Pastoral Counselling Considerations of Biopsychological Theories of Personality in Understanding Chronic Anxiety
Abstract
Personality is a multidimensional construct shaped by biological, psychological, and social processes, influencing how individuals experience and respond to life challenges. Biopsychological theories of personality emphasise the role of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and genetic predispositions in shaping thought, emotion, and behaviour. These insights are critical for understanding chronic anxiety, a prevalent mental health concern marked by persistent fear, tension, and impaired daily functioning. Anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, demonstrate the complex interplay of biological vulnerabilities and environmental stressors. Advances in neuroscience, such as electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging, have highlighted the neurological foundations of anxiety. In contrast, interventions such as biofeedback offer practical strategies for symptom regulation. For pastoral counselling, recognising the biopsychological dimensions of chronic anxiety is essential. Too often, anxiety within faith contexts is misinterpreted as weak faith or moral failure. By integrating scientific understanding with spiritual care, pastoral counsellors can reduce stigma, affirm the biological reality of anxiety, and offer holistic support. This includes validating medical treatment, incorporating prayer and scripture-based practices, and guiding individuals toward resilience through therapeutic and spiritual means. Ultimately, the convergence of biopsychology and pastoral counselling fosters a comprehensive model of care that honours the human brain's complexity while affirming the person's spiritual wholeness.
Keywords
Biopsychology, Personality, Chronic Anxiety, Pastoral Counselling, Neuroscience
Citations
IRE Journals:
Olaide O. Ajeigbe "Pastoral Counselling Considerations of Biopsychological Theories of Personality in Understanding Chronic Anxiety" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 1603-1609
IEEE:
Olaide O. Ajeigbe
"Pastoral Counselling Considerations of Biopsychological Theories of Personality in Understanding Chronic Anxiety" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)
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