About the project
This project seeks to understand the role of spirituality in addressing existential crises in men’s lives, its contribution to their sense of meaning, and how these insights can inform current family therapy practices.
The primary research question will be:
- How does spirituality play a role in addressing existential crises in the lives of men, and how does it impact their sense of meaning, wellbeing, and resilience?
The secondary research questions are:
In what ways can spirituality be effectively integrated into family and couples therapy to facilitate the exploration of existential concerns among men?
- What are the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of spirituality into family and couples therapy as a means to address existential concerns in men?
- How do men's spiritual beliefs and practices intersect with their understanding of masculinity and influence their mental health outcomes?
Each of the secondary research questions will conclude in an article to be published. Methods will include semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and ethnographic fieldwork. Fieldwork will be conducted in three men’s groups with religious/spiritual orientations: a Christian men’s group in Oslo, Norway; a Tijaniyya Sufi group in Oslo Norway; Buddhistic men’s circle in Nesodden, Norway; and finally a Bhakti men’s group in Vrindavan, India.
Background
Master in Peace, Conflict, Development and International Relations Studies, University of Innsbruck
Research Group
FAMSYS – Family Therapy and Systemic Practise Research
EXIST – Existential perspectives in research and practice