Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the ways in which Buddhist forms of self-cultivation and development endow an individual with the psychological capacity for emotional, cognitive, and behavioral adjustments that enhance their unique mode of interaction with the world. To begin, we examine the religious form of self-cultivation found in Buddhism and its goal of eliminating delusory perspectives through developmental practices. Following that, we discuss psychological self-cultivation, training, development, and education as they relate to the treatment of schizophrenia and its defining characteristic of delusions. Additionally, the delusory-mitigation strategies found in Buddhism is compared to clinically-based treatments for psychotic delusions across the schizophrenia spectrum. Finally, we consider the context of these delusions by conducting a cross-cultural analysis of the specific contents of religious delusions and their current treatment. According to this analysis, self-cultivation lends itself readily to a psychological application through a dialectical sorting process involving self-reflection, mental investigation, and cognitive restructuring of perceptions, values, and desires. Religious self-cultivation entails development through the progressive development of one’s mind or capacities through intentional action; clinical psychology’s therapeutic project aspires to many of the same goals as religious self-cultivation.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Physiology, Kinesiology and Psychology of Wellness in its Social Context
KEYWORDS
Health Psychology, Cross-Cultural Studies, Multicultural Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Well-Being, Society
