Existential Elements of the Family

Existential Elements of the Family: Finding Meaning through Life's Stages is a developmental psychology textbook exploring optimal family functioning, even in the face of unavoidable suffering. This peer-reviewed book examines the family within a humanistic, meaning-centred framework. Challenges and meaning experienced in the couple relationship, through parenting, and in end-of-life, trauma, or bereavement within the family context are presented from a variety of meaning-centred perspectives. Existential Elements is an innovative textbook that highlights Second-Wave Positive Psychology, Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, Durandian, and Transpersonal perspectives on meaning. Existential Elements brings together both early career and internationally-acclaimed researchers and authors, including: Dr. Laura Armstrong, Dr. Christian Bellehumeur, Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, Dr. Karlijn Demasure, Sr. Rejoice Hoedoafia, Dr. Kelly Kilrea, Dr. Derrick Klassen, Dr. Janelle Kwee, Dr. Mihaela Launeanu, Dr. Ian Manion, Drs. Edward and Maria Marshall, Drs. Paul and Lilian Wong, Dr. Stephanie Yamin, as well as doctoral student researchers. Containing lived experience cases, useful resources, practical exercises, and discussion questions, Existential Elements is an essential guide for undergraduate and graduate psychotherapy, psychology, and pastoral counselling students, as well as practicing clinicians and psychotherapists, taking a holistic approach to family functioning. Further, Existential Elements may also be relevant for researchers in these fields, practitioners in counselling, clergy, and psychiatrists. It is also pertinent for lay persons interested in meaning and self-help within the family context.