<p> Using hermeneutic and heuristic methodologies, this thesis explores the possibility of a psychedelic Amazonian plant medicine known as ayahuasca to be used in the treatment of depression and addiction. Incorporating a depth psychology approach, this thesis explores the similarities and differences between Peruvian shamanism and Jungian depth psychology. The author draws on depth psychological theory in analyzing her experiences with ayahuasca, highlighting the role of psychotherapy in integrating her experiences as part of her process of individuation and healing trauma. The research points to a positive correlation between ayahuasca use and the treatment of mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and substance use disorders such as alcohol use disorder. The thesis examines the role of spirituality and experiences with the numinous in helping one to heal from mood disorders and substance dependency and find a greater sense of empowerment and meaning in life.</p><p>

<p> This study used consensual qualitative methods to explore the lived, embodied experiences of intuitive entheogen dance experiences (IEDE) in women. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. The specific primary aim of the study was to investigate the following research question: What is the lived experience of IEDE, and how can this experience be understood through a psychological perspective? Secondary aims explored the following questions: (a) How does one arrive at IEDE? and (b) What meaning and purpose comes about the experience of IEDE? Six participants were interviewed about their experiences with IEDE. Thematic analysis revealed a somatic nature of the entheogenic experience with thorough illustrations of how the spiritual experience is felt directly through the body. The findings amplify Jung&rsquo;s understanding of the psychic dimension with the somatic dimension and how these two dimensions might be further integrated and bridged. The results suggest that the body has an inherent widsom and the whole mental health of the person cannot be fully explored and healed without considering the body. It is important for psychotherapists to begin to understand that the body is learning about spirit and psyche through it&rsquo;s physical expression and that this learning remains in memory in the physical body. Further research would help support and explore the potential for the healing of trauma using movement and altered states of consciousness, explore how the body is the shadow and how unconscious material first becomes lost in the body and then also how it is integrated into the self through movement and through alteres states. Further research could also explore archetypes and complexes within an IEDE, diving deeper into personal, cultural, and primordial themes.</p><p>

<p> Substance use and abuse are detriments to both the individual and society as a whole. Religiosity and spirituality are complex, multi-layered concepts that are important to explore as protective factors against substance use and important factors that curtail individuals from drug use, motivating them to enter into substance abuse treatment. The data on religious/spiritual attitudes and preferences and on the use of different classes of substances were collected from a national sample. Spearman correlations indicated that drug use recency, lifetime use, and seeking substance abuse treatment correlated with religiosity/spirituality factors. All correlations were relatively weak but significant; thus, the null hypotheses were rejected. Other factors may play an important role in individuals&rsquo; use of substances or their decision to undergo treatment. This study has implications for future practice, as the findings imply that the treatment for substance use should consider a holistic view of individuals. Incorporating holistic perspective into the treatment and programs to prevent lifetime use of substances and promote successful drug treatment could be more effective compared to non-holistic approaches. </p><p>

<p> This research explored the use of mindfulness to confront mortality. Through attention, curiosity and non-judgment, mindfulness increases awareness of thoughts, feelings and sensations. Given the automaticity of fear and the suffering that can arise in response to death, this study piloted two mindfulness exercises. </p><p> It employed a convergent parallel design to analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected from 20 adults, born between 1946 and 1964. After being interviewed about their mortality, participants were randomly assigned to receive either a mindfulness of breath induction, or a mindfulness of mortality induction. Interviews captured responses to the two exercises. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, and the 21-item State Mindfulness Scale, administered post-induction. Data was analyzed to identify themes, and develop theory about using mindfulness to confront mortality.</p><p> Results from the research illuminated the overwhelming value for reflecting on death, and appreciation for a facilitated contemplative exercise. Pre-induction interviews revealed that, in response to thinking about death, subjects oriented around life values and living with purpose. Memories of loss, and relationships were salient. They articulated ambivalence toward thinking about death due to a lack of control, but were able to hold multiple emotions including fear, gratitude and curiosity. </p><p> It was concluded that both mindfulness exercises were meritorious, but had somewhat differing effects. Both inductions produced metacognitive and meta-affective awareness, reflective of the construct of mindfulness; both inductions stimulated memories, emotions, cognitive activity, and body awareness. The mindfulness of breath induction seemed to be calming, with more awareness of the body, associations to other meditative practices, and less cognitive activity. Results suggested that it was effective in stimulating state mindfulness in terms of the present condition of the mind and of the body. The mindfulness of mortality exercise evoked a more challenging experience, that most participants found beneficial. It was associated with a variety of emotions, including sadness, fear, peace, and gratitude. It stimulated cognitive processing, and associations to participants&rsquo; diverse religious and spiritual identities. As interventions for a population that feels there is value in reflecting on mortality, both may be applied successfully in clinical practice.</p><p>

<p> This critical analysis of the literature explores the potential of African-centered psychology to address the sequelae of historical trauma in the 21st century persons of African ancestry in the United States. African American face significant health and wellness challenges including socioeconomic disparities, interpersonal violence, substance abuse, psycho-spiritual distress, and physical health issues. The literature questions the validity of mainstream psychological science to effectively conceptualize and treat persons of African ancestry, and calls for the identification of specific, culturally relevant interventions to increase physical and psychological wellness. The concept of historical trauma helps to explain the psycho-spiritual distress experienced by many persons of African ancestry in the United States, including internalized oppression, as the sequelae of unhealed wounds relates to enslavement and colonization, through the destruction of culture, language and religion, and imposition of non-inclusive systems of education, government and law. An African-centered psychology approach may alleviate suffering related to historical trauma. This dissertation further integrates the literature on the historical trauma response with the literature on African-centered psychology. Wellness goals for persons of African ancestry are identified in the literature of scholars, researchers, practitioners, activists, and community members. Concepts and strategies from an African-centered psychology framework are then explored for their potential to help illuminate challenges, address needs, and support goals, in alignment with cultural values and work currently being done in this field. Implications in the areas of epistemology, research, clinical practice, practitioner training, and public acknowledgement are explored in depth, and recommendations for incorporating African centered strategies in therapeutic interventions are made. This dissertation also identifies its own theoretical and methodological limitations, and proposes areas for future investigation. Emerging hypotheses suggest that incorporating African centered practices in therapeutic work with persons of African ancestry and their communities may offer a congruent and compatible pathway to promote psychological well-being in persons and communities of African ancestry.</p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Syracuse University, 2009. / "Publication number: AAT 3381565."

<p> Current psychological research into religiosity can be located into two paradigms: the cross-cultural psychology interpretive tradition and the cultural psychology interpretive tradition. To generate support for the latter paradigm, American and Mainland Chinese respondents were asked to describe a religious or spiritual other as a way of exploring the impact of individualism-collectivism cultural values on expressions of religiosity. Statements from Chinese respondents were expected to have more socially related content compared to American respondents. Responses were analyzed using a linguistic analysis computer program with attention given to social process, family, friends, and humans content. Raters were also instructed to generate categories based on the content of the responses. No significant differences were found between American and Mainland Chinese respondents on all four content categories. Religious self-rating was found to significantly predict family content, while religious and spiritual self-ratings significantly predicted humans content. Raters also generated 11 categories from American responses, and 10 categories from Mainland Chinese responses. Methodological and theoretical implications are also discussed.</p>

<p> It is not the existence of depressive symptomology, but understanding the function and effect that should be central in how to best support patients. Even in cases of milder depression, phase-of-life issues, or adjustment-related depressive episodes, the myth of a magical pill, here an antidepressant, appeals to the human desire for cessation of whatever unpleasantness may be arising. As a collective, clinicians may be placating clients&rsquo; psychological defenses and natural desire to suppress or dissociate at the expense of allowing a soulful opportunity to work through and resolve challenges. Utilizing a primarily hermeneutic approach, the author contemplates various studies supporting psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and combined therapies. Ultimately, the case is made for decision-making processes that place higher value on the greater context of potential soul opportunities for resolution and healing as well as individuation and growth.</p><p>