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.
