In this 58th episode, Dr. Knabb discusses the secular psychological topic of contrast avoidance, which involves the tendency to use worry, rumination, and other types of negative thinking to keep negative emotions like anxiety actively elevated to avoid being surprised by sudden spikes in negative emotions and corresponding negative life events. In addition, secular and Christian exercises to combat contrast avoidance through the use of savoring are offered, which, for Christians, involves savoring God and God's Word, the Bible. Overall, the aim of this episode is to help 21st century Christ followers find more enjoyment in the Trinitarian God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, savoring God as the possible antidote to contrast avoidance.
References
Abernethy, A. (2022). Savoring scripture: A six-step guide to studying the Bible. InterVarsity Press.
Guigo II. (2019). The ladder of monks. Independent publishing.
Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.
LaFreniere, L. S., & Newman, M. G. (2023). Reducing contrast avoidance in GAD by savoring positive emotions: Outcome and mediation in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 93, 102659.
Llera, S. J., & Newman, M. G. (2017). Development and validation of two measures of emotional contrast avoidance: The contrast avoidance questionnaires. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 49, 114-127.
Newman, M. G., & Llera, S. J. (2011). A novel theory of experiential avoidance in generalized anxiety disorder: A review and synthesis of research supporting a contrast avoidance model of worry. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(3), 371-382.
Newman, M. G., & Przeworski, A. (2024). Introduction to a special issue on the contrast avoidance model. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102, 102831.
Newman, M. G., Rackoff, G. N., Zhu, Y., & Kim, H. (2023). A transdiagnostic evaluation of contrast avoidance across generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 93, 102662.
Piper, J. (2004). Seeing and savoring Jesus Christ. Crossway.
Quoidbach, J., Berry, E. V., Hansenne, M., & Mikolajczak, M. (2010). Positive emotion regulation and well-being: Comparing the impact of eight savoring and dampening strategies. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(5), 368-373.
Smith, J. L., & Bryant, F. B. (2013). Are we having fun yet? Savoring, Type A behavior, and vacation enjoyment. International Journal of Wellbeing, 3(1).