A HeartMath intervention, focusing on coherence, resilience and faith, following a trauma

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Authors

Edwards, David John
Dreyer, Yolanda
Steyn, B.J.M. (Barend Johannes Marthinus)

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS

Abstract

Traumatic experiences can have an impact on faith. HeartMath, which focuses on coherence and resilience, is one approach utilised to help overcome traumatic experiences. This study focused on a HeartMath intervention, emphasising psychophysiological coherence, sense of coherence, resilience and faith following a traumatic experience. A quasi-experimental, single, within-sample design was used. The purposeful sample consisted of 10 participants. A 12-week HeartMath intervention was undertaken. Related quantitative and qualitative coherence, resilience and faith measures were used at pre-test, re-test and, after intervention, post-test, with participant diaries completed. Quantitatively, there were significant postintervention positive improvements in physiological average coherence, achievement, and low, medium and high coherence level scores. Although not significant, there were improvements in the resilience scale and faith scale. However, there was no improvement in the sense of coherence scale total score. Qualitatively, there were positive integrative thematic changes in experiences of the sense of coherence, resilience and faith. Recommended next research steps were a case study on causal, correlational and relationship mechanisms of change, followed by an appreciative inquiry evaluating HeartMath as a pastoral care and counselling intervention.

Description

This article contributes to the area of practical theology, specifically pastoral care and counselling, as it quasi-experimentally explores a HeartMath intervention and faith following a traumatic experience.

Keywords

Traumatic experience, HeartMath intervention, Coherence, Resilience, Faith, SDG-03: Good health and well-being, SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
SDG-16:Peace,justice and strong institutions

Citation

Edwards, D.J., Dreyer, Y. & Steyn, B.J.M. 2024, ‘A HeartMath intervention, focusing on coherence, resilience and faith, following a trauma’, Theologia Viatorum, 48(1), art. 219, doi : 10.4102/tv.v48i1.219.