Constructs for Engaging Emotions
Multiple disciplines can guide emotional dimensions of the human spirit. The theoretical constructs here create new vantage points well beyond a Feeling Wheel.
"What are emotions?" asks the philosopher. That question was asked in precisely that form over 100 years ago by William James in his essay for Mind and its Fringes.
James did much to define and shape the discipline of psychology, emotions and its relationship to religion. One of the most enduring western metaphors from Socrates and Plato is that emotions are always lurking in the background as we pursue reason. As painful as this idea is to the full embrace of the human spirit, this idea that reason and emotions are "master and slave" has continued to pervade.
Chaplains are the first responders when the feelings alarm rings. We are the professionals who show up for the caresseeker's 911 call:
“Help me, I am confused and distraught!" or
“Sit with me, I can not stop weeping for my husband” or
“What should I do? I am not used to feeling so much.”
Check out our resources below to begin unpacking the relevance of emotions to the work we do.
Handbook on the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Linking Thoughts to Feelings: Investigating Cognitive Appraisals and Consumption
Emotions in a Mixed-Emotions Context
The Value of Positive Emotions
What is Emotion Regulation and how do we do it?
Belief Desire Theory of Emotion
The Power of Naming Our Emotions
Consider
What emotions do you encounter as a chaplain that are still challenging for you to engage authentically? What resources might you need to find out why?