Psychiatrists' Illustration of Awe in Empathic Listening Assessments: A Pilot Study.

Background "Awe" is typically an inspiring emotional response to perceptually vast stimuli signifying the transcendence beyond all cognitive frames of reference when we encounter the unexpected. Physicians' experience of awe in clinical care interactions has not been studied in an empirical, evidence-based way. We aim to present a focused study of awe in a psychiatrist's empathic listening (EL) assessments and propose an evidence-based framework to study it. Methodology This is an exploratory case series of a psychiatrist's EL interactions (mean duration/x̄ of 46.17 minutes) with six patients (two males and four females) aged 32-72 years (x̄ =54.67, σ = 16.64). Using the method of autoethnography, the verbal and nonverbal aspects of the EL assessments were analyzed and open-coded to generate qualitative data. Results The study revealed that the data in all the case studies could be classed into two thematic groups, namely, mindfulness and transpersonal mindfulness. The emotions of "awe" and "non-agency" were ubiquitous in all six case studies both for the psychiatrist and patients. Conclusions Recognizing the awe and non-agency in EL interaction is essential in conceptualizing the "mindfulness-to-transcendence" framework and the first step toward the evidence-based study of transcendence/metaphysics in phenomenological psychiatry.

Spirituality and anxiety in pastoral care workers and physicians in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had serious impact on the well-being of health care workers and highlighted the need for resources to help hospital staff to cope with psychologically negative consequences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentially protective effect of spirituality, as measured by the construct of transpersonal trust, against anxiety in physicians and in hospital pastoral care workers. In addition, transpersonal trust was compared to the effects of other potential resources, namely sense of coherence, optimism, and resilience. We also explored the relationship between transpersonal trust and anxiety and how it was moderated by sense of coherence and expected a significant effect. Method: The sample included N = 405 participants (n = 151 pastoral care workers and n = 254 physicians) who completed an online survey during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between 20th April and 05th July, 2020, that comprised established questionnaires assessing anxiety, transpersonal trust, sense of coherence, and resilience. Results: There was no statistically significant negative relationship between transpersonal trust and anxiety in either profession or broken down by occupational group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that sense of coherence inversely predicted generalized anxiety, while transpersonal trust, resilience, and optimism did not. As hypothesized, the association between transpersonal trust and anxiety was moderated by sense of coherence. However, we could not confirm our hypothesis of a protective effect of transpersonal trust against anxiety. Conclusion: Our results point to the significant role of sense of coherence as a protective factor against anxiety and highlight the complexity of the relationship among spirituality, transpersonal trust, and anxiety.

Philippine parapsychology.

The many well-documented cases of paranormal phenomena in the Philippines may be interpreted as manifestations of the intuitive and deeply empathic interpersonal dynamics of Filipinos and the seemingly transpersonal nature of their individual psyches. A heightened sense of cultural empathy may explain various telepathic or prophetic experiences that are very common to the point of being an ordinary experience. The spirits of folklore, which are said to have observable effects in the physical world, indicate a continuum from material to spiritual, and implies that the individual mind goes beyond the self and recognizes separate, sentient expressions of their own psyche in nature. This paper aims to be a general overview of Philippine parapsychology. A novel framework is suggested, and represented via the Sarili-Mundo model, which may be applied to future research on any variation of paranormal phenomena across the thousands of islands belonging to the multi-ethnic Philippine archipelago.

Validation of the Transpersonal Gratitude Scale (TGS) and the Relationship between Transpersonal Gratitude, Spiritual Well-Being and Distress in India.

This study explores the psychometric properties of the transpersonal gratitude scale (TGS) in the Indian context. It also examines the relationship between transpersonal gratitude, spiritual well-being, and distress. The psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the TGS were evaluated with the help of two studies. In the first study, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) reported a four-factor solution. These four factors- expression of gratitude, value of gratitude, transcendent gratitude, and spiritual connection- explained 74.1% of the total variance. Further, CFA results indicated an excellent model fit of four-factor structure derived from EFA. These findings recommended appropriate factorial validity of TGS in the Indian context. In the second study, Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values recommended reliability of TGS among Indians. Also, the average variance explained (AVE) values and the Fornell-Larcker test concluded convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. In addition, positive correlations were reported between TGS, GRAT-16 (gratitude resentment and appreciation scale), and spiritual well-being scale scores. Also, a negative linkage was reported between TGS and distress score. These associations established criterion validity of the scale. Overall, the scale reported acceptable psychometric properties in the Indian context.

The Taos and Trait Meta-mood on Transpersonal Gratitude: Tracing Their Influences.

The mainstream empirical research has always viewed gratitude in its triadic form involving a typical human giver, gift, and receiver. But it is not the same in the case of transpersonal gratitude. Instead, it is directed towards abstract entities beyond self like God, their own state of being, or the cosmos. The previous literature had affirmed that a selfless attitude and better mood could determine overall gratitude. But this relation is not mainly known in the context of this newer form of gratitude. Indian young adults (N = 456) completed  scales on transpersonal gratitude, trait meta-mood, and ego-grasping orientation-a Taoist concept. The preliminary analysis revealed that the selfless nature was unrelated to transpersonal gratitude. Subsequently, the predictive effect of trait meta-mood on transpersonal gratitude is quantified. The findings explain the distinguishable features of the young adults' populace and positive transpersonal experiences. The need to identify groups, cultural differences, and the utility of interventions on transpersonal gratitude in the future gratitude research is emphasised.

Transforming standard pedagogy because of the COVID-19 pandemic: how social presence could establish and apply Watson's theory within the virtual classroom.

Social distancing requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic have made virtual teaching the only means available whereby students' health can be protected as they continue their education. Two key areas to be addressed for those seeking to teach effectively online are - establishing social presence and building from that to extend care toward learners. This paper examines practical ways in which these aims may be achieved, and will hopefully promote the debate and sharing of strategies and pedagogy between nursing educators.

Notas para decolonizar os estudos transpessoais no brasil: contribuições do pluriperspectivismo participativo / Notes for decolonizing transpersonal studies in brazil: contributions of participatory pluriperspectivism / Apuntes para la decolonización de los estudios transpersonales en brasil: aportes del pluriperspectivismo participativo

O campo dos estudos transpessoais tem avançado em diversas áreas no Brasil. Comemorou seus 40 anos com uma inserção ativa nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) e uma ampliação de núcleos formativos e apoiadores de ensino, pesquisa e ações sociais, além de diálogos com o Sistema de Conselhos de Psicologia. Desafios são apresentados a partir do levantamento de uma série de questões importantes e ignoradas dentro da Psicologia Transpessoal no Brasil. Apresentamos o pluriperspectivismo participativo como possibilidade de decolonizar as matrizes eurocêntricas e estadunidenses, que dão suporte ao pensamento transpessoal brasileiro, buscando honrar nossas raízes históricas e incluir outras epistemologias e ontologias, que dão continuidade à crítica à lógica cartesiana moderna. Indicamos uma breve agenda de notas temáticas que carecem de um processo decolonizador no campo transpessoal: a) crítica às perspectivas de um pensamento hegemônico, em termos globais por meio da dominação Norte-Sul ou no campo das relações sociais; b) revisão das formas de "centrocentrismo"; c) questionamento da noção de universalismo das ciências e da ética; d) aprofundamento da análise crítica da supremacia restritiva da racionalidade formal técnico-científica em relação às formas de subjetividade, de vivências holísticas e integradoras e de valorização do corpo; e) revisão da noção de sujeito moderno desprovida da cocriação do humano com a comunidade, a história, a natureza e o cosmos.(AU)

The field of transpersonal studies has advanced in several areas in Brazil. It celebrated its 40th anniversary with an active insertion in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and an expansion of training centers and supporters of teaching, research, and social actions, in addition to dialogues with the System of Councils of Psychology. Challenges are presented based on a survey of a series of important and ignored issues within Transpersonal Psychology in Brazil. We present participatory pluriperspectivism as a possibility to decolonize the Eurocentric and North American matrices that support Brazilian transpersonal thought, seeking to honor our historical roots and include other epistemologies and ontologies, which continue the critique of modern Cartesian logic. We indicate a brief agenda of thematic notes that lack a decolonizing process in the transpersonal field: a) criticism of the perspectives of a hegemonic thought, whether in global terms via North-South domination or in the field of social relations; b) review of the forms of "centrocentrism"; c) questioning of the notion of universalism of science and ethics; d) deepening of the critical analysis of the restrictive supremacy of the technical-scientific formal rationality in relation to the forms of subjectivity, of holistic and integrative experiences, and of valuing the body; e) review of the notion of the modern subject devoid of the co-creation of the human with the community, the history, the nature, and the cosmos.(AU)

El campo de los estudios transpersonales ha avanzado en varias áreas de Brasil. Se celebró su 40.º aniversario con una inserción activa en Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) y una ampliación de los centros de formación y promotores de la docencia, la investigación y la acción social, además de diálogos con el Sistema de Consejos de Psicología. Los desafíos se presentan a partir de una encuesta de una serie de temas importantes e ignorados dentro de la Psicología Transpersonal en Brasil. Presentamos el pluriperspectivismo participativo como una posibilidad para decolonizar las matrices eurocéntrica y americana, que sustentan el pensamiento transpersonal brasileño, buscando honrar nuestras raíces históricas e incluir otras epistemologías y ontologías que continúan la crítica de la lógica cartesiana moderna. Indicamos una breve agenda de apuntes temáticos que carecen de un proceso decolonizador en el campo transpersonal: a) crítica de las perspectivas de un pensamiento hegemónico, ya sea en términos globales a través del dominio Norte-Sur o en el campo de las relaciones sociales; b) revisión de las formas de "centrocentrismo"; c) cuestionamiento de la noción de universalismo de la ciencia y la ética; d) profundización del análisis crítico de la supremacía restrictiva de la racionalidad formal técnico-científica en relación a las formas de subjetividad, de experiencias holísticas e integradoras y de valoración del cuerpo; e) revisión de la noción de sujeto moderno desprovisto de la cocreación de lo humano con la comunidad, la historia, la naturaleza y el cosmos.(AU)

The Watts Connectedness Scale: a new scale for measuring a sense of connectedness to self, others, and world.

RATIONALE: A general feeling of disconnection has been associated with mental and emotional suffering. Improvements to a sense of connectedness to self, others and the wider world have been reported by participants in clinical trials of psychedelic therapy. Such accounts have led us to a definition of the psychological construct of 'connectedness' as 'a state of feeling connected to self, others and the wider world'. Existing tools for measuring connectedness have focused on particular aspects of connectedness, such as 'social connectedness' or 'nature connectedness', which we hypothesise to be different expressions of a common factor of connectedness. Here, we sought to develop a new scale to measure connectedness as a construct with these multiple domains. We hypothesised that (1) our scale would measure three separable subscale factors pertaining to a felt connection to 'self', 'others' and 'world' and (2) improvements in total and subscale WCS scores would correlate with improved mental health outcomes post psychedelic use. OBJECTIVES: To validate and test the 'Watts Connectedness Scale' (WCS). METHODS: Psychometric validation of the WCS was carried out using data from three independent studies. Firstly, we pooled data from two prospective observational online survey studies. The WCS was completed before and after a planned psychedelic experience. The total sample of completers from the online surveys was N = 1226. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed, and construct and criterion validity were tested. A third dataset was derived from a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing psilocybin-assisted therapy (n = 27) with 6 weeks of daily escitalopram (n = 25) for major depressive disorder (MDD), where the WCS was completed at baseline and at a 6-week primary endpoint. RESULTS: As hypothesised, factor analysis of all WCS items revealed three main factors with good internal consistency. WCS showed good construct validity. Significant post-psychedelic increases were observed for total connectedness scores (η2 = 0.339, p < 0.0001), as well as on each of its subscales (p < 0.0001). Acute measures of 'mystical experience', 'emotional breakthrough', and 'communitas' correlated positively with post-psychedelic changes in connectedness (r = 0.42, r = 0.38, r = 0.42, respectively, p < 0.0001). In the RCT, psilocybin therapy was associated with greater increases in WCS scores compared with the escitalopram arm (ηp2 = 0.133, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The WCS is a new 3-dimensional index of felt connectedness that may sensitively measure therapeutically relevant psychological changes post-psychedelic use. We believe that the operational definition of connectedness captured by the WCS may have broad relevance in mental health research.

Antecedents and Consequences of Grit Among Working Adults: A Transpersonal Psychology Perspective.

Positive psychology has paved the way for newer and more informed ideas of living a meaningful, integrated and well-rounded quality of living. The current era of the pandemic has also moulded the ways in which individuals perceive their quality of life and how they want to integrate a holistic approach towards their well-being. The workplace settings have seen tremendous changes in terms of how employers, employees and the organisations at large function and operate. The pre-pandemic concept of success has shifted its focus from hard work to developing grit among employees to increase the overall efficiency of the organisations. Grit has revolutionised the conventional standards of success, meaning in life and has impacted personal as well as occupational welfare. This integration of positive psychology and transpersonal psychology has catalysed the purpose for the current study. To help organisations and individuals thrive in their professional endeavours at the workplace and to provide them with relevant psychological tools to enhance their occupational growth, the present study has been conducted empirically to investigate the antecedents and consequences of grit among 209 working professionals in India. The results of this study indicate that the transpersonal capital of metacognition, flow, optimism and empathy have a significant role to play in developing grit among the participants. The findings have implications for enhancing job satisfaction and job performance of participants. The current research also provides a framework to organisations towards designing interventions for improving efficiency at the workplace.

Repercussões do cuidado transpessoal mediado pelo reiki em familiares de crianças com doença falciforme

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as repercussões do cuidado transpessoal mediados pelo Reiki em familiares de crianças com doença falciforme. Material e Métodos: Pesquisa Convergente Assistencial, pautada na Teoria do Cuidado Humano de Jean Watson, realizado em município da Bahia, Brasil, entre agosto e outubro de 2016, onde sete familiares de crianças com a doença falciforme receberam terapia Reiki por 40 minutos por seis semanas consecutivas e responderam a entrevistas semiestruturadas antes e após as sessões. Resultados: Os participantes perceberam benefícios relacionados com a diminuição de sintomas como cefaleia, fadiga, dores abdominais, cólicas, tremores no corpo, constipação intestinal e diarreia; outros efeitos foram sobre o self como diminuição do estresse e ansiedade, conexão com Deus e renovação da fé, prática de hábitos saudáveis, melhor sociabilidade, aumento da autoestima, melhora dos lapsos da memória recente e busca do equilíbrio e paz; ocorreram ainda repercussões sobre a interação com a criança, relacionamento com familiares e eliminação do pensamento de abandono do lar. Conclusões: O cuidado transpessoal mediado pelo Reiki pode ser utilizado para prevenção, reabilitação e paliativo. Ele reúne conteúdo teórico-metodológico para ser incluído no processo de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem. A Teoria do Cuidado Humano em conjunto com as práticas de cuidado integrativas e complementares de saúde afasta a Enfermagem do modelo tecnicista e amplia a autonomia da enfermeira para tomada de decisões no cuidado às famílias em processos de adoecimento crônico.

ABSTRACT Aim: To describe the repercussions of transpersonal care mediated by Reiki on family members of children with sickle cell disease. Material and Method: Convergent Assistance research, based on Jean Watson's Theory of Human Care, carried out in the city of Bahia, Brazil, between August and October 2016, where seven relatives of children with sickle cell disease received Reiki therapy for 40 minutes for six consecutive weeks; and responded to semi-structured interviews before and after the sessions. Results: The participants perceived benefits related to the reduction of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, cramps, body tremors, constipation and diarrhea; other effects were on the self, such as reducing stress and anxiety, connecting with God and renewing faith, practicing healthy habits, improving sociability, increasing self-esteem, improving lapses in recent memory and seeking balance and peace; there were also effects on the interaction with the child, relationships with family members and elimination of the thought of abandoning the home. Conclusions: Transpersonal care mediated by Reiki can be used for prevention, rehabilitation and palliative care. It gathers theoretical-methodological content to be included in the work process of the nursing team. The Theory of Human Care in conjunction with integrative and complementary care practices from health can make Nursing distance from the technical model and broad autonomy of the nurse to make decisions to care for families in chronic illness processes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las repercusiones del cuidado transpersonal mediado por Reiki en los familiares de niños con enfermedad de células falciformes. Material y Método: Investigación de atención convergente, basada en la Teoría del Cuidado Humano de Jean Watson, realizada en la ciudad de Bahía, Brasil, entre agosto y octubre de 2016, donde siete familiares de niños con enfermedad de células falciformes recibieron terapia de Reiki durante 40 minutos por seis semanas consecutivas y respondieron a entrevistas semiestructuradas antes y después de las sesiones. Resultados: Los participantes percibieron beneficios relacionados con la reducción de síntomas como dolor de cabeza, fatiga, dolor abdominal, calambres, temblores corporales, estreñimiento y diarrea; otros efectos fueron en uno mismo (sef), como reducir el estrés y la ansiedad, conectarse con Dios y renovar la fe, practicar hábitos saludables, mejorar la sociabilidad, aumentar la autoestima, mejorar las fallas en la memoria reciente y buscar el equilibrio y la paz. También hubo efectos en la interacción con el niño, las relaciones con los miembros de la familia y la eliminación de la idea de abandonar el hogar. Conclusiones: El cuidado transpersonal mediado por Reiki se puede utilizar para la prevención, rehabilitación y cuidados paliativos. Reúne contenido teórico-metodológico para ser incluido en el proceso de trabajo del equipo de enfermería. La Teoría del Cuidado Humano, junto con prácticas asistenciales integradoras y complementarias, aleja a la Enfermería del modelo tecnicista y amplía la autonomía del enfermero para la toma de decisiones en el cuidado de las familias en procesos de enfermedad crónica.

Patients' experiences of the caring encounter in health promotion practice: a qualitative study in Swedish primary health care.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that organizational structures and cultures in primary health care are obstacles to district nurses doing successful work in health promotion practice (HPP). Because organizational structures are not easily changed, Jean Watson's Attending Nurse Caring Model (ANCM) was introduced and piloted at a primary health care center in Sweden, aiming to transform HPP so as to empower district nurses and increase their work satisfaction. AIM: To investigate patients' experiences of the caring encounter in HPP after introduction of the ANCM in Swedish primary health care, the aim being to explore the essential components of the caring encounter between patients and district nurses. METHODS: A descriptive and qualitative research design was used. Data collection was performed using individual face-to-face interviews with twelve patients at risk for developing CVD. Data analysis consisted of both deductive content analysis, using a categorization matrix based on the ANCM and, subsequently, inductive latent content analysis. RESULTS: The findings were abstracted into three themes: 1.'Feeling the deepest essence of being cared for': to be respected and being put at the center of the encounter; 2. 'Feeling acceptance and worth': being treated with openness and permissive attitudes, 3. 'Being in a supportive atmosphere that promotes hope': to feel trust and being trusted in the encounter, and being empowered by hope. The unifying main theme of the caring encounter was abstracted as 'Experiencing human dignity'. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the essence of the caring encounter between patients and district nurses in HPP is to be unconditionally accepted in an environment that inspires hope and encouragement. The ANCM seems to be a promising model to use for strengthening the caring encounter and supporting CVD patients in making healthy lifestyle choices. However, further studies of qualitative and quantitative designs are needed to investigate what the ANCM can contribute to HPP in Swedish primary health care.

Integrating complementary and alternative therapies into professional psychological practice: An exploration of practitioners' perceptions of benefits and barriers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CATs) are currently incorporated into psychotherapy, scepticism remains among professional and practicing psychologists about integration of CATs into professional practice. This research explored perceived benefits and barriers to integrating CATs into psychology practice with individual clients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a qualitative framework informed by Transpersonal Psychology to explore benefits and barriers to integrative psychology practice. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six practitioners trained or training in psychology and CATs and analysed verbatim transcripts using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants reported personal, career-based, and epistemological benefits and barriers to integrative psychology practice. Benefits were improved therapeutic relationships, specialisation options, and a time reflective psychology. Barriers included stigma and bias, regulations, and dominance of the scientist-practitioner model. Superordinate themes were holism, connectedness, and governance. CONCLUSION: Results activate conversation about the importance of a transpersonally oriented integrative psychological practice for the 21st century.

As espiritualidades em psicoterapeutas junguianos e transpessoais: um breve estudo fenomenológico / Spiritualities in jungian and transpersonal psychotherapists: a brief phenomenological study / Las espiritualidades en psicoterapeutas junguianos y transpersonales: un breve estudio fenomenológico

A espiritualidade enquanto fenômeno humano apresenta-se como aspecto significativo na compreensão e promoção de saúde, contudo seu estudo foi negligenciado pelas teorias psicológicas, com exceção dos estudos pioneiros de Jung e da abordagem transpessoal. Neste sentido, objetivamos apresentar a visão de espiritualidade de psicólogos da cidade do Recife (PE) que se orientam por estas linhas teóricas, indicando como esse fenômeno é vivenciado em suas práticas profissionais. Realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho fenomenológico e que teve como instrumento a entrevista semiestruturada com oito psicólogos. Os dados foram analisados segundo a abordagem fenomenológica de Bicudo e encontram-se em consonância com a literatura científica da área, que aponta não haver uma definição hegemônica sobre espiritualidade. Há visões de espiritualidades, às vezes singulares, outras vezes comuns. A espiritualidade aparece por vezes como sinônimo de amor incondicional, ora desponta como acesso ao que é transcendente, sem negar a imanência. Surge como energia interna e acesso ao Eu superior/Self. Na clínica ela é considerada como promotora de saúde e abordada a partir da demanda na perspectiva junguiana e vista como contextual na transpessoal. Levantamos reflexões sobre a importância da espiritualidade na compreensão do ser humano em sua complexidade.

Spirituality as a human phenomenon presents itself as a significant aspect in the understanding and promotion of health, yet its study was neglected by psychological theories, with the exception of Jung's pioneering studies and the transpersonal approach. In this sense, we aim to present the vision of spirituality among psychologists from the city of Recife (in Brazil) who are guided by these theoretical lines, indicating how this phenomenon is experienced in their professional practices. We performed a phenomenological qualitative research that had as instrument the semi-structured interview with eight psychologists. The data were analyzed according to Bicudo's phenomenological approach and are in agreement with the scientific literature in this field, which indicates that there is no hegemonic definition of spirituality. There are visions of spiritualities, sometimes singular, sometimes common. Spirituality sometimes appears as synonymous with unconditional love, sometimes as access to the transcendent, without denying immanence. It also arises as internal energy and access to the Higher Self or just the Self. In the clinic it is considered as health promoter and approached from the demand in the Jungian perspective and seen as contextual in the transpersonal. We raised reflections on the importance of spirituality to the understanding of human being in its complexity.

La espiritualidad como fenómeno humano se presenta como un aspecto significativo en la comprensión y promoción de la salud. No obstante, su estudio fue descuidado por las teorías psicológicas, con la excepción de los estudios pioneros de Jung y del enfoque transpersonal. En este sentido, objetivamos presentar la visión sobre la espiritualidad de los psicólogos de la ciudad de Recife (Brasil) orientados por estas líneas teóricas, indicando cómo ese fenómeno es vivenciado en sus prácticas profesionales. Realizamos una investigación cualitativa de cuño fenomenológico teniendo como instrumento entrevistas semiestructuradas con la participación de ocho psicólogos. Los datos fueron analizados según el enfoque fenomenológico de Bicudo y se encuentran en consonancia con la literatura científica del área, que apunta no haber una definición hegemónica sobre la espiritualidad. Hay visiones de espiritualidad, a veces singulares, otras veces comunes. La espiritualidad aparece en algún momento como sinónimo de amor incondicional y en otros como acceso a lo que es trascendente, sin negar la inmanencia. Se presenta como energía interna y acceso al Yo Superior/Self. En la clínica ella es considerada como promotora de salud y abordada a partir de la demanda en la perspectiva junguiana y vista como contextual en la transpersonal. Levantamos reflexiones sobre la importancia de la espiritualidad en la comprensión del ser humano en su complejidad.

Psychosis or spiritual emergency? A Foucauldian discourse analysis of case reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation.

Meditation is becoming increasingly popular in the West and research on its effects is growing. While studies point to various benefits of meditation on mental and physical health, reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation have also been published. This study employed Foucauldian discourse analysis to examine how the experience of extreme mental states has been constructed in case reports and what kind of practices were employed to address them. The study analyses how extreme mental states associated with meditation are framed within the scientific literature and how such differential framings may affect the meaning making and help-seeking of persons experiencing these states. A systematic scientific literature search identified 22 case studies of extreme mental states experienced by practitioners of various types of meditation. The analysis suggests a discursive divide between two dominant framings: a biomedical discourse which constructs such experiences as psychiatric symptoms and an alternative discursive, which understands them as spiritual emergencies. Both approaches offered distinct therapeutic avenues. This divide maps onto the disciplinary divides within the mental health field more generally, which may obscure a better understanding of these experiences. However, the two discourses are not necessarily mutually exclusive and authors of three articles chose to blend them for their case reports. A supportive environment could help those experiencing extreme state integrate them into their lives. Our findings encourage collaboration between clinicians, therapists and spiritual teachers in order to make a range of approaches available.

The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.

Transpersonal approach in psychotherapy is a controversial field, and there is a lack in scientific information. A search of Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO databases using: ["Altered states of consciousness" AND "Psychotherapy"] and ["Transpersonal" AND "Psychotherapy"] in December 2017 was conducted. From 629 articles found, 14 empirical studies were analyzed. Studies were conducted with adults, most of them women. The benefits were improvement in the treatment of substance use disorder; increased sensation of relaxation, relief of physical pain. Future studies should have rigorous experimental designs; define concepts clearly; detail the method used; present clear guidelines for the ethical boundaries.

Percepção de mulheres com câncer de mama sobre o cuidado de Enfermagem à espiritualidade / Perception of women with breast cancer about the care of Nursing to spirituality

Introduction: Spirituality is an important aspect of caring people with cancer.Objective:To understand how women with breast cancer have perceived the spiritual care provided by nursing from the perspective of Transpersonal Care Theory. Methods:a descriptive, qualitative study with 14 women in chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer in a school hospital. The data were collected in 2015, using as an instrument the semi-structured interview. For analysis, it was used the Content Analysis, based on the theoretical framework of Transpersonal Care Theory. Results:the following topics emerged: (i) nursing and spiritual care: a relationship of trust; (ii) the environment and support as connection and spirituality. Final considerations:it is concluded that women perceive the nurse as a professional that promotes spiritual care, providing it with an environment that represents comfort and safety for the patients, as well as being available to explore inter-personality as a possibility of care in this human dimension.

Introdução:A espiritualidade é um importante aspecto do cuidado as pessoas com doenças oncológicas. Objetivo:compreender como as mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama percebem o cuidado espiritual, prestado pela enfermagem, na perspectiva da Teoria do Cuidado Transpessoal. Métodos:pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa, realizada com 14 mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico para câncer de mama em um hospital-escola. Os dados foram coletados em 2015, utilizando-se, como instrumento, a entrevista semiestruturada. Para análise, utilizou-se a Análise de Conteúdo, fundamentada no referencial teórico da Teoria do Cuidado Transpessoal. Resultados:emergiram as seguintes temáticas: (i) a enfermagem e o cuidado espiritual: uma relação de confiança;(ii) o ambiente e o apoio como conexão e espiritualidade. Considerações finais:conclui-se que as mulheres percebem aenfermeiracomo uma profissional que promove cuidado espiritual, cabendo a ela proporcionar um ambiente que represente conforto e segurança para as pacientes, assim comomostrar-sedisponível a explorar a interpessoalidade como possibilidade de cuidado nessa dimensão humana.

O cuidado domiciliar transpessoal: vivências do paciente / Transpersonal home care: patient experiences

Resumo: Introdução: O cuidado realizado no domicílio tende a ser mais próximo e orientado às singulares e necessidades dos usuários, que permanecem inseridos em seu contexto de vida, e possibilita inter-relações efetivas entre profissional de saúde, paciente e família. O ser que vivência o cuidado domiciliar deve ser entendido como o protagonista e definidor do seu projeto terapêutico, que assumi a centralidade na produção do seu cuidado, entretanto, pouca voz é dada a este ator para expressar suas opções, sentimentos e experiências vivenciadas. A teoria do cuidado humano, referencial teórico desta tese, propõem que o cuidado transpessoal favorece o crescimento pessoal significativo por meio da ajuda, confiança e liberdade, e promove restauração e integralidade de corpo, mente e espírito como uma unidade, em um processo no qual paciente e profissional de saúde une força para transpor uma situação. Assim, defende-se a tese de que o cuidado domiciliar é desenvolvido em um contexto de reconstituição, no momento do cuidado, e possível pela busca de uma inter-relação transpessoal singular entre quem cuida e quem é cuidado. Objetivos: Desenvolver uma teoria substantiva representativa da vivência do cuidado domiciliar no Brasil e Portugal e propor ações para a prática de enfermagem que conduzam à interação transpessoal com o paciente. Metodologia: Grounded Theory desenvolvida na região sul do Brasil junto a um Serviço de Atendimento Domiciliar e no cenário português junto a uma Unidade Local de Saúde na região do Porto. Os dados foram coletados no período de fevereiro de 2016 a novembro de 2017. A seleção dos participantes foi realizada pela amostragem teórica entre os grupos amostrais: pacientes, familiares cuidadores e profissionais de saúde. A amostra foi constituída por 53 participantes (28 brasileiros e 25 portugueses). A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada em profundidade. Para análise e organização dos dados utilizou-se a elaboração de memorandos, diagramas e o software QSR Nvivo 10. A codificação seguiu o modelo glasseriano que ocorre em duas fases: codificação substantiva e teórica, subdividindo-se a primeira em codificação aberta e seletiva. Na codificação teórica evidenciou a interrelação dos conceitos por meio do código teórico família interativa e seis Cs. Resultados: Após o estabelecimento dos dois modelos teóricos (brasileiro e português) realizou-se a integração dos conceitos, especificando propriedade e dimensões aos elementos de sustentação que culminou na teoria substantiva cujo conceito central é "Buscando o cuidado domiciliar transpessoal" causada por "Principiando o cuidado domiciliar" que tem como condição interveniente "Tendo o suporte para o cuidado domiciliar", está inserido no contexto de "Suscitando um ambiente de reconstituição", cuja a consequência é "Concebendo o momento do cuidado". Como contribuições para o desenvolvimento de interações transpessoais no cuidado domiciliar apresenta-se a integração com o ensino por meio de um plano, o uso de modelo de cuidado específico, a utilização de guia prático para o desenvolvimento do cuidado transpessoal e a aplicação de escalas para a avaliação das práticas transpessoais domiciliares. Considerações Finais: Uma situação de desarmonia do copo, mente e/ou espirito pode levar o ser humano, autônomo e livre, a viver em um ambiente restrito domiciliar, dependente de outras pessoas e submetido ao fazer técnico científico das profissões de saúde. No desenvolvimento deste estudo buscou-se saber como estes seres únicos e singulares, presentes no mundo, cuja a possibilidade de falar sobre suas experiências foi proporcionada, agiam, sentiam, experienciavam e enfrentavam o cuidado domiciliar. Estas experiências somada a teoria do cuidado humano proporcionam fundamentação teórica e prática para o desenvolvimento da enfermagem domiciliar.

Abstract: Introduction: Home care tends to be more oriented to users' singularities and needs, who remain within their living context, and enables effective interrelationships between health professionals, patients and families. The being experiencing home care must be understood as the protagonist and designer of his/her therapeutic projects, taking over the centrality in care delivery, however, little voice is provided to that actor to express his/her options, feelings and lived experiences. The Theory of Human Caring, theoretical background of this thesis, claims that the transpersonal caring fosters meaningful personal growth by means of help/trust/freedom, and promotes the restoration and integrality of body, mind and spirit as a unit, in a process where patients and health professionals join to overcome a situation. Thus, it is advocated the thesis that home care is developed in a context of reconstitution, during the moment of caring, and it is possible by means of searching for a singular transpersonal interrelationship between the one who cares, and the one who is cared. Objectives: to develop a substantive theory, representative of the home care in Brazil and Portugal; and to propose actions for nursing practice, which lead to the transpersonal interaction with patients. Methodology: Grounded Theory developed in Southern Brazil at a Home Care service, and in Portuguese settings at a local healthcare unit in the region of Porto. Data were collected between February 2016 and July 2017. The selection of the research participants was carried out by means of theoretical sampling among the sample groups: patients, family caregivers and health professionals. Sampling comprised 53 participants (28 Brazilian and 25 Portuguese subjects). Data collection was held by means of in-depth semi-structured interview. For data analysis and organization, the elaboration of memos, diagrams and QSR Nvivo 10 software were used. Coding was grounded in Glaser model, being held in two steps: substantive and theoretical coding, the former subdivided in open and selective coding. In the theoretical coding, the relations were evidenced by means of the theoretical interactive coding family and the six Cs. Results: After establishing both theoretical models (Brazilian and Portuguese), concept integration was carried out, attributing property and dimensions to the supporting elements, culminating with the final substantive theory titled "Searching for transpersonal home caring" caused by "Beginning home care", which has "Having the support for home care" as the intervention condition, inserted in the context of "Fostering a reconstitution environment," whose consequence is "Conceiving the caring moment." A teaching plan, the use of a specific caring model, the use of a practical guide for the development of the transpersonal caring, and application of scales to assess home care transpersonal practices are the proposed contributions to the development of transpersonal home caring interactions. Final Considerations: An imbalancing situation of body, mind and/or spirit may lead autonomous, free human beings to live in a restricted household environment, dependent on others, and submitted to the technical performance of healthcare professions. During the development of this study, it was objectified the realization of how such unique and singular beings, present in the world, who were provided with the possibility to talk about their experiences, would act, feel, experience and cope with home care. Such experiences, in addition to the Theory of Human Caring, provide theoretical and practical grounding for the development of home care nursing.

Resumen: Introducción: El cuidado realizado en el domicilio tiende a ser más próximo y orientado a las singularidades y necesidades de los usuarios, que permanecen dentro de su contexto de vida, y posibilita interrelaciones efectivas entre el profesional de salud, el paciente y la familia. El ser que vivencia el cuidado domiciliar debe ser entendido como el protagonista y definidor de su proyecto terapéutico, que asume la centralidad en la producción de su cuidado, sin embargo, a este actor le es dada poca voz para expresar sus opciones, sentimientos y experiencias vividas. La teoría del cuidado humano, referencial o marco teórico de esta tesis, propone que el cuidado transpersonal favorece el crecimiento personal significativo por medio de la ayuda, confianza y libertad, así como también promueve la restauración e integralidad de cuerpo, mente y espíritu como una unidad, en un proceso en el que el paciente y el profesional de salud unen fuerzas para transponer una situación. Así, se defiende la tesis de que el cuidado domiciliar se desarrolla en un contexto de reconstitución, en el momento del cuidado, y es posible por la búsqueda de una interrelación transpersonal singular entre quien cuida y quien es cuidado. Objetivos: Desarrollar una teoría sustantiva representativa de la vivencia del cuidado domiciliar en Brasil y Portugal, y proponer acciones para la práctica de enfermería que conduzcan a la interacción transpersonal con el paciente. Metodología: Grounded Theory desarrollada en la región sur de Brasil en un Servicio de Atendimiento Domiciliar y en el escenario portugués en una Unidad Local de Salud en la región de Porto. La recolección de datos se produjo durante el período de febrero de 2016 a noviembre de 2017. La selección de los participantes se realizó a través de muestreo teórico entre los grupos muestrales: pacientes, familiares cuidadores y profesionales de salud. La muestra la constituyeron 53 participantes (28 brasileños y 25 portugueses). La recolección de datos se realizó por medio de entrevista semiestructurada en profundidad. Para el análisis y organización de los datos se utilizó la elaboración de memorandos, diagramas y el software QSR Nvivo 10. La codificación siguió el modelo glasseriano que consta de dos fases: codificación sustantiva y teórica, con subdivisión de la primera en codificación abierta y selectiva. En la codificación teórica se evidenció la interrelación de los conceptos por medio del código teórico familia interactiva y seis Cs. Resultados: Después de establecer los dos modelos teóricos (brasileño y portugués) se realizó la integración de los conceptos, especificando propiedad y dimensiones de los elementos de sustentación, lo que culminó en la teoría sustantiva final intitulada: "Buscando el cuidado domiciliar transpersonal" causada por "Iniciando el cuidado domiciliar" que tiene como condición interviniente "Teniendo el soporte para el cuidado domiciliar", está inserido en el contexto de "Suscitando un ambiente de reconstitución", cuya consecuencia es "Concibiendo el momento del cuidado". Como contribuciones para el desarrollo de interacciones transpersonales en el cuidado domiciliar se presenta la integración con la enseñanza por medio de un plan, el uso de modelo de cuidado específico, la utilización de guía práctica para el desarrollo del cuidado transpersonal y la aplicación de escalas para la evaluación de las prácticas transpersonales domiciliares. Conclusiones: Una situación de desarmonía del cuerpo, mente y/o espíritu puede llevar al ser humano, autónomo y libre, a vivir en un ambiente restringido domiciliar, dependiente de otras personas y sometido a los quehaceres técnicos de las profesiones de salud. Durante el desarrollo de este estudio se procuró saber cómo estos seres únicos y singulares, presentes en el mundo, a quienes se les proporcionó la posibilidad de hablar sobre sus experiencias, actuaban, sentían, experimentaban y enfrentaban el cuidado domiciliar. Estas experiencias sumadas a la teoría del cuidado humano proporcionan fundamentación teórica y práctica para el desarrollo de la enfermería domiciliar.

Terapias tradicional y natural combinadas en pacientes con alopecia areata / Combined traditional and natural therapies in patients with alopecia areata

Se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica en 30 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de alopecia areata en forma de placas, atendidos en la consulta de Dermatología del Hospital General Docente Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio del 2014 hasta igual mes del 2015, con vistas a determinar la efectividad de la terapia tradicional china y la natural combinadas (esencias florales de Bach por modelo transpersonal, acupuntura con martillo de 7 puntas y masaje local con el rizoma del jengibre), para lo cual se conformó un grupo de estudio que la recibió y otro de control que fue tratado con crema esteroidea (triamcinolona a 0,1 por ciento). Los pacientes, cuya mayoría comprendía las edades de 25 a 34 años y era del sexo masculino, fueron evaluados al inicio, y luego a la cuarta, la octava y duodécima semanas. La terapia tradicional y la natural combinadas en pacientes con alopecia areata presentó una mejor respuesta y no existieron efectos secundarios, lo que demostró su efectividad al respecto

A study of therapeutic intervention in 30 patients with diagnosis of patchy alopecia areata, assisted in the Dermatology service of Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from June, 2014 to the same month in 2015, aimed at determining the effectiveness of the combined Chinese traditional therapy and the natural one (Bach flowers remedies for transpersonal pattern, acupuncture with hammer of 7 tips and local massage with ginger rhizome), for which a study group was formed which received it and another control group which was treated with steroid cream (triamcinolone 0,1 percent). Patients from the age group 25 - 34 years and male sex, were evaluated at the beginning, and then at fourth, eighth and twelfth weeks. The combined traditional and natural therapies in patients with alopecia areata provided a better response and there were no secondary effects, what demonstrated its effectiveness on this respect

Imaginal action: towards a Jungian conception of enactment, and an extraverted counterpart to active imagination.

This theoretical paper considers the fashion in which Jung's psychology radically challenges modern assumptions concerning the nature of subjectivity. With an eye for the clinical implications of Jung's late work, the author introduces the idea of imaginal action. In order to explain what is meant by this, the paper begins by exploring how Jung's thinking demonstrates an underlying bias towards introversion. It is argued that while Jung's interest in synchronicity ultimately resulted in his developing a worldview that might address the introverted biases of his psychology, the clinical implications of this shift have not been sufficiently clarified. With reference to some short examples from experience, the author outlines a conception of relational synchronicity wherein the intrapsychic emerges non-projectively within the interpersonal field itself. Comparing and contrasting these occurrences to the more introverted practice of active imagination, it is claimed that such a notion is implicit in Jung's work and is needed as a corrective to his emphasis on interiority. The author suggests that imaginal action might be conceived as a distinctly Jungian approach to the psychoanalytic notion of enactment. It is also shown how the idea outlined might find further support from recent developments in the field of transpersonal psychology.

Effects of Maharishi Yoga Asanas on Mood States, Happiness, and Experiences during Meditation.

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND: Many studies showed positive effects of Yoga Asanas. There is no study on Maharishi Yoga Asanas yet. This research replicated and expanded observed improvements on the profile of mood states (POMS) as a result of 2-week Maharishi Yoga Asanas course. Thirteen college students taking part in a 4-week course on Maharishi Yoga Asanas were matched with 13 students taking other courses at the university. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the study was to assess the effects of Maharishi Yoga Asanas on mood states, degree of happiness, and experiences in Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice. METHODS: All students were given two psychological tests and additional question before and after their 4-week course: POMS, Meditation Depth Questionnaire, and question about the degree of happiness. RESULTS: Repeated measure MANOVA showed the 4-week Maharishi Yoga Asanas course resulted in significant increase in happiness during the day and significant improvements in (1) sense of personal self, (2) transpersonal qualities, and (3) transpersonal self during their TM practice. CONCLUSION: This research shows that Maharishi Yoga Asanas affect more than body and mind. Rather they influence much deeper levels of one's subjectivity including one's transpersonal self.