Existential Authenticity: Theory and Practice

This book draws on existential theory and original research to present the conceptual framework for an understanding of existential authenticity and demonstrates how this approach might be adopted in practice. The authors explore how a non-mediated connection with authentic lived experience might be established and introduced into everyday living. Drs. Jonathan Davidov and Pninit Russo-Netzer begin by introducing readers to the core theoretical concepts before illustrating how this might be applied in a therapeutic practice. It appeals to scholars and practitioners with an interest in existential psychology, phenomenology, and their broad implications.

Jonathan Davidov is a teaching fellow at University of Haifa, research fellow at the Compass Institute for the Research of Meaning, Israel. Dr Davidov research interests are existential and phenomenological  psychology, and human behavior under extreme situations and in significant turning points in life. More specifically the research focus is on how people experience and adapt to crises, extreme situations and dramatic turning points in their lives, both on social (macro) and individual (micro) domains, including a special interest in authenticity and meaning-making in such context.  His previous publications include Identity, Self and Free Will in Total Institutions (2015).

Pninit Russo-Netzer is a researcher, author and senior lecturer in Achva Academic College and the University of Haifa, Israel. Dr Russo-Netzer’s main research and practice interests focus on meaning in life, positive and existential psychology, spiritual development, resilience and growth across the lifespan. She is the head of the Compass Institute for the Study and Application of Meaning and the head of the academic training program for Logotherapy (meaning-oriented psychotherapy) in Israel. She has published several books as well as scholarly articles and chapters, and serves as academic advisor and consultant to academic and non-academic institutions.