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Social Psychological and Spiritual Discomfort: Legitimization of the Need for Transcendence and Psychological Listening.

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Title: Social Psychological and Spiritual Discomfort: Legitimization of the Need for Transcendence and Psychological Listening.
Authors: Testoni, Ines (AUTHOR), Vischio, Alex (AUTHOR), Ciappa, Concetta (AUTHOR), Gentile, Martina (AUTHOR), De Vincenzo, Ciro (AUTHOR)
Source: Pastoral Psychology. Oct2025, Vol. 74 Issue 5, p713-726. 14p.
Subjects: Psychological distress, Transcendence (Philosophy), Mental health services, Interdisciplinary research, Active listening, Emotional trauma
Geographic Terms: Italy
Abstract: This study explores the interplay between social psychological distress and spiritual suffering, examining the motivations leading individuals in Italy to seek support from spiritual figures rather than mental health professionals. Grounded in a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach and using a mixed-method research design, the study's data were collected through standardized psychological scales and semistructured interviews with 35 adult participants who had sought help from an exorcist or a spiritual and pastoral guide. Quantitative findings revealed that religion and transcendence serve as coping strategies, significantly correlating with lower psychological distress. Additionally, early-life emotional neglect and exposure to traumatic experiences were associated with existential suffering. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four key themes: existential distress, exposure to trauma, the need to feel understood and accepted, and faith as a resilience source. While many participants benefited from spiritual support, they also sought mental health assistance, underscoring the necessity of integrating spirituality into psychological care. The research highlights the significance of transcendence, self-transcendence, and spirituality in fostering well-being and mitigating existential distress. These findings advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between spiritual caregivers and mental health professionals to address existential suffering comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Pastoral Psychology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: Social Psychological and Spiritual Discomfort: Legitimization of the Need for Transcendence and Psychological Listening.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Pastoral+Psychology%22">Pastoral Psychology</searchLink>. Oct2025, Vol. 74 Issue 5, p713-726. 14p.
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  Data: This study explores the interplay between social psychological distress and spiritual suffering, examining the motivations leading individuals in Italy to seek support from spiritual figures rather than mental health professionals. Grounded in a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach and using a mixed-method research design, the study's data were collected through standardized psychological scales and semistructured interviews with 35 adult participants who had sought help from an exorcist or a spiritual and pastoral guide. Quantitative findings revealed that religion and transcendence serve as coping strategies, significantly correlating with lower psychological distress. Additionally, early-life emotional neglect and exposure to traumatic experiences were associated with existential suffering. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four key themes: existential distress, exposure to trauma, the need to feel understood and accepted, and faith as a resilience source. While many participants benefited from spiritual support, they also sought mental health assistance, underscoring the necessity of integrating spirituality into psychological care. The research highlights the significance of transcendence, self-transcendence, and spirituality in fostering well-being and mitigating existential distress. These findings advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between spiritual caregivers and mental health professionals to address existential suffering comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Pastoral Psychology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1007/s11089-025-01225-3
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              Text: Oct2025
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