Journal of psychology and theology (J PSYCHOL THEOL)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Forgiveness and reconciliation: The differing perspectives of psychologists and Christian theologians.

  Nathan R. Frise, Mark R. McMinn
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  ABSTRACT: Among psychologists, forgiveness and reconciliation are typically viewed as separate constructs. This distinction is often adaptive, making it possible for a person to forgive a deceased offender or to forgive without entering back into a dangerous relationship. But to what extent does this privatized and secularized view of forgiveness conflict with the religious construct of forgiveness that many clients and their religious leaders may hold? Two survey studies are reported here. The first assessed the opinions of academic psychologists and Christian theologians regarding the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. The second survey assessed the opinions of expert psychologists and Christian theologians who have published books on the topic of forgiveness. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that psychologists are more inclined to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation than Christian theologians. Implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: The ABC-X model of family stress in the book of Phillipians.

  Joe D. Wilmoth, Samantha Smyser
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  ABSTRACT: Throughout history, families have dealt with stress and crises. Hill's 1949 ABC-X model of family stress remains a useful tool for identifying the different components that affect how successfully families cope with stress. Paul's letter to the Philippians expands and illustrates this model. Therapists working with Christian families and individuals can use this model and Paul's epistle as a structure to help identify the type of stressor being experienced, explore family resources, and evaluate the individual's or family's meaning of the stressor, helping them to respond successfully to stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Source

  Available from: cmq.edu.mx

  Article: Gender Role Orientation and Attitude Toward Christianity: A Study Among Older Men and Women in the United Kingdom.

  Leslie J. Francis
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  ABSTRACT: A sample of 496 older men and women in England, mainly in their sixties and seventies, completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory together with the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity. The data demonstrated that psychological femininity is key to individual differences in religiosity (as assessed by attitude toward Christianity) within the sexes and that, after taking gender role orientation into account, biological sex conveyed no additional predictive power in respect of individual differences in religiosity (as assessed by attitude toward Christianity). This finding is explained in terms of Eysenck's biologically-based dimensional model of personality which construes psychological masculinity and femininity as one of the seven constituent components of one of the three major dimensions of personality (psychoticism). This psychologically-based theory renders redundant sociologically-based socialization theories designed to account for differences in religiosity between the sexes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Calling and Conflict: A Qualitative Exploration of Interrole Conflict and the Sanctification of Work in Christian Mothers in Academia.

  Kerris L. M. Oates, M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, Tamara L. Anderson
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  ABSTRACT: This study investigated the role of spirituality in working Christian mothers coping with tension due to interrole conflict, in light of past research suggesting a relationship between spirituality and coping constructs. Interviews with 32 mothers working in Christian academia were examined using a post hoc analysis of content informed by principles of grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). Several aspects of a sense of calling emerged that appeared related to the experience of interrole tension: a sense of certitude, collaboration, and a context of purpose. It was theorized that for these women, the sanctification of work, through experiencing a sense of calling, was related to coping with interrole tension. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: The role of secure attachment in predicting spiritual maturity of students at a conservative seminary.

  Judith K. TenElshof, James L. Furrow
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  ABSTRACT: Previous research on attachment relationships suggests that early parental interactions generate internalized models of self and others—models which are carried forward in later relationships. In order to investigate the relationships between secure attachment styles and their collective influence on spiritual maturity, a survey of 216 seminary students was conducted using the Parental Bonding Instrument, Adult Attachment Scale, and the Faith Maturity Index. Secure adult attachment styles were predicted to relate positively with spiritual maturity. Findings suggest that adult measures of secure attachment styles are correlated with faith maturity. Measures of parental bonding evidenced minimal associations with adult attachment styles and were weaker correlates of faith maturity. Secure adult attachment was a stronger predictor of faith maturity when compared to measures of parental bonding. Implications are offered for religious training institutions, the church, and the community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: A preliminary assessment of mental health needs faced by religious leaders in Eastern Europe.

  Brent M. Ellens, Mark R. McMinn, Linda L. Lake, Matthew M. Hardy, Elizabeth J. Hayen
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  ABSTRACT: Enormous sociopolitical changes in Eastern Europe in the last decade have had a profound impact on the psychological functioning of the citizens of these nations. In order to assess and intervene in the mental health realm in Eastern Europe, a brief survey was sent to 29 Christian leaders in Eastern Europe. Common mental health problems identified across the various Eastern European countries and cultures include depression, relationship difficulties, alcohol abuse, and anxiety disorders. Christians in Eastern Europe tend to turn to family and friends for help with these problems 1st, pastors 2nd, and almost never to mental health professionals. Clergy and laypersons have little training in mental health issues. A promising direction for future service is training those who can, in turn, train Eastern European laypersons in basic listening and support skills. The authors believe that cultural awareness and sensitivity will be of paramount importance in such an endeavor. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Personal spirituality as a moderator of the relationship between stressors and subjective well-being.

  Anthony N. Fabricatore, Paul J. Handal, L. Mickey Fenzel
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  ABSTRACT: Examined the impact that a personal, integrated spirituality has on well-being and its role in moderating the effects of stressors (both significant life events and hassles) on well-being among a sample of 120 undergraduates (aged 18–22 yrs) at a private religiously affiliated college. The hypotheses were as follows: 1st, stressors would have a negative impact on subjective well-being (SWB), which consists of satisfaction with life (SWL) and affective well-being (AWB); 2nd, personal spirituality would positively predict SWB independently of stressors; and 3rd, personal spirituality would moderate the relationship between stressors and SWB. Results show that stressors predicted both dimensions of SWB and that personal spirituality significantly added to the prediction of SWL. Personal spirituality was also found to moderate the relationship between stressors and life satisfaction, accounting for a small yet significant portion of the variance. Personal spirituality is conceptualized as a useful resource among undergraduates for maintaining life satisfaction in the face of stressors. Questions are raised regarding the underlying mechanisms of the observed effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Christian psychology graduate school's impact on marriage: Nonstudent spouses speak.

  Mikala Anne Legako, Randall Lehmann Sorenson
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  ABSTRACT: Although many empirical studies have investigated marital distress and marital satisfaction, no research has been conducted on the impact of graduate school on marriage for students-in-training, particularly from the viewpoint of the nonstudent spouse. Using a qualitative research methodology, 6 male and 6 female spouses of 3rd and 4th year graduate students at an APA-approved program in clinical psychology were Ss in the present study. Three hypotheses investigated were (1) graduate training would have a detrimental effect on student marriages, (2) nonstudent spouses would report marital strain due to student spouses' emotional isolation and withdrawal, and (3) due to the process of acculturation into organized secular psychology, students' emphasis on personal religious faith would decrease. The 1st hypothesis was supported, the 2nd was unsupported, and the 3rd received mixed support. Three recommendations to support student marriages within graduate educational settings are offered in conclusion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: A series of progressive legal and ethical decision-making steps for using Christian spiritual interventions in psychotherapy.

  Wayne Chappelle
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  ABSTRACT: Addresses the purpose and prevalence of Christian spiritual interventions and proposes a series of progressive legal and ethical decision-making steps to improve therapists' skills in incorporating such interventions into psychotherapy. The initial steps include an assessment of the therapist's role, the setting of therapy, and the presenting problem of the client. Additional steps include obtaining informed consent, evaluating a therapist's competency, maintaining professional and scientific responsibility, respecting the client's religious values, documenting the use of spiritual interventions, making appropriate financial arrangements, and promoting the welfare of the client. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Leadership development and clergy understanding: The events and lessons that shape pastoral leaders.

  Robert B. McKenna, Paul R. Yost, Tanya N. Boyd
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  ABSTRACT: While much work has been done in understanding the developmental journey of leaders in secular organizations, there is limited empirical research investigating the key experiences in the pastoral leader's journey and the associated lessons emerging from these events. One hundred pastors were interviewed about the key events in their development as leaders. Content analysis was used to develop detailed taxonomies of the key developmental events in their careers and of the lessons that emerged from each of these events. The results indicated that, consistent with past research on business leaders, the preponderance of developmental experiences occurred in-the-trenches (32%), during times of significant transition (27%), or in personal relationships (23%), indicating that pastors develop as they are doing their work and leading on the edge of their comfort zones. Results also indicated that events were tied to predictable sets of lessons. Implications for pastors, denominational leadership, and seminaries are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Source

  Available from: thedivineconspiracy.org

  Article: Christian clients' preferences regarding prayer as a counseling intervention.

  Chet Weld, Karen Eriksen
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  ABSTRACT: Spirituality has increasingly become a consideration for mental health practitioners. As a result, spiritual interventions, including prayer, are now more frequently used in counseling. However, no research has explored Christian clients' expectations regarding prayer in counseling. This study surveyed first-visit Christian clients and their therapists to ascertain client expectations and therapist beliefs and practices. Analysis with two sample f-tests with unequal variances, one-way analysis of variance, simple linear regression, Pearson correlations, and Fisher's exact tests indicated that (a) 82% of clients desired audible prayer in counseling; (b) they preferred that therapists introduce the subject of prayer; (c) they had strong expectations that prayer would be included in counseling; (d) they wanted counselors to pray for them outside of session; (e) religious conservatives had higher expectations for prayer than did liberals; (f) clients with prior Christian counseling had higher expectations of prayer than did clients without. Research implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Women Called: A Qualitative Study of Christian Women Dually Called to Motherhood and Career.

  Tina Schermer Sellers, Kris Thomas, Jennifer Batts, Cami Ostman
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  ABSTRACT: The intersection between spirituality, motherhood and vocation is largely unexplored in contemporary writing and research. The cultural and religious messages received by women regarding motherhood and vocation often produce complicated dilemmas for women who seek to participate in both domains simultaneously. Even though working mothers represent a significant number of women in America, the stories, themes and voices of deeply spiritual career mothers have been largely silenced in literature. This phenomenological study looks into the lives of eleven Christian women who are mothers working across career disciplines in a liberal arts university setting. Four dominant themes emerged from the analysis, including the meaning of "calling," formative messages, the lived experience, and wisdom for the next generation. Though complex and demanding, overall these women were deeply satisfied and grateful for the opportunity to craft lives fulfilling longings to both motherhood and career. Implications for the community and future research are also addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Factors affecting clergy-psychologist referral patterns.

  Mark R. McMinn, Steven J. Runner, Jennifer A. Fairchild, Joshua D. Lefler, Rachel P. Suntay
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  ABSTRACT: Recent research on clergy-psychologist collaboration has resulted in helpful principles for clergy and psychologists working together, but very little is known about what specific characteristics in clergy are appealing to psychologists and vice versa. Two experimental survey studies are reported, both exploring characteristics that enhance or hinder collaboration. In Study 1, Southern Baptist pastors rated the likelihood of referring to a counselor who was identified as either a Biblical Counselor or a Christian Psychologist, and was identified as either being excellent in interpersonal skills or as using scripture and prayer in counseling. Pastors demonstrated a preference for counselors using scripture and prayer in counseling over those described as having excellent interpersonal skills. In Study 2, psychologist respondents rated the likelihood of referring to a clergyperson who was identified either as a Baptist or a Unitarian universalist, and was identified either as seminary trained or as having a doctoral degree from a prestigious divinity school. Psychologists demonstrated a preference for those with a doctoral degree. The weak effect sizes and comments offered on the surveys suggest that the individual relationship between clergy and psychologist is much more salient than particular demographic characteristics when considering the possibility of collaboration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Measuring religion and spirituality: Where are we and where are we going?

  Will Slater, Todd W. Hall, Keith J. Edwards
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  ABSTRACT: While the measurement of religion and spirituality has made significant progress in the past few decades, we have seen increasing criticism of the dominant paradigm in the psychology of religion—intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness. A variety of new measures have been developed, notwithstanding R. L. Gorsuch's (1984) admonition to the contrary. Religion and its post-modern offspring (spirituality) has become intensely personal, and the direction of the new measures in the field reflect this shift. Furthermore, several complexities of measuring this domain remain unresolved, such as the lack of precision in definitions, illusory spiritual health, ceiling effects, social desirability, and bias. This article discusses these complexities, provides a critical review of two widely used instruments, and reviews four newer instruments with promising theoretical perspectives and psychometric properties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Surrender to God: An additional coping style?

  Ana Wong-McDonald, Richard L. Gorsuch
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  ABSTRACT: In addition to the religious coping styles proposed by K. I. Pargament et al (1988), a surrender style of coping is proposed. Surrender is not a passive waiting for God to take care of everything; rather, it entails an active choice to relinquish one's will to God's rule. Analysis of 30 surrender-associated coping items rated by 151 Christian undergraduates (aged 17–47 yrs) yielded a 12-item Surrender Scale with a reliability coefficient of .94. A factor analysis delineated Surrender as a separate factor from the other coping styles. Preliminary incremental validity was also established employing a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. After removing the effects of the other coping styles, the Surrender Scale correlated positively with religious importance, intrinsic religiousness, spiritual well-being, and locus of control in God. Moreover, the Surrender Scale correlated negatively with Extrinsic-Personal religiousness and locus of control in luck. As hypothesized, surrender, as a coping strategy, was significantly related with the other coping styles, yet it evidenced sufficient incremental validity for its consideration as a distinct coping style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: Seeking forgiveness: Theoretical context and an initial empirical study.

  Steven J. Sandage, Everett L. Worthington Jr, Terry L. Hight, Jack W. Berry
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  ABSTRACT: While research on granting forgiveness has exploded recently, no theoretical or empirical attention has been directed at seeking forgiveness. The authors lay a theoretical base for the study of seeking forgiveness and report our initial study bearing on the concept. The authors investigate the potential role of some personality and developmental factors that might promote seeking forgiveness. 232 students (aged 18–55 yrs) who indicated having transgressed against a partner in the past year completed questionnaires on religiosity, age, developmental level of reasoning about forgiveness, narcissism, self-monitoring, and the level to which they had sought forgiveness. Neither religiosity not age significantly predicted seeking forgiveness. Developmental level of reasoning about forgiveness predicted seeking forgiveness beyond religiosity and age. Narcissism and self-monitoring significantly predicted seeking forgiveness. The authors outline limitations of the study and implications for future research, clinical practice, and integration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2012;
• Article: An Ecumenical, Interdisciplinary and Integrating Specialization Program in Pastoral Counseling in East Central Europe

  Teodóra Tomcsányi, Gábor Török, Roger Csáky-Pallavicini, András Ittzés, Viola Sallay, Tamás Martos, Péter Török
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  ABSTRACT: Pointing out the similarities and differences between pastoral counseling and pastoral psychology, our study presents the goals, curriculum, characteristics, and novelty of a specialization program in pastoral counseling established at a historic moment in Hungary, after the end of the communist dictatorship. On the one hand, we describe a university-level ecumenical, interdisciplinary, integrating specialization program in pastoral counseling which is offered at the graduate level through the cooperation of secular and ecclesiastical institutions of higher learning and which takes into account the differences of historical and cultural conditions between East Central Europe and the West. On the other hand, we present an effectiveness study of the program in which we measured, with the help of an instrument developed by our research group, changes in students’ pastoral counseling competence (N=55). In the longitudinal study ‘person-centeredness’, ‘non-directiveness’, ‘assuming responsibility for the process’, ‘ability to handle spiritual issues’, ‘recognition of competence boundaries’ showed significant increase. The results prove that students’ practical helping competence developed significantly, and our findings correspond to the goals of the educational program. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of the specialization program as well as its social significance.
  Journal of psychology and theology 01/2012;
• Article: Faith-Based HIV Care and Prevention in Chinese Immigrant Communities: Rhetoric or Reality?

  Ezer Kang, John J Chin, Elana Behar
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  ABSTRACT: Ethnic churches attended by first generation Chinese immigrants are uniquely positioned to address emerging HIV prevention and care needs within the Chinese community at-large. Efforts to develop faith-based HIV programs necessitate identifying how HIV intersects with the sinicization of Christianity within Chinese churches. This paper will review the process of contextualizing HIV within theological and cultural frameworks that are meaningful for ethnic Chinese church leaders and members. The authors specifically propose two points of integration between public health and ecclesial functions: (1) HIV stigma-mitigation initiatives as informed by Christo-centric teachings of compassion and justice, and (2) HIV prevention and care reframed as social responsibility and informed by the Christian tradition of evangelism. Systems and practices that hinder and promote the involvement of Chinese churches in HIV prevention, care, and stigma-reduction will be discussed.
  Journal of psychology and theology 10/2011; 39(3):268-279.