Case 32: A Case of Spiritual Inclination: Exploring the Underlying Psychodynamics

Vijay Pathak, Deepali Batra & Bankey L. Dubey

Spirituality has become an increasingly important aspect of young people's lives. While it can offer profound meaning and a sense of belonging, it can also be met with resistance from family and society, particularly in cultures that prioritize traditional paths of success. This case study explores the complex interplay between a young man's (Mr. JL) inclination towards spirituality and his underlying psychological state.  He is a 25-year-old Hindu male, presented with a desire to join an ashram. His family, however, expressed concerns about his career prospects and social life. Psychological assessments revealed unresolved emotional needs stemming from a perceived lack of parental affection, leading to social anxiety, dependency issues, and internal conflict. This case study highlights the complex factors that can influence a young person's spiritual journey. Family values, educational programs, peer groups, and exposure to spiritual content can all play a role. Additionally, traumatic experiences, life changes, and a desire for inner peace can lead individuals to seek spiritual answers. JL's case exemplifies this. His spiritual pursuit might be a coping mechanism for the underlying psychological issues.  Understanding the motivations behind spiritual inclinations is crucial. Therapists can use various techniques to address unresolved emotional needs, manage interpersonal conflicts, and integrate spirituality in a healthy and balanced way. This case study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shape a young person's spiritual path. It highlights the need for a nuanced approach that considers both the individual's psychological state and the cultural context.

Introduction:

Choosing a spiritual path as a primary way of life often raises concerns among family members, even in a deeply spiritual country like India. Parents typically believe that individuals should prioritize social, financial, and academic achievements. This presents a sublime paradox: while spirituality may offer profound meaning and a sense of belonging, it is often perceived as a divergence from the conventional path of worldly success. This tension highlights the complex interplay between cultural heritage and modern aspirations, where the quest for inner peace both aligns with and challenges societal expectations.

Many factors contribute to a young person's decision to explore spirituality.  As per Scales et al (2016), growing up in a family or community that values spirituality can play a significant role in shaping a young person's spiritual journey. Also, schools and educational programs that incorporate spiritual or philosophical teachings can influence young people's spiritual inclinations.  

Delaney (2003) suggests that many young people turn to spirituality as they navigate questions about the meaning and purpose of life. However, Syvertsen et al (2016) consider friends and social groups can impact a young person's spiritual beliefs and practices. Exposure to spiritual content through books, movies, social media, and other digital platforms can also spark interest in spirituality. 

Rathore & Kriplani (2023) describe that traumatic events, significant life changes, or moments of profound insight can lead young people to seek spiritual answers. Spirituality can offer a sense of peace and mental well-being, which might attract young people seeking relief from stress and anxiety.

According to Jungian psychology, spirituality can be a means to achieve individuation and a deeper connection with the self.  It can provide a refuge from the challenges and tensions of the social environment, offering inner peace and solace.  This perspective suggests that spiritual practices can help young people cope with psychosocial conflicts and emotional distress. (Wagenseller, 2012).  Gottlieb (2012) argued that spirituality can also serve as a psychological defense mechanism. 

Examining a young person's true motivations for choosing a spiritual path is crucial because it offers deep insights into their psychological state and personal needs. This understanding can reveal whether their inclination toward spirituality is driven by a genuine quest for meaning and fulfillment, or if it serves as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or other underlying issues. By unraveling these motivations, psychologists, families, and the individuals themselves can better navigate the potential impacts on their overall well-being and life trajectory, ensuring that their choice supports their holistic development rather than becoming an escape from life's challenges. In essence, it's about ensuring that their spiritual journey is enriching and constructive, not merely a retreat from the pressures of modern life.

Case History:

Mr. J.L. is a 25-year-old male, Hindu, from upper socio-economic status, hailing from urban background, Psychology undergraduate (B.A.) and currently a Career Counselor Trainee accompanied by his father. His chief complaints were struggles with societal norms, lack of career focus, maturity and responsibility issues and difficulty in social relationships. The informant’s main concerns were his inclination for spirituality at a young age and thinking of joining an ashram. 

The patient reported he always was inclined to deeper, philosophical things and has not paid much attention to practical aspects like work and social life. He struggles with fitting into society and has not prioritized having a stable career or a consistent group of friends. He finds it difficult to become emotionally independent from his parents and feels he is not yet mature or responsible. He has relied heavily on others and feels uncertain about managing on his own. He got into spirituality and was considering joining an ashram. He feels his situation is getting worse and yet he is working on being more practical in his life.

          Reportedly, in childhood, he had a comfortable and warm home environment, though he felt his mother was emotionally distant despite her efforts. She was overly protective and pushed him toward academics, leading him to always be accompanied by others and struggle with handling daily tasks independently. He perceives his mother as socially and emotionally distant. His father was easygoing, but he feels a lack of emotional connection with him, believing his father was out of touch with his own emotions and did not provide effective parenting. He also feels he was not rebellious enough as a child.

He has a history of experimentation with Cannabis and has not taken it for many months since the assessment was done. 

His father is a well-positioned official with Govt of India and seems to be the primary support of the client. He reports that the family environment is almost perfect, and the house may be considered as an ideal house for almost all possibilities related to life. From the side of the father, reported affection and respect among the family members is 9 out of 10. There is no history of family being extremely religious or spiritual. 

Methodology:

Somatic Inkblot Test Web version (SIT) was administered on the patient following standard procedure (Cassell & Dubey, 1990, 2003 and Dubey et al, 2019). The patient’s responses and the rejected images were analyzed using content analysis and psychoanalytic interpretation. The Sacks Sentence Completion Test (Joseph M. Sacks & Sidney Levy,1950) was also administered to further explore the inner conflicts of the patient. The 16 PF Personality Factor Questionnaire (Raymond Cattell, 1949) was used to gain insight into his personality structure including both the general and specific traits. Additionally, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) (Henry A. Murray & Christiana D. Morgan, 1930) was administered to assess his interpersonal relationship, emotional functioning and social perception.

Findings of Somatic Inkblot Test:

Image 1:    “A Human Heart. Reminds me of being in the womb. The black thing on the left looks like a little boy holding on to the stomach of the womb or something. The red thing is where the oxygen comes from”. The response “being in the womb” indicates regression, which provides him with a secure place. This also suggests his immaturity and flight from facing the demands of society.   

Image 2    “The Tree of Life or Christ the Redeemer came as first choices. Also, maple leaf for some reason. Crucifixion could be another. It reminds me of surrendering to God. Not an exact objective experience but an ongoing subjective feeling”. It may indicate escaping from facing reality and taking spiritual shelter.

Image 3  “Looks like a bird, maybe a penguin sending a heart signal to a black cloud. It also looks like a clown's smile. I'm more comfortable with the latter. It reminds me of my psychedelic trip when I saw mickey mouse in the sky hanging out with the clouds”. The response indicates his wishful thinking to have love and affection during unpleasant situations which he finds difficult to manage in his favor. The client must be encouraged to verbalize the situations which he feels unpleasant, difficult, and painful. 

Image 4: “On the right I see the mushrooms clouds from Hiroshima Nagasaki. On the left, an hourglass with a ball on top. Also, a vagina with a spermatozoon entering it. Reminds me of the time I was being conceived. And the ball reminds me of basketball. The atom bomb well watching Oppenheimer”. The responses indicate blaming himself right from the time when his mother conceived him. He has avoided perceiving “Teddy” which may indicate parental deprivation during childhood, this might be a perceived deprivation which must be inquired during therapy to address the issues.

Image 5: “Stripper lady or Clown. Apple on top or could be disco lights as well. The time I came out of my mother's womb”. It may indicate his regression, more often, seen in dissociative clients. 

Image 6: “Two people holding hands sharing love. The time I was with my girlfriend in college. Beautiful times”. Normal responses and wishful thinking to have pleasant time with his girlfriends.

Image 7: “Looks like an ear, a pig's nose or something, or again vagina due to the pink part and opening. The time I came out of my mother's womb or never left it.” The regression is obvious again in this image and “The time I came out of my mother’s womb or never left it”. It indicates that the mother’s womb was the safest place for me and if a choice was given, I would have never come out from my mother’s womb. This further indicates his inability to cope with the demands of society.

Image 8: “Someone is drowning and reaching out of the ocean with their hand. Doesn't remind me of much but probably all the times I overcame hardship. It reminds me of rising from the dead” The response may indicate a severe adverse situation with lots of problems and the client is feeling helpless. Such people share their problems during therapy sessions.

Image 9: “Two cute birds or elephants kissing or just having fun. Reminds me of my time with my girlfriend or best friends in school and college”. It is a normal response indicating his desire / wishful thinking and sexual fantasies to have pleasant moments with his partner/friends. 

Image 10: “Heart break. Inside a Ribcage. Reminds of the time my girlfriend left/broke up with me”. It indicates his broken love affairs with his girlfriend. Explore during therapeutic intervention if he had such love affairs in the past and if it has an impact on his personality. It also indicates that he has suffered from frustrating life situation which may lead to a pensive mood in future. 

Image 11:    “Heart or vaginal opening. It reminds me of love. The heart is the bigger theme here. I can also see a horse staring at me. Reminds me of being engulfed in spiritual love”. It indicates sexual fantasies and desire to have erotic relationships.

Image 12:    “Having Rajma and Rice. Also looks an ultrasound they do before a child is born. I also see a cross which reminds me of the time I went to church”. Kidney is the most common response in this image. Persons suffering from Kidney problems or having some significant family members suffering from kidney problems, may avoid seeing Kidney. Perceiving CROSS may indicate spiritual support to manage his problems. 

Image 13: “Some fat guy lying spread eagle on his bed from his last pizza. At least he has love in his heart. That's why the red symbol shows. Angels by his legs”. Perceiving Bat/Bird/Tortoise and two children is a normal and healthy response. It indicates a good interpersonal relationship with parents/ and authority figures. The bat/ bird/tortoise may represent authority/father figure. Persons with conflicting relations with father/authority may avoid perceiving Bat/Bird or two babies/children in this image. Not perceiving two children/babies is a strong indication of conflict with his father, which must be addressed during therapy sessions. 

Image 14: “Spinal Column. Reminds me of back pain and spinal issues. Also, my rotator cuff injury”. The image helped in processing the unconscious painful material like “back pain and spinal issues” a constant source of pain. He must be referred for pain management.

Image 15: “I see a cranium, the eye of a dragon, vagina, and beetle. The eye of the dragon is the fire inside me. But it doesn't elicit a particular memory”. Female sex organ is the normal response indicating healthy erotic imagery.  The eye of a dragon may indicate his suspicious attitude.

Image 16: “A lot of potential things. Contemporary Dance, a person trying to wade through his challenges, contents of consciousness. It reminds me of my current attempts to clear out the dirt within my psyche”. Fetus is the normal response in this image. Avoiding perceiving fetus in this image may indicate trauma of abortion with his female partner or abortion in some family members.

Image 17:    “A woman's breast and grapes. It reminds me of the times I have watched porn and enjoyed it. Also, grape juice”. Breast is the normal response in this image. Perception of breast may indicate good interpersonal relationship with a mother or mother figure. 

Image 18: “Tense parents. Always arguing with each other, never happy with each other. Complaining about each other behind each other’s backs”. This may project his perception of parents who are not in good relationship with each other. It also indicates his conflicting interpersonal relationship with father and mother.

Image 19: “Taking off a mask, seeing your own reflection, dropping your ego-persona. It reminds me of all the things Carl Jung has told us about the falseness of egoic identity. It reminds of the spiritual process which involves deidentification from one's egoic identity. It's about recognizing one's true self”. Two people, particularly father and son are a normal response. Avoiding perceiving two people in this image may indicate a poor interpersonal relationship between father and son. The response further indicates introspection to improve your image and ego conflict probably between the real self and ideal self or between father and son which must be addressed during therapy.

Image 20: “Therapy room. Client and therapist talking about issues. Reminds me of the times I have provided therapy for clients and the times I have been in therapy”. It is a normal response.

Image 21: “Abstract art. Reminds of the times I made an abstract drawing. I also see knives threatening some apparent figure. I remember dad picking up a knife and throwing it a few feet away from mom to express his anger. We didn't want to spend time with his side of the family one evening, that's why. It was more so mom's idea, but I went along with it”. The response “I also see knives threatening some apparent figure” may indicate his aggression though he has narrated the incidence which he witnessed in the past between his father and mother. It also indicates his hatred towards his father which he has expressed in other images.

Image 22: “Sexual feelings, Love, Vagina, women, ecstasy, hazed. Reminds me of the time I was in bed with my girlfriend but also of the lack of intimacy in my life now. And all the 'could have been' with women in my past”. It may indicate his frustration with the women in the past and fantasy to have good relationship with female partner in future.

Image 23: Penis head, Rocket ship, Sperm cell, Snake. Reminds me of the time I was inside my girlfriend. It is a normal response, and it also indicates his sexual fantasies.

Image 24: “Spider. Weird Hairy Object. Coldness in Love. Reminds me of the coldness of my mom towards me in childhood always trying to make me study and not letting me develop into an independent and whole individual with my own needs and wants. It reminds me of rage towards and my desire to kill her. I won't but you get it. Also, the coldness between mom and dad to some extent. The coldness of my eldest brother towards mom and dad. The coldness of my middle brother to us. A very cold family with love locked”. The responses indicate lots of frustrating situations in the past which have impacted on his personality development. The perceived lack of affection from his mother, very aggressive feelings to the extent to kill his mother, aggression towards his brothers are projected in this image.  Such clients must be addressed during psychotherapy session to control his aggression. Often, such people can show homicide behavior. 

Image 25: “Broken condom, those guns like circus toys, party blow toy. No memory association but maybe playing with my toy gun as a child, not being able to have sex with someone”. The response “Broken condom” may project his anxiety/tension which he had in the past with a female partner.

Image 26: “The dude is dead or dreaming of paradise. Or getting a hot rock massage. Or about to hatch from the egg. Reminds me of all the times I lay in a quiet contemplative haze investigating the nature of self and reality. Letting my karma wash away with the passage of time. It reminds me of Marcel Proust's novel 'In Search of Lost Time.' A dreamlike quality, nostalgia, a longing for reality to not be real. Trying to find an escape. Restful sleep”. It’s a normal response.

Image 27: “Child looking at himself in the mirror. Cute. He has a tail. Weird. Reminds me of me checking myself out in the mirror even as an adult. Seeing how good looking I am or how my muscles look”. It is a normal response.

Image 28: “Mother holding child. Mary holding Jesus. I don't recall mom holding me as such. I am as avoidant as her now. Maybe it reminds me of my attempts to get her to hug but she rejected me. It indicates his inner cry not having affection and love from his mother”. He has a severe craving for affection. A few sessions of family therapy may help in addressing such craving for affection and may help in improving interpersonal relationship with mother, father and brothers. 

Image 29: “see a sad boy with one leg and puddle underneath him. Earlier I saw he was about to punt a soccer ball across the field which reminded me of playing sports in school with my friends. It reminds me of me when I feel my heart area, but I am not that sad as a person”. The response “a sad boy with one leg” indicates his inferiority and severe pensive mood. Pharmacological aid with psychotherapy helps better with good results in such cases. 

Image 30: “Ghost family. Eerie. Could be an ant family as well. Like a 'black mirror' episode. Reminds me of my brothers before I was born”. The theme of a family where every person is feeling disturbed, anxious, sad, with poor interpersonal relationship is projected in this image. Poor interpersonal relationships are projected in many images (such as 4,18, 19, 21, 24, 28, 31).

Overall Interpretation of the Somatic Inkblot Test (Key Themes and Underlying Dynamics):

1. Regression and Dependence:

   • Womb Imagery: The recurring theme of the womb suggests a strong desire for regression to a more secure and dependent state.

   • Emotional Dependence: The reliance on others, particularly parents, and the avoidance of independence highlight a deep-seated dependency.

2. Unresolved Emotional Needs:

   • Parental Neglect: The frequent references to parental figures, especially the mother, suggest unresolved emotional needs. The lack of emotional connection and support may have contributed to feelings of abandonment and insecurity.

   • Craving for Affection: The recurring theme of affection and love indicates a strong desire for emotional validation and connection.

3. Interpersonal Conflicts:

   • Family Dynamics: The images depicting tense parents and conflicting relationships within the family suggest unresolved interpersonal conflicts. These conflicts may have contributed to his difficulties in keeping healthy relationships.

   • Aggression: The references to aggression, such as the desire to kill his mother, indicate underlying anger and resentment.

4. Sexual Fantasies and Desires:

   • Erotic Imagery: The frequent references to sexual organs, erotic acts, and fantasies suggest a healthy sexual drive and a desire for intimacy.

   • Unfulfilled Desires: The longing for intimacy and the references to past relationships may indicate unfulfilled desires and emotional frustrations.

5. Spiritual Pursuits and Defense Mechanisms:

   • Escaping Reality: The references to spiritual themes and a desire to surrender to God may suggest an attempt to escape from the challenges of reality.

   • Defense Mechanism: Spirituality could be a defense mechanism to avoid confronting underlying emotional issues and conflicts.

Sack’s Sentence Completion Test: 

The Sacks Sentence Completion Test (SSCT) is a projective personality test that provides insights into an individual's underlying thoughts, feelings, and conflicts. In this case, the SSCT revealed four primary areas of conflict:

1. Attitude Towards Family Members

   • Conflicted Feelings Towards Mother: The client expressed both appreciation for his mother's care and frustration with her over protectiveness.

   • Emotional Distance from Father: He felt emotionally distant from his father and longed for a stronger connection.

   • Childhood Pampering: The constant pattern of pampering may have contributed to his current dependency and difficulty with independence.

2. Attitude Towards Heterosexual Relationships

   • Isolation and Frustration: The client reported feelings of isolation and frustration in relationships, possibly due to emotional barriers or distorted views on intimacy.

   • Fear of Closeness: He expressed a fear of emotional closeness and vulnerability, hindering his ability to form intimate connections.

3. Interpersonal Relationships

   • Social Anxiety and Avoidance: The client exhibited social anxiety and avoidance behavior, impacting his ability to engage with the world and fulfill adult responsibilities.

   • Fear of Rejection: He may have harbored a fear of rejection, leading to his reluctance to fully participate in social interactions.

4. Attitude Towards Own Abilities

   • Guilt and Shame: Mr. JL expressed a deep sense of guilt and shame regarding social interaction and personal freedom.

   • Gap between Aspirations and Reality: Despite his desire for success and independence, he struggled to bridge the gap between his aspirations and his current reality.

Thematic Apperception Test (Murray et al, 1930):

Most of his stories revolved around interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. His stories demonstrated unsatisfactory personal and emotional adjustments, revealing a need for achievement, succorance, and affection. Dominant negative emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and guilt are evident, alongside poor stress coping and problem-solving abilities.

Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF):  

Findings suggest that the individual is quick to grasp ideas and is intelligent, indicating a fast learner. However, he may be accepting of his emotional problems rather than actively addressing them. He tends to be reserved, introspective, and cautious, often appearing serious or overly formal, but is generally viewed as reliable and dependable. 

Socially, he exhibits shyness and a preference for a few close friends, avoiding larger groups and busy environments. His emotional sensitivity and imaginative nature may lead to feelings of inferiority and difficulty expressing himself promptly. In addition, he shows tendencies toward impatience and dependency, alongside a creative and unconventional mindset. While he may have strong personal interests, these can lead to unrealistic ideas and occasional emotional outbursts, reflecting a struggle with everyday responsibilities.

Discussion: 

This analysis delves deeper into the commonalities observed in the findings of the Somatic Inkblot Test (SIT), Sacks Sentence Completion Test (SSCT), 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in the case. These psychological assessments provide a comprehensive picture of his personality, dynamics, and underlying conflicts.

Common Themes

1. Emotional Neglect and Unmet Needs:

   • SIT: Images frequently evoked themes of regression and a flight from facing societal demands, suggesting a need for emotional security.

   • SSCT: Responses revealed conflicted feelings towards parents, particularly his mother, indicative of emotional neglect and unmet needs.

   • TAT: Stories highlighted a desire for achievement, succorance, and affection, further emphasizing the lack of emotional validation.

   • 16PF: The individual's reserved and cautious nature, coupled with his social anxiety and preference for solitude, suggests a difficulty in forming meaningful relationships.

2. Social Anxiety and Avoidance:

   • SIT: Several images revealed social anxiety and avoidance, such as the fear of rejection and the desire for solitude.

   • SSCT: Responses indicated social anxiety and avoidance behavior, preventing him from fully engaging with the world.

   • 16PF: The individual's shyness, preference for a few close friends, and avoidance of larger groups align with social anxiety.

3. Dependency and Immaturity:

   • SIT: The individual's regression to a more childlike state and reliance on others suggests a level of dependency.

   • SSCT: Responses revealed a struggle with independence and a desire for guidance, indicating dependency issues.

   • 16PF: The individual's tendency towards dependency and impatience further supports this theme.

4. Inner Conflict and Guilt:

   • SIT: Images often evoke feelings of guilt and shame, particularly when confronting difficult emotions or memories.

   • SSCT: Responses revealed a deep sense of guilt and shame surrounding social interaction and personal freedom.

   • TAT: Stories demonstrated negative emotions like guilt and sadness, suggesting internal conflicts.

Interconnectedness of Findings

The interconnectedness of these findings is evident. The emotional neglect experienced in childhood likely contributed to the development of social anxiety, dependency, and inner conflict. These factors, in turn, may have influenced client’s inclination towards spirituality as a coping mechanism.

Clinical Implications

The SIT findings reveal a complex interplay of unresolved emotional needs, interpersonal conflicts, and defense mechanisms. Our client’s spiritual inclination may be a coping strategy for dealing with these underlying issues.

Therapeutic Interventions:

Based on these findings, therapy could focus on:

• Addressing Unresolved Emotional Needs: Exploring childhood experiences and providing a supportive therapeutic environment to address emotional neglect and unfulfilled needs.

• Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts: Examining family dynamics and developing healthier communication and relationship skills.

• Managing Aggression: Utilizing therapeutic techniques to help him understand and manage his underlying anger and resentment.

• Exploring Spiritual Beliefs: Examining the role of spirituality in client’s life and helping him to integrate it in a healthy and balanced manner.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the case illustrates a complex interplay of unresolved emotional needs, interpersonal conflicts, and defense mechanisms. The robustness of the Somatic Inkblot Test (SIT) stands out for its vastness and depth, surpassing the insights offered by the combined results of other psychological assessments. SIT alone has uncovered significant themes such as emotional neglect, dependency, and spiritual inclination, providing a comprehensive understanding of client’s psychological state. His spiritual inclination, as identified by the SIT, appears to be a coping strategy for addressing these underlying conflicts. Understanding his motivations for choosing a spiritual path is crucial, as it sheds light on whether his spiritual inclination is a genuine quest for meaning or a defense mechanism to avoid confronting emotional conflicts. This nuanced understanding, facilitated primarily by the SIT, can guide appropriate interventions to support his holistic development and help him balance his spiritual aspirations with practical life demands.

References: 

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Murray, H. A., & Morgan, C. D. (1930). Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Harvard University.

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Syvertsen, A. K., Scales, P. C., & Roehlkepartain, E. C. (2016). "Youth Spirituality: The Hows and Whys for Interested Young People." International Journal of Indian Psychology, 12(3), 319.

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