Contemporary Existential Motivation Practices

Existential Motivation Practices: Awareness, Research and Resources

“Thus, human existence–at least as long as it has not been neurotically distorted–is always directed to something, or someone, other than itself, be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter lovingly." ― Viktor E. Frankl

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” ― Stephen Covey

Contemporary Existential Motivation 

"Existentialism, a philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, has found a unique place in contemporary motivational practices. By integrating existential principles into coaching, therapy, and self-help methodologies, practitioners aim to help individuals navigate the complexities of modern life, find purpose, and embrace authenticity. Here’s how existentialism is being applied in today's motivational practices:

Authenticity and Self-Discovery

• Embracing Authenticity: Encouraging individuals to live authentically by recognizing and honoring their true selves. This involves understanding personal values, desires, and motivations rather than conforming to societal expectations.
• Self-Reflection: Techniques like journaling and mindfulness are used to promote self-discovery and help individuals identify what truly matters to them.

Freedom and Choice

• Empowering Decision-Making: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of choice and personal responsibility. Motivational practices often focus on empowering individuals to make conscious decisions and embrace their freedom to shape their lives.
• Overcoming Indecision: By recognizing that every choice involves a degree of uncertainty, individuals are encouraged to act decisively and take ownership of their paths.

Meaning and Purpose

• Finding Purpose:  Existential motivational practices help individuals explore and define their life's purpose. This might involve identifying passions, setting meaningful goals, or engaging in activities that align with personal values.
• Viktor Frankl’s Influence: Viktor Frankl, an existential psychologist, emphasized the search for meaning as a primary human drive. His ideas are often incorporated into motivational strategies to help individuals find meaning even in difficult circumstances.

Existential Anxiety and Uncertainty

• Facing Existential Anxiety: Motivational practices often address existential anxiety—the discomfort of facing life's uncertainties and the inevitability of death. By confronting these fears, individuals can develop resilience and a greater appreciation for life.
• Acceptance of Uncertainty: Encouraging acceptance of life's uncertainties rather than striving for control. This approach helps individuals build resilience and adapt to changing circumstances.

Responsibility and Accountability

• Taking Responsibility: Existentialism stresses personal responsibility for one's actions and their outcomes. Motivational practices encourage individuals to take ownership of their lives and accept accountability for their decisions.
• Empowering Change: By recognizing their role in shaping their destiny, individuals are motivated to make positive changes and pursue personal growth.

Existential Coaching and Therapy

• Existential Coaching: Coaches integrate existential principles to help clients explore their life choices, confront challenges, and pursue authenticity and meaning.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Existential therapy is used to help individuals confront existential dilemmas, such as the search for meaning and the reality of mortality. This therapeutic approach fosters personal insight and growth.

Community and Connection

• Building Meaningful Relationships: Encouraging individuals to form authentic connections and foster a sense of belonging, counteracting feelings of isolation and alienation.
• Shared Human Experience: Highlighting the commonality of existential concerns can create empathy and understanding, strengthening community bonds.

Examples of Existentialism in Motivational Practices

• Existential Workshops: Workshops and retreats focusing on existential themes, such as finding purpose or embracing authenticity, are becoming popular in motivational settings.
• Literature and Media: Books, podcasts, and online content often explore existential themes, offering insights and guidance for those seeking personal growth.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that promote self-awareness and presence can help individuals connect with their existential concerns and find peace in the present moment.

Key Figures and Influences

• Viktor Frankl: His concept of "logotherapy," which focuses on finding meaning in life, is a cornerstone of existential motivational practices.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Emphasized the importance of freedom and choice, influencing motivational approaches that empower individuals to take control of their destinies.

• Martin Heidegger: His exploration of "being" and authenticity informs practices that encourage individuals to live genuinely and confront existential challenges.

Existentialism offers valuable insights for contemporary motivational practices by addressing the fundamental human concerns of freedom, choice, meaning, and authenticity. By integrating existential principles, individuals are encouraged to confront their fears, embrace their freedom, and create purposeful and fulfilling lives. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the self and the world, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of modern existence with resilience and courage." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

An Existential Theory of Motivation and Frankfurt's Theme of Identification PhilPapers

Existential Agency: A Resource for Psychological Functioning and Goal Motivation SSRN

Existential Fundamental Motivation Springer Link

Existential Motivation Lab Cleveland State University Department of Psychology PDF Download

Existential Psychology and Intrinsic Motivation: Deci, Maslow, and Frankl Academic Oxford

Existential Psychotherapy GoodTheraphy

Existential Therapy: Make Your Own Meaning Positive Psychology

Existentialism in Design: Motivation Digifesto

Experimental Existential Psychology Oxford Bibliographies

From Biological Needs to Existential Motives: Meaning, People, & Esteem International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology

Humanistic and Existential Theory: Frankl, Rogers, and Maslow Portland State University

Meaning and Existential Fundamental Motivations Academia

The Existential Fundamental Motivations Structuring The Motivational Process Längle Alfried International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, Vienna PDF Download

The Existential Motivation: Searching for Meaning-The Contribution of Meaningful Work on Meaning in Life ResearchGate

The Role of Cultural Beliefs and Existential Motivation in Suffering Perceptions Taylor and Francis Online

The Search for Meaning in Life and the Existential Fundamental Motivations APA Psycnet

Vernon Chalmers Existential Motivation Mental Health and Motivation

Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Existential Psychology Pressbooks

What to Know About Existential Dread WebMD

8 Life Lessons from Jean-Paul Sartre (Existentialism)

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources

Global Trends in Youth Mental Health

Trends in Youth Mental Health: Awareness, Research and Resources

“If you were born with the weakness to fall, you were born with the strength to rise.” — Rupi Kaur

“You can’t see the future coming—not the terrors, for sure, but you also can’t see the wonders that are coming, the moments of light-soaked joy that await each of us.” — John Green

Global Trends in Youth Mental Health Research

Trends in Youth Mental Health

"Youth mental health has become a growing area of concern, with various trends highlighting both the challenges and evolving approaches to addressing them. Here are some key trends in youth mental health:

1. Rise in Mental Health Issues

• Increased Anxiety and Depression: Rates of anxiety and depression among youth have risen significantly in the last decade. Social media, academic pressures, and global uncertainty (e.g., climate change, political instability) are often cited as contributing factors.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, with young people experiencing heightened feelings of isolation, fear, and stress due to school closures, lack of social interaction, and uncertainty about the future.
  
  

2. Social Media and Mental Health

• Cyberbullying: Social media has provided platforms for bullying, which can severely affect self-esteem and lead to anxiety and depression.
• Body Image Issues: Constant exposure to filtered images and "idealized" standards of beauty has been linked to body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders among young people.
• Digital Detoxes: In response, there is growing awareness of the need for "digital detoxes" and limits on screen time, with some youth taking conscious breaks from social media to protect their mental health.
  
  

3. Mental Health Stigma Reduction

• More Open Conversations: Younger generations are more willing to talk about mental health issues compared to previous generations. There’s a cultural shift toward normalizing discussions around therapy, anxiety, and depression.
• Influence of Celebrities and Social Media Influencers: Many celebrities and influencers openly share their mental health struggles, helping to destigmatize seeking help and promoting awareness.
  
  

4. Access to Mental Health Resources

• Teletherapy and Online Resources: Teletherapy and mental health apps have made it easier for youth to access mental health care. These digital resources offer an alternative to traditional in-person therapy, making it more accessible, especially during the pandemic.
• School-Based Mental Health Programs: Many schools are integrating mental health resources and counseling services, recognizing the importance of addressing these issues early on.
  
  

5. Focus on Prevention and Resilience

• Resilience Building: Programs focused on building resilience and teaching coping strategies are becoming more common. These aim to equip young people with tools to manage stress, failure, and difficult emotions.
• Mindfulness and Mental Wellness Practices: Schools and youth programs are increasingly incorporating mindfulness practices, yoga, and meditation into their curricula to help students manage stress and improve overall mental health.
  
  

6. Rise in Substance Use and Self-Harm

• Substance Abuse: There’s a concerning rise in the use of substances such as alcohol, vaping, and cannabis among teens, often linked to coping mechanisms for underlying mental health issues.
• Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are also on the rise among youth, making suicide prevention efforts more crucial than ever. Campaigns focusing on mental health hotlines and support networks are attempting to curb this trend.
  
  

7. Intersectionality and Mental Health

• LGBTQ+ Youth: LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionately higher rates of mental health issues due to stigma, discrimination, and sometimes lack of family support. Mental health services are increasingly becoming more inclusive of the specific needs of this community.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Mental health approaches are becoming more culturally sensitive, recognizing that youth from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds experience mental health challenges differently.
  
  

8. Parental and Societal Pressures

• Academic and Career Pressures: Many young people face immense pressure to succeed academically and secure future career opportunities. These pressures can contribute to burnout and stress.
• Economic Anxiety: The rising cost of living, housing issues, and concerns about future job stability contribute to financial anxiety among youth.
  
  

9. Youth Advocacy and Activism

• Mental Health Advocacy: Many young people are becoming advocates for mental health awareness, pushing for better resources in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• Social Justice Movements: Youth are increasingly involved in social justice causes like climate action and racial equality. While empowering, the intensity of these movements can also contribute to emotional exhaustion and anxiety.
  
  

10. Innovative Mental Health Interventions

• AI and Mental Health Support: AI-based chatbots and mental health platforms are being developed to provide personalized support and therapy options.
• Peer Support Networks: Peer-to-peer mental health support programs are becoming more popular, recognizing the value of shared experiences and communal support for addressing mental health concerns.

These trends reflect a complex landscape where youth mental health is both at risk and supported by evolving cultural and technological solutions.

Global Trends in Youth Mental Health

Global youth mental health trends mirror many of the challenges seen in individual countries but reflect a diverse range of cultural, economic, and social factors. Here are the key trends in global youth mental health:

1. Global Rise in Mental Health Disorders

• Increased Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Worldwide: Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression have been on the rise globally, with youth in both high-income and low-income countries affected. The WHO estimates that 1 in 7 adolescents globally experiences a mental disorder, with depression being one of the leading causes of disability among young people.
• COVID-19's Global Impact: The pandemic heightened mental health challenges for youth globally, leading to increased rates of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Remote learning and lockdowns disproportionately affected youth in vulnerable communities, exacerbating mental health concerns.
  
  

2. Access to Mental Health Care Disparities

• Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): Youth in LMICs often face significant barriers to accessing mental health care due to lack of resources, stigma, and the scarcity of mental health professionals. In many countries, mental health services are underfunded and underdeveloped.
• Digital Solutions Bridging Gaps: Teletherapy and mental health apps are increasingly used globally, particularly in countries with limited access to traditional mental health services. These platforms can help youth in rural or underserved areas access mental health support, although digital divides remain a barrier in some regions.
  
  

3. Cultural Attitudes Toward Mental Health

• Mental Health Stigma in Different Cultures: In many parts of the world, mental health is still heavily stigmatized. Cultural attitudes often discourage open discussions about mental illness, leading to delays in seeking help. However, global efforts to destigmatize mental health are gaining traction, with international organizations and local NGOs raising awareness.
• Shifting Perspectives: Younger generations across different cultures are more open to discussing mental health compared to older generations. This is particularly evident in countries like India, China, and parts of Africa, where traditional views are gradually being challenged by youth who are advocating for more mental health resources.
  
  

4. Impact of Globalization and Social Media

• Cultural Homogenization and Pressure: The global spread of social media and Western cultural ideals is affecting youth worldwide. Exposure to social media’s portrayal of "perfect" lifestyles can lead to body image issues, self-esteem problems, and increased feelings of inadequacy among youth from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Cyberbullying is a global issue, with youth in different countries facing online harassment. In countries where internet access is rapidly expanding, cyberbullying has become a new and emerging mental health challenge.
  
  

5. Urbanization and Mental Health

• Urban Stressors: In many rapidly urbanizing parts of the world, youth are exposed to stressors such as overcrowding, noise, pollution, and lack of green spaces, which contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and stress.
• Rural-Urban Disparities: Youth in rural areas often face different mental health challenges, such as isolation, lack of mental health services, and limited access to educational and employment opportunities. The rural-urban divide in access to mental health care is a global issue, seen in countries from sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America.
  
  

6. Economic Inequality and Mental Health

• Socioeconomic Strain: Economic instability, poverty, and lack of employment opportunities are key contributors to poor mental health among youth globally. In developing nations, financial insecurity often leads to high levels of stress and anxiety.
• Migration and Displacement: Youth in war-torn or politically unstable regions face mental health challenges due to trauma, displacement, and forced migration. Refugees and internally displaced youth are at higher risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, especially in conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, and parts of Africa.
  
  

7. Youth in Conflict Zones

• Mental Health Impact of Violence and Conflict: Youth in conflict zones and areas affected by violence and war (e.g., the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Latin America) experience significant trauma, which can lead to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD. Children growing up in war zones face unique mental health challenges that require specialized interventions.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Globally, there is a growing recognition of the need for trauma-informed mental health services for youth exposed to war, violence, and natural disasters.
  
  

8. LGBTQ+ Youth

• Global Discrimination and Stigma: LGBTQ+ youth face elevated mental health risks globally due to discrimination, violence, and stigma. In countries with less legal protection and social acceptance, LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
• Emerging Support Networks: In many regions, there is an increase in grassroots organizations offering support to LGBTQ+ youth, although access to these resources remains limited in more conservative or less developed areas.
  
  

9. Global Suicide Prevention Efforts

• Youth Suicide on the Rise Globally: Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally. Countries across regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America, have reported rising suicide rates among youth, prompting international suicide prevention initiatives.
• National Mental Health Strategies: Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia have implemented national suicide prevention strategies that focus on youth, incorporating mental health education, crisis hotlines, and social support systems.
  
  

10. Global Mental Health Advocacy

• Youth as Mental Health Advocates: Young people globally are increasingly engaging in mental health advocacy. International movements, such as those promoted by the WHO and UNICEF, are working to amplify youth voices in shaping mental health policies.
• Youth-Led Movements: In regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia, youth-led organizations are emerging to tackle mental health challenges, advocating for increased funding, better education, and more accessible services.
  
  

11. Climate Anxiety and Environmental Concerns

• Climate Change and Eco-Anxiety: Youth worldwide are expressing concerns about the future due to climate change. “Eco-anxiety” is particularly prevalent among young people who feel uncertain and powerless about the state of the environment, with many fearing long-term consequences.
• Youth-Led Environmental Movements: Global movements like Fridays for Future, led by youth activists, are mobilizing to demand action on climate change, but many young people feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge, contributing to stress and anxiety.
  
  

12. Global Efforts to Promote Mental Health Education

• Increased Focus on Mental Health Literacy: Countries worldwide are recognizing the importance of mental health education in schools, helping students develop emotional intelligence, coping strategies, and awareness of mental health issues.
• International Collaboration: Global organizations, such as the WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO, are working with national governments to improve youth mental health through education, policy reform, and the promotion of mental health resources.
  
  

These global trends highlight the diverse and interconnected factors influencing youth mental health across different regions and cultures. Global responses are evolving, with a growing focus on reducing disparities, fostering resilience, and improving access to mental health care for young people." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

A Generation Adrift: Why Young People are Less Happy and what we can do about it World Economic Forum

Addressing The Youth Mental Health Crisis: The Urgent Need For More Education, Services, And Supports Mental Health America

Addressing the Global Crisis of Child and Adolescent Mental Health JAMA Paediatrics

Child and Adolescent Well-being: Global Trends, Challenges and Opportunities World Happiness Report

Explaining Long-Term Trends in Adolescent Emotional Problems: What We know from Population-Based Studies Springer Link

Global Research Priorities for Youth Mental Health NIH

Global Issues Are Taking a Major Toll on Young People’s Mental Health The New York Times

Kids’ Mental Health is in Crisis. Here’s what Psychologists are doing to help (2023 Report) American Psychological Association

Lancet Report: “Megatrends” Are Taking Major Toll on Youth Mental Health; Policy Action Needed Global Wellness Institute

New Evidence of Rising Youth Mental Health Concerns Columbia University

New Reports Examine Trends in Youth Mental Health American Psychiatric Association

Priority actions for improving population Youth Mental Health: An Equity Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand ScienceDirect

Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents KFF

Socioeconomic Differences and Global Trends in Youth Wellbeing and Emotional Distress in 165 Countries and Territories ScienceDirect

To What Extent Are Trends in Teen Mental Health Driven by Changes in Reporting? The Journal of Human Resources

Youth Mental Health Is Worsening: “Connectedness” Is The Key Forbes

Youth Mental Health Toolkit On 5 Emerging Issues in Africa PDF Download African Union

A New Theory on the Teen Mental Health Crisis - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources

Mental Health and Hobbies

 Hobbies are Beneficial for Maintaining and Improving Mental Health

Mental Health Application and Research

“If you are losing your leisure, look out! -- It may be you are losing your soul.”

― Virginia Woolf

“My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence.”

― Edith Sitwell

Hobbies for Improving Mental Health

Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies

Mental Health and Hobbies

"Engaging in hobbies can play a crucial role in supporting mental health and well-being.

Here are some ways in which hobbies can positively impact mental health:

1. Stress Reduction: Hobbies provide a break from daily stressors and allow individuals to focus on enjoyable activities. Engaging in hobbies such as painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or practicing yoga can help reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and improve overall mood.

2. Increased Sense of Accomplishment: Pursuing hobbies allows individuals to set goals, work towards them, and experience a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's completing a challenging puzzle, finishing a knitting project, or learning a new dance routine, the process of working on and achieving goals can boost self-esteem and confidence.

3. Improved Cognitive Function: Many hobbies involve mental stimulation, which can enhance cognitive abilities. Engaging in activities like reading, solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or learning a new language can improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

4. Social Connection: Hobbies often provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build social support networks. Joining a book club, participating in a team sport, or attending hobby-based workshops or classes can foster social interaction, reduce feelings of loneliness, and promote a sense of belonging.

5. Enhanced Creativity: Hobbies that involve creative expression, such as painting, writing, or crafting, can stimulate the imagination and foster self-expression. Engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, express themselves, and gain a sense of personal fulfillment.

6. Mindfulness and Flow: Many hobbies offer opportunities to enter a state of mindfulness or "flow." Flow refers to a state of deep engagement and concentration in an activity, where time seems to fly by. Activities such as gardening, playing a musical instrument, or practicing a martial art can facilitate this immersive experience, promoting mental well-being and a sense of being fully present.

7. Stress Release and Emotional Outlet: Hobbies can provide a healthy outlet for processing emotions and releasing stress. Engaging in physical activities like jogging, dancing, or playing sports can help release endorphins and reduce tension. Creative hobbies, such as writing in a journal, playing music, or painting, can also serve as emotional outlets, allowing individuals to express and process their feelings.

Remember, it's important to choose hobbies that genuinely interest you and bring you joy. Explore different activities and find what resonates with you the most. Incorporating hobbies into your routine can contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, supporting your mental health and well-being." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Association of Enjoyable Leisure Activities With Psychological and Physical Well-Being NIH

Best Hobbies for Mental Health Healthgrades

Can Hobbies Actually Make You a Better Person? Harvard Business Review

Engagement in Leisure Activities and Depression in older Adults in the United States: Longitudinal evidence from the Health and Retirement Study Science Direct

Hobbies may help Defeating Depression MedicalXpress

Hobbies and Mental Health – How To Benefit From Free Time Harley Therapy

Hobbies That Help Fight Depression and Anxiety The Source

How Hobbies Benefit Our Mental Health Oregon Counselling

How Hobbies can Improve Mental Health and Overall Well-Being SFM

How Hobbies Improve Mental Health Utah State University

How Possibly Do Leisure and Social Activities Impact Mental Health of Middle-Aged Adults in Japan?: An Evidence from a National Longitudinal Survey ResearchGate

Mental Health, Art and Creativity Mental Health and Motivation

Mental Health and Photography Mental Health and Motivation

Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies WebMD

Pursuing a Hobby can Improve your Mental Health Connect Health

Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being PDF Download University of California

The Psychological Benefits of Picking Up a Hobby Discover

The Relationship between Organised Recreational Activity and Mental Health Government of Western Australia

The Science of Side Projects: How Creative Hobbies Improve Our Performance at Everything Buffer

The Science behind why hobbies can improve our mental health The Conversation

Why Hobbies are good for your Mental Health 7 Summit Pathways

Why Is Having a Hobby Beneficial for Your Mental Health Psychreg

16 Reasons Why Hobbies Are Important - Video

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Abuse and Domestic Violence: 'Result from Playing Chess'

From the Vernon Chalmers' Online Journal, now Accurately Narrated by Microsoft Copilot

“Winning a few games of chess became one of the most miserable events of my life... I was oblivious to the fact that a few friendly checkmates could result in exposing a slumbering narcissistic wound. ” ― Vernon Chalmers

“It was like when you make a move in chess and just as you take your finger off the piece, you see the mistake you've made, and there's this panic because you don't know yet the scale of disaster you've left yourself open to.” ― Kazuo Ishiguro

Let’s delve into the intriguing connection between Vernon Chalmers and Chess. 

It appears that a seemingly innocuous game of chess had unexpected consequences in his personal life.

The Chess Game:

• One evening, Chalmers played chess with his ex-girlfriend. Despite his initial reluctance (having not played in 30 years), he engaged in the game.
• Surprisingly, he won the first two games, and she won the third. The tension escalated when he won a couple more games.
• Instead of celebrating the friendly competition, his ex-girlfriend became angry, and her behavior took a dark turn.

The Shocking Turn of Events:

• She threatened him with a knife, using words that literally meant harm.
• Verbal abuse followed, with belittling name-calling.
• Chalmers was in shock, realizing he was treading dangerous territory.

Physical Assault:

• Weeks later, the situation escalated further. He was physically attacked - punched, clothes ripped off, and screamed at.
• Despite this, he chose not to retaliate. Instead, he calmly planned his exit strategy.

Lessons Learned:

• Chalmers’ experience highlights the importance of recognizing abusive behavior and prioritizing safety.
• The power dynamics in relationships can be as intricate as a chess game - sometimes leading to unexpected checkmates.

Remember, seeking professional help and prioritizing your well-being are crucial in any relationship.

Sources: Mental Health and Motivation  / Microsoft Copilot 2024 (Retrieved 26/06/2024)

Abusive and Violent Behaviour Against Me

Playing Chess and Anger

Major Lessons Learned from an Abusive Relationship

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