Self-denial

Self-denial (related but different from self-abnegation[1] or self-sacrifice) is an act of letting go of the self as with altruistic abstinence – the willingness to forgo personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.[2] Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. According to some Protestants, self-denial is considered a superhuman virtue only obtainable through Jesus.[3] Some critics of self-denial suggest that self-denial can lead to self-hatred.[4]

Not to be confused with Non-self.

Positive effects

There is evidence brief periods of fasting, a denial of food, can be beneficial to health in certain situations.[5][6] Self-denial is sometimes related to inhibitory control and emotional self-regulation, the positives of which are dealt with in those articles.[7] As people grow accustomed to material goods they often experience hedonic adaptation, whereby they get used to the finer things and are less inclined to savor daily pleasures. Scarcity can lead people to focus on enjoying an experience more deeply, which increases joy.

Negative effects

Others argue self-denial involves avoidance and holding back of happiness and pleasurable experiences from oneself that is only damaging to other people.[8] Some argue it is a form of micro-suicide because it is threatening to an individual's physical health, emotional well-being, or personal goals.[9]

Religion and self-denial

Self-denial can constitute an important element of religious practice in various belief systems. An exemplification is the self-denial advocated by several Christian confessions where it is believed to be a means of reaching happiness and a deeper religious understanding, sometimes described as 'becoming a true follower of Christ'. The foundation of self-denial in the Christian context is based on the recognition of a higher God-given will, which the Christian practitioner chooses to adhere to, and prioritize over his or her own will or desires. This can in daily life be expressed by renunciation of certain physically pleasureable, yet from a religious stand-point inappropriate activities, sometimes referred to as 'desires of the flesh', which e.g. could entail certain sexual practices and over-indulgent eating or drinking. In the Christian faith, Jesus is often mentioned as a positive example of self-denial, both in relation to the deeds performed during his life, as well as the sacrifice attributed to his death.

See also

References
  1. Arthur I. Waskow (1991). Seasons of our Joy: A Modern Guide to the Jewish Holidays. Boston: Beacon Press. p. 31. ISBN 0-8070-3611-0. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  2. Tina Besley; Michael A. Peters (2007). Subjectivity & Truth: Foucault, Education, and the Culture of Self. New York: Peter Lang. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-8204-8195-1. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  3. Brian Stewart Hook; Russell R. Reno (2000). Heroism and the Christian Life: Reclaiming Excellence. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. p. 2. ISBN 0-664-25812-3. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  4. David Jan Sorkin (1999). The Transformation of German Jewry, 1780-1840. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. p. 4. ISBN 0-8143-2828-8. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  5. Fond G, Macgregor A, Leboyer M, Michalsen A (2013). "Fasting in mood disorders: neurobiology and effectiveness. A review of the literature" (PDF). Psychiatry Res (Review). 209 (3): 253–8. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2012.12.018. PMID 23332541. S2CID 39700065.
  6. Knapton, Sarah (5 June 2014). "Fasting for three days can regenerate entire immune system, study finds". Telegraph.co.uk.
  7. Robin M. Kowalski; Mark R. Leary (2004). The Interface of Social and Clinical Psychology: Key Readings. Psychology Press. pp. 55 and 60. ISBN 978-1-84169-087-2.
  8. Robert W. Firestone; Joyce Catlett (2009). Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships. Great Britain: Karnac Books. p. 210. ISBN 978-1-85575-605-2.
  9. Robert I. Yufit; David Lester (2005). Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Suicidal Behavior. New Jersey: Wiley. p. 210. ISBN 978-0-471-27264-9.
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