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

Joshua Knabb
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Jan 5, 2025 • 29min

Episode 68: The Fruit of the Spirit

ReferencesBeasley-Topliffe, K. (Ed.). (2003). The upper room dictionary of Christian spiritual formation. Upper Room Books.Dornyei, Z. (2022). The psychology of the fruit of the Spirit: The biblical portrayal of the Christlike character and its development. Zondervan Academic.Kenneson, P. (1999). Life on the vine: Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in Christian community. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lv, J., Liu, Q., Zeng, X., Oei, T. P., Liu, Y., Xu, K., & Liu, J. (2020). The effect of four Immeasurables meditations on depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 76, 101814.Petrovic, J., Mettler, J., Cho, S., & Heath, N. L. (2024). The effects of loving-kindness interventions on positive and negative mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 102433.Vazquez, V., Knabb, J., Lee-Johnson, C., & Hayes, K. (2022). Healing conversations on race: Four key practices from Scripture and psychology. IVP Academic.Vazquez, V., Knabb, J., Lima, A., Manhas, A., Soto Santana, D., Senger, S., & Sweet, K. (2024). Lectio divina for race-based traumatic stress among Black Christians. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 43, 170-188.Wallace, B. (1999). The four immeasurables: Cultivating a boundless heart. Snow Lion Publications.Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness. InterVarsity Press.Zeng, X., Chio, F. H., Oei, T. P., Leung, F. Y., & Liu, X. (2017). A systematic review of associations between amount of meditation practice and outcomes in interventions using the four immeasurables meditations. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 141.
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Dec 8, 2024 • 30min

Episode 67: Positive Thinking

ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. Westminster John Knox Press.Bekhet, A. K., & Zauszniewski, J. A. (2013). Measuring use of positive thinking skills: Psychometric testing of a new scale. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 35(8), 1074-1093.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lightsey, Jr., O. R., & Boyraz, G. (2011). Do positive thinking and meaning mediate the positive affect—life satisfaction relationship? Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 43(3), 203.Macleod, A. K., & Moore, R. (2000). Positive thinking revisited: Positive cognitions, well‐being and mental health. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy: An International Journal of Theory & Practice, 7(1), 1-10.Mothersill, K. (2016). Enhancing positivity in cognitive behavioural therapy. Canadian Psychology, 57(1), 1.Neenan, M., & Dryden, W. (2004). Cognitive therapy: 100 key points and techniques. Routledge.Safari, S., & Akbari, B. (2018). The effectiveness of positive thinking training on psychological well-being and quality of life in the elderly. Avicenna Journal of Neuro Psycho Physiology, 5(3), 113-122.Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1993). On the power of positive thinking: The benefits of being optimistic. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2(1), 26-30.
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Nov 10, 2024 • 31min

Episode 66: Purpose in Life

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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Oct 13, 2024 • 28min

Episode 65: Collaborative Problem Solving

ReferencesAblon, J. S. (2018). Changeable: How collaborative problem solving changes lives at home, at school, and at work. Penguin.Greene, R. (2005). The explosive child: A new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children. HarperCollins.Greene, R., & Ablon, J. S. (2006). Treating explosive kids: The collaborative problem-solving approach. Guilford Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Watson, T. (2017). The beatitudes. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
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Sep 15, 2024 • 27min

Episode 64: Empathy

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Empathy. https://dictionary.apa.org/empathyCuff, B. M., Brown, S. J., Taylor, L., & Howat, D. J. (2016). Empathy: A review of the concept. Emotion Review, 8(2), 144-153.Klimecki, O. M. (2019). The role of empathy and compassion in conflict resolution. Emotion Review, 11(4), 310-325.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Kohut, H. (2009). How does analysis cure? University of Chicago Press.Lapsley, J. (2011). Empathy. In A. Verhey, J. Lapsley, J. Green, & R. Miles (Eds.), Dictionary of Scripture and ethics (pp. 272-273). Baker Academic.Luberto, C. M., Shinday, N., Song, R., Philpotts, L. L., Park, E. R., Fricchione, G. L., & Yeh, G. Y. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of meditation on empathy, compassion, and prosocial behaviors. Mindfulness, 9, 708-724.Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology, 24(18), R875-R878.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Teding van Berkhout, E., & Malouff, J. M. (2016). The efficacy of empathy training: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 32.Thomas Nelson Bibles. (2018). Empathy. https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/blog/four-bible-passages-that-leave-no-doubt-importance-empathy/Yin, Y., & Wang, Y. (2023). Is empathy associated with more prosocial behaviour? A meta‐analysis. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 26(1), 3-22.
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Aug 18, 2024 • 33min

Episode 63: Gentleness

ReferencesContemplative Outreach. (n.d.). Centering prayer. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/method_cp_eng-2016-06_0.pdfFrenette, D. (2012). The path of centering prayer: Deepening your experience of God. Sounds True, Inc.Gu, X., Luo, W., Zhao, X., Chen, Y., Zheng, Y., Zhou, J., & Li, R. (2022). The effects of loving‐kindness and compassion meditation on life satisfaction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 14(3), 1081-1101.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Gentleness. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleNiemiec, R. M., Cangemi, A., & McGrath, R. E. (2024). A new science of gentleness: Conceptual analysis and measurement. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 19(4), 712-723.Salzberg, S. (1995). Lovingkindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambhala Publications, Inc.Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. InterVarsity Press.Zheng, Y., Yan, L., Chen, Y., Zhang, X., Sun, W., Lv, J., & Zeng, X. (2023). Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditation on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 14(5), 1021-1037.
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Jul 21, 2024 • 26min

Episode 62: Emptiness

ReferencesCambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Emptiness. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/emptinessD’Agostino, A., Pepi, R., Monti, M. R., & Starcevic, V. (2020). The feeling of emptiness: A review of a complex subjective experience. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 28(5), 287-295.Hudson, C. C., Ferguson, I., Fan, K., Björgvinsson, T., & Beard, C. (2024). A general inductive approach to characterize transdiagnostic experiences of emptiness. Journal of Clinical Psychology.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Konjusha, A., Hopwood, C. J., Price, A. L., Masuhr, O., & Zimmermann, J. (2021). Investigating the transdiagnostic value of subjective emptiness. Journal of Personality Disorders, 35(5), 788-800.Main, J. (2006). Word into silence: A manual for Christian meditation. The World Community for Christian Meditation.Martin, J. A., & Levy, K. N. (2022). Chronic feelings of emptiness in a large undergraduate sample: Starting to fill the void. Personality and Mental Health, 16(3), 190-203.Miller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., Day, N. J., & Grenyer, B. F. (2020). Measuring the shadows: A systematic review of chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder. PLoS One, 15(7), e0233970.Morton, J., Snowdon, S., Gopold, M., & Guymer, E. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy group treatment for symptoms of borderline personality disorder: A public sector pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 527-544.Wax, T. (2012). The meaning of “Maranatha.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/the-meaning-of-maranatha/
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Jun 25, 2024 • 31min

Episode 61: Unconditional Self-Acceptance

ReferencesCândea, D. M., & Szentagotai-Tătar, A. (2018). Shame-proneness, guilt-proneness and anxiety symptoms: A meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 58, 78-106.Ellis, A. (2005). The myth of self-esteem: How rational emotive behavior therapy can change your life forever. Prometheus Books.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Grace. B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.Kempis, T. (1955). The imitation of Christ. The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Wittchen, H. U. (2012). Twelve‐month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 21(3), 169-184.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.London, T. P. (1997). The case against self-esteem: Alternative philosophies toward self that would raise the probability of pleasurable and productive living. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 15, 19-29.Tesser, A. (2004). Self-esteem. In M. B. Brewer & M. Hewstone (Eds.), Emotion and motivation (pp. 184–203). Blackwell Publishing.
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May 26, 2024 • 23min

Episode 60: Everyday Mental Health

ReferencesBabyak, M., Blumenthal, J. A., Herman, S., Khatri, P., Doraiswamy, M., Moore, K., & Krishnan, K. R. (2000). Exercise treatment for major depression: Maintenance of therapeutic benefit at 10 months. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 633-638.Kazdin, A. E. (2024). Interventions in everyday life to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders. American Psychologist, 79(2), 185–209.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Pate, R., Sullivan, S., Salley, E., Miller, A., & Boyer, W. (2020). “Walking with God”: Developing and pilot testing a manualised four-week program combining Christian meditation and light-to-moderate physical activity for daily stress. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 23(9), 756-776.Kuyper, A. (2011). Wisdom & wonder: Common grace in science & art. Christian’s Library Press.Laubach, F. (2007). Letters by a modern mystic [Kindle edition]. Purposeful Design Publications. 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.
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Mar 24, 2024 • 28min

Episode 59: Patience

ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New Testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Chryssavgis, J. (2008). In the heart of the desert: The spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers. World Wisdom, Inc.Hashemi, R., Moustafa, A. A., Rahmati Kankat, L., & Valikhani, A. (2018). Mindfulness and suicide ideation in Iranian cardiovascular patients: Testing the mediating role of patience. Psychological Reports, 121(6), 1037-1052.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Patience. Holman Bible Publishers.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy for Christian clients: A faith-based workbook (2nd ed.). Routledge.Paintner, C. (2012). Desert fathers and mothers: Early Christian wisdom sayings. SkyLight Paths Publishing.Pryce, P. (2018). The monk’s cell: Ritual and knowledge in American contemplative Christianity. Oxford University Press.Schnitker, S. A. (2012). An examination of patience and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(4), 263-280.Schnitker, S. A., & Westbrook, J. T. (2014). Do good things come to those who wait? Patience interventions to improve well‐being. In A. Parks & S. Schueller (Eds.), The Wiley Blackwell handbook of positive psychological interventions (pp. 155-167). Wiley Blackwell.Schnitker, S. A., Houltberg, B., Dyrness, W., & Redmond, N. (2017). The virtue of patience, spirituality, and suffering: Integrating lessons from positive psychology, psychology of religion, and Christian theology. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9(3), 264.Schnitker, S. A., Ro, D. B., Foster, J. D., Abernethy, A. D., Currier, J. M., vanOyen Witvliet, C., & Carter, J. (2020). Patient patients: Increased patience associated with decreased depressive symptoms in psychiatric treatment. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(3), 300-313.Wortley, J. (2012). The book of elders: Sayings of the desert fathers. Cistercian Publications.

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