Joy, Inspiration, and Hope (Carolyn and Ernest Fay Series in Analytical Psychology)
In this first installment in the "Fay Book Series in Analytical Psychology," Kast (psychology, Univ. of Zurich) presents a Jungian existential analysis of joy. While much has been written about the dark emotions of depression and anxiety, joy and hope are often ignored. "When we work with our emotions," Kast writes, "we work with our identity." She recommends developing an "autobiography of joy," which is a technique of recalling past happy events in order to restructure the present. Certain that civilization today contains a lack of ecstasy and a loss of inspiration, Kast also discusses the relevance of the mythology of Dionysus, mysticism, and religious ecstasy. She follows with a documentation of the existential existence of hope from Sartre and Camus. Her work could be considered the academic counterpart to Norman Cousins ( Head First: The Biology of Hope , LJ 10/1/89), who endorses Kast's theories. A glossary and references are appended. Recommended for academic psychology collections.- Lisa Wise, Steele Memorial Lib., Elmira, N.Y.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.