bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics of Practice among Christian Psychologists: A Pilot Study
Authors: Oordt Mark S.
Published: February 2018

Christian psychologists have questioned whether the code of ethics proposed by secular psychology is sufficient for the practitioner who is a Christian. However, little descriptive data exist on the ethical beliefs and behaviors of Christian psychologists. Survey data were obtained from 69 Christian clinicians indicating the frequency with which they engaged in 83 behaviors and the degree to which they believed the behaviors were ethical. Responses were tabulated for each option on each behavior. Of the 83 items, four occurred in the practices of over 90% of the respondents, while six never occurred, the latter being mostly sexually related items. Agreement on ethics was found with 13 of the items, while nine behaviors, several of which involved financial issues, proved to be difficult ethical judgments. The data indicate that Christian psychologists are effectively understanding and implementing the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association although guidance may be needed regarding finances and homosexuality.
A Comparative Analysis of Spiritual Direction and Psychotherapy
Authors: Ganje-Fling Marilyn A. , Mccarthy Patricia R.
Published: February 2018

The present study was a comparative analysis of spiritual direction and psychotherapy. Sixty-eight spiritual directors and fifty psychotherapists responded to questionnaires surveying their goals, techniques, evaluation methods, and concerns discussed by their clientele. Practitioner characteristics were also assessed. The results suggest significant overlap between the two disciplines. Spiritual directors were more likely than psychotherapists to incorporate methods and topics from the other discipline into their practice. Implications for both fields regarding training and suggestions for future research are discussed.
When a Child Dies: The Impact of Being a Christian
Authors: Mabe P. Alex , Dawes Michael
Published: February 2018

The death of a child is one of the most stressful events that a parent can experience. For a bereaved parent, the child's death represents an experience that involves separation and loss, feelings of failure and guilt, and an undermining of basic beliefs. Yet, for the Christian, it is suggested that five important sources of comfort are available to the bereaved parent: (a) faith in a good and powerful God, (b) knowledge of God's Word, (c) relationship with Jesus Christ, (d) an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and (e) a fellowship of believers. Through these sources of comfort, a bereaved parent can profit by the Christian faith, although some potential risks in implementing the faith are present.
The Phenomenology and Psychological Correlates of Verbal Prayer
Authors: Richards Douglas G.
Published: February 2018

In the process of Christian verbal prayer there are two basic categories: petitionary prayer and prayer of relationship. In contrast to the stereotype of most prayer as petitionary, in this study of 345 subjects, members of a non-denominational program called A Search For God, prayer of relationship made up a substantial part of the typical prayers of both those who identified themselves as members of traditional denominations and those who did not. The intensity of the prayer experience was correlated positively with purpose in life, negatively with external locus of control, and positively with absorption, a personality characteristic hypothesized to be related to the capacity for transcendent experience.
A Call for Discernment–-Natural and Spiritual: An Introductory Editorial to a Special Issue on SRA
Authors: Rogers Martha L.
Published: February 2018

This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satanic ritualistic abuse). SRA is defined, a Christian perspective to the topic introduced, and the need expressed to look hard at the clinical data, research findings, and presuppositions which influence “pro” and “con” views of SRA phenomena in both the secular and Christian therapeutic communities. Issues discussed include (a) the sources of understanding and values, (b) whether evil is understandable, (c) whether it is possible to tolerate not knowing or being able to explain everything, (d) the effects of Christian influence and evangelical hype, (e) whether religious perspective has an impact on an individual's beliefs or judgments about abuse, and (f) whether Christians are dealing effectively with the reality of abuse in their own communities. The special issue of JPT is a call for closer examination of evidence and a coming together of people who do not agree on the issues to share what they know about SRA/MPD and religious abuse and to attempt to resolve the scientific as well as spiritual problems generated by the rift.
Conversations with an Internal Self Helper
Authors: Rosik Christopher H.
Published: February 2018

Internal self helpers (ISHs) have been clinically observed in many persons with multiple personality disorder (MPD). This article reviews and expands on the ISH literature, utilizing the author's prolonged dialogue with one such ISH. Focus is given to the ISH's self-reported nature and function, the dynamics of working with an ISH in therapy, and some initial guidelines for relating this and other apparent paranormal phenomena to the Christian world.
A Reaction to Rosik's “Conversations with an Internal Self Helper”
Authors: Ondrovik Joann , Hamilton David
Published: February 2018

The authors react in a generally favorable manner to Christopher H. Rosik's article, “Conversations with an Internal Self Helper,” in the Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992, 20(3), 217–223. Ondrivik and Hamilton regard Rosik's account of the history of the ISH as “somewhat anemic” and attempt to enlarge on it. They agree with Rosik's views on the conflict between theology and psychology in respect to the spiritual quality of the ISH and on implications for treatment without necessity of theological or scientific labels and prejudices.
Response to the Oude Pekela Incident and the Accusations of Drs. F. Jonker and I. Jonker-Bakker
Authors: Rossen Benjamin
Published: February 2018

The author rebuts what he feels were unfair attacks by physicians Dr. Jonker and Dr. Jonker-Bakker on his personal character as well as on the quality of his doctoraal thesis regarding the alleged SRA incident in the village of Oude Pekela.
The Christian and Satanism
Authors: Underwager Ralph , Wakefield Hollida
Published: February 2018

Based on theological and psychological analysis of current claims and descriptions, the authors oppose the notion of a worldwide satanic conspiracy that brutalizes children. It is their conviction that there are no historical, theological, or psychological grounds for believing in the existence of such a conspiracy. Rather, scriptural and theological data affirm that Satan, the Prince of Darkness, is a wholly vanquished foe whose sole remaining capacity is telling lies. The penal freedom from the Law achieved in the Gospel permits the believer to accept the claims of God and to refuse to believe the lie of Satan.
Quest and Identity within a Religious Ideological Surround
Authors: Watson P. J. , Morris Ronald J. , Hood Ralph W.
Published: February 2018

Current controversies over religious orientation center on issues that appear to be partially nonempirical, normative, and sociological. These issues, in other words, may be ideological. In exploring this possibility, the present study had different religious orientation types evaluate items from the Quest Scale. For a group with an intrinsic commitment, a number of items proved to be antireligious in their implications while one was proreligious. This intrinsic interpretation of Quest also predicted relative mental health, including superior identity formation; and this was especially true for intrinsic subjects themselves. For no other type was the self-definition of Quest as robustly or as discriminatively linked to psychological well-being. The original Quest Scale was tied to poorer self-functioning. Overall, these data demonstrated the importance of measuring not just personal beliefs, but the personal meaning of those beliefs as well.
Personality Disorders and Overseas Missions: Guidelines for the Mental Health Professional
Authors: Schubert Esther
Published: February 2018

Mental health care professionals are in a unique position to advise mission organizations in the selection process. This is especially the case in helping newer inexperienced boards avoid overseas placement of personality disordered individuals. The article reviews specific personality disorders and their impact in the overseas setting. The dilemma of compassion vs. administrative wisdom is addressed. Suggestions are included to help missions refine selection policies using the MMPI, understanding its limits, using occupational history review, personal interviews, and individual follow-up on letters of recommendation. The article is not intended to be a handbook for the selection process, but to call attention to an often neglected area of psychopathology that needs to be addressed in the screening evaluation.
Qualities Desired in MK Boarding School Personnel: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Powell John R. , Andrews Leslie A.
Published: February 2018

This descriptive, preliminary research was designed to identify qualities perceived to contribute to effectiveness in MK boarding school personnel by those most closely associated with boarding school experiences. The population consisted of 180 adult MKs, parents of MKs, and personnel currently working in MK boarding schools. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed responded to a five-item questionnaire asking about skills, personality traits, and preparation deemed important for administrators, teachers, and houseparents who work with MKs. Five themes common to all groups and several position-specific characteristics for each of the sub-groups were identified.
Response to Oosterhuis: To Abolish or Fulfill?
Authors: Pike Patricia L.
Published: February 2018

Discussion of Oosterhuis's article acknowledges several beneficial points. The historical framework demonstrates the connection between the child's role in society and disciplinary practices. The distinction between paidion and pais is touched upon as an important developmental delineation. Christ's perception of the personhood of children is elaborated. Critique emphasizes the New Testament elaboration of Old Testament themes rather than the radical change, the incomplete interpretation of research on childrearing, and the need to replace rather than abolish the rod.
Power and the Pulpit: A Look into the Diversity of Ministerial Power
Authors: Heinrichs Glenn A.
Published: February 2018

The issue of extreme variability in regard to types of power displayed within the typical ministerial position is discussed. Six power bases originally offered by French and Raven (1959) were applied to the representative ministerial roles as the theoretical constructs for discussion. Where most vocational positions afford the individual several different types of operant power within the job setting, due to the heterogeneity of the ministerial role within the church, a minister is frequently utilizing all six throughout the week. Implications of this model for ministerial effectiveness are discussed.
Discovering the Public/Private World: A Research Note
Authors: Simmons Henry C.
Published: February 2018

This research note proposes a method of research for understanding individual lives at the point where they intersect with and are formed by social settings. This method is of particular value for research that grounds the development of religious education curricula that are both age-specific and cohort sensitive. Questions are also raised about the limitations of the semi-structured, clinical-style interview favored by researchers in the area of faith development.
Perceptions of God among Persons with Mental Retardation: A Research Note
Authors: Bassett Rodney L. , Perry Katie , Repass Robert , Silver Eric , Welch Tracey
Published: February 2018

Perceptions of God were measured among persons with mental retardation. The levels of retardation of these individuals ranged from mild to profound. Measurement of God concept involved asking participants to select pictures that reminded them of God. The pictures had been pretested with Catholic and Protestant individuals who ranged in cognitive development from preoperational to formal operational thinking. Analyses suggested that moderately retarded persons selected more pictures than mildly or severely/profoundly retarded persons. Also, as the level of retardation went from mild to profound, the discrepancy in popularity between preoperational and formal operational pictures increased. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Faith-induced Neurosis: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Pfeifer Samuel
Published: February 2018

Psychopathology in religious patients is often attributed to their faith. Even within the Christian therapeutic community, there are several labels suggesting faith-induced pathology, such as Toxic Faith, or Adult Children of Evangelicals. A European equivalent is found in the term Ecclesiogenic Neurosis. These concepts are examined critically for their consistency as a construct. Empirical research and clinical experience suggest that psychopathology in religious patients has to be seen against the background of their underlying pathology, their biography, and the way in which they integrate faith into their life styles. It is not religious faith itself that causes the problems, but rather the tension between needs, ideals, and realities. These can be influenced in varying degrees by religious factors. Instead of ecclesiogenic the author proposes the term ecclesiomorphic disorder. Assessment should avoid monocausal attributions and provide a descriptive analysis of the presenting problems. This can be used as a basis for further counseling. Therapists working with religious clients should be able to help them distinguish between functional and dysfunctional roles of religion, and to strengthen personal and faith-related coping resources.
Biblical Progression as Moral Development: The Analogy and its Implications
Authors: Shepard Richard G.
Published: February 2018

The progression of history as described in the Bible is considered from the perspective of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development. A rationale for this analogy is provided with potential implications. Suggestions for future discussion are also included.
The Relationship of God Image to Level of Object Relations Development
Authors: Brokaw Beth Fletcher , Edwards Keith J.
Published: February 2018

This study empirically tested the relationship of God image to level of object relations development in a Christian sample. Ninety-two undergraduate students from a religiously homogeneous population were tested with three measures of God image and three measures of object relations development. It was hypothesized that level of object relations development would show a significant positive correlation with images of God as loving and benevolent and a significant negative correlation with images of God as wrathful, controlling, and irrelevant. Scores on each of the God image instruments were correlated with scores on each of the measures of object relations development. The objective measure of object relations, the Ego Function Assessment Questionnaire-Revised (EFAQ-R), correlated significantly with all three measures of God image in the directions hypothesized. The two projective measures of object relations, the Rorschach and the Comprehensive Object Relations Profile (CORP), showed only a few significant correlations with God image scales. The strongest finding of this study was the consistent, positive correlation of multiple measures of loving God images with level of object relations development on the EFAQ-R.
The Biological Basis of Homosexuality: A Christian Assessment
Authors: Cole Sherwood O.
Published: February 2018

Concurrent with an interest in the incidence and characterization of homosexuality has been an increased interest in the biological basis of such behavior. The present article reviews evidence in support of a biological basis of homosexuality in three interrelated categories—genetic evidence, the prenatal neurohormonal hypothesis, and neuroanatomical evidence. An attempt is made to not only review studies that are representative of experimental findings in each of these categories, but to critically assess the evidence in terms of experimental protocol. In an attempt to provide a Christian assessment of the biological evidence, three conclusions are drawn: (1) evidence for a biological basis of homosexuality is sufficient to warrant its acceptance; (2) the nature of the biological influence on homosexuality is predisposing not determining, thus providing the potential for change; and (3) acceptance of a biological basis of homosexuality in no manner changes the biblical condemnation or prohibition of such behavior. Finally, the need for the Christian church to reach out and minister to homosexual individuals is briefly discussed.
The Soul as seen through Evangelical Eyes, Part II: On use of the Term ‘Soul’
Authors: Boyd Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2018

This article reports the first study ever published of the use of the word soul by a representative sample of members of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS). All ETS members in New England were sampled. The response rate was 92%. ETS members generally avoid the word soul. Most think that spirit is an adequate replacement. Both terms refer to the inner or subjective person, which is not annihilated when the body dies. Two definitions of soul emerge: (a) the whole person (with the implication that the body is part of the soul), or (b) the inner or subjective person in the natural state (whether saved or unsaved). There is a holistic slant to biblical anthropology; a blurring of boundaries between body, soul, and spirit prior to death. Many theologians say they have not thought about the soul, and that theological anthropology is an underdeveloped and neglected aspect of evangelical theology.
Teaching, Texts, and Values
Authors: Myers David G.
Published: February 2018

How should and do psychologists’ values color their writing and research? As Christians, our ultimate allegiance to God frees us to fearlessly and rigorously pursue truth. Nevertheless, our values inevitably influence our emphases, ethics, interpretations, labels, and goals. They also fuel the passions that motivate our work. Finally, in at least seven distinct ways religious beliefs and values can be linked with psychological research and writing.
The Heart of the Curriculum? A Status Report on Explicit Integration Courses in Christian Colleges and Universities
Authors: Stevenson Daryl H. , Young Paul D.
Published: February 2018

Faculty in 46 Christian college and university psychology departments reported whether or not they teach explicitly integrative courses. Data analyzed included demographics, books used, course titles, pedagogical content and methods, and course goals. Results indicate that 33 of 46 institutions offer a full or partial course on integration. Most integration instructors are experienced, male, full professors, and typically teach seniors. Younger faculty place more emphasis on a value-committed approach, and women faculty are more likely to use cooperative learning. Instructors identified course goals and key issues suggesting that student outcomes ought to include deepening personal faith, understanding previous scholarly integrative thought, and critically evaluating new issues from a reasonably developed Christian world view. The absence of widespread consensus on form or content suggests that integrative instruction is closer to the margins than the heart of many psychology curricula in Christian institutions.
Undergraduates Developing Their Own Systematic Integration of Psychology and Christianity
Authors: Koteskey Ronald L. , Price Philip J.
Published: February 2018

This article is written from the perspective of both professor and student, detailing the development of a system of psychology as a part of senior seminar. After briefly introducing professor and student, we each tell about the purpose of the project, the preparation for writing the system, the process of developing it, and the product—a system of psychology.
God Control: The Fourth Dimension
Authors: Welton Gary L. , Adkins A. Gelene , Ingle Sandra L. , Dixon Wayne A.
Published: February 2018

Subscales assessing one's belief in God control were integrated with the Multidimensional Locus of Control (LOC) scale (Levenson, 1974) and the Multidimensional Health LOC scale (Wallston, Wallston, & DeVellis, 1978). These two instruments assess internal, powerful others, and chance LOC. Data were presented supporting the reliability and validity of the God control subscales. Also, it was concluded that the failure to measure God control biases the assessment of internal LOC, and that the LOC advantage is associated with a high score on either the internal LOC dimension or the God control dimension.
The Tenth Leper
Authors: Sorenson Randall Lehmann
Published: February 2018

I (Sorenson, 1996c) took inspiration from John Bunyan's (1678/1969) The Pilgrim's Progress and imagined the ten lepers in Luke 17 as invented, allegorical characters who represent different but common responses to the notion that integration is something indivisbly, irreducibly, and fundamentally personal. I have organized the lepers into four “colonies,” addressing in a previous article the first two, which I named “No Need” and “No Good.” In the present article I address the remaining two colonies, which I have named “No Way” and “No Other Way.” In conclusion I offer five recommendations for graduate and undergraduate curricula at Christian seminaries and universities which seek to integrate psychology into their programs.
Reflections on Integration by a Biopsychologist
Authors: Cole Sherwood O.
Published: February 2018

From the vantage point of an outsider, it has been observed that most attempts at clinical integration focus on psychological and theological issues while avoiding considerations of biological influences. Two examples (homosexuality and heterosexual sex offenses) are given as a demonstration of how the inclusion of biological considerations improve the quality of integrative activity. While not having a natural affinity for biological explanations, clinical colleagues are, nevertheless, challenged to expand their view of integration to include biological dimensions. Further suggested guidelines for including biological interests in integration include (a) the human brain and mind constitute an example par excellence of God's creative purpose in human life; (b) God has chosen the physical processes of the brain/mind as a vehicle for expressing Christian experiences; and (c) problems having their source in the spiritual realm can influence neurological processes just as much as can psychological factors. Cautionary notes are offered regarding the dangers of biological reductionism and determinism to the process of integration. Finally, it is concluded that this perspective on integration is based upon a Christian world view and that all data-base sources must undergo the same degree of critical examination.
The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among Clergy in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Lotufo-Neto Francisco
Published: February 2018

To investigate their mental disorders prevalence, the Self-Report Psychiatric Screening Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and the Religious Life Inventory were mailed to 750 religious ministers. From the 207 who answered, 40 were randomly chosen and invited to a diagnostic interview using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) and an open interview using the Severity of Psychosocial Stressors Scale (DSM-III-R Axis IV). During the month before the interview, mental disorders prevalence was 12.5%, and 47% received a psychiatric diagnosis when the lifetime period was considered. Their main diagnoses were Depressive Disorders (16.4%), Sleep Disorders (12.9%) and Anxiety Disorders (9.4%). Intrinsic religious orientation was associated with positive mental health, and quest orientation scores were significantly higher in the group with a larger probability of mental disorder symptoms and diagnoses. Financial problems, problems with church members and with other pastors, leadership conflicts, marital difficulties, doctrinal problems in the church, and overwork were the main identified stressors.
Christ, the Lord of Psychology
Authors: Johnson Eric L.
Published: February 2018

The lordship of Christ over all of a Christian's life is an assumption basic to Christianity. The acknowledgement of his lordship in psychology is especially problematic today because of the pervasive naturalism and neo-positivism of modern psychology. Nevertheless, an understanding of the kingdom concept in Scripture suggests that Christians are inevitably called to work towards the expression of Christ's lordship in psychology. This occurs as the Christian pursues psychological knowledge and practice before God, aware that all true truth about human nature is an expression of God's mind, that sin and finitude limit one's ability to grasp the truth, that the Scriptures are needed to properly interpret human nature, and that kingdom activity involves a faithful response to Christ's lordship in one's work with others and one's knowing of human nature.
Building Bridges with Biblical Counselors
Authors: Monroe Philip G.
Published: February 2018

Few bridges exist between the fields of biblical counseling and Christian psychology. Even in the 1970s, at the height of the debate, dialogue was scarce and limited to public literary attacks. Today, Christian psychology rarely interacts with the biblical counseling world, much less dialogues with it. These interactions often are limited to pointing out perceived flaws in biblical counseling or sweeping generalizations about the whole field as examples of narrow-minded therapy. On the other hand, biblical counselors have also done little to pursue contact with those in the field of Christian psychology. Some prominent and searing books portray Christian psychologists as worshippers of a false religion or as professionals who structure sessions into neat packages of 50-minute slots for the purpose of convenience and income. In this regard, bridge-burning seems more prevalent than bridge-building. In an effort to renew dialogue and decrease polarizing rhetoric, bridge-burning tactics of each group are surveyed. The author presents four topics for future discussion, and suggests ways to promote dialogue.
Kernbergian Psychodynamics and Religious Aspects of the Forgiveness Process
Authors: Vitz Paul C. , Mango Philip
Published: February 2018

The concept of forgiveness is defined and placed in an object relations framework of Otto Kernberg and of John Gartner. The latter presents an interpretation involving the overcoming of splitting which is a kind of proto-forgiveness applicable for treating borderline patients. Given this context, a model of five stages in the forgiveness process is outlined. These stages are adapted from Linn and Linn (1978) and from Kernberg (1992). It is proposed that the crucial last stage requires more than self-acceptance. Specifically, recovery from genuine harm done to others or the self (real guilt) requires repentance and forgiveness, neither of which can be supplied by psychotherapy. Positive clinical signs of genuine forgiveness are briefly described, as are ways in which forgiveness is often put in the service of pathology, such as false forgiveness. Clinical procedures to facilitate forgiveness are noted.
Spiritual Disciplines and the Practice of Integration: Possibilities and Challenges for Christian Psychologists
Authors: Mcminn Mark R. , Mcray Barrett W.
Published: February 2018

Spiritual practices have received less attention than psychological change techniques in the contemporary integration of psychology and Christianity, yet a Christian understanding of health has implications for the personal and professional use of spiritual disciplines as mechanisms for growth. We consider the practical nature of the spiritual disciplines in promoting change as well as possibilities and challenges introduced by using spiritual disciplines both outside and inside the consulting office. Used outside the consulting office, spiritual disciplines may affect the professional life of the Christian therapist by deepening his or her knowledge of God, promoting a posture of humble self-awareness, and providing a refuge for the stresses of psychological work. Used inside the consulting office, the spiritual disciplines may prove helpful with some clients, but introduce significant challenges and potential problems that warrant careful consideration.
Teaching Integration through the Cracks: A Pedagogy of Process
Authors: Thurston Nancy Stiehler
Published: February 2018

For decades, psychologists have appreciated the value of tracking the process of a psychotherapeutic relationship in order to decode and extract information that is vitally relevant to the cure of the patient. In recent years, this notion of tracking the process has gained interest among Christian psychologists and educators. However, little attention seems to have been given to tracking the process of the integration between psychology and Christian faith that happens in the classroom. The present author contends that the teaching of integration happens “in the cracks” of formal classroom instruction far more often than we typically acknowledge. The author urges Christian psychology professors to become more intentional in cultivating an openness to seize stray moments or unexpected events both inside and outside the classroom, and to harness them as providential opportunities to give students experiential lessons in personal integration. Three narratives are presented as examples of how the subtle dynamics of the process embedded in typical classroom scenes offer a powerful medium for students to grasp integration concepts experientially.
When Discernment Fails: The Case for Outcome Studies on Exorcism
Authors: Rosik Christopher H.
Published: February 2018

Prompted by the author's own encounter with six patients who had previously undergone exorcism or deliverance prayer, this article critically examines the modern criteria for possession and demonization found in the evangelical Christian literature and reviews contemporary empirical research on exorcism. Some suggestions for future research are also presented. The increasing awareness of dissociation and the preliminary findings of negative sequelae for some exorcisms argue for the necessity of outcome studies in this area. Empirical research should be viewed as a valuable adjunctive resource rather than a threat to the spiritual discernment process.
Constructions of Religiosity and Death Anxiety in Two Cultures: The United States and Kuwait
Authors: Thorson James A. , Powell F. C. , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Beshai James A.
Published: February 2018

Religiosity seems to moderate death anxiety, but not in all groups. The two constructs apparently are related mostly among those who are high in intrinsic religiosity or low in death anxiety, or both. Age seems to be an important factor in the development of this relationship. Samples from Kuwait (N = 294) and the United States (N = 279) completed instruments to assess death anxiety and intrinsic religious motivation. The Kuwaitis scored much higher than the Americans in both. State anxiety may have influenced the Kuwaitis’ death anxiety scores. Relationships and cross-cultural differences are examined.
The Relationship between Religion and Psychological Distress in Adolescents
Authors: Mosher Joseph P. , Handal Paul J.
Published: February 2018

The relationship between religion and psychological distress in adolescents was investigated using a comprehensive measure of religion, 3 epidemiological measures of distress, and 2 measures of positive adjustment. Results revealed a significant relationship between religion and psychological distress in adolescents. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful results were found on 3 of the 9 religion scales. Specifically, adolescents low on these scales scored above the reported cutoff score indicative of distress, while those scoring high on the 3 religion scales scored below the reported cutoff score for distress.
The Soul or Substantive Self as Experiencer, Actualizer, and Representative in Psychoanalytic Theory
Authors: Hall Todd W.
Published: February 2018

Numerous prominent psychoanalytic theories of the self are reviewed and several problems with these conceptualizations are discussed. The essential problem highlighted is that various psychoanalytic theorists have identified self with three different conceptual categories: (a) self-representations, (b) subjective experiences, and (c) capacities. These categories have not yet been integrated in any meaningful way leaving psychoanalytic theorists devoid of a coherent theory of the self and any notion of agency. In light of these problems, an attempt is made to synthesize a broad range of psychoanalytic theories of the self. It is proposed that the term self should be reserved for the embodied nonphysical aspect of a person to prevent terminological confusion with the idea of self as an intrapsychic agency. Furthermore, it is proposed that the notion of the self as a substance accounts for all three conceptual categories in that the three things of which a substance is a unity (parts, properties, and capacities) correspond precisely with the three conceptual categories with which psychoanalytic theorists have tended to identify self. The substantive self is viewed as the thing that possesses and unites its subjective experiences, self-representations, and capacities. In other words, the self is the experiencer, actualizer, and representative. The view of self as substance has implications for therapy in that it places a focus on continuity and agency.
The Parish Clergy's Ministry of Prayer with Hospitalized Parishioners
Authors: Vandecreek Larry
Published: February 2018

Previous reports suggest that clergy frequently pray with parishioners during hospital visits. In this study, 286 parish clergy and lay volunteers characterize these prayers as meditative, liturgical, or extemporaneous. Content for the latter two categories is further described as intercession, confession, or thanksgiving/praise. Respondents reported 44,403 hospital pastoral visits during the previous year and most, regardless of faith group, estimated that they prayed during 100% of these visits. Further, these prayers were usually extemporaneous intercession; meditative and liturgical prayers were used less frequently. Despite the demonstrated association between prayer and mystical experiences, clergy mysticism scores were significantly lower than those reported in the literature and were not significantly related to the style or content of prayers during hospital visits.
The Ace Model of Emotion: Living Jesus Christ While Experiencing Emotions
Authors: Bassett Rodney L. , Hill Peter C.
Published: February 2018

This article presents a model that integrates Christian and psychological perspectives on emotion: the ACE model of emotion. This model proposes that all emotions are morally ambidextrous. Any emotion, from anger to love, has the capacity to be experienced in a manner that is pleasing or displeasing to God. The ACE model further assumes that emotions contain three elements: (a) A = arousal or physiological activity, (b) C = cognition, and (c) E = expression. In addition, the model can be considered along two dimensions that determine if an emotion is righteous, sinful, natural, or distorted. The model looks at the emotional “big picture” and may well subsume several previous attempts to integrate psychology and Christianity in terms of specific emotions.
Associations between Religious Attendance, Social Support, and Depression in Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Hintikka Jukka , Viinamäki Heimo , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Tanskanen Antti , Lehtonen Johannes
Published: February 2018

Religious attendance and social support have been found to be positively associated with mental well-being, although this may be threatened by depression. Here we studied whether religious attendance was associated with mildness of depression and whether social support explained this association among 1,179 patients in community mental health services in Kuopio province, Finland. More women (20%) than men (11%) attended religious events regularly. In logistic regression, mildness of depression (Beck Depression Inventory score ≤ 10) was associated with regular religious attendance in females but not in males. No higher-degree associations between religious attendance, social support, and mild depression were found in log-linear models. Religious attendance may be important in protecting mental well-being, but social support is not the explanation.
Theology and Winnicott's Object Relations Theory: A Conversation
Authors: Burns-Smith Charlene
Published: February 2018

Operating from Browning's (1989) premise that all psychologies carry moral, ethical, even religious implications, this article develops a theologically-based typology for pastoral care. The religiously-oriented practitioner has been to some extent seduced by the lure of a “science” versus “faith” polarity, and perforce has tended uncritically to adopt psychological models of the human or to reject them altogether, for fear of conflict with religious beliefs. This study demonstrates that there are critical tools present within the Christian tradition that enable pastoral care providers to evaluate methods of counseling for moral agendas and theological implications. The Pelagian Controversy of 5th century Christianity provides material for demonstration that theology can find within itself practical methods for evaluation. The debates over freedom of the will provide a grid through which to uncover psychology's implicitly theological anthropologies. The model's usefulness is demonstrated by application to Winnicott's Object Relations Theory.
A Longitudinal Study of Moral, Religious, and Identity Development in a Christian Liberal Arts Environment
Authors: Foster James D. , Laforce Beth
Published: February 2018

Moral, religious, and identity development were assessed in a longitudinal study by sampling students enrolled at a Christian liberal arts college during their first semester, and again 3½ years later. Those who continued enrollment to their senior year (persisters) were found to make greater gains in moral reasoning and greater movement toward identity achievement than those who did not continue enrollment (nonpersisters). Persisters were also found to decline significantly in religious well-being, particularly females, and extrinsic religiosity, while not changing in Shepherd scores or in intrinsic religiosity. Nonpersisters were found to increase significantly in intrinsic religiosity. Significant differences were found between students of different identity statuses in moral reasoning and religiosity. Results also indicate that identity status interacts with development of moral reasoning and religiosity, with those at the identity achievement or moratorium level gaining the most in moral reasoning and showing more positive changes in religiosity.
High Stress Life Events and Spiritual Development
Authors: James Barry J. , Samuels Curtis A.
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the relationships between the experience of common high stress life events and measures of adult spiritual development. Three hundred thirty-two respondents (116 male and 216 female) aged from 19 to 79 years completed a four-part survey. Intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness were measured using the Intrinsic/Extrinsic-Revised Scale (Gorsuch & MacPherson, 1989), and universalistic spiritual orientation was assessed using a modified version of the Religious Beliefs Inventory (Ring, 1986). The Fowler Scale (Barnes, Doyle, & Johnson, 1989) was used to estimate faith style. Experience of high stress life events was investigated using a life events survey adapted here from several previous studies, including Holmes and Rahe (1967) and Tennant and Andrews (1976). Results support the hypothesis that the experience of a high stress life event is associated with a universalistic spiritual orientation, but not the hypothesis that intrinsic religiousness is related to the experience of such events. The hypothesis that faith stage is associated with the experience of a high stress life event is supported for males only. This study lends support to earlier case-history reports which indicated that spiritual growth can be a constructive consequence of highly stressful life experiences.
Values Affecting Collaboration among Psychologists and Evangelical Clergy
Authors: Chaddock Timothy P. , Mcminn Mark R.
Published: February 2018

Previous research has shown that shared values are important to both clergy and psychologists when considering the possibility of collaborating with one another, but it is not clear which values must be shared. Eighty-one psychologists and 56 evangelical Protestant clergy were surveyed using a values questionnaire developed by Jensen and Bergin (1988) with some additional items specifically pertaining to evangelical beliefs, revealing differences within value themes between clergy and psychologists. The epistemological foundations of the two professions create obstacles to collaboration, suggesting a need for psychologists to develop trusting relationships with clergy, engage in specialized training, and reevaluate the postmodern distinction between facts in the public domain and privately held values.
A labor of love? Emotion work in intimate relationships
Authors: Horne Rebecca M. , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: February 2018

Drawing on relational developmental systems and gender relations perspectives, this study analyzed data from 1,932 heterosexual couples from Waves 1 and 2 of the German Family Panel to answer three questions: (1) What are the longitudinal associations between male and female partners’ emotion work provision and relationship satisfaction? (2) Are there gender differences in associations between emotion work and relationship satisfaction? (3) Does autonomy moderate associations among these focal variables? An actor–partner interdependence model revealed emotion work was linked to heightened future relationship satisfaction, and female partners’ emotion work was the strongest predictor of both partners’ relationship satisfaction. Latent variable interactions demonstrated male partners’ emotion work was linked to female partners’ heightened relationship satisfaction only when men also reported high levels of autonomy. Emotion work may be a “labor of love” that builds future relationship satisfaction while under the differential “management” of autonomous self-representation and gender norms of affective care.
Effectiveness of aquatic exercises compared to patient-education on health status in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taglietti Marcelo , Facci Ligia Maria , Trelha Celita Salmaso , de Melo Fernanda Cristiane , da Silva Daniela Wosiack , Sawczuk Geovane , Ruivo Thamires Marques , de Souza Thaisley Barbosa , Sforza Chiarella , Cardoso Jefferson Rosa
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of aquatic exercises with patient-education in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis.

Setting:

Aquatic Physiotherapy Centre and Primary Health Care Unit.

Subjects:

A total of 60 patients, aged 68.3 (SD = 4.8) with clinical symptoms and radiographic grading (Kellgren–Lawrence 1–4) of knee osteoarthritis were included.

Interventions:

An eight-week treatment protocol of aquatic exercise ( n = 31) (16 individual sessions, twice a week) and an educational program (group sessions, once a week) ( n = 29).

Main measures:

Before, after eight-week intervention, and a three-month follow-up with results for the following outcome measures: pain, function, quality of life, functional mobility, and depression.

Results:

At the end of treatment, the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) functional capacity values reduced in favour of the aquatic exercise group for both the total score MD (mean difference) = –14.2; 95% CI (confidence interval) (−18; −10.5), P = 0.04 and the pain domain MD = −3.8 points; 95% CI (−8.71; −1), P = 0.021. The total score also reduced in the follow-up: MD = −12.3 points; 95% CI (−24.7; −6.1), P = 0.017. No differences were found for the outcomes functional mobility or depression.

Conclusion:

Aquatic exercise improved pain and function after eight weeks, and function at the three-month follow-up compared to the patient-education program.
A child with acute liver failure associated with influenza A and resolved with plasma exchange treatment
Authors: Yükselmiş Ufuk , Girit Saniye , Çağ Yakup , Özçetin Mustafa
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Although liver support systems play a major role as a bridge to transplantation, they may sometimes serve as a lifesaving treatment eliminating this need.

Case presentation:

We report on a 4-year-old boy who developed acute liver failure due to an influenza A (H3N2) infection as confirmed by clinical and laboratory data (molecular typing, stage 3 encephalopathy, brain edema, increased levels of ammonia, bilirubin, and international normalized ratio 5.2). Testing for any possible underlying liver disease showed no congenital or acquired liver pathology. Oral oseltamivir treatment was initiated and liver support therapy with plasma exchange was performed as a bridge to transplantation. A total of three plasma exchange sessions every other day, with fresh frozen plasma 1.5 times the total blood volume for the first course and 1 times for the subsequent courses, were performed. After the first plasma exchange, encephalopathy improved to stage 2, accompanied by substantial decreases in the elevated liver function tests. At the end of three plasma exchange sessions, the patient’s clinical condition improved significantly. At 14 days after admission, deep tendon reflexes of the patient were normal and levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, ammonia, and international normalized ratio returned to normal. Liver support treatment with plasma exchange resulted in complete recovery and the patient was discharged on the 17th day of admission.

Conclusion:

Acute supportive treatment with plasma exchange proved to be life-saving in our case.
Personal Thoughts on Early Childhood Special Education Research: An Historical Perspective, Threats to Relevance, and Call to Action
Authors: Strain Phillip S.
Published: February 2018

This article is based on my 2016 keynote address at the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Conference, Louisville, Kentucky. Historical tendencies as well as current day research funding mechanisms and priorities are presented. I argue for a more field-initiated research process, a focus on individual participant needs, and a more thoughtful study of factors that lead practitioners and administrators to adopt, use with fidelity, and sustain the use of DEC’s Recommended Practices.