Adam Possamai

Bio: Adam Possamai is an academic researcher from University of Sydney. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sociology of religion & Sharia. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 101 publications receiving 891 citations. Previous affiliations of Adam Possamai include University of Western Sydney.

Relational spirituality and quality of life 2007 to 2017: an integrative research review

Abstract: Despite the increasing number of evidence-based research on relational spirituality (RS) and quality of life (QoL) in medical-health research, little is known about the links between RS and QoL outcomes and the mechanisms by which RS aspects are functionally tied to QoL. To determine how RS is perceived/positioned in relation to QoL, we (a) examined recent available data that identify and appraise the links between RS and QoL; (b) identified themes emerging from the association between RS and QoL, and (c) discussed the implications of the effects of RS on QoL outcomes. We conducted an integrative research review of English-language peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 to March 2017 which examined an association between RS and QoL, as identified from a search of three databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect. A total of 20 studies were analysed. Of these, twelve (60%) reported positive association between RS and QoL, three (15%) studies reported inverse associations, whereas five (25%) studies showed evidence of lack of association (with two out of the five studies showing an indirect association). Physical health and psychological functioning were the most researched domains of QoL, and some studies suggest an attachment-based model of RS in the last 10 years of RS and QoL research. Studies conducted with participants with serious illnesses ranging from dementia, cardiac arrest, and breast cancer reported no association between RS and physical health. Our review shows evidence of both the direct and/or indirect effects of RS on QoL as a possible spiritual coping model for complementary alternative health therapy, albeit occurring through several religious-related psychosocial conduits. RS appears to be associated with health benefits as indicated across QoL domains. General medical practitioners and other healthcare agencies could benefit from the understanding that a spiritual coping model could aid their patients, and therefore their clinical practices, in the healing process.

Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-Real Testament

Abstract: Popular culture can no longer be exclusively seen as a source of escapism. It can amuse, entertain, instruct, and relax people, but what if it provides inspiration for religion? The Church of All Worlds, the Church of Satan and Jediism from the

Alternative Spiritualities and the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism

Abstract: Some practices in Alternative Spiritualities have been criticised by social commentators for their ‘appropriation’ of indigenous cultures. This article will argue that ‘appropriation’ is not limited to these cultures but is part of a larger phenomenon, that of cultural consumption of selective parts of history. Furthermore, this cultural consumption is not restricted to history alone, but is extended to contemporary popular culture, such as people and groups who find inspiration for their spirituality from the fictions of H.P. Lovecraft, vampire stories and the Star Wars mythos. Following Fredric Jameson's work on Postmodernism, this article will provide an insight into how the cultural consumption of history and popular culture by people involved in Alternative Spiritualities has become part of the cultural logic of late capitalism.

A profile of New Agers: social and spiritual aspects.

Abstract: In the literature, New Agers are profiled as urban, educated, middle-class and middle-aged, the majority being women-a portrait mainly based on quantitative analyses. This article aims at providing a richer sociological description through a qualitative analysis of thirty-five interviews conducted in 1996-97 in Melbourne. This qualitative approach to New Agers will describe them as religious individualists, as technical mystics, and as people who locate authority in their inner self. However, even if they perceive themselves as unique in this spirituality, they also mix with other people in 'affinitive' networks. They tend to move in or toward New Age through crises and through a consumption of New Age symbols that predispose, provoke and reinforce alternation to New Age.

In Search of New Age Spiritualities

Abstract: Contents: Preface, Introduction A profile of the respondents: social and spiritual aspects A profile of the respondents: networking aspects Keeping New Age at bay Perennism The spiritual knowledges A sociological chart of the age of Aquarius Neo-paganism and presentist perennism Three perennist spiritualities Perennist re-enchantment: the cultural logic of late capitalism and communicative action Conclusion Bibliography Index.

Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion

Abstract: Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion. By Rodney Stark and Roger Finke. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000. 343 pp. $48.00 (cloth); $18.95 (paper). At a recent American Academy of Religion meeting, after a brilliant paper was presented on God and religious experience, the speaker was asked this question by an academic: "But how can you say these things in our postmodem, anti-enlightenment, pluralistic age?" Acts of Faith secures the thesis that not just talk about, but devout belief in, God is rational, widespread, and shows no sign of abating. For a vast number of well-educated, articulate human beings talk of God is not very difficult at all. Acts of Faith is an important treatment of the sociology of religious belief and should be considered required reading by anyone interested in the social standing and assessment of religion. It overturns the conventions of a great deal of earlier sociological inquiry into religion and stands as a model of clarity and rigor. Rodney Stark and Roger Finke begin by documenting the social and intellectual history of atheism, noting how history, sociology, and psychoanalysis have been employed to exhibit the irrationality of religious belief. They underscore how many of these projects have done little more than presup- pose the credulous nature of religion. There is something darkly humorous about the many techniques employed by "intellectuals" and social scientists to explain why religion persists and even grows amidst "modernity." Stark and Finke's analysis is devastating. From the outset through to the last chapter the writing is crisp and at times quite amusing. Here is a passage from the introduction, lamenting the fact that many sociologists focus their work on fringe religious groups: A coven of nine witches in Lund, Sweden, is far more apt to be the object of a case study than is, say, the Episcopal Church, with more than two million members. Some of this merely reflects that it is rather easier to get one's work published if the details are sufficiently lurid or if the group is previously undocumented. A recitation of Episcopalian theology and excerpts from the Book of Common Prayer will not arouse nearly the interest (prurient or otherwise) than can be generated by tales of blondes upon the altar and sexual contacts with animals (p. 19). Stark and Finke have written a text that abounds in technical case studies, while at the same time giving us a book that is a pleasure to read. The introduction and first three chapters alone are a tour de force. They expose the blatant inadequacy of sociological work that reads religious belief as pathology or flagrant irrationality. They challenge the thesis of impending, virtually inevitable secularization, for instance, in part by refuting the claim that in the distant past almost everyone was religious. …

The spiritual revolution : why religion is giving way tospirituality

Abstract: List of Plates.Preface.Introduction.1. Distinguishing Religion and Spirituality: Findings from Kendal.2. Testing the Spiritual Revolution Claim in Kendal.3. Evidence for a Spiritual Revolution: Britain and USA.4. Bringing the Sacred to Life: Explaining Secularization and Sacralization.5. Looking to the Future.Appendices.References.Index.

The Psychology of Religion: An Empirical Approach

Abstract: FORMS FOR THE THERAPIST. Allan G. Hedberg (Ed.) (2010). San Diego, CA: Academic Press. Reviewed by Christopher H. Rosik (Link Care Center, Fresno, CA; Fresno Pacific University). Allan Hedberg is a seasoned psychologist and former president of the California Psychological Association. His considerable experience as a clinician is evident in this impressive volume that makes a wealth of useful material readily available to therapists seeking to establish or enhance their practice. Moreover, Dr. Hedberg enlisted the contributions of sixteen other experienced professionals to provide helpful resources in seven areas: Information for the therapist, assessment tools, patient homework or assignment outside therapy, information for the patient, exercises to be performed in therapy, forms to be completed by the therapist or patient, and sample forms and templates. Multiple indexes and pictorial legends help to direct the clinician to the exact page where the needed form is presented. In addition, purchase of the book enables the user to access a website where all of the forms can be downloaded, so no bindingbreaking copying is necessary. It is impossible to review all of the valuable forms compiled in this text, but the list of chapter titles can provide some basic orientation to what this book offers. Chapters include Forms for setting up and defining your practice; Forms related to fees; HIPAA/Patient privacy forms; General information handouts for patients; Forms related to referral and consulting services; Fitness for duty and workers' compensation forms; Forms related to patient services; Forms related to therapist's professional activity; Managing an office staff; Termination of treatment/practice forms; Forms for session notes; Clinical errors, bad habits, ethical complaints, and law suits; Expanding your practice; Organizing your charts and evaluations; General assessments, intake, brief, comprehensive, and more; Assessments related to specific tests and scales; Assessments related to risk, competency, health, and neuropsychology; Anxiety and stress relief with relaxation assessment and exercises; Depression and self-esteem; Insomnia and sleep therapy; Addictive behavior; Suicidal behavior; Pain management and coping with medical disorders; Anger and violent behavior; Strategies and tools for personal growth and health awareness; Communication tips and exercises; eating and exercise logs; Cultural diversity appreciation exercises; Conflict resolution and problem solving; Thinking distortions: Information and patient exercises; eating and exercise logs; Cultural diversity appreciation exercises; Conflict resolution and problem solving; Thinking distortions: Information and patient exercises; Behavioral monitoring logs; Dealing with crisis; Serving children and their families; Dealing with geriatric patients; Couples therapy and relationship assessment and exercises. …