Journal Article

Glovento Journal of Integrated Studies

Volume 2 (2026)

Article 71

Transforming Crisis Through Cosmic Trust: A Review of Daoist Acceptance in Zhuangzi and Its Applications to Modern Mental Health Interventions

Author(s): Dong Ziyi, Huang Jiaqing

DOI: http://doi.org/10.63665/gjis.v2.71

Abstract

The complexity of contemporary life has enhanced the suffering of the psyche, and integrative and culturally based methods of mental health must be employed. This paper discusses the meaning of the term, cosmic trust, based on Daoist philosophy, especially the works of Zhuangzi, and its applicability to modern mental health practices. The acceptance of Daoist focuses on the alignment with natural processes, the giving up of strict control, and the willingness to change. These values can be well-linked with contemporary therapeutic models that emphasize acceptance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility. The paper will assume a qualitative integrative review methodology to integrate the recent interdisciplinary literature on the Daoist philosophy and modern psychological practices. The discussion examines how the perspectives of Zhuangzi on impermanence, non-resistance, and non-identification with fixed self-concepts can be used to guide therapeutic interventions that help in managing crisis, uncertainty, and emotional distress. The conclusions indicate that cosmic trust helps to adaptively cope with adverse situations by supporting resilience, promoting emotional control, and meaning-making. Additionally, the research illuminates the incompatibility between Daoism acceptance and well-known interventions like acceptance-based and mindfulness-oriented therapies. Cosmic trust can provide a radical viewpoint by helping people accept instead of rejecting life’s unknowns and re-conceptualizing crises as a growth opportunity. Nevertheless, the Daoist principles need to be cautiously contextualized to prevent misinterpretation and simplification. On the whole, this paper makes Daoist acceptance a useful philosophical and psychological asset that can inform contemporary mental health practice and lead to a more holistic approach to well-being in an ever-unpredictable world.

Keywords

Cosmic Trust Daoist Philosophy (Zhuangzi) Psychological Flexibility Emotional Regulation Mindfulness and Acceptance Therapies
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Citation

Dong, Z., & Huang, J. (2026). Transforming crisis through cosmic trust: A review of Daoist acceptance in Zhuangzi and its applications to modern mental health interventions. Manuscript submitted for publication. Glovento Journal of Integrated Studies (GJIS), 2, Article 71. http://doi.org/10.63665/gjis.v2.71