©2011 Cengage Learning

Prepared by: Andrew Owusu Ph.D.

Chapter 2: Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being

Chapter 2 Objectives• Identify the characteristics of emotionally health persons• Name the two pillars of authentic happiness.• Discuss some of the health benefits of prayer.• Describe four ways that sleep affects well-being.• Discuss some of the factors that may lead to suicide, as well as strategies for prevention.

Chapter 2 Objectives• List some of the symptoms of depression and discuss the pros and cons of using antidepressants.• Discuss some of the factors that may lead to suicide, as well as strategies for prevention.• Name the treatment options you will consider if you have a mental health problem, and describe the reason for your choice.

Psychological Well-Being

Emotional Health

Mental Health

Our ability to perceive reality as it is, to respond to its challenges,

and to develop rational strategies for living.

The ability to expressand acknowledge one’s

feelings and moods.

CultureBrings people together, strengthen their bonds, reinforce the

values and beliefs they share, and provide a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose.

The Three Pillars of Positive Psychology

PositiveEmotions

Positive Traits PositiveInstitutions

“Treatment is not just fixing what is

broken, it is nurturing

what is best within ourselves”.

Emotional Intelligence

• Definition• A term used by some psychologists to

evaluate the capacity of people to understand themselves and relate well to others.

• Emotional Quotient (EQ)• The ability to monitor and use emotions to

guide thinking and actions.• High EQ = increased productivity at work and

happiness at home.• High EQ = decreased incidence of stress,

depression and anxiety, and quicker recovery from serious illness.

The Lessons of Positive Psychology

Knowing Your NeedsThe Maslow Pyramid

Self-actualization

Clarifying Your ValuesInstrumental values

Terminal values

The Pursuit of Self-EsteemConfidence and satisfaction in oneself

Self-actualizationFulfillment of

one’s potential

Self-esteemRespect for self,

respect for others

Love and affectionAbility to give and receive

affection; feeling of belonging

Safety-securityAbility to protect oneself from harm

Physiological needsFulfillment of needs for food, water,

shelter, sleep, sexual expression

The Maslow Pyramid

Fig. 2-1, p. 32

Self-actualization Fulfillment of

one’s potential

Self-esteem Respect for self,

respected by others

Love and affection Ability to give and receive

affection; feeling of belonging

Safety and security Ability to protect oneself from harm

Physiological needs Fulfillment of needs for food, water,

shelter, sleep, sexual expression

Stepped Art

Fig. 2-1, p. 32

Authentic Happiness

Two Pillars to Authentic Happiness

I. Engagement with family, work, or a passionate pursuit and…

II. Finding meaning from some higher purpose

Factors Affecting Happiness

Humor

Genetics

Optimism

Love and Faith

Wealth, Health, and Age

Life Events

Feeling in Control

• Autonomy• Locus of Control• Assertion

Feeling in Control

Autonomy• The ability to draw on

internal resources; independence from familial and societal influences.

Locus of Control• An individual’s belief

about the source of power and influence over his or her life.

• Internal vs. external locus of control

Feeling in Control

Assertion• Behaving in a confident manner to make

your needs and desires clear to others in non-hostile ways.• Use “I” Statements to explain your

feelings• Listen to and acknowledge others• Be direct and specific• Be assertive, not obnoxious

Connecting with Others

• Connectedness vs. social isolation

• Face shyness and social anxiety.

• Join groups.• Participate in projects

or activities.• Surround yourself

with personal acquaintances.

Spiritual Health

• The ability to identify one’s basic purpose in life and to achieve one’s full potential; the sense of connectedness to a greater power.

• It gives a strong sense of purpose, values, morals and ethics.

• Individuals who pray regularly stay healthier and live longer than those who rarely or never do.

Spiritual Intelligence

• The capacity to sense, understand, and tap into the highest parts of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

• Focuses on the discovery of wisdom within.

Prayer

• Prayer may foster a state of peace and calm that could lead to beneficial changes in the cardiovascular and immune systems.

• Membership in a faith community provides an identity as well as support.

Spirituality

GratitudeAppreciation, not just for a special gift, but for

everything that makes life a bit better.

ForgivenessTo let go of all anger and pain that demand time

and waste energy.

AltruismActs of helping or giving to others without thought

of self-benefit.

What Happens When We Sleep?• Stage 1

• A twilight zone between full wakefulness and sleep.• The brain produces small, irregular, rapid electrical waves.

• Stage 2• Brain waves larger with occasional bursts of electrical activity.• Eyes unresponsive and bodily functions slow.

• Stage 3 and 4• The most profound state of unconsciousness • The brain produces slower, larger waves.• “Delta” or slow-wave sleep.

• REM sleep• Vivid dreaming• Brain waves resemble those of waking more than quiet sleep.

These stages are repeated four or five times a night.

How to Sleep Better

• Aim for ~7-1/2 hours of sleep per night• Go to bed and wake up at the same time

each day.• Develop a sleep ritual.• Don’t drink coffee late in the day.• Don’t rely on alcohol to get to sleep.• Limit daytime naps if you sleep poorly at

night.

Fig. 2-2, p. 45

The Mentally Well

Individual

What is a Mental Disorder?

A behavioral or psychological syndrome associated with distress

or disability with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or loss

of freedom.

Table 2-2, p. 48

Gender and Depression

• Depression is twice as common in females versus males, but male depression is an “under” disease• “under-discussed”, “under-recognized”,

“under-diagnosed”, and “under-treated”.

Factors Contributing to DepressionGenes, brain chemistry, sex hormones,

childhood abuse, chronic stress, divorce, job loss, or career setbacks.

Depressive Disorders

Minor Depression

Dysthymic Disorder

Major Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Major DepressionCharacteristic Symptoms

• Feeling depressed• Loss of interest• Eating more or less• Having trouble

sleeping• Feeling slowed down• Lack of energy• Feeling helpless• Difficulty

concentrating

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Persistent thoughts of death

• Withdrawal from others

• Headaches, digestive problems, aches and pains

Depressive DisordersTreatments

PsychotherapyCognitive-behavior therapy

Interpersonal therapy

MedicationsAntidepressants

Exercise

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Bipolar DisorderManic Depression

Characteristics• Mood swings that take

individuals from manic states of feeling euphoric and energetic to depressive states of utter despair.

• Involves mood swings, changes in thinking, changes in behavior, and changes in physical condition.

Treatment• Mood-stabilizing

medications• Psychotherapy

Anxiety Disorders

Phobias

Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety DisordersPhobias

DefinitionAn anxiety disorder maskedby an inordinate fear of an

object, a class of objects,or a situation, resulting in

extreme avoidancebehaviors.

Common PhobiasInvolve animals (dogs, snakes,

insects, and mice); sight of blood; claustrophobia;

acrophobia; and agoraphobia.

TreatmentBehavior therapy

including systematicdesensitization.

Anxiety DisordersPanic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Panic AttackA short episode

characterized by physical sensations of

lightheadedness, dizziness,

hyperventilation, and numbness of extremities,

accompanied by an inexplicable terror,

usually of a physical disaster such as death.

Panic DisorderAn anxiety disorder in which

the apprehension or experience of recurring

panic attacks is so intense that normal

functioning is impaired.

Anxiety DisordersGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

DefinitionAn anxiety disorder

characterized as chronicdistress.

Common SymptomsFaster heart rate, sweating,increased blood pressure,muscle aches, intestinalpains, irritability, sleepproblems, and difficulty

concentrating.

Treatment• Psychotherapy• Behavioral therapy• Anti-anxiety drugs

Anxiety DisordersObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DefinitionAn anxiety disorder

characterized byobsessions and/or

compulsions that impairone’s ability to function and

form relationships.

ObsessionA recurring idea, thought, or

image.

CompulsionRepetitive behavior performed

according to certain rules or in a stereotyped fashion.

Treatment• Cognitive therapy• Behavioral therapy

• Medications

Attention DisordersAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

DefinitionA spectrum of difficulties in

controlling motion and sustaining attention,

including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility.

Potential ComplicationsAcademic difficulties, poor

concentration, difficulty making decisions,

relationship difficulties, sleep problems, increased risk of

depression, anxiety disorders, and substance

abuse.

Treatments• Medications

• Stimulants:• Ritalin

• Nonstimulants:• Strattera

• Psychotherapy

Schizophrenia

SymptomsHallucinations; delusions; inability to think in a logical manner;

talking in rambling or incoherent ways; making odd or purposeless movements; mimicking gesture or words; showing few, if any, emotions; lacking will or motivation; and functioning

at a much lower level.

CausesFailure in brain development early in life and genetics.

Not due to upbringing, social conditions, or traumatic experience.

TreatmentAntipsychotic medications

Table 2-3, p. 56

What Leads to Suicide?

Mental DisordersAntidepressant Medications

Substance AbuseHopelessnessFamily History

Physical IllnessBrain ChemistryAccess to Guns

Life Crises

Suicide Prevention

• Encourage your friend to talk.

• Don’t offer trite reassurances.

• Suggest solutions or alternatives to problems.

• Don’t be afraid to ask whether your friend has considered suicide.

• Don’t think that people who talk about killing themselves never carry out their threat.

Types of Therapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Psychiatric Drugs

Alternative Mind-Mood Products

Surviving and Thriving

• Recognize and express your feelings.

• Don’t brood.• Take one step at a

time.• Spend more time doing

those activities you know you do best.

• Separate what you do, especially any mistakes you make, from who you are.

• Use affirmations.• List the things you

would like to have or experience.

• Don’t dwell on the negative.

• Set a limit on self-pity.• Volunteer.• Exercise.