Creativity and spirituality in coping : a multi-method investigation into the perceived mental health benefits of the creativity-spirituality construct

• Main Author: Corry, Dagmar A. S.
• Published: Ulster University 2011
• Subjects: 616.89
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.538950

Whilst the beneficial effects of creativity and spirituality on mental health have been well documented, there has been little theoretical or empirical attention given to the interactive effect of the two constructs with respect to coping. This thesis provides both theoretical and empirical contributions to this proposed interactive effect. Against the conceptual backdrop of humanistic, positive, and transpersonal psychology, the thesis examines the role of creativity and spirituality in coping, the proposed relationship with hope, meaning in life, and self esteem, and their combined potential mental health benefits. The theoretical expositions are empirically tested in three independent studies - two quantitative surveys (n1 = 610, n2= 816), and one qualitative study (n = 10). The construction and validation of ¡°The Creative Coping Scale¡± and ¡°The Spiritual Coping Scale¡±; and the development of the theory of transformative coping are reported, and the newly developed transformative coping model is critically outlined. Preliminary working definitions for creativity and spirituality have been constructed through thematic analysis of participant definitions. The results of the three independent studies contained within this thesis were consistent. In each study, a sizeable proportion of participants identified themselves as being both creative and spiritual. The definitions of creativity and spirituality given by the participants of all three studies converged. A positive association between creative and spiritual coping was found in each study. A positive association between creative and spiritual coping and measures of hope, meaning in life and self-esteem was established. In conclusion it is suggested that, on a practical level, the active and conscious use of a combination of creativity and spirituality be integrated into therapy by practitioners through offering a positive, respectful and individualistic choice in order to address their clients. coping difficulties throughout the lifespan.