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

ReferencesBeeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage BooksCrouch, T.  A., Verdi, E. K., & Erickson, T. M. (2020). Gratitude is positively associated with quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Rehabilitation Psychology, 65(3), 231–238. Dickens, L. (2017). Using gratitude to promote positive change: A series of meta-analyses investigating the effectiveness of gratitude interventions. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 39, 193-208.Emmons, R. (2004). The psychology of gratitude: An introduction. In R. Emmons & M. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp. 3-18). Oxford University Press.Emmons, R., & McCullough, M. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 377-389.Jans-Beken, L., Jacobs, N., Janssens, M., Peeters, S., Reijnders, J., Lechner, L., & Lataster, J. (2020). Gratitude and health: An updated review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(6), 743–782. Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., & Wang, K. (2021). The Christian Gratitude Scale: An emic approach to measuring thankfulness in every season of life. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., & Wang, K. (2021, March). An emic approach to gratitude to God: Toward a Christian understanding of thankfulness in all seasons [Conference presentation]. Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Annual Conference (Virtual).Krause, N., Bruce, D., Hayward, R. D., & Woolever, C. A. (2014). Gratitude to God, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 53(2), 341–355.McCullough, M., Emmons, R., & Tsang, J. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical topography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 112–127.Morgan, B., Gulliford, L., & Kristjansson, K. (2017). A new approach to measuring moral virtues: The Multi-Component Gratitude Measure. Personality and Individual Differences, 107, 179-189.Sansone, R., & Sansone, L. (2010). Gratitude and well being: The benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry, 7, 18-22.Schnitker, S. A., & Richardson, K. L. (2019). Framing gratitude journaling as prayer amplifies its hedonic and eudaimonic well being, but not health, benefits. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 14(4), 427–439.Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T.  A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421. Sibbes, R. (2016). The disposition of God’s people. Chapel Library.Tsang, J.-A. (2006). Gratitude and prosocial behaviour: An experimental test of gratitude. Cognition and Emotion, 20(1), 138–148. 

ReferencesAnderson, N., Miller, R., & Travis, P. (2003). When trying harder isn’t enough: Breaking the bondage of legalism. Harvest House Publishers.Bieling, P., Israeli, A., & Antony, M. (2004). Is perfectionism good, bad, or both? Examining models of the perfectionism construct. Personality and Individual Differences, 36, 1373-1385.Damian, L., Stoeber, J., Negru, O., & Baban, A. (2013). On the development of perfectionism in adolescence: Perceived parental expectations predict longitudinal increases in socially prescribed perfectionism. Personality and Individual Differences, 55, 688-693.Egan, S., Wade, T., & Shafran, R. (2011). Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process: A clinical review. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 203-212.Frost, R., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1991). The development of perfectionism: A study of daughters and their parents. Cognitive Therapy Research, 15, 469–489.Hughes, P. (2001). Grace. In W. Elwell (Ed.), Evangelical dictionary of theology (pp. 519-522). Baker Academic.James, K., & Rimes, K. (2018). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus pure cognitive behavioural self-help for perfectionism: A pilot randomized study. Mindfulness, 9, 801-814.Kempis, T. (2015). The imitation of Christ: Classic devotions in today’s language. Worthy Inspired.Knabb, J. (2018). The compassion-based workbook for Christian clients: Finding freedom from shame and negative self judgments. Routledge.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Limburg, K., Watson, H., Hagger, M., & Egan, S. (2017). The relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73, 1301-1326.Slaney, R., Rice, K., Mobley, M., Trippi, J., & Ashby, J. (2001). The revised Almost Perfect Scale. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 34, 130–145.

ReferencesBurroughs, J. (2013). Contentment, prosperity, and God’s glory. Reformation Heritage Books. Burroughs, J. (2018). The rare jewel of Christian contentment: Abridged and in modern English. Rob Summers. Cordaro, D., Brackett, M., Glass, L., & Anderson, C. (2016). Contentment: Perceived completeness across cultures and traditions. Review of General Psychology, 20, 221-235.Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (1998). Contentment. Holman Bible Publishers.Kempis, T (1983). The imitation of Christ. The Crown Publishing Group. Knabb, J. (2018). The compassion-based workbook for Christian clients: Finding freedom from shame and negative self judgments. Routledge.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., & Wang, K. (2021). The Christian Contentment Scale: An emic measure for assessing inner satisfaction within the Christian tradition. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 49, 324-341.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Explore the powerful impact of values on behavior and meaning in life. Discover how perfectionism can hinder relationships and learn to embrace self-acceptance through acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Understand the internal conflicts that arise when balancing personal values with discomfort. Delve into the importance of Christian values in today’s society and how they can enhance mental health. Finally, uncover the foundational role of love and other virtues in daily life, guided by biblical insights.

This discussion dives into the psychological concept of experiential avoidance and its impact on mental health. It challenges the notion that happiness can be achieved without engaging with pain. Personal narratives illustrate the importance of confronting grief and embracing emotions for healing. The philosophy of early desert Christians encourages listeners to endure struggles rather than avoid them. Lament Psalms are highlighted as a powerful tool for processing suffering and finding divine comfort.

ReferencesBill, J. (2005). Holy silence: The gift of Quaker spirituality (2nd ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.Chryssavgis, J. (2008). In the heart of the desert: The spirituality of the desert fathers and mothers. World Wisdom, Inc.Kelly, T. (1992). A testament of devotion. HarperCollins.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Lehrhaupt, L., & Meibert, P. (2017). Mindfulness-based stress reduction: The MBSR program for enhancing health and vitality. New World Library.Novotney, A. (2011). Silence, please: Psychologists are increasingly aware of the harmful effects noise has on cognition and health. Monitor on Psychology, 42, 46.Pfeifer, E., & Wittmann, M. (2020). Waiting, thinking, and feeling: Variations in the perception of time during silence. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1-11.Valle, R. (2019). Toward a psychology of silence. The Humanistic Psychologist, 47, 219-261.

ReferencesBarclay, W. (1974). New testament words. Westminster John Knox Press.Beasley-Topliffe, K. (Ed.). (2003). Providence. Upper Room Books.Colombiere, C. (1980). Trustful surrender to divine providence: The secret of peace and happiness. Tan Books.Dugas, M., & Robichaud, M. (2007). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: From science to practice. Routledge.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., & Frederick, T. (2017). Contemplative prayer for Christians with chronic worry: An eight-week program. Routledge.Knabb, J., Frederick, T., & Cumming, G. (2017). Surrendering to God’s providence: A three-part study on providence-focused therapy for recurrent worry (PFT-RW). Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9, 180-196.Sexton, K. A., & Dugas, M. J. (2009). Defining distinct negative beliefs about uncertainty: Validating the factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Psychological Assessment, 21, 176–186.

ReferencesBeeke, J., & Jones, M. (2012). A Puritan theology: Doctrine for life. Reformation Heritage BooksGiannandrea, A., Simione, L., & Pescatori, B. (2019). Effects of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program on mind wandering and dispositional mindfulness facets. Mindfulness, 10, 185–195.Hall, J. (2016). The art of divine meditation. Titus Books.Killingsworth, M., & Gilbert, D. (2010). A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Science, 330, 932.Knabb, J. (2018). Returning to our biblical roots: Christian meditation as a psychological response to mind wandering. CounselEd, 1-6.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Mooneyham, B., & Schooler, J. (2013). The costs and benefits of mind-wandering: A review. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 67, 11-18.Salavera C., & Usán P. (2020). The mediating role of affects between mind-wandering and happiness. Sustainability, 12, 5139.Strong, J. (2001). The new Strong’s expanded dictionary of the words in the Hebrew Bible.Thomas Nelson.Watson, T. (2014). A treatise concerning meditation. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.White, T. (2013). Instructions for the art of divine meditation. Puritan Publications.Zedelius, C., & Schooler, J. (2018). How different types of mind-wandering affect cognition and behavior. In K. Fox & K. Christoff (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of spontaneous thought: Mid-wandering, creativity, and dreaming (pp. 233- 247). Oxford University Press. 

ReferencesEhring, T., & Watkins, E. (2008). Repetitive negative thinking as a transdiagnostic process. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 1, 192-205.Ehring, T., Zetsche, U., Weidacker, K., Wahl, K., Schonfeld, S., & Ehlers, A. (2011). The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ): Validation of a content-independent measure of repetitive negative thinking. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42, 225-232.Goodwin, T. (2015). The vanity of thoughts. Chapel Library.Hayes, S., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Segal, Z., Williams, J., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.Talbot, J. (2013). The Jesus prayer: A cry for mercy, a path of renewal. InterVarsity Press.Thaddeus, E. (2012). Our thoughts determine our lives: The life and teachings of elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood. 

ReferencesHayes, S. (2022). The most important skill set in mental health. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-out-your-mind/202208/the-most-important-skill-set-in-mental-healthJohnson, E. (Ed.). (2013). Psychology & Christianity: Five views. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J. (2022). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach (2nd ed.). Routledge.Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Lowell, J., & Wang, K. (2021). Lectio divina for trauma-related emotions: A two-week program. Unpublished manual.