ABSTRACT
The world is in crisis! While we are writing this introduction, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hold many countries in its tight grip. Countries have gone into lock-down over the Omicron variant. People have lost their jobs. Above all, the current pandemic highlights the underlying long-term crises of racism and social inequality, whereas for example communities of color and individuals with lower socio-economic status are impacted disproportionally by the pandemic. The articles in this special issue reflect the new meaning of meaning. We discuss multidisciplinary perspectives on how meaning is experienced in different contexts and crises. Together, these articles show the personal and societal power of meaning, and stand for meaning in our globalized society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a wide variety of psychological crises worldwide. In order to respond rapidly and efficiently to the complex challenges, mental health professionals are required to adopt a multidimensional and integrative view. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) founded by Albert Ellis promotes rationality and self-acceptance. Logotherapy, pioneered by Viktor Frankl potentiates meaning and resilience. Both approaches are complementary and mutually enriching. The goal of this paper is to propose an integrative model of "optimal sense-making," a concept that combines both rationality and meaning, as well as the role of self-transcendence and healthy negative emotions. The model offers a theoretical and clinical foundation for efficient and effective psychological intervention plans for those affected by the pandemic. Along with theoretical background, illustrating case studies are presented to support potential application of the integrative model to affected individuals as well as the work of first-line health professionals during these times of pandemic. Implications are considered for utilizing theoretical and applied insights from the model to cultivate resilience in face of adversity and suffering.