Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Negative religious coping” refers to the use of religious beliefs and practices in a way that may be detrimental to an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. While religion can provide comfort, support, and coping mechanisms for many people, there are instances where individuals may adopt negative or maladaptive religious coping strategies.

Examples of negative religious coping may include:

Punitive God Beliefs: Believing that one is being punished by a higher power for their sins or mistakes, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-worth.

Spiritual Discontent: Feeling disconnected or dissatisfied with one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, which can contribute to a sense of hopelessness or despair.

Religious Strain: Experiencing conflict or tension within a religious community, leading to stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation.

Passive Religious Defeatism: Adopting a fatalistic attitude, believing that one’s fate is solely determined by a higher power, and therefore, feeling helpless in the face of life’s challenges.

Supernatural Punitiveness: Attributing negative events or difficulties solely to divine punishment, without considering other factors, which can lead to a sense of powerlessness and anxiety.

It’s important to note that negative religious coping is not universal, and many individuals find strength, comfort, and resilience through positive religious coping strategies. Positive religious coping involves using one’s faith and spirituality to find meaning, purpose, and support during difficult times.

Understanding an individual’s religious coping mechanisms can be crucial in the context of mental health and counseling, as it may influence their overall well-being and ability to cope with life stressors. If someone is struggling with negative religious coping, seeking support from mental health professionals or religious leaders who are trained in counseling can be beneficial.

Shervan K Shahhian

Embedded theology refers to the integration of theological perspectives and principles within various aspects of everyday life, culture, and society.

The idea is that theology is not confined to academic or religious settings but is instead woven into the fabric of daily existence. Embedded theology seeks to explore how theological concepts can inform and influence diverse areas such as ethics, politics, science, art, and social issues.

By being embedded in different fields, theology can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world and guide individuals in navigating various aspects of life in a way that is consistent with their religious or spiritual beliefs. This approach aims to bridge the gap between theological discourse and practical, lived experiences.

Shervan K Shahhian

Quest for meaning after a Loss:

The quest for meaning after a loss is a deeply personal and challenging journey that many individuals go through. Coping with loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any other major life change, can be overwhelming and disorienting. Here are some thoughts and suggestions to help navigate this quest for meaning:

Allow Yourself to Grieve:

• It’s essential to give yourself permission to grieve and feel the pain associated with the loss. Suppressing emotions can hinder the healing process.

Acceptance of Emotions:

• Understand that the grieving process is different for everyone. Allow yourself to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy.

Reflect on the Meaning of the Loss:

• Take time to reflect on the significance of the loss in your life. What did the person or situation mean to you? How has it shaped your identity and experiences?

Seek Support:

• Connect with friends, family, or a support group. Sharing your feelings and memories can provide comfort and help you gain perspective on the meaning of the loss.

Express Yourself:

• Find ways to express your emotions and thoughts. This could include writing in a journal, creating art, or engaging in activities that hold personal significance.

Explore Spirituality or Philosophy:

• Many people find solace in exploring their spiritual beliefs or turning to philosophy to make sense of life’s challenges. This can provide a framework for understanding the broader meaning of existence.

Set Realistic Expectations:

• Understand that finding meaning after a loss is a gradual process. There may not be a clear answer or resolution, but over time, you may develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Create Rituals or Memorials:

• Establishing rituals or memorials can help honor the memory of what or whom you’ve lost. This could be as simple as creating a scrapbook, planting a tree, or participating in an activity that holds significance.

Consider Professional Help:

• If the grieving process becomes overwhelming, seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can provide additional support and coping strategies.

Focus on Personal Growth:

• Use the experience of loss as an opportunity for personal growth. Consider the lessons learned and how you can apply them to your life moving forward.

Remember that finding meaning after a loss is a unique and ongoing process. It’s okay to seek help and take the time you need to heal. Be patient with yourself, and allow the journey to unfold at its own pace.

Shervan K Shahhian

Assumptions of a bivalent world:

The term “bivalent world” typically refers to a world that is characterized by two opposing or contrasting values, options, or possibilities. In various contexts, assumptions about a bivalent world may vary, but some general assumptions include:

Binary Nature: The fundamental assumption is that the world can be reduced to a binary structure, where everything can be categorized into two distinct and mutually exclusive options. This binary nature simplifies complexities and nuances.

Exclusivity: It is assumed that the two options in a bivalent world are exclusive, meaning that an entity or concept can only belong to one of the two categories. There is no overlap or middle ground between the two opposing values.

Clarity and Simplicity: The assumption is often made that framing the world in a bivalent manner provides clarity and simplicity. This binary perspective is believed to make decision-making and understanding straightforward.

Absence of Ambiguity: In a bivalent world, ambiguity and uncertainty are assumed to be minimized. The two options are seen as clear and unambiguous, leaving little room for interpretation or confusion.

Universal Applicability: There might be an assumption that the bivalent framework can be universally applied to various situations, disciplines, or contexts. This assumption implies that the binary structure transcends cultural, social, and disciplinary boundaries.

Stability: The idea that a bivalent world is stable and predictable is another assumption. Changes or fluctuations are expected to occur within the established binary framework, maintaining the overall stability of the system.

It’s important to note that while the concept of a bivalent world may be useful in certain contexts, it oversimplifies the complexities and nuances inherent in many real-world situations. In reality, many phenomena are multifaceted and may not neatly fit into a binary framework. It’s always advisable to critically examine and question assumptions to better understand the complexities of the world.

Shervan K Shahhian

Tragedy comes after our positive assumptions fail us, is that true:

Tragedy, in a general sense, refers to a disastrous event or a serious misfortune that causes great suffering, distress, or sadness. It doesn’t necessarily follow a pattern of positive assumptions failing, but certain tragedies can indeed be more impactful when they disrupt expectations or plans that were based on positive assumptions.

When people hold positive assumptions about the future or their circumstances, and those assumptions are shattered by unexpected and unfortunate events, it can lead to a heightened sense of disappointment, shock, or grief. The contrast between what was anticipated and what actually occurs can make the impact of a tragedy more profound.

However, it’s important to note that tragedies can also arise without any preceding positive assumptions. They can be unpredictable events that occur independently of our expectations. Life is inherently uncertain, and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt our lives regardless of our outlook on the future.

In coping with tragedy, resilience and adaptability become crucial. It involves the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges and find ways to rebuild and move forward, even when positive assumptions are shattered.

Shervan K Shahhian

Tragedy comes after our positive assumptions fail us, is that true:

Tragedy, in a general sense, refers to a disastrous event or a serious misfortune that causes great suffering, distress, or sadness. It doesn’t necessarily follow a pattern of positive assumptions failing, but certain tragedies can indeed be more impactful when they disrupt expectations or plans that were based on positive assumptions.

When people hold positive assumptions about the future or their circumstances, and those assumptions are shattered by unexpected and unfortunate events, it can lead to a heightened sense of disappointment, shock, or grief. The contrast between what was anticipated and what actually occurs can make the impact of a tragedy more profound.

However, it’s important to note that tragedies can also arise without any preceding positive assumptions. They can be unpredictable events that occur independently of our expectations. Life is inherently uncertain, and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt our lives regardless of our outlook on the future.

In coping with tragedy, resilience and adaptability become crucial. It involves the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges and find ways to rebuild and move forward, even when positive assumptions are shattered.

Shervan K Shahhian

Grief Theory, what is it:

Grief theory refers to the various models, frameworks, and concepts developed to understand and explain the process of grieving and coping with loss. Grief is a complex and individual experience that can be triggered by various forms of loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or other major life changes.

Several prominent grief theories have been proposed by psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers to provide insight into the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of the grieving process. Some of the well-known grief theories include:

Kübler-Ross Model (Five Stages of Grief): Proposed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, this model suggests that individuals go through five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these stages in the same order, and some may not go through all the stages.

Dual Process Model (DPM): Developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut, the Dual Process Model emphasizes the oscillation between two types of stressors during grief: loss-oriented stressors (focusing on the deceased and the loss itself) and restoration-oriented stressors (dealing with the practical consequences of the loss).

Task-Based Model: Proposed by J. William Worden, this model outlines four tasks of mourning that individuals need to complete to adapt to the loss. These tasks are accepting the reality of the loss, experiencing and expressing the pain of grief, adjusting to a world without the deceased, and finding a way to maintain a connection with the deceased while moving on with life.

Attachment Theory: Developed by John Bowlby, attachment theory suggests that human beings have an innate need for attachment and that the disruption of attachment bonds can lead to grief. This theory highlights the importance of the emotional bonds formed with significant others and how these bonds influence the grieving process.

It’s essential to recognize that grief is a highly individual and subjective experience, and not everyone will fit neatly into a specific theoretical framework. Additionally, newer perspectives and research may continue to contribute to the understanding of grief and bereavement over time.

Shervan K Shahhian

Returning to restoration from Grief, what does that mean:

The phrase “returning to restoration from grief” suggests a journey or process of recovering and finding a sense of wholeness or well-being after experiencing grief. Grief is a natural response to loss, often associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also be triggered by various types of losses, such as the end of a relationship, a job, or a significant life change.

The concept of “returning to restoration” implies moving beyond the intense emotions and pain of grief and gradually working towards a state of restoration or healing. It involves finding ways to cope with the loss, adapting to a new reality, and rebuilding a sense of purpose and joy in life. This process is unique to each individual, and there is no fixed timeline for how long it takes or a specific set of steps to follow.

Returning to restoration may involve seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals, as well as engaging in self-care activities and finding meaning in the midst of the pain. It’s important to acknowledge that grief is a complex and personal experience, and individuals may navigate it in different ways.

Shervan K Shahhian

Paranormal Belief’s: Keeping communications with the dead:

Beliefs about keeping communications with the dead fall into the realm of paranormal and spiritual beliefs. Various cultures and individuals hold different perspectives on the possibility of communicating with those who have passed away. Some common methods and beliefs include:

Mediumship: Some people believe that individuals known as mediums have the ability to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. Mediums may use various techniques such as channeling, trance, or psychic abilities to receive messages from the other side.

Seances: Seances involve a group of individuals gathering to attempt communication with spirits. This often involves a medium leading the session and using different tools such as a Ouija board, pendulum, or other divination methods.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP): Some paranormal enthusiasts use recording devices to capture supposed voices or sounds from the spirit world. These are often interpreted as messages from the deceased.

Spiritualism: Spiritualism is a belief system that emerged in the 19th century, emphasizing communication with spirits through mediums. It gained popularity during the Victorian era and has evolved into various forms over time.

Religious Practices: Certain religious traditions incorporate rituals or prayers to connect with deceased ancestors or saints. In some cultures, people believe that the spirits of the departed can influence the living and provide guidance.

It’s important to note that beliefs in communication with the dead are often subjective and has empirical scientific evidence. Materialist fundamentalists and certain religious fundamentalist skeptics argue that many phenomena associated with contacting the deceased can be explained through psychological factors, suggestion, or other natural explanations.

Individuals’ beliefs in communication with the dead can vary widely, and cultural, religious, and personal factors play a significant role in shaping these perspectives. Whether one accepts or dismisses such beliefs often depends on personal experiences, cultural background, and individual worldviews.

Shervan K Shahhian

Symptom’s of Complicated Grief, what are they:

Complicated grief, also known as persistent complex bereavement disorder, is a condition where the grieving process is prolonged and more challenging than usual. It can interfere significantly with daily functioning. The symptoms of complicated grief may include:

Intense and Prolonged Grieving:

• Persistent yearning or longing for the deceased.
• Intense emotional pain and sorrow that doesn’t improve over time.
• Difficulty accepting the death.

Preoccupation with the Deceased:

• Excessive focus on the circumstances of the death or the deceased person.
• Intrusive thoughts about the deceased.

Difficulty Moving On:

• Resistance or reluctance to engage in activities that were enjoyed before the loss.
• Feeling stuck and unable to move forward in life without the deceased.

Avoidance:

• Avoiding reminders or discussions related to the deceased.
• Isolating oneself from friends and family.

Intense Emotional Reactions:

• Extreme emotions such as bitterness, anger, or guilt related to the death.
• Emotional numbness or detachment.

Impaired Functioning:

• Difficulty maintaining regular routines or fulfilling daily responsibilities.
• Struggling with personal relationships, work, or social activities.

Sleep Disturbances:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Experiencing nightmares or disturbing dreams about the deceased.

Physical Symptoms:

• Aches and pains that are unrelated to any medical condition.
• Changes in appetite and weight loss or gain.

Feelings of Meaninglessness:

• A sense of emptiness or meaninglessness in life without the deceased.
• Questioning the purpose or value of life.

It’s important to note that experiencing grief is a normal part of the human experience, and everyone grieves differently. However, if the grieving process becomes overwhelmingly difficult and persists over an extended period, seeking support from mental health professionals may be beneficial. They can provide guidance, counseling, and support tailored to address complicated grief and help individuals navigate through their emotions.

Shervan K Shahhian