Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (eBook)

Professor Alexander Batthyany holds the Viktor Frankl Chair for Philosophy and Psychology in Vaduz (Liechtenstein) and teaches Cognitive Science at the University of Vienna. He also teaches Logotherapy and Existential Analysis at the Department of Psychiatry at Vienna Medical School where he is head of the Existential Cognition Research Group. Additionally, since 2012, Batthyany is Visiting Professor at the prestigious Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis. He is director of the Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna (founded in Vienna under the auspices of Viktor Frankl and his family and colleagues in 1992). In addition to his role as chair of the Science and Research Department of the Viktor Frankl Institute in Vienna, Batthyany works alongside of Dr. Eleonore Frankl running the private archives of Viktor Frankl. Batthyany is principal editor of the 12-volume edition of the Gesammelte Werke von Viktor Frankl (Collected Works of Viktor Frankl) and together with Péter Sárkány, he is editor of the first Hungarian book series on logotherapy and meaning-oriented, existential psychology and psychiatry. Batthyany has published several books and articles and lectures widely on philosophical psychology, the contemporary philosophy of mind, and logotherapy and existential analysis. His most recent book, Agency and the Self – A Study on Brain-Mind-Interactionism will be published by Marquette University Press in autumn 2013. 

Preface 6
References 10
Acknowledgements 12
Contents 14
Contributors 18
Part I: From the Archives 21
Economic Crisis and Mental Health from the Viewpoint of the Youth Counselor, 1933 22
Questions and Answers, June, 30, 1966 26
Memorial Speech on the 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Türkheim Concentration Camp (Dachau Complex), April 27, 1985 32
Memorial Speech on the 50th Anniversary of Austria’s Incorporation into Germany: Rathausplatz, Vienna, March 10, 1988 35
Two Letters after the Liberation from the last Concentration Camp, Türkheim (Dachau Complex), 1945 38
Part II: Research 42
Measuring Purpose 43
Surveys Aligned with Frankl’s Conception of Purpose 44
Ryff’s Purpose in Life Sub-scale 51
Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Survey 52
Survey Measures of Meaning and Constructs Related to Purpose 54
Less Commonly Used Survey Measures of Purpose 55
Interview Protocols 58
Other Measures of Life Purpose 59
References 64
The State of Empirical Research on Logotherapy and Existential Analysis 69
Introduction: Psychotherapy and Efficiency Research 69
Research on Logotherapy: Past and Present 70
Previous Reviews 72
Psychometric Instruments Measuring Purpose 72
The Impact of Sense of Meaning and Purpose in Life 73
Clinical Outcome Research 77
Mental Disorders and Psychological States of Suffering 77
Substance Abuse 79
Adaptation and Adjustment to Physical States of Suffering 80
Discussion and Future Perspectives 82
References 85
The Structural Validity and Internal Consistency of a Spanish Version of the Purpose in Life Test 91
Method 93
Participants 93
Measures 93
Procedure and Statistical Analysis 94
Results 94
Discussion 95
Appendix: Purpose in Life Test, Part A (Crumbaugh and Maholick 1969 Spanish translation, Noblejas 1994)
References 97
Factorial Structure of Längle’s Existence Scale 100
Factorial Structure of the Existence Scale 100
Method 102
Participants and Procedure 102
Measurement Instrument 103
Data Analysis 104
Results 105
Discussion 106
References 107
Meanings of Meaningfulness of Life 110
Introduction 110
Meaningfulness of Life: Assessment Tools and Theoretical Approaches 110
The Theory of Meaning 111
Objectives of the Study 113
Method 114
Participants 114
Tools 114
The Meaning-Based Scale of the MOL (MMOL) 114
The Test of Meanings (Kreitler and Kreitler 1990) 115
The Multidimensional Quality of Life Inventory for Adults: Short Version (Kreitler and Kreitler 2006) 115
An Overall Rating of Meaningfulness in Life: On a Single Rating Scale from 1 (None or Very Low) to 7 (Very High) 115
Procedure 115
Results 117
Discussion 118
References 120
Meaning and Automatic Stereotyping: Advancing an Agenda for Research 122
Meaning and Automatic Stereotyping: Advancing an Agenda for Research 122
Perceived Meaning in Life 123
Research on Meaning and Human Functioning 124
Automatic Stereotyping 127
Self-Esteem and Terror Management Theory 129
Meaning and Automatic Stereotyping 130
Advancing an Agenda for Research 132
Summary and Conclusions 133
References 134
Part III: Applied and Clinical Logotherapy and Existential Analysis 140
The Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders: An Update of Logotherapy 141
Relevance and Application of Logotherapy to Enhance Resilience to Stress and Trauma 145
Definitions 146
Definition of Resilience 146
Definition of Logotherapy 146
Determinants of Resilience 147
Optimism 147
Optimism and Resilience 147
Optimism and Logotherapy 148
Facing Fear 148
Facing Fear and Resilience 148
Facing Fear and Logotherapy 149
Values 150
Values and Resilience 150
Values and Logotherapy 151
Altruism 152
Altruism and Resilience 152
Altruism and Logotherapy 153
Religion/Spirituality 153
Religion/Spirituality and Resilience 153
Religion/Spirituality and Logotherapy 154
Flexibility: Acceptance and Cognitive Reappraisal 154
Acceptance and Resilience 155
Acceptance and Logotherapy 155
Cognitive Reappraisal and Resilience 155
Cognitive Reappraisal and Logotherapy 156
Humor 157
Humor and Resilience 157
Humor and Logotherapy 157
Active Coping 158
Active Coping and Resilience 158
Active Coping and Logotherapy 158
Stress and Training 159
Stress, Training, and Resilience 159
Stress, Training, and Logotherapy 160
Responsibility 160
Conclusion 161
References 161
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) for Advanced Cancer Patients 164
Introduction 164
Theoretical Conceptual Framework Underlying Meaning-­Centered Psychotherapy (Frankl’s Concepts of Meaning) 165
Main Themes and Format of the Therapy 166
Session 1: Concepts and Sources of Meaning 167
Session 1: Experiential Exercise 167
Session 2: Cancer and Meaning 167
Session 2: Experiential Exercise “Identity and Cancer” 167
Sessions 3 and 4: Historical Sources of Meaning 170
Session 3: Experiential Exercise: “Life as a Legacy That Has Been Given” 170
Session 4: Experiential Exercise “Life as a Legacy That You Live and Will Give” 170
Session 5: Attitudinal Sources of Meaning 170
Session 5: Experiential Exercise “Encountering Life’s Limitations” 171
Session 6: Creative Sources of Meaning 171
Session 6: Experiential Exercise “Engaging in Life Fully” 172
Session 7: Experiential Sources of Meaning 172
Session 7: Experiential Exercise “Connecting with Life” 172
Session 8: Transitions 172
Session 8: Experiential Exercise “Group Reflections and Hopes for the Future” 173
Key Therapist Techniques in the Application of MCGP 173
Group Process Skills and Techniques 173
Psycho-Educational Approach: Didactics and Experiential Exercises to Enhance Learning 173
A Focus on Meaning and Sources of Meaning as Resources 174
Incorporating Basic Existential Concepts and Themes 174
Key Challenges in Application of MCGP 174
Overview of Evidence on Efficacy 175
Service Development and Future Directions 175
Summary 176
References 176
Enhancing Psychological Resiliency in Older Men Facing Retirement with  Meaning-­Centered Men’s Groups 177
References 182
Amelioration of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Paradoxical Intention 186
Introduction 186
Method of Treatment 187
Results and Discussion 188
References 189
Family Adaptation in Families with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 190
Introduction 190
Method 193
Participants 193
Measures 193
Severity of the Stressors 193
Pileup of Demands 195
Social Support 195
Coping Strategies 196
Grasp of the Situation 196
Family Adaptation 196
Statistical Methodology 197
Results 197
Discussion 199
Implications for the Future and Practical Application 203
Conclusions 203
References 204
Integrating Logotherapy with Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Worthy Challenge 207
Introduction 207
Overview of Logotherapy 207
Fundamental Tenets of Logotherapy 208
Tridimensional View of the Human Being: Intentionality 208
Meaning and Freedom of Choice 208
Responsibility 209
Self-transcendence 210
Use of Healthy Inner Resources 210
Tragic Optimism 211
Goals and Therapeutic Process 211
Techniques of Logotherapy 211
Paradoxical Intention 212
Description and Use 212
Research 212
Dereflection 214
Description and Use 214
Research 214
Attitude Modification 216
Description and Use 216
Research Data on Logotherapy 217
Background 217
Psychometric Assessment 218
Theoretical Base of Logotherapy 219
Overview of CBT 219
The Cognitive Behavior Model 220
Goals and Therapeutic Process 221
Theoretical Base of CBT 221
Comparing CBT with Logotherapy 222
Similarities and Differences Between CBT and Logotherapy 222
Benefits for Combining CBT and Logotherapy 223
Conclusion 225
References 226
Workload, Existential Fulfillment, and Work Engagement Among City Council Members 228
Introduction 228
Workload 229
Existential Fulfillment 229
Work Engagement 229
City Council Members 230
Method 231
Participants 232
Measurements 232
Procedure 233
Statistical Analysis 233
Results 234
Sample Description 234
Discussion 239
References 241
Meaning and Trauma. From Psychosocial Recovery to Existential Affirmation. A Note on V. Frankl’s Contribution to the Treatment of Psychological Trauma 245
Introduction 245
Phenomenology of the Traumatic Experience 246
The Traumatic Event and the Crisis of Meaning 246
The Traumatic Event and the Loss of Meaning 247
The Restoration of Meaning 248
References 251
Logotherapy and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Case Study of a Kidnapping in Guatemala 252
Introduction 252
Descriptive Narrative 252
PTSD Background 253
Diagnosis 253
Multiaxial Diagnosis for “Maria”: (On Referral) 254
Presenting Problems 258
Patient information 258
Previous Treatments 258
Logotherapeutic Treatment Plan 259
Choice of Treatment 259
Therapeutic Goals 259
Logotherapeutic Techniques (Nonspecific Logotherapy) 260
Example of Intervention with Paradoxical Intention: Maria 260
First Week 260
Second Week 261
Third Week 261
Outcomes of Treatment 263
Therapist Report 263
Self-Report 263
Conclusions 264
Reference 264
Unimaginable Pain: Dealing with Suicide in the Workplace 265
Dealing with Sudden, Unnatural Deaths in the Workplace: Ten Reasons for “Managing The Unmanageable” 265
A Shattering Loss 265
Ever-Rising Urgency 266
Raising Awareness and Prevention 266
A Call for Best Workplace Health Management 266
Learning from Best Practices 266
The Bereaved Community 266
Inevitable Questions 267
Managing Extreme Emotions and Feelings 267
Guiding Through the Storm 267
Crisis Management 268
Facts and Figures: An Urgent Call for Joint Action 268
Depression: The Situation in Europe 268
Suicide: The Global Situation (Wasserman and Rihmer 2009) 269
References 270
Part IV: Existential Psychology and the Humanities 271
Acceptance Speech (Honorary Professorship, Bestowed from the Institute of Psychoanalysis, Moscow) 272
Logotherapy Beyond Psychotherapy: Dealing with the Spiritual Dimension 281
Psychotherapy is more than Psychotherapy 282
Living Existence vs. Determined Behavior: The Specific Challenge for Existential Psychotherapy 285
Frankl and the Challenge of the Noetic Dimension 286
Worldview and the Acquisition of the Noetic Experience 289
Psychotherapy vs. Life Enhancement Rehabilitation vs. Understanding
Conclusion 292
References 292
The World Still Cries for Meaning: Are We Still Listening? 295
Introduction 295
The Search for Meaning as a Universal Human Quest 296
Key Issues 296
Philosophical Foundations for Life Meaning 298
The Necessary Conditions for Meaning in Life 298
The Effects of Low Meaning 299
Conclusion 302
Bibliography 303
The Importance of Meaning in Positive Psychology and Logotherapy 306
Meaning in Positive Psychology 306
Meaning in Logotherapy 308
Mihaly Csikszentmihaly 309
Tal ben Shahar 310
The Authentic Happiness Center 311
Conclusion 312
References 313
Meaning-Seeking, Self-Transcendence, and Well-being 314
Introduction 314
Spiritual Nature of Meaning-Seeking and Self-Transcendence 315
Three Levels of Self-Transcendence 316
Seeking Ultimate Meaning 316
Seeking Situational Meaning 317
Seeking One’s Calling 318
Empirical Findings in Support of the Role of Meaning in Well-Being 319
Ultimate Meaning and Religious/Spiritual Beliefs 319
Situational Meaning and Mindfulness 319
Life’s Calling and Goal Striving 320
Self-Transcendence, Aging and Well-Being 320
Conclusion 320
References 321
Laudatio for Eleonore Frankl 325
References 327
Part V: Philosophy 328
What Are Minds For? 329
References 341
Towards a Tri-Dimensional Model of Happiness: A Logo-Philosophical Perspective 343
Happiness Must Not be Pursued 343
A Hermeneutics of Happiness 344
Happiness, Duty and Desire 344
Freud 344
Kant 345
Ricoeur 346
Logotherapy 347
Happiness Versus Meaning 348
Pleasure 351
Pleasure, Happiness, Joy 353
Dereflection 356
Pleasure, Happiness, Joy 359
Self-Transcendence 361
Conclusion 362
References 362
“Meaning Until the Last Breath”: Practical Applications of Logotherapy in the Ethical Consideration of Coma, Brain Death, and Persistent Vegetative States 364
New Technologies Bring New Questions 365
The Case of Kevin 367
How to Apply Principles of Logotheory? 369
Emergent Value Conflicts can be Addressed 370
Kevin’s Last “Words”: A Unique Experience 370
Questions for Consideration: By the Helper and Those Being Helped 372
References 374
Part VI: Book Reviews 376
Before Prozac. The Troubled History of Mood Disorders in Psychiatry: By Edward Shorter. Oxford University Press, 2008 Reviewed by S. Nassir Ghaemi 377
Philosophical Issues in Psychiatry II. Nosology: By Kenneth S. Kendler and Josef Parnas (Editors), Oxford University Press, 2012 382
The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort, and Strength—By The Healing Project, LaChance Publishing, 2009 386
Mind and Its Place in the World: By Alexander Batthyány and Avshalom Elitzur (Editors), Ontos, 2008. Irreducibly Conscious: By Alexander Batthyány and Avshalom Elitzur (Editors), Winter Universitätsverlag, 2009 390
Identity: Complex or Simple? Georg Gasser and Matthias Stefan (Editors), Cambridge University Press, 2013 393
Tragic Sense of Life: By Miguel de Unamuno, Multiple Editions 403
References 405
Portrait of the Psychiatrist as a Young Man: The Early Writing and Work of R.D. Laing, 1927–1960: By Allan Beveridge, Oxford University Press, 2011 406
Part VII: Institutional Section 411
The Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna 412
I. VIKTOR FRANKL´S PRIVATE ARCHIVES 413
II. ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT 413
III. UNIVERSITY TEACHING 413
IV. TEACHING AND TRAINING 413
V. PUBLICATIONS OF THE VIKTOR FRANKL INSTITUTE 414
VI. INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIP 414
International Directory of Logotherapy Institutes and Initiatives 415
International 416
Argentina 417
Australia 419
Austria 420
Brazil 423
Bulgaria 425
Canada 425
Chile 426
China/Hong Kong 426
Colombia 427
Croatia 428
Czech Republic 428
Dominican Rep. 428
Ecuador 429
Finland 429
France 430
Germany 430
Great Britain 435
Guatemala 435
Hungary 435
Iran 436
Ireland 436
Israel 436
Italy 437
Japan 437
Liechtenstein 438
Mexico 438
Netherlands 440
Nigeria 441
Peru 441
Poland 442
Romania 442
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 443
Slovakia 443
Slovenia 444
South Africa 444
Spain 445
Switzerland 445
Turkey 446
Uruguay 447
USA 447
Venezuela 450
Ph.D. Program in Logotherapy 451
Historical Background 451
The Ph.D. Program in Logotherapy 451
Accreditation and University Ranking 452
On Campus and Distance Programs 452
Academic Faculty 452
Contact 452
Index 453