معرفی
Dr. Josip Bošnjaković is an Associate Professor at both the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo (part of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek) and the Croatian Catholic University in Zagreb. Ordained as a priest of the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese in 2003, he holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome (2012) and is a certified psychotherapist specializing in transactional analysis. He serves as the head of the Counseling Center in the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese and as president of the Croatian Society of Marriage and Family Counselors since 2019.
His research interests bridge psychology and theology, with particular focus on empathy, compassion, trauma recovery, family dynamics, and spiritual resilience. Bošnjaković has developed an interdisciplinary approach that integrates psychological science with theological insights, particularly emphasizing how compassion functions as both a psychological mechanism and theological virtue. His work explores how spiritual resources contribute to psychological resilience, especially in crisis situations including war trauma, pandemic experiences, and family breakdown.
Bošnjaković's recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on practical applications of psychological theory within pastoral contexts. His research shows how concepts from transactional analysis can enhance pastoral care, with particular attention to communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence in religious settings. He has made significant contributions to understanding how spiritual practices support mental health and how religious communities can better address psychological needs.
As an active member of professional organizations including ITAA (International Transactional Analysis Association), EATA (European Association of Transactional Analysis), and IAPR (International Association for the Psychology of Religion), Bošnjaković bridges academic research with practical counseling applications. He regularly contributes to professional development through workshops, conferences, and media appearances where he discusses psychological and spiritual aspects of contemporary challenges.
His academic leadership includes directing the specialist study program in Propaedeutics of Psychotherapy and Theotherapy at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo since 2023. Bošnjaković also serves on various academic committees including the Award Committee and Supervisory Board at his institution, and previously served on the Ethics Committee at the Croatian Catholic University (2013-2017).
