 Dr Paul T. P. Wong Ph. D
Tyndale University College and Seminary
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Presently, he is Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and Business Administration, at Tyndale University College & Seminary in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Wong is well known for his research on coping with frustration, existential attribution, stress appraisal, reminiscence, and personal meaning. His extensive research in these areas and his broad counselling experience have culminated in the development of meaning-centered counselling and therapy (MCCT).
Abstract
The Positive Psychology of Living with Cancer
Keynote Address
6:00 - 8:00pm, Saturday, July 26th, 2008 (At the Awards Banquet)
This presentation summarizes the three principles important for living and dying well, especially for individuals diagnosed with cancer. It first redefines positive psychology as the art and science of living a balanced and meaningful life in spite of negative circumstances and terminal illness.
This balanced model of positive psychology focuses on the outcome of finding contentment, experiencing peace and harmony, and fulfilling one’s calling in the shadow of suffering, illness and death. This primarily Eastern view of positive psychology is contrasted with the dominant Western positive psychology, which emphasizes happiness, success and optimal functioning.
The three fundamental principles of living with cancer are dialectic and dualistic in nature, consisting of four pairs of existential conditions: (1) Earthly reality and transcendental ideal (2) Remaining still and moving forward, (3) Genuine and kindness.
The first principle is concerned with achieving a dynamic balance between realism and idealism, between physicality and spirituality. On the one hand, we need to be grounded in the bleak reality of sufferings and the irreducible bedrock of values and character strengths we need to endure the pain. On the other hand, we need to rise above the daily struggles with pain and enter into the transcendental realm of sacredness and harmony.
The second principle is concerned with the flexible shifting between stillness (e.g., mindful meditation and resting) and action (e.g., physical exercise and goal-striving). The third principle is concerned with the wisdom of shedding one’s masks and roles and becoming authentic without hurting relationships.
These three principles are supported by Eastern philosophical traditions, Christian teachings, and scientific findings. Daily practice of any of these principles will improve one’s psychological, physical and spiritual well-being. However, for cancer survivors to fully benefit from these three principles, it would take intuitive grasping (enlightenment) and guided persistent practice of all three principles together.
Education objectives:
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Understand the differences between Eastern and Western positive psychology.
- Understand the basic dialectic principles of Eastern philosophical traditions.
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Learn how to practice the three fundamental principles of living well in the shadow of cancer.
Meaning Centered Counselling and the Transformation of Grief
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:30 - 4:30pm, Thursday, July 24th, 2008
Meaning-management is essential to this transformative process. In order to move forward, we have to somehow reconstruct our meaning-systems in order to adapt to different set of realities following bereavement. This evolution of meaning in response to loss continues so that we can maintain some sense of coherence in the midst of change and loss. We can experience positive changes, when the dead are weaved into the fabric of life, and the past is integrated with the future as the basis for self-identity.
MCC emphasizes the transcendental function of grief, which awakens one’s spiritual and existential yearning, and spurs one to rise above the painful experiences of mourning. Recovery always involves the reconstructing of painful and sorrowful experiences through the transformation of assigned meanings.
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