The strength of self-acceptance : theory, practice, and research

Self-acceptance is recognized in diverse schools of Christian and Eastern theology as well as in various schools of counseling and psychotherapy (e.g., Humanistic, Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy) as a major contributor to mental health, life satisfaction and wellness. A review of the professional literature reveals there is no text that spells out how different theologies, theories of personality and approaches to counseling and therapy conceptualize self-acceptance and how this concept is interrelated to other aspects and constructs of spirituality and psychological functioning (e.g., flexibility, mindfulness). Additionally, the field of positive psychology, which studies the character strengths and virtues that help individuals to experience well-being and to flourish, has largely ignored the concept of self-acceptance. "The rationale for this book is the exploration of how different theories (e.g., humanistic, cognitive-behavioral), theologies (e.g., Christianity, Buddhism) and therapies (e.g., REBT, CBT, ACT) view self-acceptance as a catalyst for the alleviation of emotional misery as well as an energizer supporting growth towards happiness and fulfillment. An additional rationale for this book is the desire to see self-acceptance recognized in the field of positive psychology as a fundamental character strength contributing to flourishing. Divided between theory and practice, The Strength of Self-Acceptance assembles current research and seminal theory on self-acceptance both as scientific construct and as character strength in one lucid, well-documented reference. An expert panel of international scholars and practitioners examines links between self-acceptance and related concepts such as self-esteem, self-awareness, acceptance of others, and happiness. Specific areas for practice include parenting, education, relationships, women's and older people's issues, and chronic illness, as well as guidelines for developing self-acceptance in therapy with all clients, and for measuring client progress. Throughout, self-acceptance is revealed not merely as a desirable state, but one essential to positive development and fulfillment. Included in the coverage: What Maslow, Rogers and May have to say about self-acceptance Albert Ellis and Steven Hayes present their views Buddhist radical acceptance and the willingness to experience and accept whatever is taking place in the moment How Christian scripture through the lessons of Jesus Christ teaches that sin does not reduce human worth The human biological propensity for self-depreciation and the importance of teaching unconditional self-acceptance Ways to measure self-acceptance. Classroom and counselling strategies for teaching self-acceptance to young people. Self-acceptance as an integral component of comprehensive mental health programsThe importance of social interest and responsibility in the encouragement of self-acceptance Compassionate self-acceptance and the aging process The Strength of Self-Acceptance offers a profound understanding of the nuances of self-acceptance to scholars in theology, psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy. In addition, the book should have an immediate impact on the work of counselors, clinicians and therapists." -- Library of Congress The rationale for this book is the exploration of how different theories (e.g., humanistic, cognitive-behavioral), theologies (e.g., Christianity, Buddhism) and therapies (e.g., REBT, CBT, ACT) view self-acceptance as a catalyst for the alleviation of emotional misery as well as an energizer supporting growth towards happiness and fulfillment. An additional rationale for this book is the desire to see self-acceptance recognized in the field of positive psychology as a fundamental character strength contributing to flourishing. Divided between theory and practice, The Strength of Self-Acceptance assembles current research and seminal theory on self-acceptance both as scientific construct and as character strength in one lucid, well-documented reference. An expert panel of international scholars and practitioners examines links between self-acceptance and related concepts such as self-esteem, self-awareness, acceptance of others, and happiness. Specific areas for practice include parenting, education, relationships, women's and older people's issues, and chronic illness, as well as guidelines for developing self-acceptance in therapy with all clients, and for measuring client progress. Throughout, self-acceptance is revealed not merely as a desirable state, but one essential to positive development and fulfillment. Included in the coverage: What Maslow, Rogers and May have to say about self-acceptance Albert Ellis and Steven Hayes present their views Buddhist radical acceptance and the willingness to experience and accept whatever is taking place in the moment How Christian scripture through the lessons of Jesus Christ teaches that sin does not reduce human worth The human biological propensity for self-depreciation and the importance of teaching unconditional self-acceptance Ways to measure self-acceptance. Classroom and counselling strategies for teaching self-acceptance to young people. Self-acceptance as an integral component of comprehensive mental health pro gramsThe importance of social interest and responsibility in the encouragement of self-acceptance Compassionate self-acceptance and the aging process The Strength of Self-Acceptance offers a profound understanding of the nuances of self-acceptance to scholars in theology, psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy. In addition, the book should have an immediate impact on the work of counselors, clinicians and therapists Front Matter....Pages i-xix Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Humanistic Psychology and Self-Acceptance....Pages 3-17 Self-Acceptance in Buddhism and Psychotherapy....Pages 19-38 Self-Acceptance and Christian Theology....Pages 39-64 The Value of a Human Being....Pages 65-72 Psychologically Flexible Self-Acceptance....Pages 73-92 Unconditional Positive Self-Regard....Pages 93-106 Unconditional Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion....Pages 107-120 Self-Acceptance and Happiness....Pages 121-137 Measuring and Characterizing Unconditional Self-Acceptance....Pages 139-151 Front Matter....Pages 153-153 Self-Acceptance in the Education and Counseling of Young People....Pages 155-192 Self-Acceptance and the Parenting of Children....Pages 193-214 Self-Acceptance and Successful Relationships....Pages 215-227 Self-Acceptance in Women....Pages 229-246 Self-Acceptance and Chronic Illness....Pages 247-262 Self-Acceptance and Aging: Using Self-Acceptance as a Mediator of Change in CBT with Older People....Pages 263-279 Back Matter....Pages 281-288