Validation of the LOVE Assessment Tool (LAT): A Pilot Study of Reliability and Validity
This study examines the psychometric properties of the LOVE Assessment Tool (LAT), a novel instrument based on the LOVE Model, which integrates attachment, spirituality, and adversity to promote holistic flourishing. Conducted with a pre-registered protocol on the Open Science Framework, the pilot study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design involving 112 adults from diverse cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
The LAT exhibited excellent psychometric properties, with a total scale reliability of Cronbach’s alpha = 0.968 and subscale reliabilities from α = 0.813 to 0.941. Validation of the Linkedness, Opulence, Valory, and Equanimity subscales confirmed their distinctiveness within the multidimensional framework. Convergent validity was established through correlations with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Flourishing Scale. In contrast, discriminant validity was shown via low correlations with unrelated measures like the Perceived Stress Scale.
Exploratory Factor Analysis highlighted each subscale’s unique yet interrelated contributions to flourishing. The LAT bridges the gap between spirituality and psychological well-being by operationalising constructs centred on agape—unconditional, divine love. It offers novel insights into secure spiritual attachment and well-being, with potential applications in clinical, educational, occupational, and community contexts. Its validation establishes the LAT as a credible tool for fostering Bliss—a state of enduring fulfilment and holistic flourishing.
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LOVE: A New Psychological Model of Bliss
Bliss, akin to flourishing, represents a state of holistic and enduring well-being that transcends fleeting happiness. It encompasses physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual dimensions, extending beyond survival into a deeper and eternal sense of fulfilment. At its core is a secure and personal relationship with a loving and benevolent God, which serves as the foundation for four core virtues: Linkedness, Opulence, Valory, and Equanimity, forming the LOVE Model.
Linkedness emphasizes secure relationships grounded in acceptance and belonging, fostering connections with God, others, and the universe. Opulence highlights access to essential resources and the ability to achieve personal and collective goals. Valory focuses on engaging in purposeful activities that provide meaning and benefit both oneself and others. Equanimity embodies resilience and gratitude, promoting peace and growth through adversity.
The LOVE Model is a relational psychological framework that integrates attachment theory, spirituality (attachment to the divine), and adversity to explain bliss. It introduces Differential Bliss Receptibility (DBR), which proposes that adversity heightens spiritual sensitivity, enabling individuals to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and flourishing. Rooted in agape—unconditional divine love—the model underscores the transformative power of a secure attachment to God, offering a transcendent and adaptable approach to holistic well-being that bridges psychology and spirituality. Read the article here
Positive Role of Adversity and Suffering in The Relationship Between Spirituality and Flourishing
This study looked at how stress affects the connection between spirituality -defined as a personal relationship with a loving God) and flourishing (living a fulfilling and meaningful life). It involved 468 participants (average age 21.55), mostly Christians (314) and Muslims (152), with 213 females and 271 males.
The study found that spirituality is linked to lower stress and higher flourishing. Stress, on the other hand, is linked to lower flourishing. Further analysis showed that stress partly explains how spirituality leads to flourishing—people with higher spirituality tend to experience less stress, which helps them flourish more.
Interestingly, for highly spiritual people, experiencing high levels of stress could actually boost their flourishing. This suggests that in some cases, challenges may help highly spiritual individuals grow stronger and live more meaningfully.
These findings highlight the importance of spirituality in reducing stress and improving well-being. They suggest using spiritual practices in stress management and mental health support. Read the article here.
The Moderating Effects of Religious Coping on the Relationship between Spirituality and Flourishing under High Adversity
This study examines how positive and negative religious coping influence the connection between spirituality and flourishing in people facing high adversity. Unlike most research focused on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) populations, this study explores a broader context using regression analyses and bootstrapping techniques.
The results show that positive religious coping strengthens the link between spirituality and flourishing, especially in high-stress situations. People with strong spirituality who used positive coping strategies experienced greater well-being despite adversity. In contrast, negative coping increased stress and reduced flourishing, negating the benefits of spirituality.
These findings highlight the value of promoting positive coping strategies alongside spiritual practices to build resilience and improve well-being. The study supports existential positive psychology, which sees suffering as essential for authentic well-being, and aligns with second-wave positive psychology, emphasising balance and growth through challenges. Practical implications include integrating positive coping into mental health interventions. Read the article here.
Positive Effects of Adversity on Religiosity, Spirituality and Depression: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
This study explored how adversity (life challenges) can positively influence the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and depression. Researchers reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2022 using 7 databases (via EBSCOhost) with search terms like religion, religiosity, spirituality, adversity, stressful life experiences, and depression. The findings were grouped into themes that revealed how adversity interacts with these factors.
The study found that while adversity can cause short-term mental distress, it can also create differential spiritual receptivity—a long-term openness to spiritual growth and deeper spiritual understanding. This receptivity can lead to increased spiritual growth, stronger mental resilience, and a more robust ability to cope with challenges. Spirituality was shown to have significant protective effects against depression, such as reducing its onset and lowering the chances of relapse, particularly for individuals who experienced severe adversity. In contrast, religiosity appeared more effective for those who faced less intense challenges.
These findings highlight the complex and transformative role of adversity, with important implications for understanding mental well-being and developing clinical practices that integrate spirituality and religiosity. Read the article here
Could some forms of psychological adversity be a blessing in disguise?
Spirituality is often seen as a mixed experience. On one hand, it is highly valued by medical experts because it can bring comfort and is considered one of the best protections against depression and other mental health issues. On the other hand, spirituality can sometimes lead to challenges like spiritual crises or mental health problems.
This paper explores why spirituality has this dual nature and explains how spiritual challenges, while difficult, can actually be opportunities for personal growth. These experiences can help people develop stronger mental health and a deeper sense of purpose. The paper also discusses what this means for mental health professionals and how they can support individuals on their spiritual journeys. Read the paper here
How to cite this paper: Maturlu, N. D. (2024a). Could some forms of psychological adversity be a blessing in disguise?. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14046793
