Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explores the impact of sacramental confession on the emotional well-being of parishioners within the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi, blending theological insights with psychological perspectives. Amidst evolving societal norms and shifting religious practices, the confession sacrament faces challenges and reaffirmation concerning its relevance in contemporary Catholic life. This research aims to dissect the multifaceted role of confession, not only as a spiritual doctrine but also as a therapeutic practice that contributes to individual and communal psychological health. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study interviewed 41 participants, 7 priests, and 34 parishioners, and their experiences and perceptions of sacramental confession. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the research uncovered that most parishioners experienced significant emotional relief and a sense of spiritual renewal following confession. Key findings indicate that the moment of absolution plays a critical role in facilitating feelings of forgiveness and psychological liberation, aligning with prior studies that underscore the psychological benefits of religious rituals. However, the study also identifies a spectrum of responses to confession, highlighting a minority of parishioners who perceive the practice as less spiritually significant. This diversity underscores the complex interplay between personal spirituality, religious doctrine, and cultural context. Additionally, the research delves into the counseling techniques employed by priests during confession, the confidentiality of the sacrament, motivations for participating in confession, and the perceived barriers to its practice. Conclusively, the findings affirm sacramental confession's positive impact on emotional well-being, while also suggesting areas for further research further to understand its role in modern religious and psychological landscapes. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue between theology and psychology, offering insights into how ancient practices adapt to and support contemporary spiritual and emotional needs.
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References
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References
Bellefontaine, S. P., & Lee, C. M. (2014). Between Black and White: Examining Grey Literature in Meta-analyses of Psychological Research. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23(8), 1378–1388. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10826-013-9795-1
Dang, Q. T., Rammal, H. G., & Michailova, S. (2022). 'Expatriates' families: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Human Resource Management Review, 32(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100877
Fuegen, K., & Breitenbecher, K. H. (2018). Walking and being outdoors in nature increase positive affect and energy. Ecopsychology, 10(1), 14–25. https://doi.org/10.1089/ECO.2017.0036
Han, K. T. (2021). Effects of three levels of green exercise, physical and social environments, personality traits, physical activity, and engagement with nature on emotions and attention. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(5), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU13052686
Hartig, T. (2021). Restoration in Nature: Beyond the Conventional Narrative. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, 67, 89–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69020-5_5
Jakicic, J. M., Powell, K. E., Campbell, W. W., Dipietro, L., Pate, R. R., Pescatello, L. S., Collins, K. A., Bloodgood, B., & Piercy, K. L. (2019). Physical Activity and the Prevention of Weight Gain in Adults: A Systematic Review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 51(6), 1262–1269. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001938
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2015.01093
Maas, J., van Dillen, S. M. E., Verheij, R. A., & Groenewegen, P. P. (2009). Social contacts as a possible mechanism behind the relation between green space and health. Health and Place, 15(2), 586–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.09.006
McMahan, E. A., & Estes, D. (2015). The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis. Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(6), 507–519. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.994224
Ojala, A., Korpela, K., Tyrväinen, L., Tiittanen, P., & Lanki, T. (2019). Restorative effects of urban green environments and the role of urban-nature orientedness and noise sensitivity: A field experiment. Health and Place, 55, 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.004
Rebetez, M. M. L., Rochat, L., Barsics, C., & Van der Linden, M. (2018). Procrastination as a Self-Regulation Failure: The Role of Impulsivity and Intrusive Thoughts. Psychological Reports, 121(1), 26–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294117720695
Rogerson, M., Colbeck, I., Bragg, R., Dosumu, A., & Griffin, M. (2020). Affective outcomes of group versus lone green exercise participation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH17020624
Singh, R. K., & Singh, S. (2022). Spirituality in the workplace: a systematic review. Management Decision, 60(5), 1296–1325. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-11-2020-1466
Subiza-Pérez, M., Korpela, K., & Pasanen, T. (2021). Still not that bad for the grey city: A field study on the restorative effects of built open urban places. Cities, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2020.103081
Thompson, E. R. (2007). Development and validation of an internationally reliable short-form of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 38(2), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022106297301
Tyrväinen, L., Ojala, A., Korpela, K., Lanki, T., Tsunetsugu, Y., & Kagawa, T. (2014). The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 38, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.12.005
Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7
White, M. P., Pahl, S., Ashbullby, K., Herbert, S., & Depledge, M. H. (2013). Feelings of restoration from recent nature visits. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 35, 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.04.002
Wilczewski, M., Wróblewski, Z., Wołońciej, M., Gut, A., & Wilczewska, E. (2020). Spirituality in expatriate experience and coping in mission. Journal of Global Mobility, 8(2), 229–248. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-04-2020-0022
Wu, H., Ji, R., & Jin, H. (2023). Parental factors affecting 'children's nature connectedness. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.101977
Zelenski, J. M., Sobocko, K., & Whelan, D. C. (2013). Introversion, Solitude, and Subjective Well-Being. The Handbook of Solitude: Psychological Perspectives on Social Isolation, Social Withdrawal, and Being Alone, 184–201. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118427378.CH11