Existential Positive Psychology (PP 2.0) and the New Science of Flourishing Through Suffering

This editorial was submitted by Paul T. P. Wong (Trent University), Claude-Hélène Mayer (University of Johannesburg), and Gökmen Arslan (Mehmet Akif Ersoy University) for the Frontiers special issue on COVID-19 and Existential Positive Psychology (PP 2.0): The New Science of Self-Transcendence.

COVID-19 has changed everything. It has brought devastations and disruptions (Gallup, 2020; Harvard, 2021), but in the midst of devastations there is transformation and innovation. This special issue of Frontiers provides an introduction to the new science of flourishing through suffering (Wong 2021a) and a new vista of meaning-centered global wellbeing (Batthyany & Russo-Netzer, 2014; DeAngelis, 2018; Wong, 2017a). The transformative power of suffering can be seen at various levels.

At the individual level, the adversity and lockdown from COVID-19 provide opportunities for business growth (Peek & Casarella, 2021; Valinsky, 2020) and personal transformation  (Kim et al., 2021; Weir, 2020; Williams et al., 2021). In short, it is possible that the worst of times can become the best of times for any individual with the necessary inner resources such as meaning, faith, courage, and creativity (Marano, 2021; Wong & Worth, 2017).

At the institutional level, the ever-evolving coronavirus has laid bare the inadequacies of the current medical model and the need for change in government policies in funding and mental healthcare (Wong, 2021b). For example, we may need more grass-roots mental health education (International Network on Personal Meaning, 2019) and more accessibility to different kinds of qualified mental health providers which are currently not supported by governments and insurance companies. We may also need to consider a more humanistic-existential orientation towards mental health as advocated by Rollo May (Schlett, 2021) and Victor Frankl (Wong, 2021c, 2021d).

At the cultural level, the pandemic represents a wake-up call to the weaknesses of an individualist and pleasure-seeking society like America in combating the coronavirus (Friedman, 2020). More specially, the anti-vaccination movement in the name of personal freedom and liberty reveals the fault-line in democracy: freedom without personal and social responsibility may endanger public health in terms of rising COVID cases (Gerson, 2021) and new waves of the pandemic (Aiello, 2021). The freedom to pursue happiness and pleasure without responsibility may be killing Western democracy because democracy without responsibility may degenerate to nihilism or succumb to authoritarianism.

What is Existential Positive Psychology? Why is it Necessary?

Times and Circumstances Have Changed

Seligman (1999) launched his brand of positive psychology at a time of peace and prosperity, but much has changed since 9/11. Things just got even worse with the pandemic. The first two decades of the 21st century seem to be more challenging for humankind than the Bill Clinton years that gave birth of PP1.0.

With COVID-19, the universality and importance of human suffering can no longer be denied or ignored even by the die-hard optimists. There is irrefutable evidence that the pandemic has caused immense human suffering globally (Andrian & Ming, 2021; CAMH, 2020; Hwang et al., 2020; Khan et al., in press). The death tolls and new cases are constantly on the mass media. Moreover, the need for vaccination, masking, and social distancing reminds us daily of the real and present danger of the coronavirus and its variants. COVID-19 poses as an existential crisis for both the young and old.

Existential Suffering

Most human suffering can be classified as existential suffering. According to Boston et al. (2021): “Themes common to the descriptions of existential suffering included lack of meaning or purpose, loss of connectedness to others, thoughts about the dying process, struggles around the state of being, difficulty in finding a sense of self, loss of hope, loss of autonomy, and loss of temporality.” This type of suffering calls for different ways of coping and interventions. Bates (2016) suggested that physicians can be trained to address existential suffering so that “it is possible for patients to transition from feeling hopeless to feeling more alive than ever.” More recently, Wong & Yu (2021) point out that even the dreaded time of dying can be transformed to a time of deep joy and liberation from human bondage through radical acceptance, faith in God, and support from family and community. That is why the mission of existential positive psychology is to investigate ways to reduce human suffering and transform it into human flourishing (Wong, 2009a, 2011, 2019a, 2021a).

In sum, just as the nature of mental illness and psychotherapy changed a great deal right after the Second World War (Schlett, 2021), so does the nature of mental health needs in the era of COVID-19. The happy song of positive psychology may sound jarring for those who are struggling and suffering. Sad songs (e.g., Honey & Wong, 2021) may be more comforting to the suffering people (Nield, 2016; Paulus, n.d.). Indeed, there are different kinds of wellbeing and happiness for different seasons of life (Lee, 2021).

Existential positive psychology represents a unique kind of second wave positive psychology because it embraces the human complexity of existentialism and Taoism. PP2.0 goes beyond mere recognition of polarity, and it makes the bold assumptions that (a) suffering is necessary for flourishing and (b) that enduring happiness and wellbeing can only be achieved through the dialectical integration of opposites. The metaphor of a piano keyboard can best illustrate the unique nature of PP2.0: beautiful music can only be produced by engaging both the black and white keys. As a caveat, in this special issue, EPP and PP2.0 are used interchangeably, but keep in mind that here, PP2.0 represents the synthesis between thesis (existentialism) and antithesis (positive psychology).

The Empirical Basis for the New Science of Flourishing Through Suffering

EPP (PP2.0), as explained above, is probably the most exciting development in positive psychology and mental health, not only because it changes the paradigm of wellbeing research and deepens our understanding of suffering, but also because it provides a rich arsenal of meaning-centered diagnostic and intervention tools (Arslan & Wong, 2022; Wong, 2019b; 2021b; Wong et al., 2021). The following selective review highlights empirical support of for the transformative power of suffering:

Suffering is Redemptive

Suffering can restore our soul by making us aware of our need to be connected with our spiritual dimension, or spiritual values such as compassion, humility, forgiveness, connections, and self-transcendence. This theme has a venerable history in psychology from James’ (1902/1912) need of rebirth for the sick soul, Carl Jung (1949)’s search for the hidden soul, Frankl’s (1985) unconscious God, and McAdam’s (2013) redemptive self.

Therefore, global wellbeing may depend on meeting our deep-seated yearnings for love, meaning, and faith. It seems reasonable to conclude that faith in God or a higher power, loving relationships, and meaningful work are essential for mental health (Mayer, 2017, 2021a, 2021b; Mayer & Fouché, 2021; Mayer & Viviers, 2018) just as food, water, and air are essential for our physical health.

Self-transcendence remains one the main themes in the new science of suffering (Frankl, 1946/1985; Kaufman, 2020; Wong, 2016) because it has the dual function of transcending personal limitations and the dark side of human existence and connecting with God and with humanity. It does not matter whether one lives a privileged and luxurious life, or in a life of conditions of poverty or traumatic stress; we all have the capability to react to adversity with self-transcendence or with anger and despair. We have the responsibility to choose to become better or bitter in a traumatic situation; that is why not all people experience post-traumatic growth.

In the present issue, Wong et al. (2021) supports the thesis that suffering triggers the search for meaning, or self-transcendence, which in turn function as a buffer against the adverse effects of suffering. This issue features other studies on self-transcendence (Braun-Lewensohn et al., 2021; Flotman, 2021; Kim et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2021; Mayer & May, 2021; Russo-Netzer & Ameli, 2021; Worth & Smith, 2021).

 Suffering Can Increase Our Resilience  

Suffering can increase our resilience by deepening our character strengths and broadening our capacity to cope. There is a vast literature on this topic because as an umbrella concept, suffering encompasses a number of related areas, such as pain, disease, stress, trauma, unpleasant emotions, hardships, conflicts, inner demons, and fear of death. For example,

Bueno-Gómez’s (2017) conceptualization of suffering includes many unpleasant aspects of life:

“Pain can be a source of suffering, but it is not the only one. Social problems like poverty, social exclusion, forceful social inclusion (like peer pressure), forced displacement and uprooting; existential and personal problems like grief and stress; conditions like nausea, paresthesia, a non-painful illness, anxiety or fear can likewise be a cause of suffering.”

Thus, by including the existential dimension we can transform suffering into flourishing, as we argue in this editorial. There is considerable empirical support for this positive view of suffering (Arslan & Yıldırım, 2021a; Cox et al., 2021; González-Tovar & Hernández-Rodríguez, 2021; Israelashvili, 2021; Parrott et al., 2021; Reed et al, 2021; van Zyl et al., 2021; Waters et al., 2021; Wilkie et al., 2021; Yıldırım & Arslan, 2021; Zhao et al., 2021). For example, Liu (2015) observed that “In what has been termed the ‘steeling effect,’ ‘stress inoculation,’ and ‘antifragility,’ exposure to moderate stressors early in life may confer resilience to potential detrimental effects of later stressors.”

Likewise, Wong has published extensively how proactive and transformative coping with stress and suffering can increases one’s resilience and wellbeing (Wong, 1989, 1993, 1995; Wong & Tomer, 2011; Wong, Reker et al., 2006; Wong, Wong et al., 2006). Recent research on overcoming the triad of ancient dark emotions – guilt, shame, and fear (Langewitz, 2021; Mayer & Vanderheiden, 2021; Mayer et al., 2021; Wong, 2019c) and the tragic triad of guilt, suffering, and death (Lukas, 1990) provides additional support for our thesis.

The present special issue provides more empirical support for the thesis that the most promising approach to cope with suffering is through (a) meaning-focused coping (Arslan & Yıldırım, 2021b, Arslan et al., 2021; Ashraf et al., 2021; Bergman et al., 2021; Eisenbeck et al., 2021; Enea et al., 2021; Karataş et al., 2021; Mayer, 2021c; Quiroga-Garza et al., 2021; Sanchez-Ruiz et al., 2021); and (b) self-transcendence (Braun-Lewensohn et al., 2021; Flotman, 2021; Kim et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2021; Mayer & May, 2021; Russo-Netzer & Ameli, 2021; Worth & Smith, 2021). The importance of existential courage is also an essential aspect of resilience (Chen et al., 2021; Fowers et al., 2021, Leung et al., 2021).

In sum, resilience is no longer defined only in terms of bouncing back. Rather, PP2.0 posits that the development of a resilient mindset (Wong, 2020a, 2020b) and the cultivating of inner resources (Wong, 2017b; Wong, Reker et al., 2006) represent a proactive way of coping with trauma, leading to true grit and resilience. This new approach involves a more realistic and existential way of viewing the world as full of suffering, but also full of overcoming (Apter, 2020; Vozza, 2020). All the good things we value and cherish are on the other side of suffering; we will not be able to fulfill our dreams without a resilient mindset to embrace sacrifices and to go through the gates of fears and suffering (Wong, 2020b).

Suffering Provides New Grounds for Hope and Happiness  

Suffering teaches us life intelligence and calm-based mature happiness as an antidote to a shallow view of life. Wong’s has published extensively on tragic optimism and mature happiness (Wong, 2009b, 2017c; Wong & Bowers, 2018; Wong & McDonald, 2002). An existential perspective enables us to see life as it is and yet with a trauma-informed positivity.

Sustainable wellbeing can be achieved through learning how to make the best use of the dynamic and dialectic interplay between positive and negative life experiences in each context. The ancient Yin-Yang dialectic or the contemporary dual-system model (Wong, 2012) provides a blueprint of how to navigate between opposite forces, such as good and evil, and self and other, which are prevalent in life (Deng et al., 2020; Lomas & Ivtzan, 2016; Wong, 2020c; Wong & Bowers, 2018).

To succeed in life or achieve wellbeing, one needs to find the right balance between Yin and Yang. In other words, PP2.0 represents the complete circle or the wholeness of wellbeing in which Yin and Yang co-exist in optimal balance and harmony as shown in the Yin-Yang symbol.

Several papers in this issue show that suffering can lead to deeper joy, inner harmony, or calm-based happiness (Carreno et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2021; Robbins, 2021; Wąsowicz et al., 2021); existential gratitude and altruistic behaviour (Al-Refae et al., 2021; Jans-Beken, 2021; Kotera & van Gordon, 2021; Kotera et al., 2021); and a sense of tragic optimism (Leung et al., 2021; Mead et al., 2021) through dialectics and courage (Bai et al., 2021; Ferreira et al., 2021; Rajkumar, 2021; Van Tongeren & Showalter Van Tongeren, 2021).

Conclusion

The collection of articles in this special issue represents a rich tapestry of PP2.0 and new vistas for global wellbeing research. We are glad that a forthcoming textbook on positive psychology is based on the existential perspective (Worth, 2021; Wong, 2021e). We believe that additional books and articles will follow

The take-home message of this special issue is that in the final analysis, all our efforts to advance global wellbeing and human flourishing will not succeed until we recognize and address the different sources of suffering. This conclusion is no different from medical science– physical health and public health cannot be achieved without controlling diseases and pathogens. Nature could be cruel. Life could be crueler. It is hard to understand how anyone can survive and thrive  a pain-ridden world without faith, hope, and love; these ideals can only be achieved by sinking our roots into deepest Hell and reaching towards the highest Heaven. This special issue of Frontiers draws attention to the missing link in wellbeing research: the existential positive psychology of transcending and transforming inescapable suffering into flourishing.

References

  1. Aiello, R. (2021, July 30). Canada is heading towards a ‘Delta-driven’ fourth wave, Tam says. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-is-heading-towards-a-delta-driven-fourth-wave-tam-says-1.5529290
  2. Al-Refae, M., Al-Refae, A., Munroe, M., Sardella, N. A., & Ferrari, M. (2021). A Self-Compassion and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Mobile Intervention (Serene) for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: Promoting Adaptive Emotional Regulation and Wisdom. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648087. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648087
  3. Andrian, T., & Ming, D. (2021). Human suffering during pandemic COVID-19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348350135_HUMAN_SUFFERING_DURING_PANDEMIC_COVID_19
  4. Apter, T. (2020). Anxiety Management and the Paradox of Trigger Warnings. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/domestic-intelligence/202009/anxiety-management-and-the-paradox-trigger-warnings
  5. Arslan, G. & Wong, P. T. P.  (2022). Measuring Personal and Social Responsibility: An Existential Positive Psychology Approach. Journal of Happiness and Health, 2(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.47602/johah.v2i1.5
  6. Arslan, G., & Yıldırım, M. (2021a). A Longitudinal Examination of the Association Between Meaning in Life, Resilience, and Mental Well-Being in Times of Coronavirus Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645597. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645597
  7. Arslan, G., & Yıldırım, M. (2021b). Meaning-Based Coping and Spirituality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Effects on Subjective Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 646572. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646572
  8. Arslan, G., Yıldırım, M., & Leung, M. M. (2021). Mediating Effect of Personal Meaning in the Prediction of Life Satisfaction and Mental Health Problems Based on Coronavirus Suffering. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 638379. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638379
  9. Ashraf, F., Zareen, G., Nusrat, A., Arif, A., & Griffiths, M. D. (2021). Correlates of Psychological Distress Among Pakistani Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Parallel and Serial Mediation Analyses. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647821. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647821
  10. Bai, H., Berry, K., Haber, J., & Cohen, A. (2021). Dancing With Non-duality for Healing Through the Shadows of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.647764
  11. Bates, A. T. (2016). Addressing existential suffering. BCMJ, 58(5), 268-273. https://bcmj.org/articles/addressing-existential-suffering
  12. Batthyany, A., & Russo-Netzer, P. (Eds.). (2014). Meaning in positive and existential psychology. Springer.
  13. Bergman, Y. S., Shrira, A., Palgi, Y., & Shmotkin, D. (2021). The Moderating Role of the Hostile-World Scenario in the Connections Between COVID-19 Worries, Loneliness, and Anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645655. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645655
  14. Boston, P., Bruce, A., & Schreiber, R. (2011). Existential suffering in the palliative care setting: An integrated literature review. J Pain Symptom Manage, 41, 604-618.
  15. Braun-Lewensohn, O., Abu-Kaf, S., & Kalagy, T. (2021). Hope and Resilience During a Pandemic Among Three Cultural Groups in Israel: The Second Wave of Covid-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 637349. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637349
  16. Bueno-Gómez, N. (2017). Conceptualizing suffering and pain. Philos Ethics Humanit Med, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13010-017-0049-5
  17. CAMH. (2020). Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
  18. Carreno, D. F., Eisenbeck, N., Pérez-Escobar, J. A., & García-Montes, J. M. (2021). Inner Harmony as an Essential Facet of Well-Being: A Multinational Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648280. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648280
  19. Chen C.-H., Chang, S.-M., & Wu, H.-M. (2021). Discovering and Approaching Mature Happiness: The Implementation of the CasMac Model in a University English Class. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.648311
  20. Cox, C. R., Swets, J. A., Gully, B., Xiao, J., & Yraguen, M. (2021). Death Concerns, Benefit-Finding, and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648609. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648609
  21. DeAngelis, T. (2018). In search of meaning. Monitor on Psychology, 49(9), 38. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/10/cover-search-meaning
  22. Deng, K., Wong, Y. J., Li, J. P. F., & McCullough, K. M. (2020). Dialectical coping and well-being among Chinese college students: the mediating role of resilience, Counselling Psychology Quarterly, DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2020.1783641
  23. Eisenbeck, N., Carreno, D. F., & Pérez-Escobar, J. A. (2021). Meaning-Centered Coping in the Era of COVID-19: Direct and Moderating Effects on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648383. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648383
  24. Enea, V., Eisenbeck, N., Petrescu, T. C., & Carreno, D. F. (2021). Perceived Impact of Quarantine on Loneliness, Death Obsession, and Preoccupation With God: Predictors of Increased Fear of COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643977. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643977
  25. Ferreira, M. J., Sofia, R., Carreno, D. F., Eisenbeck, N., Jongenelen, I., & Cruz, J. (2021). Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647984. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647984
  26. Flotman A. P. (2021). Work as Meaningful and Menacing Phenomenon for South African Middle Managers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Self-Transcendence in Cultivating Meaning and Wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 650060. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.650060
  27. Fowers, B. J., Novak, L. F., Calder, A. J., & Sommer, R. K. (2021). Courage, Justice, and Practical Wisdom as Key Virtues in the Era of COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647912. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647912
  28. Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man’s search for meaning. Washington Square Press. (Originally published in 1946)
  29. Frankl, V. E. (1985). The unconscious God. Washington Square Press.
  30. Friedman, U. (2020). Why America is uniquely unsuited to dealing with the coronavirus. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/03/coronavirus-united-states-vulnerable-pandemic/608686/
  31. Gallup. (2020). How Leaders Are Responding to COVID-19 Workplace Disruption. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/307622/leaders-responding-covid-workplace-disruption.aspx.
  32. Gerson, M. (2021, July 26). Opinion: Republicans who support anti-vaccine bills are engaging in performative libertarianism. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/07/26/sununu-medical-freedom-vaccine-bills-endanger-public-health/
  33. González-Tovar, M., & Hernández-Rodríguez, S. (2021). COVID-19 and Emotional Variables in a Sample of Chileans. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 615268. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.615268
  34. Harvard University. (2021, April 28). Office of the dean: The pandemic’s devastation continues. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/deans-office/2021/04/28/the-pandemics-devastation-continues/
  35. Honey, F. M., & Wong, P. T. P. (2021). Hold on [Song]. Songs by Francine.
  36. Hwang, T. J., Rabheru, K., Peisah, C., Reichman, W., & Ikeda, M. (2020). Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. International psychogeriatrics, 1–4. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220000988
  37. International Network on Personal Meaning. (2019, May 2). Giving positive psychology away as a grassroots movement to combat the mental health crisis of depression and suicide. EinNews. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/484071351/giving-positive-psychology-away-as-a-grassroots-movement-to-combat-the-mental-health-crisis-of-depression-and-suicide
  38. Israelashvili J. (2021). More Positive Emotions During the COVID-19 Pandemic Are Associated With Better Resilience, Especially for Those Experiencing More Negative Emotions. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648112. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648112
  39. James W. (1902/1912). The Varieties of Religious Experience. Oxford University Press.
  40. Jans-Beken L. (2021). A Perspective on Mature Gratitude as a Way of Coping With COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 632911. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.632911
  41. Jung, C. G. (1949). Modern man in search of a soul. K. Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.
  42. Karataş, Z., Uzun, K., & Tagay, Ö. (2021). Relationships Between the Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, Hope and COVID-19 Fear for Turkish Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 633384. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633384
  43. Kaufman, S. B. (2020). Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. Tarcher Perigee.
  44. Khan, S., Line, K., Browne, A., & Reimer-Kirkham, S. (Eds.). (In press). Global suffering and uncertainty in the COVID-19 pandemic: Exposing the fault lines through narrative/discourse analysis [research topic]. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20758/global-suffering-and-uncertainty-in-the-covid-19-pandemic-exposing-the-fault-lines-through-narrative
  45. Kim, J. J., Munroe, M., Feng, Z., Morris, S., Al-Refae, M., Antonacci, R., & Ferrari, M. (2021). Personal Growth and Well-Being in the Time of COVID: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 648060. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648060
  46. Kotera, Y., & Van Gordon, W. (2021). Effects of Self-Compassion Training on Work-Related Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 630798. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.630798
  47. Kotera, Y., Mayer, C. H., & Vanderheiden, E. (2021). Cross-Cultural Comparison of Mental Health Between German and South African Employees: Shame, Self-Compassion, Work Engagement, and Work Motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 627851. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627851
  48. Langewitz, W. A. (2021). Book Review: The Value of Shame – Exploring a Health Resource in Cultural Contexts. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.629339
  49. Lee, M. T. (2021, August 6-8). The ‘Flavorful Life’ is Bitter and Sweet: Pathways to Flourishing in a Time of Suffering. In Global wellbeing during the pandemic: Honouring Ed Diener [Symposium]. International Network on Personal Meaning 11th Biennial International Meaning Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.\
  50. Leung, M. M., Arslan, G., & Wong, P. T. P. (2021). Tragic Optimism as a Buffer against COVID-19 Suffering and the Psychometric Properties of a Brief Version of the Life Attitudes Scale (LAS-B). Frontiers, 12, 646843. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646843
  51. Liu, P., Wang, X., Li, D., Zhang, R., Li, H., & Han, J. (2021). The Benefits of Self-Transcendence: Examining the Role of Values on Mental Health Among Adolescents Across Regions in China. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 630420. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.630420
  52. Liu R. T. (2015). A developmentally informed perspective on the relation between stress and psychopathology: when the problem with stress is that there is not enough. Journal of abnormal psychology, 124(1), 80–92. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000043
  53. Lomas, T., & Ivtzan, I. (2016). Second wave positive psychology: Exploring the positive-negative dialectics of wellbeing. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17(4), 1753-1768. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9668-y
  54. Lukas, E. (1990). Overcoming the “tragic triad.” International Forum for Logotherapy, 13(2), 89–96.
  55. Marano, H. E. (2021, November 2). The great reset. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/articles/202111/the-great-reset
  56. Mayer, C.-H. (2017). The life and creative works of Paulo Coelho. Springer.
  57. Mayer, C.-H. (2021a). Angela Merkel’s Faith: Its Implications for Political Leadership and Coping with Covid-19. Presentation at the 11th International Virtual Meaning Conference, 6-8 August 2021.
  58. Mayer, C.-H. (2021b). Leading with faith: Angela Merkel in psychobiographical perspective. In E. Po, R. Klipatrick, & T. Pratt (Eds.), Reimagining Faith and Management: The Impact of Faith in the Workplace (pp. 32-46). Routledge.
  59. Mayer, C.-H. (2021c). Albert Camus – A Psychobiographical Approach in Times of Covid-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 644579. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644579
  60. Mayer, C.-H., & Fouché P. J. P. (2021) Lessons Learnt from Baruch Spinoza: Shame and Faith Development in the Light of Challenges in Contemporary Society. In C.-H. Mayer, E. Vanderheiden, & P. T. P. Wong (Eds.), Shame 4.0. Investigating an Emotion in Digital Worlds and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (pp. 247-274). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59527-2_13
  61. Mayer, C.-H., & May, M. S. (2021). Women Leaders Transcending the Demands of Covid-19: A Positive Psychology 2.0 Perspective. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647658. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647658
  62. Mayer, C.-H., & Vanderheiden, E. (2021). Transforming Shame in the Pandemic: An International Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 641076. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641076
  63. Mayer, C.-H., & Viviers, R. (2018). “Can one put faith and work in the same sentence?” Faith development and vocation of a female leader in the engineering profession. Journal of Religion and Health, 57(3), 821-835. DOI 10.1007/s10943-017-0404-2
  64. Mayer, C.-H., Vanderheiden, E. & Wong, P. T. P. (2021). Shame 4.0. Investigating an Emotion in Digital Worlds and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Springer.
  65. McAdams, D. P. (2013). The redemptive self: Stories Americans live by. Oxford University Press.
  66. Mead, J. P., Fisher, Z., Tree, J. J., Wong, P., & Kemp, A. H. (2021). Protectors of Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Key Roles for Gratitude and Tragic Optimism in a UK-Based Cohort. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647951
  67. Nield, D. (2016, July 15). Here’s why listening to sad music makes you feel better. Sciencealert. https://www.sciencealert.com/new-research-reveals-the-pain-and-pleasure-of-listening-to-sad-music
  68. Parrott, J., Armstrong, L. L., Watt, E., Fabes, R., & Timlin, B. (2021). Building Resilience During COVID-19: Recommendations for Adapting the DREAM Program – Live Edition to an Online-Live Hybrid Model for In-Person and Virtual Classrooms. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647420. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647420
  69. Paulus, N. (n.d.). How listening to sad music can make you feel better. Musicto. https://www.musicto.com/news/how-listening-to-sad-music-can-make-you-feel-better/
  70. Peek, S., & Casarella, D. (2021, June 4). 15 business ideas to launch during a pandemic. USChamber.com. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/business-ideas/pandemic-business-ideas
  71. Quiroga-Garza, A., Cepeda-Lopez, A. C., Villarreal Zambrano, S., Villalobos-Daniel, V. E., Carreno, D. F., & Eisenbeck, N. (2021). How Having a Clear Why Can Help Us Cope With Almost Anything: Meaningful Well-Being and the COVID-19 Pandemic in México. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648069. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648069
  72. Rajkumar R. P. (2021). Suffering and Salutogenesis: A Conceptual Analysis of Lessons for Psychiatry From Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0) in the Setting of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 646334. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646334
  73. Reed, D. E., 2nd, Lehinger, E., Cobos, B., Vail, K. E., 3rd, Nabity, P. S., Helm, P. J., Galgali, M. S., & McGeary, D. D. (2021). Authenticity as a Resilience Factor Against CV-19 Threat Among Those With Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643869. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643869
  74. Robbins B. D. (2021). The Joyful Life: An Existential-Humanistic Approach to Positive Psychology in the Time of a Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648600. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648600
  75. Russo-Netzer, P., & Ameli, M. (2021). Optimal Sense-Making and Resilience in Times of Pandemic: Integrating Rationality and Meaning in Psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645926. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645926
  76. Sanchez-Ruiz, M. J., Tadros, N., Khalaf, T., Ego, V., Eisenbeck, N., Carreno, D. F., & Nassar, E. (2021). Trait Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing During the Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Centered Coping. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648401. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648401
  77. Schlett, J. (2021). Frontier struggles: Rollo May and the little band of psychologists who saved humanism. The University of Akron Press.
  78. Seligman, M. E. P. (1999). The APA 1998 annual report. American Psychologist, 54(8), 537-568. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.54.8.537
  79. Valinsky, J. (2020, May 11). Business is booming for these companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/business-is-booming-for-these-companies-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.4933907
  80. Van Tongeren, D. R., & Showalter Van Tongeren, S. A. (2021). Finding Meaning Amidst COVID-19: An Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 641747. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641747
  81. van Zyl, L. E., Rothmann, S., & Zondervan-Zwijnenburg, M. (2021). Longitudinal Trajectories of Study Characteristics and Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 633533. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633533
  82. Vozza, S. (2020). These 5 myths about resilience might be hurting your ability to cope. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90547087/these-5-myths-about-resilience-might-be-hurting-your-ability-to-cope
  83. Wąsowicz, G., Mizak, S., Krawiec, J., & Białaszek, W. (2021). Mental Health, Well-Being, and Psychological Flexibility in the Stressful Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 647975. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647975
  84. Waters, L., Allen, K. A., & Arslan, G. (2021). Stress-Related Growth in Adolescents Returning to School After COVID-19 School Closure. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643443. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643443
  85. Weir, K. (2020, June 1). Life after COVID-19: Making space for growth. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/06/covid-life-after
  86. Wilkie, L., Arroyo, P., Conibeer, H., Kemp, A. H., & Fisher, Z. (2021). The Impact of Psycho-Social Interventions on the Wellbeing of Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648286. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648286
  87. Williams, L., Rollins, L., Young, D., Fleming, L., Grealy, M., Janssen, X., Kirk, A., MacDonald, B., & Flowers, P. (2021). What have we learned about positive changes experienced during COVID-19 lockdown? Evidence of the social patterning of change. PloS one, 16(1), e0244873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244873
  88. Wong, P. T. P. (1989). Personal meaning and successful aging. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 30(3), 516–525. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0079829
  89. Wong, P. T. P. (1993). Effective Management of Life Stress: The Resource-Congruence Model, Stress Medicine, 9, 51-60.
  90. Wong, P. T. P. (1995). A stage model of coping with frustrative stress. In R. Wong (Ed.), Biological perspectives on motivated activities (pp. 339–378). Ablex Publishing.
  91. Wong, P. T. P. (2009a). Existential positive psychology. In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), Encyclopedia of positive psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 361-368). Wiley Blackwell.
  92. Wong, P. T. P. (2009b). Viktor Frankl: Prophet of hope for the 21st century. In A. Batthyany & J. Levinson (Eds.), Existential psychotherapy of meaning: Handbook of logotherapy and existential analysis. Tucker & Theisen.
  93. Wong, P. T. P. (2011). Positive psychology 2.0: Towards a balanced interactive model of the good life. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 52(2), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022511
  94. Wong, P. T. P. (2012). Toward a dual-systems model of what makes life worth living. In P. T. P. Wong (Ed.), The human quest for meaning: Theories, research, and applications (2nd ed., pp. 3-22). Routledge.
  95. Wong, P. T. P. (2016). Self-Transcendence: A Paradoxical Way to Become Your Best. International Journal Of Existential Positive Psychology, 6(1), 9. http://journal.existentialpsychology.org/index.php/ExPsy/article/view/178
  96. Wong, P. T. P. (2017a). Meaning-centered approach to research and therapy, second wave positive psychology, and the future of humanistic psychology. The Humanistic Psychologist, 45(3), 207-216. doi:10.1037/hum0000062
  97. Wong, P. T. P. (2017b). Coping and stress. In A. Wenzel (Ed.), The SAGE encyclopedia of abnormal and clinical psychology (pp. 886-890). Sage.
  98. Wong, P. T. P. (2017c, May 16). Courage, faith, meaning, and mature happiness in dangerous times. Positive Living Newsletter. http://www.drpaulwong.com/inpm-presidents-report-may-2017/
  99. Wong, P. T. P. (2019a, November 21). Why and How I Developed the Positive Psychology of Suffering. Dr. Paul T. P. Wong. http://www.drpaulwong.com/why-and-how-i-developed-the-positive-psychology-of-suffering/
  100. Wong, P. T. P. (2019b, October 10). What is the Greatest Need Today? Responsibility is the Key to Surviving and Thriving in Dangerous Time. Positive Living Newsletter. http://www.drpaulwong.com/what-is-the-greatest-need-today-responsibility-is-the-key-to-surviving-and-thriving-in-dangerous-times/
  101. Wong, P. T. P. (2019c). Foreword: From shame to wholeness: An existential positive psychology perspective. In C.-H. Mayer, & E. Vanderheiden (Eds.), The bright side of shame: Transforming and growing through practical applications in cultural contexts (pp. v-ix). Springer.
  102. Wong, P. T. P. (2020a). Made for Resilience and Happiness: Effective Coping with COVID-19 According to Viktor E. Frankl and Paul T. P. Wong. Toronto, ON: INPM Press.
  103. Wong, P. T. P. (2020b). The maturing of positive psychology and the emerging PP2.0 [Book review of Positive Psychology (3rd ed.) by William Compton and Edward Hoffman]. International Journal on WellBeing, 10(1). Doi:10.5502/ijw.v10i1.885
  104. Wong, P. T. P. (2020c). Existential Positive Psychology and Integrative Meaning Therapy. International Review of Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2020.1814703
  105. Wong, P. T. P. (2021a). Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0) and global wellbeing: Why it is Necessary During the Age of COVID-19. International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology, 10(1), 1-16. https://www.meaning.ca/ijepp-article/vol10-no1/what-is-existential-positive-psychology-pp-2-0-why-is-it-necessary-for-mental-health-during-the-pandemic/
  106. Wong, P. T. P. (2021b, August 6-8). Meaning Conference 2021 summit symposium on mental health – introduction. In P. T. P. Wong (Chair), Mental Health [Symposium]. International Network on Personal Meaning 11th Biennial International Meaning Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  107. Wong, P. T. P. (2021c). Preface: Frankl’s cure for a soulless psychology and a sick society. In N. Krasovska & C.-H. Mayer, Psychobiography of Viktor Frankl. Springer publishing.
  108. Wong, P. T. P. (2021d). The Frankl cure for the 21st century: Why self-transcendence is the key to mental health and flourishing. PsyArXiv. Doi: 10.31234/osf.io/tbx3f
  109. Wong, P. T. P. (2021e). Foreword. In P. Worth (Ed.), Positive Psychology Across The Life Span An Existential Perspective. Routledge.
  110. Wong, P. T. P., & Bowers, V. (2018). Mature happiness and global wellbeing in difficult times. In N. R. Silton (Ed.), Scientific concepts behind happiness, kindness, and empathy in contemporary society. IGI Global.
  111. Wong, P. T. P., & McDonald, M. (2002). Tragic optimism and personal meaning in counselling victims of abuse. Pastoral Sciences, 20(2), 231-249.
  112. Wong, P. T. P., & Tomer, A. (2011). Beyond terror and denial: The positive psychology of death acceptance [Editorial]. Death Studies, 35(2), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2011.535377
  113. Wong, P. T. P., & Worth, P. (2017). The deep-and-wide hypothesis in giftedness and creativity [Special issue]. Psychology and Education, 54(3/4). http://www.psychologyandeducation.net/pae/category/volume-54-no-3-4-2017/
  114. Wong, P. T. P., & Yu, T. T. F. (2021). Existential suffering in palliative care: An existential positive psychology perspective. Medicina, 57(9), 924. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57090924
  115. Wong, P. T. P., Reker, G. T., & Peacock, E. J. (2006). A resource-congruence model of coping and the development of the coping schema inventory. In P. T. P. Wong & L. C. J. Wong (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural perspectives on stress and coping (pp. 223–283). Spring Publications. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-26238-5_11
  116. Wong, P. T. P., Wong, L. C. J., & Scott, C. (2006). Beyond stress and coping: The positive psychology of transformation. In P. T. P. Wong & L. C. J. Wong (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural perspectives on stress and coping (pp. 1–26). Spring Publications. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-26238-5_1
  117. Wong, P. T. P., Arslan, G., Bowers, V. L., Peacock, E. J., Kjell, O. N. E., Ivtzan, I., Lomas, T. (2021). Self-transcendence as a buffer against COVID-19 suffering: The development and validation of the Self-Transcendence measure-B. Frontiers, 12, 4229. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648549
  118. Worth, P. (Ed.). (2021). Positive psychology across the life span: An existential perspective. Routledge.
  119. Worth, P., & Smith, M. D. (2021). Clearing the Pathways to Self-Transcendence. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648381. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648381
  120. Yıldırım, M., & Arslan, G. (2021). A Moderated Mediation Effect of Stress-Related Growth and Meaning in Life in the Association Between Coronavirus Suffering and Satisfaction With Life: Development of the Stress-Related Growth Measure. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648236. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648236
  121. Zhao, H., Xiong, J., Zhang, Z., & Qi, C. (2021). Growth Mindset and College Students’ Learning Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Serial Mediation Model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 621094. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621094

 

 

Cite

Wong, P. T. P., Mayer, C.-H., & Arslan, G. (2021). Existential Positive Psychology (PP 2.0) and the New Science of Flourishing Through Suffering [Special Issue Editorial]. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.800308/full