Publishing knowledge. Inspiring transformation. Books, reports, essays and working papers from LOVE AND BLISS.
Writings
Essays and research notes
Reflections from the institute on love, bliss, adversity and flourishing — every article from our archive, in one place.
22 November 2025
Kavotemia: Thriving Because of AdversityDr Noel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.2 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/xiaph2 KEYWORDS : Kavotemia; Differential Bliss Receptibility; Adversity; Flourishing; Spirituality. Abstract Kavotemia is introduced as a novel interdisciplinary construct that describes the capacity to…9 September 2025
The Social, Emotional, and Educational Impact of Family Disruption on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic ReviewDr Noel Maturlu, Dr Jesse Omoregie, Dr Philip Nukpe, Parvaneh Sara Pakshir Published in Issue 1.2 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/5b43rx KEYWORDS : Family disruption; Broken homes; Impacts of family disruption; Impact of broken homes; Adolescent mental health. Abstract…21 August 2025
Domestic Violence in the UK Zimbabwean DiasporaAuthors: Mvikeli Ncube, Ph and Professor Matthew Hall Published in Issue 1. 0 // The LaB http://doi.org/10.63994/veaodh K ey words: Zimbabwean diaspora, migration, culture, relationships, domestic violenceT, Spirituality, Bliss, Flourishing, Adversity Abstract Political…21 August 2025
Family Kinship: For Better or for WorseDr Noel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.2 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/xiaph2 KEYWORDS : Kinship; Human flourishing; Divine love; Family bonds; African religiosity Abstract Kinship, especially the family bond between parents and children, forms the foundation of human…21 August 2025
Silent Killers of Love: The Toxic Power of Unspoken and Unrealistic ExpectationsDr Noel Maturlu Published in Issue 1. 2 // The LaB http://doi.org/10.63994/y01a4i K eywords: Unrealistic Expectations, Intimate Relationships, Myths, Marriage, Resilience Abstract Unrealistic and unspoken expectations are a major but often overlooked cause of dissatisfaction and…18 February 2025
Validation of The LOVE Assessment Tool (LAT): A Pilot study of Reliability and ValidityNoel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.1 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/vocsul KEYWORDS : LOVE, LAT, Spirituality, Bliss, Flourishing, Adversity Abstract This study examines the psychometric properties of the LOVE Assessment Tool (LAT), a novel instrument based on the LOVE…18 February 2025
Positive Role of Adversity and Suffering in The Relationship Between Spirituality and FlourishingNoel Maturlu Published in Issue 1. 0 // The LaB http://doi.org/10.63994/5q5dlt KEYWORDS : LOVE, LAT, Spirituality, Bliss, Flourishing, Adversity Abstract This study explores the role of adversity and suffering, specifically operationalised as stress, in the relationship between…18 February 2025
Positive Effects of Adversity on Religiosity, Spirituality and Depression: A Systematic Review and Narrative SynthesisNoel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.1 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/i909og KEYWORDS : Religiosity, Spirituality, Depression, Adversity, Differential Spiritual Receptivity Abstract The current study aimed to systematically examine the positive effects of adversity on the…18 February 2025
The Moderating Effects of Religious Coping on the Relationship between Spirituality and Flourishing under High AdversityNoel Maturlu Published in ssue 1.1 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/cvq4pd KEYWORDS : Spirituality, Positive Religious Coping, Suffering, Adversity, Flourishing Abstract This study investigates the moderating effects of positive and negative religious coping on the…18 February 2025
Could some forms of psychological adversity be a blessing in disguise?Noel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.1 // LaB Press http://dx.doi.org/10.62762/IECE.2024.000000 KEYWORDS : Spirituality, spiritual emergency, mental health, mental disorder. Abstract Spirituality has been described as an ambivalent experience. On the one hand, due to its soothing…18 February 2025
LOVE: A New Psychological Model of BlissNoel Maturlu Published in Issue 1.1 // LaB Press http://doi.org/10.63994/j4j1wd KEYWORDS : LOVE, Spirituality, Bliss, Flourishing, Adversity. Abstract Bliss, akin to flourishing, represents a holistic state of optimal well-being that transcends fleeting happiness, encompassing…14 February 2025
As Jesus' Valentine, Your Prosperity is Heaven’s BusinessNoel Maturlu//Issue 1. 1 It’s one thing to be loved, but it’s another to know—deep in your soul—that you are loved. When love is truly understood and appreciated, it has the power to transform every aspect of your life. What if I told you that you are Christ’s chosen lover,…7 February 2025
Chosen and Loved for GoodOne of the most life-giving scriptures I have ever encountered is found in John 15:16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last, and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." Let that…31 January 2025
The Law of Lost-and-foundThere is a profound theory suggesting that the contrast between having and losing—or losing and regaining—magnifies our perception of value. For example, recovering from illness makes us keenly aware of the benefits of health because we have experienced its absence. The same…11 January 2025
2025: The Year of LOVE and Bliss!Hi, and Happy New Year, 2025! As we step into this new chapter, I’m reminded of the importance of reflecting on where we’ve been and envisioning where we’re headed. Many of you may know about my lifelong passion for exploring the nature of prosperity, the role of adversity, and…11 January 2025
The Cardinal Formula for Economic ProsperityAmong Afro-communities, spiritual manifestations—such as miraculous deliverance, healing, and even resurrection—are common. However, these same spiritual powers have yet to produce sustained economic prosperity. African descendants—both on the continent and in the diaspora—tend…11 January 2025
What if God asks you to make a wish?We are still at the beginning of a new year, and for many is the time for resolutions, prayers, supplications and wishing—wishing for better days, new opportunities, and a fresh start. Now, imagine you suddenly find yourself in the presence of our generous God—the One who owns…2 January 2025
Becoming a PhD is Great; The Discoveries Behind it Are Greater.Attaining a PhD, the highest academic degree, is a significant achievement, one for which I am profoundly grateful. Yet, while the title of "Doctor" carries immense pride, the scientific discoveries that emerged from this journey are far more meaningful to me. For me, the PhD…22 November 2024
What is Wrong with the God of Africans?In the ever-evolving world, the art of forging genuine connections remains timeless. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or partners, establishing a genuine rapport paves the way for collaborative success.22 November 2024
The PICH: Place I Call HomeChallenges in business are a given, but it’s our response to them that defines our trajectory. Looking beyond the immediate obstacle, there lies a realm of opportunity and learning.22 November 2024
Adversity: Blessing in Disguise?Many of us love to hate adversity, and it’s easy to see why—it often brings loss, pain, and discomfort. But what if adversity is actually a blessing in disguise? My recent research suggests exactly that. When we cultivate spirituality—a personal, secure relationship with a…