Universiẗat, Diss., 2006--Regensburg.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Department of Comparative Literature, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Since the advent of human consciousness all manner of theoreticians from mystics to philosophers, and linguists to scientists have considered why and how it is that an individuated self seems to occupy or indwell a physical body. There is a common experiential sense, in other words, in which personal consciousness and our bodies are felt to be two different things. Two broad areas of opinion attempting to explain this apparent bifurcation are defined for the purpose of addressing this problem: Essentialists who variously maintain that there are non-physical properties inherent to all forms and functions of physicality; and Physicalists who claim that the extant universe as a multiplicity of complex material processes is the only reality. The respective natures of body and mind and the ways in which they relate has yielded an extraordinary variety of hypotheses within and between these two broad categories. In this thesis the dilemma is called the Hard Problem and it focuses particularly on the relationship between consciousness and the brain. Recently, Ken Wilber has constructed an Integral Philosophy which attempts a synergistic gradation of all possible genres of experience and knowledge into one cohesive scheme representing the total Reality. The culminating point of Wilber’s theory claims resolution of the Hard Problem, indeed of all appearances of duality, in the realisation of consummate emptiness in mystical consciousness. Wilber’s proposal therefore tenders a version of Essentialism since it implies that an Absolute principle is inherent to all existence. The problem explored in this study considers whether the epistemological architecture of Wilber’s Philosophy is coherent and consistent. Following a critical appraisal of Wilber’s system it is proposed that epistemological coherence is more likely to be achieved by retaining the ontology of consciousness and matter to only one kind. In this way the scientific protocols which Wilber imports to validate his truth-claims are protected from ontological confusion. Whether this non-dual Physicalism is adequate as a means of explaining consciousness, and particularly mystical consciousness, is moot. Perhaps there remains an inalienable quality in mysticism which will always elude our ability to apprehend it. / Christian Sprituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Christian Spirituality)

In this dissertation the phenomenological method together with the hermeneutical concepts of experience, devotion, constant remembrance and transmission focus on yogic transmission in Sahaj Marg of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Sahaj Marg is an adaptation of Raj a Yoga. Sahaj Marg emphasises the practical approach and calls for the aspirant to follow the teachings and methods of the spiritual Master. Yogic transmission is the unique feature of this system. Preceptors have been trained by the Master to aid in the spiritual evolution of humanity. Pranahuti is defined by the Master as a forceless force for the spiritual transformation of humanity. This system can be followed by all aspirants, the only qualification being a willingness to follow the practice. Sahaj Marg has been created for the present day aspirant to achieve liberation in the quickest time possible. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Religious Studies)

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of health. The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event, sometimes more than the actual event itself. It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body (physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing. The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude. Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more comprehensive picture of health and illness. The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts, perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry, which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune system functioning. The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in "our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ... Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1 through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power of this inner healer." The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically. The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in social work theory and practice." Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly). Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial arcs of a holistic health care system. Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences. This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known as Health Care Social Workers. This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated. The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from the first chapter. / Social work / M.A. (Social Science with specialisation in Mental Health)

Movement intervention in a Gestalt therapeutic setting using structured activities and free improvisation is a successful method in creating awareness of contact-making styles for late adolescents. An overview of the existing literature regarding the theoretical aspects of the interrelatedness of movement therapy, awareness, contact-making styles and the use of movement as a therapeutic intervention within a Gestalt context was presented. This included a description of the meta-theoretical assumptions that underpinned the research. A case-study consisting of eight late-adolescent females using the exploratory and descriptive nature within the qualitative research model was applied. All participants reported growth and awareness within themselves. The researcher concludes that movement intervention within a Gestalt therapeutic context can support an approach that adapts itself to the developmental phase of the individual and is a creative way of maintaining interest and focus. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

See title file for abstract / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The aim of this thesis is to introduce BMC approach in relation to other body-oriented psychotherapies, to characterise its principles and techniques, the format of therapy and to analyze and assess it from a point of view of the basic questions of scientific validity of a psychotherapeutic modality. Further in this thesis we summarize the bodily anchored experiencing theory. The empirical part of this thesis is a quantitative study of relation of body awareness, depressive experiencing and the satisfaction with life. We also studied a relationship among body awareness and socio-demographical characteristics of respondents. We ascertained some statistically significant correlations pointing towards a link between the ability of body awareness and depressive experiencing and also with satisfaction with life. The findings of this empirical study point towards the usefulness of further systematical developing of the body awareness construct.

Drugs, Danger, Delusions (and Deleuzians?) opens up a philosophical investigation into a series of ‘extreme’ mind and body films drawn from different historical contexts. Through two sections and four distinct chapters, cinema is explored as an agent of becoming that allows viewers to think and feel in an affected manner. Investigating a broad spectrum of extreme narratives focusing on drugs, hooligan violence, insomnia and madness, the project provides a focused historical understanding of the films’ affective regimes and aesthetic agendas. The different lines of flight and escape explored on-screen all somehow appear to spiral around the same issues, concepts, ideas and philosophies. Utilising the cinematic theories of Gilles Deleuze along with his philosophical work co-authored with Félix Guattari, the thesis aims to investigate a range of related films, that in the extreme, reveal underlying models of an integrated or parallel mind and body and immanently embedded identity; wherein the concept of a stable and fixed being is replaced by that of a fluid becoming. All chapters investigate how immanently embedded characters embark upon extreme or dangerous lines of escape, where the reinvention of living and thinking is explored and made visible. The first section investigates a range of ‘head-films’ that take the mind as their theme, but are found to plicate and expand consciousness into the parallel body. The second section investigates extreme body films that push the sensory-motor schema to its limits so that thought, perception and consciousness become affected. The two interrelated sections investigate how the films and filmmakers employ different regimes of mind and body cinema to aesthetically convey and relay these concepts to the spectator. The project thus strives to develop Deleuzian paradigms beyond their original scope to explore parallel-image regimes and sequences that allow spectators to think and feel the films’ underlying philosophical concepts and positions.

背景: 近代不少西方的實證心理治療方法都開始採納東方源來已久的身心治療，來醫治常見的情緒病，例如：抑鬱症，效果最為顯著。這個發展趨勢正好回應現存醫療制度及資源的限制，或其他社會文化及個人所造成的障礙。本研究旨在檢視一種促進身心健康的中國禪宗身心治療方法 － 以「德建身心療法」對比於 「認知行為治療法」及「等候對照組」，在治療一羣抑鬱症患者的抑鬱情緒、腦功能的改善及其身体健康等的療效。 / 研究方法: 在一個精神科門診部內，研究員召集了75 名成人的抑鬱症患者。他們都是有不同程度的抑鬱情緒或身體健康問題，同時有興趣參加為期十節的「德建身心療法」或「認知行為治療法」。 在對照基本資料後 (如年齡、學歷、抑鬱程度，初患或復發) ，他們被隨機分派到「德建身心療法」、「認知行為治療法」或「等候對照組」中。治療前及治療後，抑鬱症患者都會接受情緒、腦功能、健康狀況及腦電波的評估。 / 結果: 整體而言，相對於「等候對照組」，「德建身心療法」及「認知行為治療」更有效地減低患者的抑鬱症狀。此外，「德建身心療法」更帶來一些其他組別所末見的療效；包括有效地提昇患者的專注力、記憶、執行功能、腸道功能及睡眠質素。再者、研究亦發現「德建身心療法」的參加者，在有關正面情緒和專注力的兩個客觀量化腦電波(QEEG)指數上有顯著的攀升。意外地，在短短的十星期後「德建身心療法」參加者使用抗抑鬱药的份量亦有效地減少。 / 總結: 本研究的結果顯示中國的禪宗身心治療方法 －「德建身心療法」在治療抑鬱症患者的情緒捆纏、腦功能失衡、睡眠及腸道功能、提升正面情緒及專注力的量化腦電波指數都有明顯的功效。 / BACKGROUND: There are growing interests and encouraging findings of adapting and developing Mind-Body Intervention into evidence-based group treatment for common mental disorders such as depression. The advancement is a partial response to the limitations on the availability and accessibility of the existing treatment in the current health care system for depression, and/or a partial response to the socio-cultural and personal reasons in different communities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed Chinese Chan-based treatment the Dejian Mind-Body Intervention (DMBI), as compared to the groups of Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Wait-list control, in alleviating depressive mood and improving physical health of adult depressive patients. / METHOD: Seventy-five patients with the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder were recruited in the current study. They were stratified for age, education, level of depression, course of illness before random assignment to receive either 10-session DMBI or CBT, or placed on a wait-list. Pre-post measurements included primary outcome measures on psychiatrists’ rating and self-evaluated mood scores (HRSD and BDI) and secondary outcome measures on performance in different neuropsychological assessment (Executive function, Attention, Memory). The three groups also compared among different sleep (SOL, TST, and WASO), gastrointestinal parameters as well as neurophysiological QEEG indices. / RESULTS: Both the DMBI and CBT groups demonstrated significant reduction in depressive psychopathology after intervention. However, the DMBI group but not the CBT or Wait-list control groups demonstrated significant improvement in attention, verbal memory, executive function, gastrointestinal health and overall sleep quality. Besides, Dejian Mind-Body Intervention brought about significant increase in objective QEEG measures of positive affect and attention that were not evidenced in the other two groups. Participants in the DMBI group also demonstrated significant reduction in the use of anti-depressant after the end of 10-week treatment. / CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the current study suggested that a Chinese Chan-based Dejian mind-body intervention has positive effects on improving the mood and health conditions of individuals with depression. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wong, Yun Ping. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-109). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese; some appendixes also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.iii / CHINESE ABSTRACT --- p.v / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.vii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ix / LIST OF TABLES --- p.x / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xii / LIST OF APPENDICES --- p.xiii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xii / Chapter CHAPTER I: --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / PURPOSES OF THE PRESENT STUDY --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPTER II: --- METHODS --- p.29 / Chapter CHAPTER III: --- RESULTS --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER IV: --- DISCUSSION --- p.68 / GENERAL DISCUSSION --- p.70 / CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS --- p.76 / LIMITATION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE DIRECTION --- p.77 / REFERENCES --- p.79 / TABLES --- p.110 / FIGURES --- p.124 / APPENDICES --- p.128