In this 56th episode, Dr. Knabb explores spiritual struggles, including their definition and implications for mental health. He also discusses similar Christian concepts, like the dark night, wherein God helps Christians to let go of earthly preoccupations in favor of a direct relationship with him. To conclude the episode, Dr. Knabb offers a short contemplative practice to embrace the dark night and move toward a deeper trust in the God of love.
References
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Exline, J. J., Pargament, K. I., Grubbs, J. B., & Yali, A. M. (2014). The Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale: Development and initial validation. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6(3), 208.
Finley, J. (2004). Christian meditation: Experiencing the presence of God. HarperCollins.
Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.
Knabb, J. J., Frederick, T. V., & Cumming III, G. (2017). Surrendering to god’s providence: A three-part study on providence-focused therapy for recurrent worry (PFT-RW). Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9(2), 180.
May, G. (2004). The dark night of the soul: A psychiatrist explores the connection between darkness and spiritual growth. HarperCollins.
McColman, C. (2010). The big book of Christian mysticism: The essential guide to contemplative spirituality. Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
Pargament, K., & Exline, J. (2020). Religious and spiritual struggles: Research is shedding new light on an overlooked but important human experience. https://www.apa.org/topics/belief-systems-religion/spiritual-struggles
Reist Gibbel, M., Regueiro, V., & Pargament, K. I. (2019). A spiritually integrated intervention for spiritual struggles among adults with mental illness: Results of an initial evaluation. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 6(4), 240.
Scazzero, P. (2006). Emotionally healthy spirituality: Unleash the power of authentic life in Christ. Thomas Nelson.
The Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Dark night. Upper Room Books.
Wilt, J. A., Exline, J. J., & Pargament, K. I. (2022). Daily measures of religious/spiritual struggles: Relations to depression, anxiety, satisfaction with life, and meaning. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 14(3), 312.