Can ikigai be used as a treatment?
Ikigai is about discovering a sense of purpose, and when applied effectively, it can enhance other Western treatments like behavioural activation, promoting overall well-being.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Nathania Rochelle and Jürgen Hoyer about leveraging behavioural activation and ikigai for preventive health.
Podcast Highlights
A paper on behavioural activation and ikigai. Nathania and Jürgen discuss the paper they co-authored.
Understanding behavioural activation. Jürgen explains what behavioural activation is.
Defining the concept of ikigai. Nathania shares how they defined ikigai in their paper.
The purpose of writing the paper. Nathania and Jürgen discuss the goals they had in mind when writing their paper.
The application of behavioural activation and ikigai. Nathania and Jürgen talk about how behavioural activation and ikigai are practised in the context of treatment.
Similarities between behavioural activation and ikigai. Jürgen discusses the similarities they uncovered between behavioural activation and ikigai.
Cross-cultural transfer. Nathania explains the cross-cultural transfer of behavioural activation to other cultures.
Ikigai as a psychotherapy. Jürgen discusses the potential of using ikigai as a psychotherapy approach to treat depression.
Identifying sources of ikigai. Nathania and Jürgen share their sources of ikigai.
Nathania Rochelle
Nathania Rochelle is a passionate in-training clinical psychologist eager to help patients with empathy, psychological methods, and hard work. She believes in the importance of research-based practice and practice-based research.
Jürgen Hoyer
Jürgen Hoyer is Professor of Behavioural Psychotherapy at the Technical University of Dresden.
LINKS:
Nathania Rochelle LinkedIn
Jürgen Hoyer Biography
A Cross-Cultural Conceptual Comparison of Behavioral Activation and Ikigai
A paper on behavioural activation and ikigai
Nathania and Jürgen co-authored a paper called ‘A Cross-Cultural Conceptual Comparison of Behavioral Activation and Ikigai.’ When Nathania was searching for a bachelor thesis topic, she reached out to Jürgen for suggestions and was introduced to the topic of behavioural activation and ikigai.
Jürgen discovered the concept of ikigai, likely through an Instagram algorithm, and found it intriguing. After reading Ken Mogi's book on ikigai, he was struck by the similarities between ikigai and the Western treatment strategy of behavioural activation, which he had been using in his work. This realisation led him to see that both Eastern and Western approaches to finding motivation and fulfilment could complement each other.
Consequently, he suggested this topic to Nathania. What began as a mini-thesis evolved into something much larger and unexpected, eventually being published in an international scientific journal.
Understanding behavioural activation
Behavioural activation is a treatment concept for depression rooted in behaviour therapy, initially developed in the United States by Peter Lewinsohn and others. Behavioural activation is based on the idea that depressed individuals engage in too few rewarding activities, and increasing their activity level can help improve their mood. However, this approach was initially criticised for its simplicity, as depressed individuals often struggle to engage in activities.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, behavioural activation was reformed to include ‘value work,’ emphasising committed actions aligned with a person's values rather than just pleasurable activities. This shift helps individuals gradually re-engage with life through simple tasks, which can improve their mood over time. The process involves activity monitoring and scheduling, where individuals track their activities and moods to identify those that have a positive impact.
Defining the concept of ikigai
In their paper, Nathania aimed to closely adhere to the original concept of ikigai while comparing it to behavioural activation. She believes that ikigai makes life worth living but emphasises that it's not just about finding random meaning. Instead, ikigai involves living a life aligned with one's values.
The purpose of writing the paper
Nathania and Jürgen aim to draw a parallel between the concept of ikigai and the Western approach of behavioural activation in their paper. They sought to explore how ikigai, deeply embedded in Japanese culture, contrasts with the newer concept of behavioural activation, which has been integrated into Western psychotherapy.
The paper investigates how these two approaches can be compared and potentially integrated into therapeutic practices and prevention strategies for depression. The ultimate goal is to broaden the perspective on how leading a value-based life might help prevent depression and enhance overall well-being.
The application of behavioural activation and ikigai
Jürgen shares that his understanding comes primarily from working with depressed patients, rather than from personal experiences with healthy individuals. He learned not just about motivation, which is a key aspect of behavioural activation, but also about the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Depressed patients often struggle with negative thoughts and rumination, which can detract from their focus during activities.
The concept of ikigai helps counteract this by encouraging individuals to be fully present and mindful of their actions. During treatment, patients are encouraged to concentrate on the present moment and to question whether they are truly engaged in their activities. Ikigai adds a deeper dimension to this process, helping individuals stay focused and committed to their chosen actions.
Similarities between behavioural activation and ikigai
Starting small is essential to both ikigai and behavioural activation; starting with small, achievable steps leads to success, which in turn boosts motivation and helps individuals progress further.
Another similarity between behavioural activation and ikigai is the emphasis on performing actions with awareness, commitment, and emotional depth. Engaging in tasks mindfully, even those that are not inherently pleasurable, can lead to a more fulfilling experience.
Cross-cultural transfer
With the influence of the internet, cultural boundaries between the East and West are becoming less distinct, leading to a hybrid culture, especially among younger generations. Cross-cultural integration, such as combining behavioural activation with ikigai, is already happening, even if it is not always intentional.
This blending of Eastern and Western ideas reflects how global interactions and the internet are influencing cultural exchanges, making it important to recognize and explore these connections.
Ikigai as a psychotherapy
Ikigai can play a key role in preventing depression by serving as a strategy for self-exploration—a process of asking meaningful questions to discover life's purpose. Jürgen envisions integrating ikigai in German schools to help adolescents develop a healthier mindset, counteract negative thinking, and foster individuality. He believes that incorporating ikigai into preventive health strategies offers significant benefits.
Identifying sources of ikigai
For Nathania, she feels ikigai in having coffee with good friends and engaging in meaningful conversations. She is also passionate about research, writing, and reading, aiming to expand people’s understanding of psychological concepts and create a significant impact.
For Jürgen, ikigai manifests in various roles, including being a dedicated teacher, researcher, father, and friend. A few years ago, he discovered a passion for writing songs. Since then, music has become a significant source of ikigai for him; he recorded his first album at 64, with a second album set to be released soon.
Conclusion
While not officially recognized as a treatment for disorders like depression, ikigai can complement Western therapies by offering a powerful way for individuals to reflect on their lives, align with their values, and cultivate a sense of motivation and purpose.