a feeling of understanding and community that goes beyond daily existence.

• Meaning and Purpose: The search for life's meaning and purpose is frequently linked to spirituality. It can offer responses to existential queries like "What is my purpose?" and "Why am I here?" This quest for purpose may shape choices, deeds, and a person's life's path in general.
• Transcendence: Experiences that transcend the mundane or material world are often associated with spirituality. This might include sensations of wonder, amazement, or a profound sense of serenity that come from marvelling at the immensity of the cosmos, meditating, or having meaningful interactions with other people.

• Morality and Values: A lot of individuals look to their spiritual beliefs for their moral guidance and values. People's perceptions of right and wrong, behaviour, and interactions with people and the outside environment can all be influenced by their spirituality.

• Personal Development: Seeking self-improvement and personal growth is frequently associated with spirituality. This might entail pursuing knowledge, developing moral qualities like forgiveness and compassion, and making an effort to improve oneself.

• Practices: A variety of activities, including yoga (see figure 1), meditation, prayer, introspection, rituals, and acts of service, can be used to express spirituality. Through these activities, people can develop a sense of inner strength, balance, and serenity as well as a deeper connection to their spiritual beliefs. Spirituality may be found in many different forms and circumstances, both inside and outside of religion. It's about each person's path to self-awareness, meaning, and connection—journeys that frequently result in improved mental, emotional, and even physical health.

Emotional Regulation and Spirituality: The Role of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Forgiveness

Because spirituality promotes virtues like forgiveness, compassion, and awareness, it is essential for emotional control. In addition to being essential to many spiritual traditions, these activities also offer important psychological advantages, assisting people in reducing stress, managing bad emotions, and cultivating good emotions. Psychology research is beginning to acknowledge the importance of these spiritual activities in fostering emotional and mental well-being.

Mindfulness Meditation

• With its origins in spiritual traditions like Buddhism, mindfulness meditation has gained widespread recognition as a useful method in psychological therapy for regulating emotions. Being mindful entails focusing on the here and now while adopting an accepting, non-judgmental mindset. People can respond to stress in healthier and more adaptable ways by developing this awareness, which makes them more conscious of their thoughts and feelings.

• An increasing amount of studies demonstrates how much mindfulness practices help with emotional control. Hofmann, Sawyer, Witt, and Oh (2010) conducted a meta-analysis of 39 papers to look at the effects of mindfulness-based treatment on depression and anxiety. The findings showed that mindfulness plays a critical role in assisting people in controlling their negative emotions by dramatically reducing symptoms of both anxiety and sadness.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed in a study by Farb et al. (2010) to investigate the brain processes underlying mindfulness. The study discovered that self-referential processing and emotional regulation-related alterations in brain activity were linked to mindfulness training. Individuals who engaged in mindfulness practices demonstrated improved emotional regulation, especially under pressure, and a higher level of awareness of their emotional states.

Compassion

• Another essential component of many spiritual traditions is compassion, which is acknowledging one's own and other people's pain and acting with kindness and a wish to lessen that suffering. It has been demonstrated that developing compassion has a major positive impact on mental health and emotional control.

• Neff and Germer's (2013) study investigated how a self-compassion training programme affected participants' emotional health. According to the study, those who practiced self-compassion showed large improvements in life satisfaction along with significant decreases in stress, anxiety, and despair. By treating oneself with the same consideration and understanding that they would provide to a friend, people who practice self-compassion are able to protect themselves from the damaging effects of stress and foster emotional resilience.

Forgiveness

• Forgiveness, a practice emphasized in many spiritual traditions, involves letting go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge toward someone who has caused harm. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for emotional regulation, as it allows individuals to release negative emotions and move toward emotional healing and peace.

• Research has shown that forgiveness is associated with numerous psychological benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased life satisfaction and emotional well-being. A study by Worthington, Witvliet, Pietrini, and Miller (2007) reviewed the psychological and physiological effects of forgiveness and found that individuals who practiced forgiveness experienced lower levels of stress and improved emotional regulation. The act of forgiveness helps to diminish the emotional burden of holding onto negative emotions, thereby promoting a more balanced and positive emotional state.
  

Making Amends and Seeking Forgiveness Step 9 of the AA programme, which calls for making direct apologies to people she has injured, unless doing so would cause harm to them or others, is crucial to Jane's recovery process. This phase is directly related to the spiritual concept of forgiveness—both giving and receiving it from others. Jane understands that the things she did throughout her years of binge drinking caused harm to a lot of people, especially her close friends and family. She was deeply guilty for the suffering she had caused, and this guilt stood in the way of her emotional recovery. Jane started the challenging process of making apologies with the help of her AA group and the direction of her sponsor. Jane discovered that offering apologies to the people she had harmed was incredibly therapeutic. For example, Jane sincerely apologised and begged for forgiveness from her sister, with whom she had been estranged after years of neglect and unfulfilled promises. Although her sister did not respond right away, they eventually started to mend their differences. Through this process, Jane was able to let go of the shame she had been holding and feel forgiveness—from both her sister and from herself.

Theoretical Underpinnings

Figure 3. Carl Rogers

Psychology's theoretical foundations provide important insights into the relationship between spirituality and mental health, demonstrating how spiritual practices and beliefs may make a substantial contribution to psychological well-being and personal development. In this context, one of the most influential philosophies is Carl Rogers' humanistic approach, which places a strong emphasis on the idea of self-actualization. The process of reaching one's full potential, or self-actualization, is frequently seen as the pinnacle of human progress. According to Rogers, the pursuit of self-actualization is an intensely personal and unique path on which the person aspires to become their most genuine self.

Carl Rogers Humanistic approach

• One of the pioneers of humanistic psychology, Carl Rogers, highlighted that attaining mental health and well-being required self-awareness, autonomy, and personal development. His method is based on the notion that every person has a natural desire to develop and become a better version of themselves—a process he called self-actualization. Realising one's full potential, according to Rogers, entails more than just attaining success on the outside; it also entails being more in line with one's own self.
• According to Rogers' theory, spirituality may be an essential part of self-actualization. According to Rogers, spiritual experiences are frequently quite important in assisting people in developing a better sense of who they are and where they fit in the world. A sense of completeness and authenticity can only be attained by having insights into one's values, beliefs, and purpose, all of which may be gained via these experiences. In this way, spirituality is woven into the fundamental fabric of what it is to be a fully realised human, not only used as a supplement to psychological health.
• What Rogers referred to as "peak experiences"—moments of intense connection, clarity, and insight that are frequently spiritual in nature—enhance the path to self-actualization. These encounters can result in a stronger feeling of purpose and self-awareness, both of which are essential for personal development. People can resolve internal issues, live more truthfully, and bring their behaviours into alignment with their actual ideals via spiritual growth.

Unconditional positive regard and spiritual growth

• The idea of unconditional positive regard, which denotes acceptance and support for an individual regardless of their actions or words, is another essential component of Rogers' theory. This idea is strongly linked to the spiritual idea of acceptance and love without conditions, which is frequently stressed in a variety of spiritual traditions. For human development and self-actualization, Rogers held that getting unconditional positive respect from others—especially in a therapeutic context—is crucial.
• By urging people to extend the same compassion and unconditional love to themselves, spirituality might facilitate this process. Self-compassion exercises, which have their roots in spiritual teachings, assist people in cultivating a loving and non-judgmental attitude towards oneself despite their imperfections and challenges. To overcome obstacles to self-actualization, such as fear of failing or feelings of inadequacy, this self-acceptance is essential.
• Furthermore, cultivating virtues like humility, appreciation, and forgiveness is a common aspect of spirituality, and it promotes human development. These qualities support general mental health and well-being by enabling people to face life's obstacles with more emotional balance and resilience. A more genuine and contented life may be attained by incorporating these spiritual activities into one's life, which will enable one to achieve self-actualization more successfully.

The fully functioning person

• Spiritual values are strongly associated with Rogers' conception of the fully functioning individual, who is someone who is open to new experiences, lives completely in the moment, and enjoys life with a feeling of freedom and creativity. A profound involvement with the present moment, an openness to the unknown, and a readiness to consider alternative viewpoints are all encouraged by spirituality. The core of self-actualization is living a life that is consistent with one's real self, which requires certain attributes.

• For instance, the spiritually based practice of mindfulness fits in nicely with Rogers' idea of the fully functional human. Being mindful entails focusing entirely on the here and now, free from distraction or judgement. Through deeper connections with both internal and external reality, this practice promotes a person's feeling of authenticity and self-awareness. Thus, self-actualization may be greatly accelerated by mindfulness and other spiritual activities, promoting psychological development and overall wellbeing.

Research Articles and Findings

Mental health problem		Summary of results
Depression		Higher levels of S/R are generally associated with lower depressive symptoms
Anxiety		Mixed findings with both positive and negative relationships
Suicide		Higher levels of S/R are generally associated with lower suicidality
Substance use disorder		Higher levels of S/R are generally associated with lower substance use
Psychotic disorder		Religious delusions are associated with a poor prognosis. Nonpsychotic religious beliefs are generally associated with better outcomes
Obsessive compulsive disorder		Few studies with mixed results - both positive and negative relationships
Bipolar disorder		Few studies, higher levels of S/R are generally associated with better outcomes
Post-traumatic stress disorder		S/R may serve to buffer against post-traumatic stress, generally increasing the psychological growth
Eating disorders		Few studies with mixed results - both positive and negative relationships

*S/R - Spirituality/religion

Figures

Figure 2. Example of an image with a descriptive caption.

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Conclusion

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See also

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• Self determination theory (Wikipedia)

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References

• Farb, N. A. S., Segal, Z. V., Mayberg, H., Bean, J., McKeon, D., Fatima, Z., & Anderson, A. K. (2010). Attending to the present: mindfulness meditation reveals distinct neural modes of self-reference. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5(1), 31–39.
• Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183.
• Jazaieri, H., Jinpa, T., McGonigal, K., Rosenberg, E. L., Finkelstein, J., Simon-Thomas, E., ... & Goldin, P. R. (2014). Enhancing compassion: A randomized controlled trial of a compassion cultivation training program. Journal of Happiness Studies, 15(5), 1113–1136.
• Keng, S.-L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041–1056.
• Lawler-Row, K. A., Karremans, J. C., Scott, C., Edlis-Matityahou, M., & Edwards, L. (2008). Forgiveness, physiological reactivity, and health: The role of anger. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 68(1), 51–58.
• Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28–44.
• Maslow, A. H. (1964). Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences. Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Rogers, C. R. (1980). A Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Schneider, K. J., Bugental, J. F. T., & Pierson, J. F. (2001). The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology: Leading Edges in Theory, Research, and Practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
• Weng, H. Y., Fox, A. S., Shackman, A. J., Stodola, D. E., Caldwell, J. Z., Olson, M. C., ... & Davidson, R. J. (2013). Compassion training alters altruism and neural responses to suffering. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1171–1180.
• Worthington, E. L., Witvliet, C. V. O., Pietrini, P., & Miller, A. J. (2007). Forgiveness, health, and well-being: A review of evidence for emotional versus decisional forgiveness, dispositional forgiveness, and reduced unforgiveness. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(4), 291–302.

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