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

Episode 75: Envy

Episode Summary

In the 75th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the topic of envy from both secular and Christian perspectives. Specifically, he first discusses envy from a secular psychological perspective, including envy research, interventions, its relationship with mental health, and a possible source (social media overconsumption). Then, Dr. Knabb explores a Christian understanding of the topic, viewed through the lens of the seven deadly sins. To conclude, he offers a short practice, drawing from the Christian monastic practice of lectio divina, to cultivate gratitude as the antidote to envy.

Episode Notes

References

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Envyhttps://dictionary.apa.org/envy

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Jealousyhttps://dictionary.apa.org/jealousy

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Well-beinghttps://dictionary.apa.org/well-being

Cordaro, D. T., Brackett, M., Glass, L., & Anderson, C. L. (2016). Contentment: Perceived completeness across cultures and traditions. Review of General Psychology, 20(3), 221-235.

Crusius, J., Gonzalez, M. F., Lange, J., & Cohen-Charash, Y. (2020). Envy: An adversarial review and comparison of two competing views. Emotion Review, 12(1), 3-21.

Emmons, R. A., & Crumpler, C. A. (2000). Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 56-69.

Holman Bible Dictonary. (2004). Envy. Holman Bible Publishers.

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

Mao, Y., Zhao, J., Xu, Y., & Xiang, Y. (2021). How gratitude inhibits envy: From the perspective of positive psychology. PsyCh Journal, 10(3), 384-392.

Meier, A., & Johnson, B. K. (2022). Social comparison and envy on social media: A critical review. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101302.

Mujcic, R., & Oswald, A. J. (2018). Is envy harmful to a society's psychological health and wellbeing? A longitudinal study of 18,000 adults. Social Science & Medicine, 198, 103-111.

Rash, J. A., Matsuba, M. K., & Prkachin, K. M. (2011). Gratitude and well‐being: Who benefits the most from a gratitude intervention? Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 3(3), 350-369.

Roberts, R. (2004). The blessings of gratitude. In R. Emmons & M. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp. 58-80). Oxford University Press.

The Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Seven deadly sins. Upper Room Books.