Feeling Free and Having an Authentic Inner Compass as Important Aspects of the Need for Autonomy in Emerging Adults’ Interactions With Their Mothers

Based on past theorizing and research, we posited that there are two kinds of specific experiences that contribute to the satisfaction of the general need for autonomy in emerging adults, as reflected in volitional, self-endorsed, actions. These experiences are: (1) feeling free, and (2) having a valid authentic inner compass (AIC). In the first study testing this hypothesis, college students in Israel (n = 163, mean age = 21.33), and in China (n = 72, mean age = 23.67) completed measures assessing experiences of freedom and having a valid AIC during contacts with mothers, extent of volitional contacts with mothers, and vitality during contacts with mothers. Confirmatory factor analyses and invariance analysis supported the validity of the measures, and their equivalence across cultures. In the Israeli sample, students also completed a measure assessing the extent to which the sense of having a valid AIC during contacts with one’s mother is based on intrinsic aspirations and goals. As expected, across cultures, participants distinguished between experiences of (a) having a valid AIC, and (b) feeling free. The findings also suggest that experiences of freedom and of having a valid AIC during contacts with mothers are associated with extent of volitional contacts with mother, and subsequent vitality during these contacts. Also as expected, experiencing a valid AIC during contacts with mother was associated with volitional contacts with her and subsequent vitality - only when the AIC was based on intrinsic aspirations. The results suggest that in assessing people’s sense of AIC, it is important to consider the content of the aspirations and goals on which this sense is based. The findings are consistent with the view that feeling free, and having a valid AIC are two specific autonomy experiences which promote a more global experience of need autonomy satisfaction, as indicated by feelings of volitional and self-endorsed action.

«The Undeniable Inner Compass»: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s «Crime and Punishment» in Light of Mohammad Taghi Jafari’s Concept of Conscience

Though originated from a different historio-geographical background, Mohammad Taghi Jafari’s definition of moral conscience in his book The Conscience helps to further explore Fyodor Dostoevsky’s thematic concern with the same notion in Crime and Punishment. The following study probes into the concepts of self-evaluation and repentance as reflected in the novel. It then explores the manifestation of a phenomenon called the «ugliness of conscience» and all its implications ranging from hallucinations and self-hatred to paranoia and nightmares in this classic work of fiction. Moreover, this paper also studies Dostoevsky’s narrative for any sign of emphasis on the priority of «moral conscience»over «intelligence» and «individuaity», as it is also philosophically proposed and stressed by Jafari.

Becoming Cosmopolitan Citizens Architects

This paper presents findings from fourteen qualitative interviews conducted with students of architecture from eleven schools of the Nordic Baltic Academy of Architecture (NBAA). The interviews were analysed using the abbreviated Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) method. The findings reveal that students consider a meaningful architectural education one that helps them making ethical design choices. To do so respondents indicate that schools should help students find their inner compass, develop their professional skills, and ethical attitudes to think independently and make a difference in their society and beyond. Three narratives emerge which describe the multiple roles of an architect in our society: the dissident intellectual, the ethical professional, and the storyteller. On the basis of these findings and with the support of the work of Henry Giroux “Critical Theory and Rationality in Citizenship Education” and Martha Nussbaum “Patriotism and Cosmopolitanism”, a framework referred to as “Cosmopolitan Citizenship Architecture Education” is developed.

Dreamwork Principles and Approaches for Palliative Care

Remembering and working with dreams can be of great benefit in life and especially in connection with death and palliative care not only for the dying, but also for friends and relatives, and even for the caregiver(s).Inevitably, dreams around the time of death of both the dying and their loved ones will be offering incredible opportunities for vital emotional release, insight into deep unresolved interpersonal patterns, and a source of communication between personality and spirit for acceptance of death itself.Dreams of the dying, friends, relatives, and caregivers alike also often act as a daily inner compass and source of wisdom for health and treatment.Caregivers may use dreamwork and related appraoches as powerful tools even with patients who are unable to communicate, not very lucid, or even in a coma.Research shows that anyone can learn to recall dreams and tap their wisdom for daily guidance, and social/emotional, mental, and even physical healing, including the dying, visitors, and caregivers alike. In this way, dreams can become the source of insight and transformation they are meant to be.The presentation will cover the science, philosophy, and real-world examples of practical applications of dreams, such as for healing and caregiving, and will touch upon concepts and methods for inducing, remembering and working with dreams that can provide opportunities for healing, greater fulfillment, enhanced treatment, and a personal soul connection around the time of death.