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The Intersection of Spirituality, Therapy, Men’s Existential Crisis: Uncovering Pathways to Meaning and Wellbeing

Prosjektperiode

mai 2024–mai 2027

Veiledere

Main supervisor: Associate professor Åse Holmberg, VID Specialized University

Co-supervisor: Professor Oddgeir Synnes, VID Specialized University

About the project

This project seeks to understand the role of spirituality in addressing existential struggles in men’s lives, its contribution to their sense of meaning, wellbeing, and resilience, 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 six men’s groups with spiritual or religious orientations:

  • Christian men’s group in Oslo, Norway
  • Tijaniyya Sufi group in Oslo, Norway
  • Buddhist men’s circle in Nesodden, Norway
  • Bhakti men’s group in Vrindavan, India
  • Wixárika (Huichol) tribe from Mexico in Costa Rica
  • Yawanawa tribe from Brazil in Costa Rica

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