Spirituality has mostly been studied in psychology as implied in the process of overcoming adversity, being triggered by negative experiences, and providing positive outcomes. By reversing this pathway, we investigated whether spirituality may also be triggered by self-transcendent positive emotions, which are elicited by stimuli appraised as demonstrating higher good and beauty. In two studies, elevation and/or admiration were induced using different methods. These emotions were compared to two control groups, a neutral state and a positive emotion (mirth). Self-transcendent positive (...) emotions increased participants' spirituality (Studies 1 and 2), especially for the non-religious participants (Study 1). Two basic world assumptions, i.e., belief in life as meaningful (Study 1) and in the benevolence of others and the world (Study 2) mediated the effect of these emotions on spirituality. Spirituality should be understood not only as a coping strategy, but also as an upward spiralling pathway to and from self-transcendent positive emotions. (shrink)

Most emotion theories recognise the importance of the body in expressing and constructing emotions. Focusing beyond the face, the present research adds needed empirical data on the effect of static full body postures on positive/negative affect. In Studies 1 (N = 110) and 2 (N = 79), using a bodily feedback paradigm, we manipulated postures to test causal effects on affective and physiological responses to emotionally ambiguous music. Across both studies among U.S. participants, we find the strongest support for an (...) effect of bodily postures that are expansive and oriented upward on positive affect. In addition, an expansive and upward pose also led to greater cardiac vagal reactivity but these changes in parasympathetic activity were not related to affective changes (Study 2). In line with embodied theories, these results provide additional support for the role of postural input in constructing affect. Discussion highlights the relevance of these findings for the study of religious practices during which the postures studied are often adopted. (shrink)

Le présent article étudie l’émotion de fierté à l’intérieur du livre des Psaumes. Afin de mieux comprendre les différents types et fonctions de la fierté, il fait référence aux connaissances accumulées en psychologie sur cette émotion. Ensuite, par une analyse «narrative» de certains psaumes, les similarités et spécificités de l’expérience de fierté dans ces poèmes sont mises en évidence. Il en ressort comment une émotion qui est, plus que toute autre, caractérisée par la focalisation sur soi et la glorification du (...) soi, peut ou non s’ouvrir à la reconnaissance de Dieu. Cela permet de dépasser une conception unique de la fierté comme émotion indésirable et de prendre en compte les cas où la fierté est chemin d’épanouissement personnel, communautaire et dans la relation avec Dieu. (shrink)