A conversão de Inácio numa perspetiva psicológica

The conversion of Ignatius of Loyola can be reflected upon from different perspectives, namely anthropological, theological, sociological, and psychological. Reflect on the meaning of conversion implies studying the converted person, inserted into their contexts of reference, and the complex process of conversion. In this framework, Psychology understood as the science that studies the person in development throughout life, in its multidimensionality, may present itself as an approach to be considered in the reflection on the conversion process. From a psychological perspective, this paper aims to reflect the impact of Ignatius of Loyola’s personality on the conversion process. At the same time, based on previous studies on this topic, a complementary view on the conversion process is added. In this way we will also develop the characteristics of Ignatius of Loyola in terms of motivation and self-regulation to understand the process of conversion. An attempt will be made to answer the following questions: What personality characteristics did Ignatius of Loyola present that helped him in his conversion? Can we understand the conversion process as a motivational and self-regulatory process, based on the constructivist and socio-cognitive models of Psychology?