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

Episode 66: Purpose in Life

Nov 10, 2024

The conversation dives into how a defined purpose significantly bolsters both mental health and spiritual well-being. It blends insights from psychology and theology, illustrating the transformative power of purpose in navigating life's challenges. The discussion also highlights the Christian perspective, emphasizing that genuine purpose is rooted in a deep relationship with God. Spiritual practices are presented as essential tools for nurturing this connection, ensuring that individuals can sustain their sense of purpose.

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Finding Purpose: The Intersection of Mental Health and Spiritual Living

00:00 • 30min

Finding Purpose Through Relationship with God

29:37 • 1min

References

APA Blogs. (2023). Purpose in life can lead to less stress, better mental well-being. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health

Beeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformed Heritage Books.

Kapic, K. (2015). How to cultivate communion with God. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-cultivate-communion-with-god/

Kashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E. (2009). Origins of purpose in life: Refining our understanding of a life well lived. Psihologijske Teme, 18(2), 303–316.

Kashdan, T. B., Goodman, F. R., McKnight, P. E., Brown, B., & Rum, R. (2024). Purpose in life: A resolution on the definition, conceptual model, and optimal measurement. American Psychologist, 79(6), 838-853.

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

Knabb, J. J., & Wang, K. T. (2021). The Communion With God Scale: Shifting from an etic to emic perspective to assess fellowshipping with the Triune God. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 13(1), 67-80.

Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Garzon, F., & Wang, K. (2019b). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A four-week program. Unpublished manual.

Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.

McKnight, P. E., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). Purpose in life as a system that creates and sustains health and well-being: An integrative, testable theory. Review of General Psychology, 13(3), 242–251.

Owen, J. (2007). Communion with the Triune God. Crossway Books.

Packer, J. (1990). A quest for Godliness: The Puritan vision of the Christian life. Crossway Books.

Parnell, J. (2012). Communion with God: What, why, and how? https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/communion-with-god-what-why-how

Pinquart, M. (2002). Creating and maintaining purpose in life in old age: A meta-analysis. Ageing International, 27(2), 90-114.

Reker, G. T., Peacock, E. J., & Wong, P. T. (1987). Meaning and purpose in life and well-being: A life-span perspective. Journal of Gerontology, 42(1), 44-49.

Scheier, M. F., Wrosch, C., Baum, A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Matthews, K. A., & Zdaniuk, B. (2006). The life engagement test: Assessing purpose in life. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29, 291-298.