bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ritual Abuse, Multiplicity, and Mind-Control
Authors: Gould Catherine , Cozolino Louis
Published: February 2018

As a result of the psychologically intolerable nature of their early childhood experiences, victims of ritual abuse frequently develop multiple personality disorder (MPD). Therapists who treat these victims often assume that all MPD stems from a system of spontaneously created defenses against overwhelming trauma. As a result, these therapists tend to focus on treating the post-traumatic stress elements of the disorder and on integrating alter personalities. Recent experience with victims of ritual abuse suggests the presence of “cult-created” multiplicity, in which the cult deliberately creates alter personalities to serve its purposes, often outside of the awareness of the victim's host personality.

Each cult-created alter is programmed to serve a particular cult function such as maintaining contact with the cult, reporting information to the cult, self-injuring if cult injunctions are broken, and disrupting the therapeutic process that could lead to the individual breaking free of the cult. A majority of ritual abuse victims in psychotherapy may maintain cult contact unbeknownst to either the host personality or the treating therapist.
Ego-Dystonic or Ego-Alien: Alternate Personality or Evil Spirit?
Authors: Friesen James G.
Published: February 2018

This article describes differential diagnosis of personality states and evil spirits. The Apostle Paul and Satanic High Priest, Anton LaVey, each instructed followers to engage the Holy Spirit or the Powers of Darkness, respectively, in spiritual warfare. We are all involved in the struggle, particularly when we aid satanic ritual abuse (SRA) survivors. Confusion surrounds SRA; the interrelatedness of satanic ritual abuse, multiple personality disorder, and spiritual warfare adds to the confusion. Both the psychological and spiritual realms are considered important for healing and should be carried out together. Evil spirits are presented as oppressive supernatural states, not as personality states. Treatment may require unifying personalities and casting out evil spirits. A diagnostic category is proposed: Oppressive Supernatural States Disorder, with identifying guidelines. The confusion about SRA may diminish if this category leads to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Some Additional Questions: A Response to Shaffer & Cozolino, to Gould and Cozolino, and to Friesen
Authors: Ganaway George K.
Published: February 2018

The author reviews and comments on three articles (Shaffer & Cozolino, Gould & Cozolino, and Friesen) featured in the Journal of Psychology & Theology, 1992, 20(3) special issue on satanic ritual abuse. Issues explored include approaches to the factual validity of patient experiences; the diagnosis and treatment of the emotional sequelae of SRA; the existence of criminal satanic cults; basic premises on which observations and hypotheses about SRA are founded; the difficulty in extrapolating MPD data to SRA memories; the possibility of iatrogenic implantation of SRA “memories” through techniques of hypnotic interrogation; and the part transference issues and resistance may play in personality “splits.” The author affirms the importance of raising questions about the nature of the relationship between patients and therapists during psychotherapy, as well as the need for closer scrutiny of the various techniques being used to uncover and explore alleged trauma memories. The vulnerability of dissociative disorder patients to exploitation suggests the need to carefully review the standards of practice of mental health professionals, whatever their level of education and theoretical/technical persuasion.
Is Therapy Science or Religion, Logic or Faith? A Response to Shaffer & Cozolino, Gould & Cozolino, and Friesen
Authors: Ondrovik Joann , Hamilton David
Published: February 2018

The authors respond to articles in the special issue on SRA published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992, 20(3), by R. E. Shaffer and L. J. Cozolino, by C. Gould and L. J. Cozolino, and by J. G. Friesen. The three articles reference theology or spirituality in relation to clinical approaches to ritualistic or satanic abuse. Important considerations for case management are indicated when patients surface issues of ritualistic, satanic, or cult abuse, especially by avoiding extreme positions and ignoring opposing ones. Transference and secondary gain are major concerns in working with such patients. The responders stress the importance of a faith in and understanding of the patient's reality and to treat that reality as it is verbalized in the clinical setting. It may not be important to classify abuse or torture in order to treat the patient effectively.
Consistency with Clinical Experience versus Sound Theory: A Response to Rosik
Authors: Comstock Christine M.
Published: February 2018

Psychoanalytic tradition of relating to an observing ego makes it unnecessary to conceptualize the Internal Self Helper as paranormal. It is not clear how Rosik conceptualizes the ISH with respect to theological considerations and expectations. Underlying assumptions he makes about the patient in his case study fit better with clinical experience and client self-report than with sound theory. How he views his patient is important, that is, whether she is seen as (a) separate selves, entities, “people,” or alters in one body, or as (b) one whole person but with a fragmented sense of herself. The difference in viewpoints raises significant questions. There is danger in accepting a patient's self-report as literal truth, since (s)he may confuse functional with structural truth, thereby further confusing the clinical picture. Patients with abusive backgrounds are apt to internalize some of the abusive attitudes and negative feelings they experienced in their homes while growing up. Are the perceptions of an ISH held by Rosik's patient her own or those she believes her therapist holds or wants to hold? The ISH is an interesting but as yet not well defined or understood phenomenon which calls for ongoing integrative discussion in the professional community.
Ritual Abuse: Defining a Syndrome versus Defending a Belief
Authors: Mulhern Sherrill A.
Published: February 2018

The author briefly reviews her research showing how SRA training seminars proposed to mental health professionals between 1987 and 1990 constituted a form of proselytizing. Such presentations were designed to convert clinicians before they began listening to patients to believe in the plausible existence of satanic blood cults. Diagnostic and treatment techniques recommended in SRA seminars, as well as postulated explanations for patients’ exacerbated clinical symptoms, all pre-supposed the facticity of networks of organized groups of perpetrators. Since the author first presented the results of this study to mental health professionals between 1989–91, some SRA “experts” have slightly modified their presentations in order to acknowledge the limits of hypnotic memory retrieval techniques and the risks of confabulation and uncontrolled counter-transference with highly suggestible patients suffering from memory disorders. Many others, however, continue to employ proselytizing techniques which are inappropriate in medical education courses. Patients’ better interests are ill served when their therapists’ “educated” ears have been deafened by uncritical belief.
Universal Cultural Elements in the Satanic Demonology
Authors: Stevens Phillips
Published: February 2018

The “Black” or “Satanic Mass” is the western Christian variant of a complex scenario that expresses people's most basic and terrible fears. Many elements in the scenario, called a demonology, are found universally and throughout history. Anthropological examination of them suggests that they represent sub-cultural, innate fears deeply rooted in our evolutionary biology. This paper briefly discusses certain motifs prominent in the satanic demonology, including: nocturnal activity, ritual murder and the ritual use of blood, cannibalism and vampirism, incest and other forms of illicit sexuality, general fears of danger to children, and death, all of which represent universal cultural fears. Also considered are certain elements which seem specific to Western variants of the demonology, e.g., torment with snakes and spiders, and urine and feces. The possibilities of primate parallels to some of these features of the demonology is also considered. Cultural bases for these elements and the significance of their distribution may help to explain the widespread allegations of horrible deeds by satanic cults, and the testimonies of “survivors” of satanic rituals.
Reaction to Benjamin Rossen's Investigation of Satanic Ritual Abuse in Oude Pekela
Authors: Jonker Fred , Jonker-Bakker Ietje
Published: February 2018

The authors, Jonker and Jonker-Bakker, respond to Benjamin Rossen's criticisms of their handling of an alleged satanic ritual abuse incident in Oude Pekela, The Netherlands. This response in turn criticizes the quality of Rossen's scientific work, especially in respect to his judgments made without having had direct contact with the children or their parents, or other principals in the incident.
Dealing with “Murky Monsters and Dastardly Demons”: A Response to Underwager and Wakefield
Authors: Arnold Clinton E.
Published: February 2018

The author responds to Underwager and Wakefield (1992) with a critique of what he regards as their cavalier and counterproductive approach to the nature and extent of Satanic influence on either persons or society today. With Underwager and Wakefield, the author doubts the existence of a widespread satanic conspiracy and urges guarding against a “devil behind every bush” syndrome. He appeals instead to a New Testament-rooted theological understanding which locates the source of evil in the reality of three interrelated forces, i.e., “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” His solution for the reality of the existence and hostile activity of satanic forces is that of a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
A “Veil Untaken Away”: A Reply to Arnold
Authors: Underwager Ralph , Wakefield Hollida
Published: February 2018

The authors reply to Arnold's reaction to their article in this issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology(1992, Vol. 20, No. 3). Arnold's reaction is criticized as firmly rooted and grounded in the mindset of the Law, his criticisms the result of blindness of mind and apparent inability to grasp what the Gospel actually does. He has therefore totally missed the truth of the Gospel of Life. The authors reject categorically that they regard Satan on the same ontological level as the tooth fairy, saying that they wrote only of Satan's power–-that is, lies. Arnold is charged with having misrepresented data. It is averred that the area of lies is the relationship between behavior and consequences. In the view of Underwager and Wakefield, what is dangerous to the Christian and the capacity to experience the good, more abundant life of grace and freedom does not derive from a mistaken focus on Satan and his continuing power to harm.
A Place for the Bible within Psychological Science
Authors: Johnson Eric L.
Published: February 2018

Many Christian psychologists have been motivated to relate psychology and the teachings of the Bible. However, this task has met with limited success for a variety of reasons, some of which include the secular zeitgeist within which we operate, a lack of unanimity in the Christian psychological community regarding the place of the Bible in psychology and how to go about relating the two, and an inadequate understanding of the nature of psychological science as well as the Bible and theology. After dealing with some of these issues, eight roles that the Bible might serve within psychology are presented.
Premarital Relationship Adjustment and its Relation to Religiosity and Sexual Involvement
Authors: Dunn Ryan L. , Fine Mark A. , Kurdek Lawrence A.
Published: February 2018

The relations among relationship adjustment, sexual involvement, and religiosity were investigated among 249 college students involved in heterosexual dating relationships. Scores from the Gladding-Lewis-Adkins Religiosity Scale and the Heterosexual Behavior Inventory (assessing religiosity and sexual involvement in the relationship) were entered into a multiple regression analysis to determine their effect on relationship adjustment (measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale) after the effects of five control variables (miles apart, days partner seen per week, social desirability, parents’ education, and relationship length) had been removed. The results indicated that religiosity accounted for a significant portion of the variance in premarital relationship adjustment, while no significant effect was found for sexual involvement or the interaction of the two variables. Implications for further research in this area are discussed.
Clergy Marriages: A Multivariate Model of Marital Adjustment
Authors: Benda Brent B. , Diblasio Frederick A.
Published: February 2018

This was a study of marital adjustment among clergy who had attended a Presbyterian seminary and their spouses (N= 247). The proposed explanatory model that was tested was composed of earner status (dual or single earner families), role orientation, perceived stress related to work, perceived stress from family, perceived stress from the combination of work and family, and gender. Hierarchical regression procedures revealed that the model explained 15% of the total variance in marital adjustment (control variables explained 2% of this variance). In order of predictiveness, the relevant factors were: (a) perceived stress from work and family, (b) number of children age 5 and younger, (c) perceived stress from family, and (d) earner status. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Missions and Mental Health: Introduction to a Special Issue
Authors: Hunter William F.
Published: February 2018

The Guest Editor introduces the contents of the third special issue on Psychology and Missions published by the Journal of Psychology and Theology. The necessity and place of pre-experimental thinking and theorizing is emphasized as is the continuing need to move efforts more speedily toward empirical research on issues relating to missions and mental health.
Missions and Mental Health: A Lesson from History
Authors: Beck James R.
Published: February 2018

Biography has long served as an inspirational tool in the service of modern missions. But careful examination of past experiences with missionary pioneers can also yield valuable information about mental health issues that continue to have current relevance. The insanity of Dorothy Placket Carey (1756–1807) serves as such a lesson from history. This article will ask some “What if …?” questions regarding the story of Dorothy Carey followed by an exploration of some lessons of value that emerge from her life story. Finally the article will summarize the legacy Dorothy Carey has left us in the cause of mental health and missions.
Separation Anxiety Disorder in a Missionary Child: Theoretical Considerations and Intervention Strategies
Authors: Bullock Mark D.
Published: February 2018

Based on a review of factors associated with Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), this article attempts to show how an understanding of these factors can be helpful in instances of separation anxiety in missionary children (MKs). Using the example of one MK who exhibited major criteria for SAD diagnosis as a result of being sent away to boarding school, the article illustrates various psychodynamically and behaviorally oriented intervention strategies. The interventions are evaluated and implications suggested for parents of MKs, boarding school houseparents, and other staff, as well as mission administrators.
Sexual Immorality in the Missions Community: Overtones of Incest?
Authors: Kellogg Miriam E. , Hunter William F.
Published: February 2018

Anecdotal data, known widely to missions administrators, missionaries and missions-related mental health professionals, support the view that sexual immorality does occur in some measure in the missions community. The missions family comprises missionary couples and their children as well as singles quasi-related not by blood or contractual ties but through roles assumed in a system with family-like functions and responsibilities. Because the missions community takes on the character of a quasi-family system, occurrence of sexual immorality carries with it similar components of incest experienced in natural families, including family dysfunction, reactions to exposure of sexual immorality, victims’ self-blaming, power differential between victim and perpetrator, betrayal of victims’ trust, and secrecy. Elements in the quasi-family missions community that foster vulnerability to incest-like sexual harassment and/or abuse are considered together with moral, ethical and spiritual implications.
Personality Characteristics of Staff Members at Selected Overseas Missionary Boarding Schools
Authors: Wickstrom David L. , Andrews Leslie A.
Published: February 2018

In this descriptive and comparative study, the Adjective Check List (ACL) was administered to 576 staff members at 20 overseas missionary boarding schools. Participants completed the test four times, first describing themselves, then describing persons they considered to be ideal administrators, teachers, and boarding home parents. Profiles for each of the staff positions were developed through simple tabulation and averaging of scores. Scores were then factor analyzed for each of the roles and comparisons were computed between actual and ideal roles. Conclusions and suggestions were made for selection and training of candidates for staff roles at overseas boarding schools.
Response to Oosterhuis: Empirically Justified Uses of Spanking: Toward a Discriminating View of Corporal Punishment
Authors: Larzelere Robert E.
Published: February 2018

This article makes a case for discriminating appropriate from inappropriate corporal punishment utilizing empirical research and the larger scriptural context of the rod passages in Proverbs. Three lines of research have indicated that some spanking is beneficial in certain contexts: the treatment of autistic children, the behavioral training of young children by parents, and the reduction of recurrent misbehavior in toddlers. Although the use of corporal punishment should be reduced, spanking as a backup for time-out and reasoning appears to be beneficial for children from 2 to 6 years of age.
“A Last Word”: Oosterhuis Responds to Gangel & Rooker, Pike, and Larzelere
Authors: Oosterhuis Alyce
Published: February 2018

The author replies to the responses by Gangel and Rooker, Pike, and Larzelere concerning “Abolishing the Rod” in this issue of the Journal. The desire is expressed that the article and responses will stimulate a reevaluation of the role of corporal punishment in the nurture of youth.
Codependent Christians: Some Issues for Church-Based Recovery Groups
Authors: Riordan Richard J. , Simone Diane
Published: February 2018

Codependents who are Christians often wrestle with theological as well as psychological issues in working through codependent behavior. In such cases, the church-based group can provide a unique setting for restructuring belief systems that may incorporate Scripture. This environment can also provide a safe place for self-revelation among Christians who share a community and a common faith. This article outlines an approach to the integration of scriptural and psychological principles in addressing codependence. Based on suggested biblical passages and Cermak & Brown's (1982) five core issues of codependence–-control, trust, personal needs, responsibility, and feeling–-a framework is provided for discussion and intervention in the group setting. The authors note the advantages of using this approach for both the group and the church in which it is based.
Rejected, Reclaimed, Renamed: Mary Daly on Psychology and Religion
Authors: Henking Susan E.
Published: February 2018

This article reviews Mary Daly's five books published between 1968 and 1987. Mary Daly is a key contributor to the feminist view of religion. The focus of this discussion is her intellectual trajectory that includes critique and reconstruction of both psychology and religion. As she moves from reform to radical feminism and from Christianity to postchristian feminist spirituality, Daly increasingly views both psychology and religion as aspects of oppressively patriarchal culture. Simultaneously, her own work includes psychological insights and envisions psychic integrity as a goal of the spiritual revolution of feminism. Daly's work sponsors a psychology of religion and dialogue between psychology and religion that opposes sexism.
Religion, Reason, Reality: Reinterpreted, Reviled, Repudiated (A Response to Susan Henking's Analysis of Mary Daly's Thought)
Authors: Steichen Donna
Published: February 2018

In contrast to Henking's (1993) evaluation of Mary Daly's books, this response posits that Mary Daly is only a minor figure largely ignored by the active feminist movement. Although the case Daly made in her early book is still being made by others, this is because she echoed many contemporary sources rather than providing original conceptualization. Eventually, she interprets everything through the view of a paranoid conviction that reality is out to get her. Thus Daly's works do not contribute much beyond a cautionary lesson for other feminists.
Pretentious, Preposterous, Pathetic: A Response to Susan Henking and to Mary Daly on Psychology and Religion
Authors: Vitz Paul C. , Vitz Evelyn Birge
Published: February 2018

This response provides critique both of Mary Daly's work and of Henking's (1993) treatment of Daly's material. Critique of Daly's works focuses on the inappropriate use of psychological concepts and the rejecting and paranoid attitudes she displays toward religion, society, men, and women. Although Daly's works appear to be founded in psychology, she applies terms meant to describe intrapersonal psychological phenomena (e.g., projection, introjection) to entire religious and ideological systems. Daly advocates dissolution of psychology as patriarchal, but does so using terms borrowed from Freud, Jung, Maslow (i.e., the patriarchs of psychology). Rather than reconstructing psychology, her own pathological hatred is evidenced in splitting (Good Women, Bad Men) and paranoia. The solution Daly espouses is to annihilate men and despise women. Henking's (1993) treatment, though quoting extensively from Daly, reduces the material to bland, footnoted academic prose. She thereby misses communication of Daly's willful rejection of reason.
Metapatriarchy: Mary Daly Re-viewed (A Response to Susan Henking)
Authors: Hearn Virginia K.
Published: February 2018

In response to Henking's (1993) synopsis of Mary Daly's works, this article re-views the work in the context of the biography provided in Daly's most recent book. Some aspects of Daly's material are better understood in the context of contemporary feminist authors. The influence Daly had on the evangelical feminist movement is also explored. Although her first book was received with appreciation, Daly's ridicule of her Christian faith in her later works resulted in evangelical readers backing away. Her insistence upon revising language (ReNaming) limited her communication with people not allied with her view. However, though she may not have planted the seeds of feminism, Daly eventually watered them with her anger.
Stage of Religious Faith and Reactions to Terminal Cancer
Authors: Swensen Clifford H. , Fuller Steffen , Clements Richard
Published: February 2018

This study focused on the impact of terminal cancer on the lives of patients and their spouses as a function of the stage of religious faith of the subjects. Patients at more complex stages of faith reported higher overall quality of life; higher quality of socioeconomic life, family life, and psychological and spiritual life; and greater marital intimacy than patients at simpler stages of faith. Patients, regardless of stage of faith, reported the most important factor in their quality of life was their personal relationships, and this importance increased after the diagnosis of cancer. The spouses’ quality of life seemed mostly related to the state of the patients’ health.
Investigating Life-Stories: Personal Narratives in Pastoral Psychology
Authors: Ganzevoort R. Ruard
Published: February 2018

The subject of this article is the meaning of the personal narrative in pastoral practice and research. A hermeneutical, narrative approach is used to explore the nature and function of the personal narrative, and gives insight into the dynamics of pastoral counseling. Narrative approaches are also both possible and valuable for research and counseling. This reflects the new interest in hermeneutics found in Dutch pastoral psychological literature. Implications for research in pastoral psychology are discussed and possibilities for practice are described. The article concludes with a discussion of the hermeneutical approach.
Psycho-Spiritual Dreams in the Nineteenth Century, Part II: Metaphysics and Immortality
Authors: Kemp Hendrika Vande
Published: February 2018

The author focuses on metaphysical issues as explored in the nineteenth century periodical dream literature. The relationship between dreams of death and myths of immorality is examined first, followed by illustrations of the use of death dreams in the expositions of both realist and idealist philosophies. Specific philosophies buttressed by these dream phenomena (as argued by the nineteenth century authors) are (a) the wandering soul, (b) spiritualism and Swedenborgianism (with the subcategories of dreams and fiction and fantastic dreams, (c) Naturphilosophie, (d) atomist theory, (e) ancestral memories, (f) naive realism, and (g) idealism. Further integration of dream phenomena in Christian psychotherapies and theology is recommended.
Analogy or Homology? An Investigation of the Congruency of Systems Theory and Biblical Theology in Pastoral Leadership
Authors: Stevens R. Paul
Published: February 2018

Pastoral interventions have generally assumed a linear, cause-effect approach. General systems theory and family systems theory (Bowen Theory) provide a more sophisticated approach to the complexities of working with the congregation as a living system. This article explores the crucial question of biblical congruency by examining the biblical witness to the church as the family of God, the body of Christ, and the covenant community. In the context of affirming substantial congruency, a final theological critique of the assumptions of systems theory is offered.
From the Kingdom of God to the Beloved Community, 1920–1930: Psychology and the Social Gospel in the Work of Goodwin Watson & Carl Rogers
Authors: Nicholson Ian
Published: February 2018

This article examines the relationship between psychology and religion in the 1920s through a consideration of the careers of Goodwin Watson and Carl Rogers. Both men began their professional lives in the ministry but later switched to psychology. Their decision to go into psychology and their subsequent research program is discussed in relation to the religious and social context of the early 20th century. For Watson and Rogers, psychology was not an abandonment of religious ideals but an assimilation of religion into a scientific framework. Their experience suggests that psychology's growth in the 1920s is partly attributable to the perception that the field could bring certain religious ideals to fruition.
Dealing with Religious Resistances in Psychotherapy
Authors: Narramore Bruce
Published: February 2018

Managing resistance to insight and change is one of the central tasks in psychotherapy. When working with religious patients, therapists face the added task of dealing with resistances which may be supported by the patient's religious belief system. When this happens, therapists may be tempted to either avoid confronting the resistances for fear of undermining (or being accused of undermining) the patient's faith or to interpret the resistances in ways that do either undermine the patient's faith, or at least imply that faith is irrelevant to the patient's emotional health. This article deals with the management of resistances with Christian patients who are using their religious faith to reinforce their defensive structure in the psychotherapeutic process.
Can Religious Communities Become Dysfunctional Families? Sources of Countertransference for the Religiously Committed Psychotherapist
Authors: Carbo Robert A. , Gartner John
Published: February 2018

This article examines how the dysfunctional aspects of religious communities can lead to countertransference for the religiously committed therapist. The thesis of this article is that some religious organizations parallel the dynamics of the incestuous family. The rigid distinctions often made in religious groups between “insider” and “outsider” generate problems of rigid family loyalty. In both settings, weak boundaries and egofusion lead to inappropriate need gratification, of which incest is one form. Case histories are cited to support the authors’ contention that religiously committed therapists need to analyze their own primitive fantasies about their religious affiliations in order to avoid countertransference acting out such as “rescuing” patients, participating in dual relationships, and even sexual activity with patients.
An Interesting Contradiction: A Study of Religiously Committed, Psychoanalytically Oriented Clinicians
Authors: Cohen Peter
Published: February 2018

This presentation summarizes an exploratory study of twelve religiously committed, psychoanalytically oriented clinicians (RPC's). The study, grounded in object-relations theory, employs a clinical interviewing methodology to focus on three primary questions: 1) How do RPC's integrate their psychoanalytic and religious perspectives? 2) How did they deal with religious issues in their own treatments? 3) How do they work with religious concerns with their own patients? A major finding was that religious involvement and the nature of God representations are significantly affected by psychotherapy even when these issues are not specifically addressed in treatment. Another prominent finding was that the clinical style of the RPC was primarily determined by his own therapeutic experience in terms of working with religious issues. Prominent impasses in clinical work with religious patients and religious therapists are enumerated. Paralleling the “compartmentalization of codes” that characterizes the integration efforts of many of the subjects, a dual representation model for God is proposed. The model describes how the adoption of a “public,” abstract God is frequently employed to cloak the maintenance of a highly personal relationship with a private, transitional object God. Five directions for further research are suggested and the capacity for ideology to serve object functions is discussed.
Shame and Guilt in Christian Children: Interventions with Projective Techniques and Play Therapy
Authors: Thurston Nancy Stiehler
Published: February 2018

Psychotherapy issues for religiously committed clients have been explored in several recent books and articles. While these works have focused on adults, little has been written on the therapy issues of religiously committed children. Emerging research suggests that children's conceptions of God are quite different than that of adults. Moreover, due to their concrete thinking, children often find it hard to grasp theological foundations to the Christian faith (e.g., salvation by grace) that adults typically assimilate into their world view. While children generally learn of God's grace and mercy in Sunday school, it has been found that some of them nonetheless struggle deeply with issues of guilt and shame. It has been well documented that children do not have the same cognitive and language abilities as adults, and therefore require considerably different modes of psychotherapy. For latency aged and younger children, play therapy is often the treatment of choice. This article will present a case study of a Christian child who participated in a projective assessment and play therapy for healing of shame and guilt issues.
Ethical Considerations in Religious Psychotherapy: Potential Pitfalls and Unique Resources
Authors: Tan Siang-Yang
Published: February 2018

Religious psychotherapy which works with religious issues and utilizes spiritual resources (e.g., prayer, Scriptures, referral to religious support groups, etc.) explicitly, has become an important part of contemporary approaches to psychotherapy. Religion is now recognized as a significant dimension of human diversity that needs to be respected and dealt with appropriately in psychotherapy. However, ethical considerations and controversial issues related to the practice of religious psychotherapy remain. They are discussed in this article both in terms of potential pitfalls or dangers, as well as unique resources or positive contributions of religious psychotherapy, which should be practiced in a clinically sensitive, ethically responsible, and professionally competent way.
Assessment of Religious Dimensions in Christian Clients: A Review of Selected Instruments for Research and Clinical Use
Authors: Hall Todd W. , Tisdale Theresa C. , Brokaw Beth Fletcher
Published: February 2018

Due to recent changes within the field of psychology, namely, the inclusion of religion as a human difference within the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as the inclusion of “Religious or Spiritual Problem” as a V-code in the DSM-IV, the understanding and effective treatment of people of faith has been elevated as a clinical issue. Measures of religious dimensions and spirituality can be very helpful in working with religious clients. Numerous instruments measuring a variety of religious dimensions are available for research and clinical use. The authors offer a review of selected instruments which have been developed to measure a variety of religious variables, and to be used particularly with Christian clients. The instruments are evaluated for both psychometric soundness and clinical utility. Strengths and weaknesses are noted and suggestions for future research are provided.
Contemporary Issues and Christian Models of Integration: Into the Modern/Postmodern Age
Authors: Ingram John A.
Published: February 2018

Model building in Christian psychology has gradually become increasingly outdated and unsophisticated over the past decade, particularly in light of postmodern challenges to the limitations of received modern scientific perspectives and social practices. The present article draws from Rychlak's (1993) “complementarity” model, Sperry's (1993) “bidirectional determinism” concept, and Engel's (1977) biopsychosocial formulation to develop a multiperspectival, holistic framework drawing on the strengths of both modern and postmodern approaches. The proposed model includes inferences from both top down and bottom up formulations, as well as potential for interactions between or among any of the various “groundings” for psychological theories. Such a model seems more faithful to both biblical and scientific perspectives, and thus may provide a more accurate and comprehensive view of persons to facilitate more effective research and treatment. A clinical example is provided with DSM-IV descriptive and criterion referents.
Prayer and Health: Conceptual Issues, Research Review, and Research Agenda
Authors: Mccullough Michael E.
Published: February 2018

The theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between prayer and health is critically reviewed. Although empirical research partially confirms that prayer promotes a variety of health outcomes, the empirical literature is characterized by weak methodologies that may contribute to the inconsistency of some findings. Recommendations are made for improving the quality of prayer and health research. An agenda for further empirical investigation of the relationship between prayer and health is proposed.
The Pastor as Leader: Shepherd, Rancher, or …?
Authors: Nauss Allen
Published: February 2018

The situational variables of congregation size and ministerial function were used to identify patterns of leadership skills for effective ministry in a sample of 421 Lutheran clergy. Significantly different styles were found for each of ten functions in five size groups. Ministerial leadership has sometimes been described by the terms authoritarian and democratic, in accord with reviews of leadership in secular organizations. When sets of leader skills were investigated, an intentional orientation (cf. Biersdorf, 1976), sometimes in combination with a participative style, seemed to be an apt general description of the leadership of effective clergy in this sample.
The Soul as Seen through Evangelical Eyes, Part I: Mental Health Professionals and ‘the Soul’
Authors: Boyd Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2018

Theologians generally avoid the word soul, because of an anti-Plato battle that occurred between 1926 and 1958, leaving the word discredited. Searching for a substitute, most evangelical theologians use the word spirit instead, meaning the anthropological spirit. This article proposes that the word soul cannot be omitted from the theological vocabulary without leaving a vacuum. While soul and spirit are synonyms in the Bible, they are not complete synonyms. Soul emphasizes the earthly, carnal, and uniquely individual aspects of the inner person. When that word is omitted, theologians have a semantic blind-spot with regard to human psychology. It provides no theological vocabulary for discussing the relationship between psychology and theology. “Psyche” is the Greek word for soul, and secular psychotherapists routinely treat the soul, but not the spirit. The word ‘soul’ refers to the inner or subjective person in the natural state (whether saved or unsaved).
Religion and the Self as Text: Toward a Christian Translation of Self-Actualization
Authors: Watson P. J. , Milliron J. Trevor , Morris Ronald J. , Hood Ralph W.
Published: February 2018

Difficulties in specifying the relationship between religious belief and self-actualization were presumed to reflect language differences in humanistic and religious articulations of selfhood. Christian versions of humanistic statements of self-actualization were administered to Christians, and a large number of successful translations were identified according to an empirical criterion. These items were combined into Christian self-actualization scales, and these scales displayed reliable and sometimes moderately strong correlations with religious orientation and healthy self-functioning. These data revealed how a Christian form of self-actualization might be articulated. More generally, they illustrated how empirical examinations of translation schemes might serve as a useful methodology for pursuing the goals of integration and for studying relationships between psychology and religion.
Impact of Humanistic, Liberal Christian, and Evangelical Christian Values on the Self-Reported Opinions of Radiologists and Psychiatrists
Authors: Neumann Joseph K. , Harvill Leo M. , Callahan Miyoshi
Published: February 2018

Professional groups have generally endorsed “liberal” or nontheistic values or beliefs. However, some studies with academics suggest that professionals in physical science areas may be more “conservative” than those in social science disciplines. This project examined the relationship of values to nonclinical professional decisions of a nationwide sample of radiologists and psychiatrists. Respondents were sent a vignette which described a professional inservice summary and reflected either humanistic, liberal Christian or evangelical Christian values. Humanist vignettes were significantly and consistently rated as most approved on all three approval questions while Christian vignettes were rated as least approved. Professional group was not a significant factor, although psychiatrists tended to be more approving of all vignettes and expressed significantly more personal interest in the proposed inservice. Personal interest was significantly and positively correlated with approval ratings. Methodological issues, controversial topic effects on publication, government and Christian faith, pre-therapy value information, and other professional/health care issues were discussed.
The Perceived Role of Psychology in the Initial Training of Christian Ministers of Religion in the United Kingdom
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Robbins Mandy
Published: February 2018

A detailed questionnaire was mailed to all institutions involved in the initial training of Christian ministers of religion within the United Kingdom. The 95 completed replies represent an 85% response rate. The data suggest that, although few full-time ministry educators possess a recognized qualification in psychology, the climate is generally favorable to psychology within programs of initial ministry training. The data also distinguish between four different levels on which psychology may contribute to such programs: areas given high priority in initial ministry training and in which psychology is already perceived as making an important contribution; areas given middle ranking priority and in which psychology is perceived as making an important contribution; areas to which psychology is seen as making a very positive contribution but which are perceived as being of little importance in initial ministry training; and areas given high priority but in which psychology is perceived as having little to offer. Suggestions are offered for the promotion of psychology on these different levels.
Excellence in Pedagogy: Some Obstacles to Integration for the Christian Psychology Professor
Authors: Grace Christopher R. , Poelstra Paul L.
Published: February 2018

Since its inception over 115 years ago the field of psychology has been enthusiastically embraced by Americans, and today its popularity appears unabated in both religious and non-religious circles. Its emergence and ultimate influence on American society was both swift and pervasive. Facilitating this growth was the zeitgeist of naturalism and scientism that characterized the intellectual landscape at the turn of the century. This resulted in founding fathers who cared little about theological, let alone integrative, issues. The ramifications of these historical developments are explored in this article, especially in light of the post-modernists’ vigorous challenges of psychology's tenacious reliance on the scientific methodology. For the undergraduate psychology professor who desires to teach the integration of psychology and theology, the question of “how” to teach integration, difficult as that is to answer, is now accompanied by the question of should one continue to espouse psychology as a science, if indeed it is only a matter of time before modernism, with which psychology has aligned itself, collapses. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the current state of the field of scientific psychology, especially given this postmodern era, and to describe the healthy and unhealthy responses that psychology as a field has made to these challenges. Finally, the hindrances plaguing a coherent response from Christian academic psychologists will be explored and possible solutions will be offered.
Integrating Psychology and Theology at Undergraduate Colleges: A Developmental Perspective
Authors: Parrott Les , Steele Les
Published: February 2018

The integration of psychology and theology at the undergraduate level is faced with a variety of hurdles, but none is more daunting than the contextualization of the integrative question. By shifting the focus onto how individuals, both professors and students, function as integrators in particular developmental stages, a more likely process of responsible integration can be achieved.
Integration as Integration: Tolerance of Ambiguity and the Integrative Process at the Undergraduate Level
Authors: Johnson Heather L. , Court Kimber L. , Roersma Margriet H. , Kinnaman David T.
Published: February 2018

Intolerance of ambiguity is described as an impediment to effective integration. A bidirectional relationship between personal wholeness and the integrative process is outlined, and implications are drawn for the teaching of integration at the undergraduate level. These recommendations are illustrated by vignettes from the authors’ undergraduate experiences.
Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Enrichment among Church and Non-Church Groups: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Noval Linda S. , Combs Charles W. , Wiinamaki Marcia , Bufford Rodger K. , Halter Larry
Published: February 2018

The effects of a cognitive-behavioral marital workshop given to couples from diverse church and non-church groups were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach to marital enrichment in a quasi-experimental outcome study. With pretest scores on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) held constant, all groups showed significant treatment effects, with effect size ranging from .97 to 1.20. There were no differences among groups, no gender effects, and no interaction of group and gender. Effects were twice the average reported in the meta-analysis of Giblin, Sprenkle, and Sheehan (1985). The consistency of effects suggests that results are likely to generalize widely to church members who voluntarily participate in marital enrichment, and may also extend to non-church groups.
The Effect of Group Dreamwork on Spiritual Well-Being
Authors: Dahlenburg Robin , Christensen Orla J. , Moore James C.
Published: February 2018

This exploratory study investigated the effect of Jungian-oriented group dreamwork on spiritual well-being and the related constructs of purpose in life and social interest. Participants were students at a religiously oriented liberal arts college. An experimental design with matching was employed. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Power and effect size analyses were also employed. The authors are cautious in their interpretation due to small group sizes and the exploratory nature of the research. Nevertheless, the findings suggest some statistical support for the efficacy of a Jungian-oriented dream appreciation group model to enhance spiritual well-being, purpose in life, and social interest.
The Call of Wisdom: Adult Development within Christian Community, Part I: The Crisis of Modern Theories of Post-Formal Development
Authors: Johnson Eric L.
Published: February 2018

Becoming an adult is a distinct, but gradual transition in the development of an individual. A number of theories exist that attempt to describe some important features that distinguish early adult cognition from adolescent, including differences in moral reasoning (Kohlberg), meaning-making (Perry), and faith development (Fowler), among others. After reviewing these three influential theories, some of their similarities are noted, including their common ancestry in modernity. A case is then made that present theories of qualitative adult cognitive development are only of limited value to the Christian community because they are as much an expression of modern thought as they are a documentation of how young adults in the United States accommodate to the modern thought to which they are exposed.
The Call of Wisdom: Adult Development within Christian Community, Part II: Towards a Covenantal Constructivist Model of Post-Formal Development
Authors: Johnson Eric L.
Published: February 2018

Certain teachings in the Bible point to the need for post-formal thought structures. However, Christian post-formal development has features that distinguish it from modern post-formal development, primarily because of the divine and social dimensions of thought-formation in the Christian framework. From the Christian standpoint, true human understanding is composed by humans but derived from God; it is reconstructive. True human understanding is also rooted in the context of the Christian's communal, and personal, covenantal relation with God. Hence, the materials relevant to a Christian theory of early adult development point to a model termed “covenantal constructivism.”