In the quest to build a healthy lifestyle people often explore different ways in which they can use their resources and enhance their abilities. Spiritual intelligence contributes towards cultivating capabilities that enable people to solve problems and attain goals. In this way, it predicts functioning and adaptation at an individual level. Spiritual intelligence can be defined as the ability to be cognitively and emotionally intelligent as well as having a higher realisation related to the self and the world. This helps in developing a sense of deeper meaning and purpose. Tapping into our spiritual intelligence enables us to assign meaning and feel connected to a power larger than ourselves. It is one of the several types of intelligence that can be developed independently and contributes to psychological well-being and overall healthy human development. Emmons (2000) proposed four components of spiritual intelligence: a) the ability to utilise spiritual resources to solve problems; b) the ability to enter heightened states of consciousness; c) the ability to invest in everyday experiences; d) and the capacity for transcendence of physical and material. It includes different dimensions, a key one being self-awareness. This includes the awareness of one’s own worldview, any strengths and weaknesses, values, the purpose of life, inner thoughts, and the awareness of the higher self. Another dimension of spiritual intelligence is the universal awareness which is focused on the outer world and inclusive awareness of the interconnectedness of life, the world view of the others, time perception, the power of human perceptions, spiritual laws, and experience of transcendent oneness. Spiritual intelligence helps us understand the purpose of our existence and to see things as they really are (Singh, 2013). The aim of this blog is to explore how making spiritual choices can contribute to psychological well-being and holistic development.
Well-being as a construct refers to the harmonious functioning of the physical as well as psychological aspects of personality, in this way satisfying the self as well as benefiting the society (VASHIST, 2014). It refers to the physical, mental, and emotional health of an individual and enables an individual to thrive and flourish. Well-being may be dependent on the growth and integration of five areas which are physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. George (2017) studied ninety adults to explore the influence of spiritual and emotional intelligence on well-being. A positive relationship between spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, and the well-being of adults was found. It was also established that spiritual intelligence and emotional intelligence could significantly predict well-being (George, 2017). Even in women with breast cancer, a significant relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being was found (Ahoei, 2017). Spiritual intelligence also predicted psychological well-being to some extent. This study throws light on the importance of improving the skills of spiritual intelligence in women with breast cancer as a form of treatment and to promote psychological well-being.
Moreover, it has been found that different forms of intelligence also contribute to the quality of life. Amram (2009) highlighted a correlation between spiritual and emotional intelligence. People scoring high on spiritual intelligence were also observed to have a greater helping attitude. Additionally, an amalgamation of intelligence is important for overall well-being and helps in leading a good quality of life. According to Nathawat, (2001) the Intellectual Quotient is important in academic and educational functioning, the Emotional Quotient is essential for success in life and the Spiritual Quotient is useful for a meaningful life. A study at Quchan University investigated the role of spiritual intelligence in predicting the quality of life of its students. The results of the study show that spiritual intelligence has an effective role in predicting the quality of life of the students (Abadi, 2014).
Along with practising values like compassion, humility, forgiveness, gratitude, and integrity there are a number of qualities one could incorporate in order to improve their spiritual intelligence and live a holistic life. Some of the skills individuals can work on are-
- Awareness of own worldview
- Awareness of life purpose (mission)
- Awareness of values hierarchy
- Complexity of inner thought
- Awareness of Ego self / Higher Self
- Ability to invest in everyday experiences
- Commitment to growth
- Living life with purpose and values
- Sustaining faith
The importance of spiritual intelligence with reference to psychological well-being has increased over time. Various models in this topic incorporate spiritual intelligence, individual personality traits as well community in order to increase psychological well-being. Socially relevant purpose in life, conscience, compassion, commitment to humanity, and a high degree of self-awareness will not only benefit you but also benefit families, communities, and the occupational settings you work for.
Author,
Simran Premjani
Clinical Associate Psychology, PsychLine.in
References
Ahoei, K., Faramarzi, M., & Hassanzadeh, R. (2017). The relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being in women with breast cancer. Shiraz E Med J, 18(10), e15103.
Amram, J. Y. (2009). The contribution of emotional and spiritual intelligences to effective business leadership. Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.
Bolghan-Abadi, M., Ghofrani, F., & Abde-Khodaei, M. S. (2014). Study of the spiritual intelligence role in predicting university students’ quality of life. Journal of religion and health, 53(1), 79-85.
Emmons R. Is spirituality and intelligence? Motivation, cognition and the psychology of the ultimate concern” International Journal for Psychology of religion. 2000a; 10(1):3-26.
George, N. (2017, May). The Influence of Spiritual and Emotional Intelligence on Adult Well-Being. The International Journal of Indian Psychology.
MP Singh, D. J. (2013, May). Impact of Spiritual Intelligence on Quality of Life. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 3(5).
Sarita Sood, A. B. (2012). Relationship between personality traits, spiritual intelligence and well being in university students. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(10).
Srivastava, K. (2012). Concept of personality: Indian perspective. Industrial Psychiatry Journal.
VASHIST, P. M. (2014, April). The Review Study of Spiritual Intelligence, Stress and Well-being of Adolscents in 21st Century. International Journal of Research in Applied,, 2(4).