bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comments on Articles by Nelson, Slife, Reber, and Richardson
Authors: Willard Dallas
Published: February 2018

I have only tried to deepen our understanding of the issues surrounding the secular assumptions of much current psychology by doing four things: One, pointing out how the drive toward secularism or naturalism in psychological method is supported upon much broader assumptions about cognitive authority in our intellectual culture; Two, explaining a concept of knowledge that does not start from biases about possible subject matters or methods; Three, discussing some ways in which a “hermeneutical” approach in psychological method needs to be strengthened; Four, clarifying some ways in which misunderstandings and ambiguities of “objective” and “subjective” can lead to confusions about the possibilities of a psychological method that does not assume secularism. My intent is to be supportive of the intellectual thrusts developed in the articles.
Psychoanalysis, Attachment, and Spirituality Part I: The Emergence of Two Relational Traditions
Authors: Hall Todd W.
Published: February 2018

Two broad relational traditions emerged in post-Freudian psychoanalysis: a broad group of relational theories, represented by Fairbairn's (1952) object relations theory, that remained within the field of psychoanalysis, and John Bowlby's attachment theory, that split off from psychoanalysis. Both of these traditions emerged simultaneously, predominantly in the 1940s, and developed in parallel in virtual isolation from each other. In this article, the first of a two-part series in this special issue, I outline the emergence of these two traditions, how each has been applied to the psychology of religion and spirituality, and their implications for “minding” our clients' spirituality (Sorenson, 2004). In the second article of the two-part series, I discuss the common relational metapsychology underlying these converging traditions–-a theory of implicit relational meaning–-and its implications for “minding” the spiritual stories by which our clients live.
Psychoanalysis, Attachment, and Spirituality Part II: The Spiritual Stories We Live By
Authors: Hall Todd W.
Published: February 2018

Psychoanalysis and attachment theory both developed independently as relational traditions within the confines of their own disciplinary walls (see Hall, 2007, this issue). While both traditions were “doing their own thing,” in relative ignorance of the other, several other revolutions were occurring that turned out to pave a bridge that was already being built between these two theoretical highways. Recent developments in neuroscience, emotion research, and narrative approaches to human experience have helped to construct this bridge, suggesting that we are hard wired for two fundamentally distinct forms of knowing, one of which exists in storied form. In this article, the second of a two-part series in this special issue, I discuss the rapprochement between these two relational traditions. Following this, I highlight what may capture the common relational metapsychology underlying these converging traditions–-a theory of implicit relational meaning–-and its implications for “minding” the spiritual stories by which our clients live.
Ready or Not, Here I Come: Surrender, Recognition, and Mutuality in Psychotherapy
Authors: Watson Robert A.
Published: February 2018

Randall Lehman Sorenson practiced what he preached as a scholar, teacher, and clinical psychoanalyst. In my experiences with him in personal and professional contexts, he encouraged relationships characterized by mutuality, respect, curiosity, and genuine personal involvement. These key values and processes distinguish relational psychoanalytic psychology. This article will explore the clinical outworking of two interrelated concepts; namely, mutual recognition and self-assertion in the psychotherapy relationship. These together are foundational to the creation of what Benjamin (1995) calls intersubjectivity. I will develop a particular focus on how to move out of moments of relational impasse and into a new experience of freedom and possibility for growth. An in-depth case presentation with a particular focus on therapeutic interaction will illustrate the struggle toward mutuality and recognition, and the powerful positive effects for both persons in the relationship.
Back to the basics in attachment to God: Revisiting theory in light of theology
Authors: Miner Maureen H.
Published: February 2018

This article argues that contemporary theories of attachment to God lack a clear and coherent theological basis. The absence of theological argument weakens attachment theory as applied to relationships with God on three main grounds. First, cognitive social models easily slip into reductionism. Second, these models fail to consider fully the attributes of God to whom the individual attaches. Third, these models overlook that relationships with God and humans could include inter-subjectivity. Trinitarian theology as proposed by Colin Gunton is discussed and its usefulness for attachment theory examined. It is argued that models of attachment to God based in trinitarian theology can provide a coherent account of the origins of human relationship with God and of human inter-subjectivity. They can also suggest reasons for the existence of compensatory motivation, offer developmental models of spiritual maturity and draw attention to the importance of relationships with the Christian community for spiritual development.
Ideological Concerns in the Operationalization of Homophobia, Part I: An Analysis of Herek'S Atlg-R Scale
Authors: Rosik Christopher H.
Published: February 2018

Utilizing Watson's Ideological Surround Model (Watson, et al., 2003) as a backdrop, the present study examined the structural properties of Herek's (1998) Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG-R) for a sample of 155 conservative Christian students. Ideological perceptions of the ATLG-R items were derived from a smaller (N = 36) sample of students similar in demographic make up and religious devotion. Factor analytic and ideological surround analyses indicated that the ATLG-R was disproportionately comprised of items perceived to be antireligious, with the primary “Condemnation-Tolerance” component consisting exclusively of such items, the majority of which related directly to respondents’ beliefs about the morality and naturalness of homosexuality. Furthermore, respondents’ degree of self-identification as Christian, when factor analyzed as an additional item in the ATLG-R, loaded singularly and to a greater degree than over half of the items on the “Condemnation-Tolerance” component. Potential implications of these findings are discussed.
Is Suffering Good? An Explorative Study on the Religious Persecution among Chinese Pastors
Authors: Ting Rachel Sing-Kiat , Watson Terri
Published: February 2018

Human suffering is a major concern to the fields of psychology and theology; however, the effect of suffering is controversial to many. In this study, nine Chinese pastors, who had experienced religious persecution to the extent of confinement, were interviewed about their experiences during the persecution, the effect related to their suffering, and their ways of coping. The transcripts were coded into major themes by adapting a hermeneutic phenomenology method with a committee approach. Results showed that the suffering in religious persecution involved losses of personal freedom, physical trauma, spiritual isolation, and collapse of social support. Eight themes emerged as unique ways to respond and cope during the suffering–-experiencing God's presence, letting go and surrender to God, identification with the passion of the Christ and His disciples, preparing to suffer, normalizing their suffering, worshipping and reciting Scriptures, fellowships and family support, and believing in a greater purpose. The first three of the coping methods significantly predicted positive affect. The pastors also reported transformation after the suffering, which can be categorized into four themes–-switching the focus from self to the churches, embracing the humility and limits within oneself, increased trust in God's provision, and redefining their views on suffering. This study sheds light on post-traumatic growth and religious coping. Christian counselors are also encouraged to explore the meaning and emotion of suffering in therapy, as well as to utilize culturally sensitive coping mechanisms.
Possibilities for a Christian Positive Psychology
Authors: Hackney Charles H.
Published: February 2018

Two streams of thought are examined: Nancey Murphy's recently-proposed approach to integrating psychology and theology, and the burgeoning positive psychology movement. Points of congruence and divergence are considered, and the potential for a mutually-advantageous interaction is discussed, with curiosity research serving as an example. Murphy's application of virtue ethics to the question of human flourishing provides positive psychology with a missing teleological component. Positive psychology provides conceptual, methodological, institutional, and applicatory resources that would be valuable to a Christian psychologist who wishes to make use of Murphy's neo-Aristotelian model of human flourishing.
Anthropological Foundations for Clinical Psychology: A proposal
Authors: Brugger E. Christian
Published: February 2018

The concept of human nature as an enduring set of capacities and mechanisms capable upon observation and reflection of being understood and facilitated in their proper function is basic to understanding the assumptions upon which clinical psychology rests. Clinical psychology assumes there is sufficient stability in the underlying capacities of human nature to test observations, draw generalized conclusions and reliably predict behavior. This essay's aim is to make a case for the importance of articulating a normative account of human nature for clinical psychology; and then to set forth a concise account of the basic constituents and capacities of human nature. The account takes the form of a set of descriptive premises that together constitute a concise philosophical conception of the human person that the authors think can serve as a normative theoretical and abstract foundation for reasoning in the field of clinical psychology.
Sex and Gender Differences in Religiousness and Spirituality
Authors: Simpson David B. , Cloud Dinah S. , Newman Jody L. , Fuqua Dale R.
Published: February 2018

Researchers have demonstrated that women participate more frequently than men in religious activities, and some have argued the differences may be attributable to gender orientation (feminine or masculine) rather than sex (female or male). The present study explored both gender and sex differences as they related to religious participation and spirituality among participants explicitly involved in religious activity. In contrast to previous studies, the data collected from 190 Christian adults revealed no statistically significant differences in religious participation between men and women nor among individuals categorized as feminine, masculine, or androgynous. Furthermore, men, women, and people from each gender orientation were equally aware of their relationship with God. The results suggest gender and sex differences within the psychology of religion are not as clear as previously proposed.
Who Cares? Generativity and the Moral Emotions, Part 1. Advancing the “Psychology of Ultimate Concerns”
Authors: Leffel G. Michael
Published: February 2018

Contemporary thinking in generativity theory and research (de St. Aubin, McAdams, & Kim, 2004) and in the “psychology of ultimate concerns” (Emmons, 1999) posits that Erik Erikson's notion of generativity is a multi-faceted construct concerned with the moral telos of positive psychological growth, but one that has yet to be satisfactorily explored. The current article draws on some of Erikson's (2000) less-cited descriptions of generativity to propose a new domain for generativity theory and research, termed relational generativity. Relational generativity is conceptualized as the motive and capacity to take care of the strengths-development of cared for others, and is delineated as (a) a moral telos (to be pursued), (b) a motive (to be activated), (c) a psychological capacity (to be developed), and (d) an investment (to be given). Christian ethicist Don Browning (2006) suggests that these features substantively outline Erikson's relational ethic of “generative mutuality” and provide a view of relational well-being that potentially enriches the Christian understanding of neighbor-love. Suggestions for continued theoretical and empirical development of relational generativity, and its relevance to the relational spirituality paradigm are offered. Collectively this three-article series extends the author's recent proposal for a moral motive approach to emotion and transformation (Leffel, 2007a, 2007b, 2007c).
God Images following Hurricane Katrina in South Mississippi: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Aten Jamie D. , Moore Michael , Denney Ryan M. , Bayne Tania , Stagg Amy , Owens Stacy , Daniels Samantha , Boswell Stefanie , Schenck Jane , Adams Jason , Jones Charissa
Published: February 2018

God image appears to affect an individual's ability to cope, either positively or negatively, following stressful life events. This qualitative investigation explored God images of Hurricane Katrina survivors two months after the storm along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A multifaceted, and sometimes paradoxical view of God emerged from participants’ narratives following Hurricane Katrina. The following conceptualizations of God were reported by participants: (a) Omnipresent God, (b) Omnipotent God, (c) Distant God, (d) Personal God, (e) God in Others, (f) God as Judge, (g) God of Lessons, and (h) God as Loving Father Figure. God images reported by participants appeared to serve as a coping mechanism that allowed participants to make meaning and adjust to their Hurricane Katrina experiences.
Using Spiritual Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy
Authors: Denney Ryan M. , Aten Jamie D. , Gingrich Fred C.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this article is to outline a series of recommendations to aid therapists in developing and integrating spiritual self-disclosure into the therapeutic process. The authors introduce six categories of spiritual self-disclosure by adapting Well's (1994) and Kottler's (2003) categories of self-disclosure. Arguments for and against therapist self-disclosure are offered, along with underlying assumptions inherent to the use of self-disclosures that incorporate spiritual themes. Assumptions and recommendations for therapists that may facilitate clinically relevant, culturally sensitive, and ethical implementation of spiritual self-disclosure are offered. Case examples highlighting how therapists can integrate spiritual self-disclosures into clinical practice are also provided.
The Other Side of the Podium: Student Perspectives on Learning Integration
Authors: Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Ripley Jennifer S. , Garzon Fernando L. , Mangis Michael W.
Published: February 2018

Student perspectives on the transmission of integration in integrative programs were examined through a qualitative study. Participants in the study were 595 graduate and undergraduate students (305 women and 247 men) drawn from four Evangelical Christian institutions of higher education. Participants provided written data in response to three open-ended questions, inquiring about the exemplary and helpful aspects of their educational experiences with respect to integration. Post-hoc content analyses informed by grounded theory analytic processes were used to analyze the data, resulting in two overarching themes: Facilitating Integration, and Concepts of Integration, which respectively address how students learn integration, and how students conceptualize integration. The implications for the conceptualization of integration and for the pedagogy of facilitating integration are explored.
Integration in the Classroom: Ten Teaching Strategies
Authors: McMinn Mark R. , Moon Gary W. , McCormick Angela G.
Published: February 2018

Teaching integration involves engaging students as active participants in the unfolding relationship of psychology and Christianity, with a particular focus on integration. Ten specific teaching strategies are offered to help students enter into the challenges and opportunities of integration. The teaching strategies are organized according to Moon's (1997) four directions for integration: practical, personal, classic, and contemporary.
Developing Integration Skills: The Role of Clinical Supervision
Authors: Tan Siang-Yang
Published: February 2018

The present article addresses three areas: learning integration as students, learning integration skills as students and trainees through integrative clinical supervision, and learning to become an integrative clinical supervisor. It focuses on developing integration skills in students and trainees through Christian or integrative clinical supervision in five major aspects or areas of integration: presuppositional, theoretical, intervention, therapeutic relationship, and personal (Gingrich & Worthington, 2007). Three major models of how to effectively conduct Christian clinical supervision are reviewed (Aten, Boyer, & Tucker, 2007; Campbell, 2007; Gingrich & Worthington, 2007). The role of personal mentoring and transformational supervision (Johnson, 2007) is highlighted in the development of integration skills in students, because they learn integration mostly through personal relationships with mentors who model integration for them (Sorensen, Derflinger, Bufford, & McMinn, 2004).
Grief-work in Light of the Cross: Illustrating Transformational Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Latini Theresa F.
Published: February 2018

During the past two-and-a-half decades, an array of practical theologians, pastoral counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychology professors who are self-professed Christians have attempted to answer these two methodological questions, “What is the relationship between psychology and theology? How does the construal of this relationship impact ministerial and therapeutic practice?”1 In this article, I contribute to the ongoing discussion by (1) summarizing a typology of interdisciplinary models, (2) delineating a “transformational model,” and (3) demonstrating the use of this model in relating grief-work and a theology of the cross. In regard to the latter, I place Alice Miller's Drama of the Gifted Child in conversation with Karl Barth's understanding of the cross of Jesus Christ and Frank Lake's Clinical Theology.
The Impact of Child-parent Attachment, Attachment to God and Religious Orientation on Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Miner Maureen
Published: February 2018

The impact of religion and spirituality on psychological adjustment is a continuing area of concern. This preliminary study attempted to examine the effects of religious orientation, retrospective accounts of child-parent attachment and current accounts of attachment to God on trait anxiety and existential well being, based on questionnaire responses of a sample of 116 adults from Sydney, Australia. Small, significant effects of attachment to God on the prediction of adjustment were found above the effects of child-parent attachments. Intrinsic religious orientation mediated the relationship between attachment to God and adjustment. In addition, groups were formed according to correspondence and compensation routes to secure religious attachment. Results gave preliminary support to a differentiation, rather than a surrogacy, model of compensation. Further work to examine the process whereby attachment to God does or does not compensate for insecure child-parent attachment is needed.
The ABC-X Model of Family Stress in the Book of Philippians
Authors: Wilmoth Joe D. , Smyser Samantha
Published: February 2018

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.
Internet Pornography use in the Context of External and Internal Religiosity
Authors: Baltazar Alina , Helm Herbert W. , Mcbride Duane , Hopkins Gary , Stevens John V.
Published: February 2018

Past studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between religiosity and such problem behaviors as crime, delinquency, alcoholism, and substance use. Religiosity may be a protective factor against problem behaviors. Recently, a new problematic behavior has emerged, Internet pornography. Popular Christian literature has suggested that Internet pornography use is common among Christians. However, there have been few research studies examining this issue in Christian populations. This study examined the extent of Internet pornography use among 751 males and females who were attending a conservative Christian university, perceived consequences and benefits of viewing, and the relationship between internal, external and quest religiosity and Internet pornography use. Findings suggest that the majority of males had some involvement in Internet pornography, but regular viewing was significantly lower than has been found in the general population. Internal and external religiosity showed only a weak, though statistically significant, inverse relationship with regular Internet pornography use.
Differentiation of Self and Christian Spiritual Maturity: Social Science and Theological Integration
Authors: Majerus Brian D. , Sandage Steven J.
Published: February 2018

Differentiation of Self (DoS) is a social science construct that is useful for an integrative conceptualization of Christian spiritual maturity. Differentiated relationality has its theological grounding in the Trinity. This article outlines interdisciplinary perspectives in social science, cultural diversity, biblical data, systematic theology, and spiritual formation to suggest DoS as a Christian spiritual maturity construct. Practical applications and implications for further empirical and theological research are outlined.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The Differing Perspectives of Psychologists and Christian Theologians
Authors: Frise Nathan R. , Mcminn Mark R.
Published: February 2018

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.
The Perceived Roles of God during Suicide Bereavement
Authors: Creek Larry Vande , Mottram Kenneth
Published: February 2018

Ten women described their religious lives following the suicide of a family member. Using their audio-recorded and transcribed interviews, this qualitative pilot study describes their perceptions of God's roles in the suicide and their bereavement. Religious traditions and Western culture contain ancient and contemporary Christian teachings regarding suicide and the bereaved respond to them and create their own attributions. The analysis produced four themes: 1) contrary to ancient Christian teaching, God as judge did not deny heaven to their loved one, 2) God was in control, but was not responsible for the suicide, 3) God provided individualized spiritual care, and 4) God brought good out of the tragedy. Larger and more detailed studies are needed to clarify further how theological attributions function within suicide bereavement.
Beliefs and Practices of Christian Psychotherapists regarding Non-Sexual Multiple Relationships
Authors: Sanders Randolph K. , Swenson John Eric , Schneller Gregory R.
Published: February 2018

A group of 362 Christian mental health professionals were surveyed regarding their beliefs about and their practices concerning non-sexual multiple relationships (NSMR's). On each of 28 items, respondents were asked to indicate the degree to which they engaged in the multiple relationship behavior and the degree to which they believed each behavior to be ethical. In addition to multiple relationship situations faced by most mental health providers, a number of the items dealt specifically with multiple relationships that arise in faith-based environments or with religious clients. Among other things, results indicated that Christian therapists who worked in church-based settings were more likely to engage in NSMR's than were therapists in other settings. Moreover, respondents indicated that non-sexual multiple relationships were the most frequent ethical dilemma they faced in practice. Implications of the findings for the training of Christian therapists and for therapists who work in faith-based settings are discussed.
An Initial Christian Counselor Internship Program for Ukraine
Authors: Bowen Dennis O.
Published: February 2018

A few initial efforts aimed at encouraging Christian counselor training outside the west have been emerging recently. However, there is no systematized plan for guiding or coordinating such efforts. This article describes a pilot program in Kyiv, Ukraine, which provided a two-year internship program in Christian counseling for recent master's level counselor graduates. The author reviews psychology training in the former Soviet Union, and post-Soviet Christian training programs. The article outlines the internship plans, supervision, supplementary training topics, as well as cultural and ethical issues encountered in Ukraine.
Revisiting the Issue of Influential Sources in the Integration of Psychology and Theology: More than a Decade Summary
Authors: Grimm Julia P. , Barnett Keri L. , Bassett Rodney L. , Pearson Suzanne M. , Cornell Alysia , Morton Shaelise , Scott Katelyn , Stevenson Paul
Published: February 2018

Building upon the work of Jones, Ripley, Kurusu, and Worthington, Jr. (1998), we identified the most influential books and articles within the integration literature in 1985–1994, 1995–2004, and 2005–2010. We tallied references within the Journal of Psychology and Christianity and the Journal of Psychology and Theology and identified trends. There were differential citation rates across the three time periods for both articles and books. Consistently, the most frequently cited works were cited less often in the first time period compared to the following time periods. The number of edited volumes and sensitivity to knowing and doing integration well have both increased. Psychodynamic theory provided fertile soil for the growth of integration. The growing interest in forgiveness has been reflected within the integration literature. Mainstream psychology has increasingly applied spiritualities to practice. Finally, the emotional atmosphere on the boundaries of psychology and Christianity seems to have undergone some change.
Integration in the Study of Homosexuality, GLBT Issues, and Sexual Identity
Authors: Yarhouse Mark A.
Published: February 2018

This article examines integration in the areas of homosexuality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) issues, and sexual identity. It provides a brief account of where we have been as a field in our attempts to bring together a Christian worldview and the study of these issues. It then moves to a discussion of where we are going as a field, as well as the challenges and opportunities that exist for Christians interested in the integration of faith and the scientific study of homosexuality, GLBT concerns, and sexual identity.
Called for Leadership: Psychological Type Profile of Leaders within the Newfrontiers Network of Churches in the United Kingdom
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Robbins Mandy , Ryland Andrew
Published: February 2018

The aims of this study are to examine the psychological type profile of leaders within the Newfrontiers network of churches and to compare those data with the psychological type profile of lead elders reported by Francis, Gubb, and Robbins (2009) in order to test whether the wider leadership reflected or complemented the profile of the lead elders. Data provided by 154 leaders, who completed the Francis Psychological Type Scales, suggested that the leadership teams reflect rather than complement the strengths of lead elders. Among these leaders there are preferences for extraversion (52%), sensing (71%), thinking (60%), and judging (86%). The combined STJ preference accounts for 40% of the leaders, indicating a church that is well equipped with practical, organisational management rather than with inspirational pastoral care.
The Holy Spirit, Common Grace, and Secular Psychotherapy
Authors: Daalen Lydia Kim-van
Published: February 2018

This paper seeks to demonstrate how the Holy Spirit, through common grace, may be actively working and using secular psychotherapy in light of the dual reality of belief and unbelief in this world. The Triune God desires to bring a world fallen in sin to his desired goal of reconciliation with Him through the redemptive work of Christ. The Holy Spirit works through common grace in order to help people experience the goodness of God to draw them to him. As such the Holy Spirit may work through secular psychotherapy to bless people in general, restrain sin in this world, prepare for salvation, or aid in the progressive sanctification of believers. The Holy Spirit's activity through secular psychotherapy entails for Christian counselors and scholars a challenging call to engage wisely with secular psychotherapy in order to bless humankind, to be a witness, and to use potential blessings for the sake of distinctly Christian psychotherapy.
The Development and Validation of a God-Centered Self-Esteem Scale
Authors: Ho Anastasia Victoria L.H. , Sim Tick N.
Published: February 2018

The present study was conducted to develop and validate a God-centered self-esteem scale that assesses an individual's evaluations of the self in the context of God's love, availability, and ability to help. Results showed that the newly-constructed God-centered self-esteem scale had acceptable psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and correlations with known psychological correlates of self-esteem and predicted religious variables. God-centered self-esteem and self-esteem were moderately correlated, indicating distinctiveness while sharing conceptual overlaps. Further support for the distinctiveness of God-centered self-esteem could be observed from (a) items of its scale loading uniquely on a separate factor, (b) its differential pattern of correlations with the psychological and religious variables, and (c) its ability to provide incremental validity with respect to depression, hope, optimism, and stress, beyond self-esteem. Having shown good psycho metric properties and practical utility, this new scale is worthy of further research.
Reentry Program Impact on Missionary Kid Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Three-Year Study
Authors: Davis Pamela S. , Suarez Elisabeth C. , Crawford Nancy A. , Rehfuss Mark C.
Published: February 2018

Missionary Kids (MKs) are included in a broader population known as Third Culture Kids, children who are raised outside of their parents' home country. This cross-cultural upbringing provides many benefits but also presents challenges upon repatriation to the passport country. This study utilized a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design to examine the impact of MK reentry programs on psychological well-being. Participants included 186 MKs who had lived in 86 countries and represented 68 missionary sending agencies. MANOVA results indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress levels following program attendance. Differences were noted by gender, with females reporting significantly lower levels of psychological well-being than males. Implications for caregivers and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Attachment to God: A Qualitative Exploration of Emerging Adults' Spiritual Relationship with God
Authors: Kimball Cynthia N. , Boyatzis Chris J. , Cook Kaye V. , Leonard Kathleen C. , Flanagan Kelly S.
Published: February 2018

This study assessed emerging adults' attachment relationships with parents, peers, and God to explore the sufficiency of the correspondence and compensation models of attachment. We analyzed narratives of 119 (60 male) Christian college graduates describing their relational experiences with God. Narratives were coded for five relational patterns in attachment relationships (Granqvist & Kirkpatrick, 2008). Participants also completed the IPPA scale and were categorized into high or low secure parental and peer attachment groups. No significant differences were found between peer and parental attachment so peer attachment was dropped from further analysis. All of the relational attachment patterns appeared in participant narratives. Perceiving God as Stronger and Wiser appeared most often in both high and low secure parental narratives; Safe Haven and Secure Base also appeared in both attachment groups' narratives. Importantly, emerging adults with low parental security nevertheless articulated reciprocal experiences of secure, intimate attachment with God, suggesting refinement in the correspondence and compensation models to include the potential for a spiritual relationship with God that serves a corrective or reparative role.
The Relationship of Parental Attachment and Christian Spirituality with Intergenerational Conflict between Korean-American Young Adults and Their Parents
Authors: Kim Seong Eun
Published: February 2018

This empirical study had two main interests—relationships among Intergenerational Conflict (Intergenerational Conflict Inventory), Parent Attachment (Inventory of Parent Peer Attachment), and Christian Spirituality (Spiritual Assessment Inventory) and the mediation of Parent Attachment between Intergenerational Conflict and Christian Spirituality. This study defines Christian spirituality as the relationship with God (God-Relationship), measured by the SAI. Based on the self-report of 406 one and a half (1.5) and second generation Korean-American young adults in California, this study indicated three significant correlations among three factors: Intergenerational Conflict between Parent Attachment (p < .01), Parent Attachment between Christian Spirituality (p < .01), and Intergenerational Conflict between the subscales of Christian Spirituality such as Awareness, Disappointment, Realistic Acceptance, Instability, and Impression Management (p < .01). Significant effects of Parent Attachment (p < .01) on the prediction of the subscales of Christian Spirituality were found. Conversely, Parent Attachment (p < .01) and Instability (p < .05), one of the subscales of the SAI, predicted the effect on intergenerational conflict. Thus, parental attachment showed significant prediction on the subscales of Christian spirituality and intergenerational conflict. These results could induce developmental/psychological, cultural, spiritual, and biblical interpretations and suggest some implications for churches, parents, and young adults who are experiencing intergenerational conflict.
Making Sense of Quest's Multidimensionality: The Search for a Higher Order Structure
Authors: Crosby James W.
Published: February 2018

The multidimensionality of the Quest construct has been suggested by a number of authors, although there is a paucity of multidimensional Quest scales in the extant literature. Further, the vast majority of researchers continue to utilize unidimensional measures of Quest. In a sample of 436 university students, the Multidimensional Quest Orientation Scale (MQOS; Beck & Jessup, 2004) was subjected to a principal axis factor analysis. The results suggested a nine-factor structure, although the Exploration scale was removed, due to its suspected measurement of apologetics. The remaining eight factors were subjected to a secondary factor analysis, suggesting a higher-order factor structure consistent with Edwards et al.'s (2002) concepts of “hard” and “soft” Quest. Correlational analyses between the MQOS subscales and other measures of religiosity (e.g., extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, religious commitment, and defensive theology) support the usage of multidimensional measures of Quest, due to the unique information provided by each of the dimensions and their respective higher order factors. However, the higher order structure helps to elucidate the broader themes suggested within the multiple dimensions of Quest.
Integrating Religiosity and Pornography Use into the Prediction of Bystander Efficacy and Willingness to Prevent Sexual Assault
Authors: Foubert John D. , Rizzo Andrew
Published: February 2018

This study examined relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity, reasons for using Internet pornography, frequency of using Internet pornography during the last year, and the degree to which participants believed they were both confident in their efficacy and were willing to intervene to help prevent a sexual assault from occurring. Students volunteered to take an online survey as one of several options for course credit in a research participation system in a School of Education at a midwestern public university. Men's extrinsic religiosity was positively correlated with their use of Internet pornography and negatively correlated with willingness to intervene as a bystander. Men's intrinsic religiosity was negatively correlated with how many reasons they had for using pornography and negatively correlated with their use of pornography. Women's extrinsic religiosity negatively correlated with their bystander efficacy. Women's intrinsic religiosity was negatively correlated with their reasons for using pornography and their use of pornography. Women's use of pornography was negatively correlated with bystander efficacy. A regression revealed that three religiosity variables and two pornography variables predicted 19% of the variance in women's bystander efficacy.
Spiritual Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs and Psychological Health
Authors: Miner Maureen , Dowson Martin , Malone Kim
Published: February 2018

According to Self Determination Theory, psychological health and well-being depend on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Significant others differentially contribute to the perceived satisfaction of basic psychological needs. God is a significant Other for Christians, but there is no published research investigating perceptions of God meeting basic psychological needs. This paper considers psychological and theological evidence concerning Christian perceptions that God could meet basic psychological needs. It reports evidence from a study of 225 Australian Christians testing the hypotheses that: (1) God will be perceived as meeting basic psychological needs uniquely in the context of significant others meeting needs, and (2) attributions to God meeting basic psychological needs will be negatively related to psychological ill-health. Results suggest that God is perceived as meeting basic psychological needs to a small but significant extent in the context of the effects of significant human figures. Further, lower symptoms of depression and stress are reported when God is perceived to meet needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness. The study provides preliminary evidence that God's perceived capacity to meet basic psychological has not only theoretical and theological interest, but also practical psychological interest as well.
Virtues Develop from a Secure Base: Attachment and Resilience as Predictors of Humility, Gratitude, and Forgiveness
Authors: Dwiwardani Carissa , Hill Peter C. , Bollinger Richard A. , Marks Lashley E. , Steele Justin R. , Doolin Holly N. , Wood Sara L. , Hook Joshua N. , Davis Don E.
Published: February 2018

Little research has explored the role of attachment in predicting virtues. In the present study, we provide an initial investigation testing the theory that virtues develop from having secure attachment relationships and the ability to bounce back from adversity. Specifically, we examined attachment and ego resilience as predictors of humility, gratitude and forgiveness. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses on a community sample of 245 participants found that both attachment and resilience were significant predictors of humility, gratitude, and forgiveness, even after controlling for religiosity. These results indicate the importance of the role of attachment and resilience in the development of virtues.
Humility, Religion, and Spirituality: An Endpiece
Authors: Davis Don E. , Hook Joshua N.
Published: February 2018

In this conclusion to the special issue, we reflect on the state of the field of humility, religion, and spirituality, and examine three important questions. First, we examine how researchers are defining humility, and look for areas of consensus. Second, we address measurement issues, and explore how researchers are measuring humility. Third, we set a research agenda and examine some high priority areas for future work on humility, religion, and spirituality.
Integration in Multicultural Competence and Diversity Training: Engaging Difference and Grace
Authors: Eriksson Cynthia B. , Abernethy Alexis D.
Published: February 2018

Multicultural competence and attention to diversity in clinical practice are professional ethical mandates and a natural expression of the Christian ethics of hospitality, compassion, and justice. The course Clinical Interventions: Diversity, is embedded in an integrative understanding of psychotherapy and psychology. Our teaching philosophy is that creating a cultural lens for viewing ourselves and our clients allows us to be both authentically present to the work that God wants to do in psychotherapy and counseling, as well as attentive to the person who God intends us to become. Three sets of topics are foundational to the task of teaching integration within multicultural competence and diversity training: (1) self and other, (2) power and justice, and (3) grace and reconciliation. We highlight key Biblical and theological constructs that undergird the journey of developing multicultural competence and suggest teaching strategies to engage students in this potentially challenging but formative process.
Towards a Psychological Understanding of Servanthood: An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Orthodox Beliefs, Experiential Avoidance, and Self-Sacrificial Behaviors among Christians at a Religiously-Affiliated University
Authors: Knabb Joshua J. , Pelletier Joseph , Grigorian-Routon Anna
Published: February 2018

The authors utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationship between orthodox Christian beliefs, experiential avoidance, and self-sacrificial Christian behaviors among adults at a religiously-affiliated university. Results revealed that lower experiential avoidance was linked to more orthodox Christian beliefs, which, in turn, was related to more self-sacrificial Christian behaviors, similar to the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) model that emphasizes accepting the inner world in order to adopt and live out a set of well-defined values in the outer world. Therefore, the authors proposed ACT-based interventions designed to help Christians cultivate an attitude of acceptance when relating to difficult private encounters, which may help followers of Christ to more fully believe in and implement his teachings. Further research is needed to generalize and replicate these preliminary results.
Why Did God Make Me this Way? Anger at God in the Context of Personal Transgressions
Authors: Grubbs Joshua B. , Exline Julie J.
Published: February 2018

The present study focused on evaluating how anger at God may be related to the experience of personal moral transgression. People might view God as partly responsible for their transgressions if they attributed these transgressions to stable personal character traits that could be traced back to the way that they believe they were created by God. Viewing God as responsible for a trait that led to a transgression could lead the individual to feel angry at God. This hypothesis was tested in two studies across three samples. Results from the first study, a scenario-based experiment, supported our hypothesis. When individuals attributed a transgression to a core aspect of self, greater experiences of divine struggle were a likely result. Results from two cross-sectional samples (undergraduates and an adult web sample) revealed similar patterns regarding real-life transgression. Specifically, to the extent that people saw their personal transgressions as resulting from stable character traits, they reported greater anger toward God. This relationship was mediated by the extent to which individuals made negative interpretations of divine intent. In sum, people may experience struggles with the divine in response to their own personal transgressions, particularly when they attribute their transgressions to dispositional aspects of the self.
“A Cord of Three Strands is Not Easily Broken”: An Empirical Investigation of Attachment-Based Small Group Functioning in the Christian Church
Authors: Knabb Joshua J. , Pelletier Joseph
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors explored the relationship between adult attachment, church-based small group attachment, psychological functioning, faith maturity, God attachment, and Christian orthodoxy among a sample of Christian adults in Southern California (N = 138). The authors hypothesized that insecure church-based small group attachment would be positively associated with psychological maladjustment and insecure God attachment, and negatively associated with faith maturity and Christian orthodoxy, after controlling for insecure adult attachment. Findings partially supported the proposed hypotheses, revealing a positive association between anxious church-based small group attachment and anxiety-related symptoms, after controlling for anxious adult attachment. Moreover, anxious and avoidant church-based small group attachment was negatively associated with vertical faith maturity, after controlling for anxious and avoidant adult attachment. Finally, anxious and avoidant church-based small group attachment was positively associated with anxious and avoidant God attachment, after controlling for anxious and avoidant adult attachment. Recommendations for future research are provided, as are suggestions for small group leaders to utilize attachment theory to cultivate securely attached small groups within the Christian church.