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

Joshua Knabb
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Apr 16, 2023 • 46min

Episode 34: Boredom

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Boredom. https://dictionary.apa.org/boredomCassian, J. (1997). The conferences. Paulist Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Koball, A. M., Meers, M. R., Storfer-Isser, A., Domoff, S. E., & Musher-Eizenman, D. R. (2012). Eating when bored: Revision of the Emotional Eating Scale with a focus on boredom. Health Psychology, 31(4), 521–524.Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.LePera, N. (2011). Relationships between boredom proneness, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and substance use. The New School Psychology Bulletin, 8(2), 15-25.Martin, M., Sadlo, G., & Stew, G.(2006) The phenomenon of boredom. Qualitative Research in Psychology,3, 193-211.Mikulas, W. L., & Vodanovich, S. J. (1993). The essence of boredom. The Psychological Record, 43(1), 3.Poels, K., Rudnicki, K., & Vandebosch, H. (2022). The media psychology of boredom and mobile media use: Theoretical and methodological innovations. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications, 34(2), 113–125.Tam, K. Y., Van Tilburg, W. A., & Chan, C. S. (2021). What is boredom proneness? A comparison of three characterizations. Journal of Personality, 89(4), 831-846.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2013). Acedia. Upper Room Books.Vodanovich, S. (2003). Psychometric measures of boredom: A review of the literature. The Journal of Psychology, 137, 569-595.Westgate, E. C., & Steidle, B. (2020). Lost by definition: Why boredom matters for psychology and society. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 14(11), e12562.
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Apr 9, 2023 • 56min

Episode 33: Grace

ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Bufford, R., Sisemore, T., & Blackburn, A. (2017). Dimensions of grace: Factor analysis of three grace scales. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9, 56-69.Bufford, R., McMinn, M., Moody, J., & Geczy-Haskins, L. (2018) The effects of grace interventions in church communities.The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13, 512-521.Hodge, A., Hook, J., Davis, D., Van Tongeren, D., Bufford, R., & Bassett, R. (2022). Experiencing grace: A review of the empirical literature. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17, 375-388.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Grace. Holman Bible Publishers.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Merton, T. (1961). New seeds of contemplation. Abbey of Gethsemani, Inc.Smith, J. (2009). The good and beautiful God: Falling in love with the God Jesus knows. InterVarsity Press.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Grace. Upper Room Books.
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Apr 2, 2023 • 40min

Episode 32: Decentering

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Decentering. https://dictionary.apa.org/decenteringBarclay, W. (1974). New testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Bernstein, A., Hadash, Y., Lichtash, Y., Tanay, G., Shepherd, K., & Fresco, D. (2015). Decentering and related constructs: A critical review and metacognitive processes model. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10, 599-617.Fresco, D., Moore, M., van Dulmen, M., Segal, Z., Ma, S., Teasdale, J., & Williams, J. (2007). Initial psychometric properties of the Experiences Questionnaire: Validation of a self-report measure of decentering. Behavior Therapy, 38, 234-246.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Segal, Z., Williams, M., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.St. Nikodimos. (Ed.). (1979). The philokalia: The complete text. Faber and Faber.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Vigilance. Upper Room Books.Ward, B. (1975). The sayings of the desert fathers. Liturgical Press.Ware, K. (2017). The Jesus prayer. Catholic Truth Society.
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Mar 26, 2023 • 44min

Episode 31: Meaning Making

ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New testament words. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.Hall, M., & Hill, P. (2019). Meaning-making, suffering, and religion: A worldview conception. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 22, 467-479.Hall, M., Shannonhouse, L., Aten, J., McMartin, J., & Silverman, E. (2017). Religion-specific resources for meaning-making from suffering: Defining the territory. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 21, 77-92.Kempis, T. (2012). The imitation of Christ. Doubleday.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Brokaw, D., Reimer, K., & Welsh, R. (2009). Retrospective meaning-making in adulthood: A qualitative study of conservative Protestant adults who experienced parental divorce as adolescents. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 28, 44-56.Knabb, J., Johnson, E., Bates, T., & Sisemore, T. (2019). Christian psychotherapy in context: Theoretical and empirical explorations in faith-based mental health. Routledge.Knabb, J., Wang, K., Lewis Hall, M., & Vazquez, V. (2022). The Christian Worldview Scale: An emic measure for assessing a comprehensive view of life within the Christian tradition. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication.Manco, N., & Hamby, S. (2021). A meta-analytic review of interventions that promote meaning in life. American Journal of Health Promotion, 35, 866-873.McMartin, J., Silverman, E., Hall, M., Aten, J., & Shannonhouse, L. (2020). Christian meaning-making through suffering in theology and psychology of religion. Journal of Moral Theology, 9, 120-135.Park, C. (2010). Making sense of the meaning literature: An integrative review of meaning making and its effects on adjustment to stressful life events. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 257-301.Sisemore, T., & Knabb, J. (Eds.). (2020). The psychology of world religions and spiritualities: An indigenous perspective. Templeton Press.
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Mar 19, 2023 • 42min

Episode 30: Narcissism

ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Narcissism. https://dictionary.apa.org/narcissismBangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.Casale, S. (2022). Psychological distress profiles of young adults with vulnerable narcissism traits. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 201, 426-431.Hewitt, J., & Kealy, D. (2022). Pathological narcissism and psychological distress: The mediating effects of vitality, initiative, and mindfulness. Personality and Individual Differences, 184, 111185.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Pride. Holman Publishing Group.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Love. Holman Publishing Group.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Wang, K., & Bates, T. (2018). ‘Unknowing’ in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 170-187.Twenge, J. (2010). The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement. Atria.Twenge, J. M., & Foster, J. D. (2010). Birth cohort increases in narcissistic personality traits among American college students, 1982–2009. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 1(1), 99–106.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Love. Upper Room Books.
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Mar 12, 2023 • 49min

Episode 29: Worship and Awe

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Awe. https://dictionary.apa.org/aweAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Worship. https://dictionary.apa.org/worshipBangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.Block, D. (2014). For the glory of God: Recovering a biblical theology of worship. Baker Academic.Chirico, A., & Gaggioli, A. (2021). The potential role of awe in depression: Reassembling the puzzle. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Worship. Holman Publishing Group.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Wang, K., & Bates, T. (2018). ‘Unknowing’ in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 170-187.Merton, T. (2014). Contemplative prayer. Image Books.Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science. Advance online publication.Peterson, D. (1992). Engaging with God: A biblical theology of worship. InterVarsity Press. Sun, Z., Hou, Y., Song, L., Wang, K., & Yuan, M. (2023). The buffering effect of awe on negative emotions in self-threatening situations. Behavioral Sciences, 13, 44.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Negative way. Upper Room Books.Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Worship. Upper Room Books.Yaden, D., Kaufman, S., Hyde, E., Chirico, A., Gaggioli, A. Zhang, J., & Keltner, D. (2018). The development of the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S): A multifactorial measure for a complex emotion. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 14, 474-488.
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Mar 5, 2023 • 44min

Episode 28: Joy

ReferencesAPA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Joy. https://dictionary.apa.org/joyCasioppo, D. (2020). The cultivation of joy: Practices from the Buddhist tradition, positive psychology, and yogic philosophy. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15, 67-73.Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. (2001). Delight. Baker Academic.Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Joy. Holman Bible Publishing.Howe, J. (2012). A treatise of delighting in God. Puritan Publications.Johnson, M. (2020). Joy: A review of the literature and suggestions for future directions. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15, 5-24,Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Kraus, S., & Sears, S. (2009). Measuring the immeasurables: Development and initial validation of the Self-Other Four immeasurables (SOFI) Scale based on Buddhist teachings on loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Social Indicators Research, 92, 169–181.Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Delight. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delightSalzberg, S. (2020). Lovingkindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambhala.Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., & Compare, (2015). Buddhist-derived loving-kindness and compassion meditation for the treatment of psychopathology: A systematic review. Mindfulness, 6, 1161–1180.Zeng, X., Liao, R., & Zhang, R. (2017). Development of the Appreciative Joy Scale. Mindfulness, 8, 286–299.Zeng, X., Wang, R., & Oei, T. (2019). Heart of joy: A randomized controlled trail evaluating the effect of an appreciative joy meditation training on subjective well-being and attitudes. Mindfulness, 10, 506–515.
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Feb 26, 2023 • 44min

Episode 27: Surrender

Discover the profound implications of surrender in Christianity, contrasting it with societal control. Explore how relinquishing control can lead to emotional liberation and enhanced mental health through faith. The discussion dives into mindfulness and loving-kindness meditations, highlighting their role in the surrender process. Delve into transformative insights from both Christian and Buddhist perspectives, illuminating how trusting in a higher power fosters peace and diminishes suffering. Gain practical tools to deepen your connection with the divine.
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12 snips
Feb 19, 2023 • 35min

Episode 26: Anxiety

Explore the complexities of anxiety, from its psychological definitions to its connections with spirituality. Hear a personal journey of peace through trust in divine providence, emphasizing how surrendering control can alleviate anxiety. Discover strategies that blend mindfulness techniques with faith-based principles, highlighting the importance of virtues like faith, hope, and love in overcoming worry. Engage with insights on how to cope better today, enriching both mental health and Christian faith.
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Feb 12, 2023 • 49min

Episode 25: Relationship Distress

ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Relationship. https://dictionary.apa.org/relationshipBaldwin, M. (1992). Relational schemas and the processing of social information. Psychological Bulletin, 112, 461-484.Beasley-Topliffe, K. (Ed.). (2003). The upper room dictionary of Christian spiritual formation. Upper Room Books.Beck, J. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.Blanton, P. (2013). Mind over marriage: Transforming your relationship using centering prayer and neuroscience. Lantern Books.Dattilio, F. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians. The Guilford Press.de Sales, F. (2011). Treatise on the love of God: Contemporary English version. Paraclete Press.Holman Concise Bible Dictionary. (2016). Marriage. B&H Publishing Group.Knabb, J. (2022). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An Integrative treatment approach (2nd ed.). Routledge.Kostenberger, A., & Jones, D. (2012). Marriage and the family: Biblical essentials. Crossway.Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.Lev, A., & McKay, M. (2017). Acceptance and commitment therapy for couples: A clinician’s guide to using mindfulness, values & schema awareness to rebuild relationships. New Harbinger Publications, Inc.Pratscher, S., Wood, P., King, L., & Bettencourt, B. (2019). Interpersonal mindfulness: Scale development and initial construct validation. Mindfulness, 10, 1044-1061.Rafaeli, E., Bernstein, D., & Young, J. (2011). Schema therapy: Distinctive features. Routledge.Simeone-DiFrancesco, C., Roediger, E., & Stevens, B. (2015). Schema therapy with couples: A practitioner’s guide to healing relationships. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93(2), 119–135.Sternberg, K., & Sternberg, R. (2020). What makes love work: Triangles of love. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/successful-intelligence/202001/what-makes-love-work-triangles-loveTilden, T., & Datillio, F. (2005). Vulnerability schemas of individuals in couples relationships: A cognitive perspective. Contemporary Family Therapy, 27, 139-162.van Vreeswijk, M., Broersen, J., & Schurink, G. (2014). Mindfulness and schema therapy: A practical guide. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Yarhouse, M., & Sells, J. (2017). Family therapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. InterVarsity Press.Young, J., Klosko, J., & Weishaa, M. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioner’s guide. The Guilford Press.

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