The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 28: Joy

Episode Summary

In this 28th episode, Dr. Knabb talks about an extremely important component of Christian life, joy, also referred to as delight. First, he explores what the secular psychology literature has to say about joy, including its psychological benefits and how to cultivate it. Then, he covers a biblical view of delight, turning to several Christian spiritual writings and the Bible. Finally, he guides listeners through a short contemplative practice to delight in God as the ultimate source of good.

Episode Notes

References

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Joy. https://dictionary.apa.org/joy

Casioppo, D. (2020). The cultivation of joy: Practices from the Buddhist tradition, positive psychology, and yogic philosophy. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15, 67-73.

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. (2001). Delight. Baker Academic.

Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Joy. Holman Bible Publishing.

Howe, J. (2012). A treatise of delighting in God. Puritan Publications.

Johnson, M. (2020). Joy: A review of the literature and suggestions for future directions. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15, 5-24,

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Kraus, S., & Sears, S. (2009). Measuring the immeasurables: Development and initial validation of the Self-Other Four immeasurables (SOFI) Scale based on Buddhist teachings on loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Social Indicators Research, 92, 169–181.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Delight. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delight

Salzberg, S. (2020). Lovingkindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambhala.

Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., & Compare, (2015). Buddhist-derived loving-kindness and compassion meditation for the treatment of psychopathology: A systematic review. Mindfulness, 6, 1161–1180.

Zeng, X., Liao, R., & Zhang, R. (2017). Development of the Appreciative Joy Scale. Mindfulness, 8, 286–299.

Zeng, X., Wang, R., & Oei, T. (2019). Heart of joy: A randomized controlled trail evaluating the effect of an appreciative joy meditation training on subjective well-being and attitudes. Mindfulness, 10, 506–515.