Secularism and the Science of Well-Being

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Yaden ◽  
Jonathan Iwry ◽  
Emily Esfahani Smith ◽  
James O. Pawelski
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Self ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
The World ◽  
Secular Society ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter draws from emerging research areas in positive psychology, the study of well-being, to consider evidence-based recommendations helping to fill some of the psychological and existential gaps in secular society. It discusses the development of positive psychology and its shift toward a meaning-oriented conception of human well-being, as well as scientific findings about meaning and its role in a flourishing life. Further, it argues for the importance of the humanities, alongside the methods of science, in exploring subjective and personal aspects of meaning. The chapter also discusses the study of self-transcendent experiences and how they can provide profound joy and meaning while influencing the relationship between the self and the world at large.

The Dynamics of Society-in-the-Self

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert J. M Hermans
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
The Self ◽  
Boundary Crossing ◽  
The World ◽  
Self And Identity ◽  
New Vision ◽  
New Phenomena ◽  
The Relationship

In the field of tension between globalization and localization, a set of new phenomena is emerging showing that society is not simply a social environment of self and identity but works in their deepest regions: self-radicalization, self-government, self-cure, self-nationalization, self-internationalization, and even self-marriage. The consequence is that the self is faced with an unprecedented density of self-parts, called I-positions in this theory. In the field of tension between boundary-crossing developments in the world and the search for an identity in a local niche, a self emerges that is characterized by a great variety of contradicting and heterogeneous I-positions and by large and unexpected jumps between different positions as the result of rapid and unexpected changes in the world. The chapter argues that such developments require a new vision of the relationship between self and society.

scholarly journals Emotional Intensity of Trauma Memory as Moderator of the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Cognitions and PTSD Symptoms

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma. Jenina N. Nalipay ◽  
Imelu G. Mordeno
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Negative Cognitions ◽  
Self Blame ◽  
Posttraumatic Cognitions ◽  
Trauma Memory ◽  
The World ◽  
The Relationship

Individuals develop three types of cognitions in the aftermath of a traumatic experience: negative cognitions about the self, negative cognitions about the world, and self-blame (Foa et al., 1999). Although the relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic cognitions has been supported in literature, memory-related responses affecting this relationship need further exploration. It was the intention of the present study to address this gap by examining the moderating role of emotional intensity of trauma memory in the relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptoms. In a sample of survivors of typhoon Haiyan (N = 632), one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, it was found that in general, negative cognitions about the self and the world, but not self-blame, predict PTSD symptoms; and emotional intensity of trauma memory generally moderates the relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD. The findings of the study would be useful in the development and enhancement of interventions to help the survivors of natural disasters in maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.

scholarly journals Post-Traumatic Growth in Cancer Survivors: Narrative Markers and Functions of The Experience's Transformation

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Martino ◽  
Maria Francesca Freda
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
The Self ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Transformative Function ◽  
The Relationship

The concept that a traumatic experience, such as a cancer, can lead to a positive change and transformation of self, life and relationships was named as post-traumatic growth (PTG). A large amount of research measured PTG in cancer survivors arguing an interpretation of the construct as an outcome. Recently, qualitative research shows different types of narrative of PTG, but the narrative markers and their functions of transformation remain still unclear. Within a mixed-method, we aim to highlight the narrative markers and their transformative functions, underlying the PTG, within 12 cancer survivors’ narratives with medium/high and medium/low level of PTG. A redemptive sequence analysis was carried out. In the narratives with high/medium PTG we find a specific transformative function on-thinking focused transformation founded on the change/expansion of the own internal criteria to interpret the relationship with the world centralizing the self in the present and future; in the narratives with medium/low PTG we find an on-acting focused transformation, founded on the change of the operational procedures aimed to live centered on the present and on its moments.

Patient-Centered Empowerment Through Evidence-Based Engagement in Sensitive Clinical Settings

2020 ◽  
pp. 155-175
Author(s):  
Iris Reychav ◽  
Roger W. McHaney ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
Rami Moshonov
Keyword(s):  
Pap Test ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Shared Information ◽  
The Relationship

Patient-centered empowerment is enhanced through evidence-based engagement in stressful medical situations. The current study provided expert-vetted educational materials in dynamic text and video formats using the 5S approach. The materials are relevant, reliable, and readable for patients with abnormal Pap test results. Findings indicated patients that understood the information better were more engaged. Engagement was measured using a coding system that kept track of explicitly shared information, requested recommendations, and tacit knowledge during patient-physician interaction. Other outcomes were that dynamic text had a greater impact on engagement in both initial and follow-up meetings. Important findings included that those who found the dynamic text relevant had their social well-being, self-esteem, optimism, and acceptance improved in initial meetings. Those who found the dynamic text reliable were more confident in the relationship with their physician in follow-up meetings and felt their social well-being was improved in both initial and follow-up meetings.

Is self-esteem a resource for the parental couple? A longitudinal study on the quality of the romantic and coparental relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3773-3795
Author(s):  
Nahema El Ghaziri ◽  
Joëlle Darwiche ◽  
Jean-Philippe Antonietti
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Self ◽  
Family Unit ◽  
The Family ◽  
Parental Couple ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time

The aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal influence of self-esteem on romantic and coparental relationship quality. The data were drawn from the German Family Panel, pairfam. Parents ( n couples = 2,364) were assessed three times over 4 years. The results indicated that romantic and coparental quality decreased over time, while self-esteem remained stable. The self-esteem of both parents predicted initial romantic and coparental quality. Additionally, mothers’ self-esteem reduced the decline in romantic quality. Finally, romantic quality mediated the relationship between parents’ self-esteem and coparental quality. These results suggest that self-esteem might be a resource for the parental couple and even for the family unit, as romantic and coparental quality are key elements for the well-being of both parent and child.

scholarly journals The relationship between financial distress and well-being: Exploring the role of self-employment

2020 ◽  
pp. 026624262096538
Author(s):  
Jenny Berrill ◽  
Damien Cassells ◽  
Martha O’Hagan-Luff ◽  
André van Stel
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Econometric Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
The Relationship

This article investigate the relationship between financial distress, well-being and employment status. Using several indicators of financial distress and of well-being, our econometric analysis shows that the negative association between financial distress and well-being is moderated by employment status in the sense that financial problems are more strongly associated with poor well-being for the self-employed compared to the wage-employed. Hence, when self-employed workers find themselves in a situation of financial distress, the negative consequences for their well-being are more severe. This is found to hold both for the self-employed with and without employees.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Food Consumption to Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Holder
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
The Relationship

The newly emerging field of positive psychology focuses on the positive facets of life, including happiness, life satisfaction, personal strengths, and flourishing. Research in this field has empirically identified many important benefits of enhanced well-being, including improvements in blood pressure, immune competence, longevity, career success, and satisfaction with personal relationships. Recognizing these benefits has motivated researchers to identify the correlates and causes of well-being to inform them in the development and testing of strategies and interventions to elevate well-being. As positive psychology researchers throughout the world have turned their attention toward facets of food intake, a consensus is developing that the consumption of healthy foods can enhance well-being in a dose-response fashion. The link between unhealthy foods and well-being is less clear. Some studies suggest that under certain conditions, fast food may increase happiness, though other studies demonstrate that fast food can indirectly undermine happiness. The positive impact of food consumption on well-being is not limited to what people consume but extends to how they consume it and social factors related to eating. Though the research suggests that our food intake, particularly fruits and vegetables, increases our well-being, this research is in its infancy. Research specifically focused on subpopulations, including infants and pregnant mothers, is mostly lacking, and the mechanisms that underlie the relationship between food consumption and well-being remain to be elucidated.

Feeling Good by Doing Good

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Mruk
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Authentic Self ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
New Evidence

Feeling Good by Doing Good: A Guide to Authentic Self-Esteem presents a new evidence-based approach to defining, understanding, and increasing self-esteem. The book translates decades of the author’s research and writing in the fields of self-esteem, positive psychology, and psychotherapy into everyday language. Its power comes from tracing the definition of self-esteem back to its very first use, which is based on doing that which is both just and right. Seen this way, self-esteem is not merely feeling good about oneself. Rather, it comes from actually doing something to earn that experience. In addition to distinguishing between low, defensive, and authentic self-esteem, the book helps readers consider the connections between self-esteem and positive psychology in regard to such topics as self-control, how self-esteem operates in domains of life such as school or work, how self-esteem acts as a compass to help us make healthier choices, practical suggestions to increase authentic self-esteem, and the connection between authentic self-esteem, relationships, and well-being. The words, diagrams, and activities in the book are written so that it can be used by clinicians, their clients, and intelligent general readers interested substance as well as practical applications.

The diplomatic spouse

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svala Gudmundsdottir ◽  
Thorhallur Orn Gudlaugsson ◽  
Gylfi Dalmann Adalsteinsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cultural Adjustment ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expatriate Spouses ◽  
The World ◽  
Foreign Ministries ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for expatriate spouses. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world. The sample consists of 268 participants: 231 females and 44 males.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that there was a significant relationship between adjustment and emotional and instrumental support as well as satisfaction with life. Furthermore, a multiple regression was performed to predict the level of satisfaction with life. Both adjustment and emotional support were statistically significant and they explained nearly 50 percent of the variability in participant’s satisfaction with life.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the paper include, for example, method bias, language and geographic location.Practical implicationsForeign Ministries within the European Union (EU) will be in a better position to improve their expatriate programs and policies. Furthermore, this study indicated that the well-being of diplomatic spouses can be enhanced by considering how social support is provided, the level of adjustment and satisfaction with life.Social implicationsThis study highlights the importance for diplomatic spouses to belonging to various groups, and group membership serves as a means to gain access to social networks. Therefore, being part of support groups of other expatriate spouses can aid cross-cultural adjustment.Originality/valueLittle is known about diplomatic spouses. This paper will be an important first step in examining the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for the spouses of diplomats working for the Foreign Ministries within the EU and European Economic Area.

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