Lectio divina for trauma symptoms: A two-part study.

Abstract

In this two-part study, we attempted to accomplish two major tasks. In Study 1, with an online sample of Christian-identifying trauma survivors (N = 257), we aimed to empirically investigate our theoretical model, anchored to the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. This theoretical model suggests that negative affect mediates the relationship between Christian contentment and Christian gratitude and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other posttrauma symptoms. Based on this theoretical model, in Study 2, with a separate online sample of Christian-identifying trauma survivors (N = 26), we tested an original, online, 2-week program. Specifically, we examined the potential impact that a Christian meditative intervention, lectio divina (Latin for “divine reading”), has on increasing Christian contentment and Christian gratitude and decreasing PTSD and other posttrauma symptoms. Study 1 results revealed that negative affect mediated the relationship between Christian contentment (but not Christian gratitude) and PTSD and other posttrauma symptoms. Study 2 results suggested that, pre- to post-intervention, the lectio divina group (n = 13) reported a greater decrease in PTSD and other posttrauma symptoms than the loving-kindness meditation control group (n = 13). These results are discussed in the context of both the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and a growing literature on Christian-sensitive meditative alternatives to Buddhist-influenced mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation for psychological symptoms. Directions for future research and study limitations are also discussed.