bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilgrims’ Progress: Faculty and University Factors in Graduate Student Integration of Faith and Profession
Authors: Ripley Jennifer S. , Garzon Fernando L. , Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Mangis Michael W. , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

Graduate students’ perspectives on integration of faith and profession were investigated using item response to identify underlying constructs. Students (N = 595) from various professions and four universities were sampled. Three factors were supported as separate and important constructs for students. The first two factors were drawn from Sorenson's research on attachment theory, faculty as bulwark of the faith versus fellow sojourner and faculty as emotionally transparent versus emotionally distant. A new domain of integration, environmental factors such as class Scripture reading, was supported as a unique factor. An examination of diversity variables gave preliminary evidence that females and students of color may see emotional transparency and environmental factors as more important in Christian integration than other students.
Differentiated Styles of Attachment to God and Varying Religious Coping Efforts
Authors: Cooper Laura B. , Bruce A. Jerry , Harman Marsha J. , Boccaccini Marcus T.
Published: February 2018

The Attachment to God Inventory (AGI) and Religious Coping Activities Scale (RCAS) were given to 159 church-going adults. A median split using AGI Avoidance and Anxiety scales divided participants into Secure (24.46%), Dismissing (20.14%), Preoccupied (25.18%), and Fearful (30.22%) styles. These four groups were analyzed in relation to the six scales of the RCAS. Results indicated that Secure and Preoccupied used more Christian activities and ideas in coping. Secure also scored higher on religious avoidance, turning to religion to avoid problems. Dismissing focused more on good works and also avoided any sense of pleading. Fearful showed greater anger and doubt toward God. The only scale that failed to show a difference was the scale which represents the notion of using the church and pastor as a means of support. One can see that religious adults have differing attachment styles and vary in their use of religion to cope with life experiences.
Adult Attachment, God Attachment and Gender in Relation to Perceived Stress
Authors: Reiner Sarah R. , Anderson Tamara L. , Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Hall Todd W.
Published: February 2018

This study examines whether adult attachment, God attachment and gender are related to perceived stress. Based on the literature on these variables, it was expected that adult and God attachment would predict perceived stress, that God attachment would have incremental validity over adult attachment in predicting perceived stress and that gender would be a moderator in the relationship between attachment and perceived stress. Two hundred seventy-six participants from a private, Christian university in Southern California completed questionnaires assessing these variables. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that adult and God attachment anxiety as well as adult attachment avoidance significantly predicted perceived stress. Furthermore, God attachment anxiety had incremental validity over adult attachment. Interestingly, gender was a suppressor variable in the relationship between attachment anxiety and perceived stress. Therefore, attachment relationships with one's partner and God are both important in explaining perceived stress level. Gender may also play an indirect role in this relationship, though this concept should be further validated with future research.
Evaluating Impact of Transition Seminars on Missionary Kids’ Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Well-Being
Authors: Davis Pamela , Headley Kristel , Bazemore Tracey , Cervo Jaclyn , Sickinger Pamela , Windham Melissa , Rehfuss Mark
Published: February 2018

Missionary Kids (MKs) are included in a broader population defined as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), children who are raised outside of their parents’ home cultures (Pollock & Van Reken, 2001). This upbringing affords positive opportunities to experience diverse cultures but may also contribute to identity struggles and feelings of cultural isolation (Gillies, 1998; Hill, 2006; Pollock, 1989). To facilitate successful transitions from living overseas to the US, several reentry programs have been developed, but their effectiveness has not been examined. In this exploratory study the efficacy of a 13-day MK Transitions Seminar was measured. Participants’ pre and post-test scores on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and the Psychological General Well-Being Index indicated a significant reduction in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as significant improvement in overall psychological well-being. The findings and limitations of this study and implications for future studies are discussed.
Apa Accreditation of Doctoral Psychology Programs in Christian Universities
Authors: Campbell Clark D.
Published: February 2018

There has been a history of suspicion and distrust between organized psychology and religion for more than a century. The nexus of this strained relationship is played out in the context of accreditation, in which doctoral programs in Christian institutions have faced challenges in obtaining accreditation. Some of these challenges have related to freedom of religion, academic freedom, non-discrimination policies, and diversity training. Footnote 4 in the APA Accreditation Guidelines and Principles is designed to address these challenges, yet there is ongoing discussion about the implementation and use of this footnote. The relationship between the accrediting body and Christian programs has developed from deep suspicion to a working, but cautious relationship; yet, the future of this relationship remains uncertain.
Forgiveness and Attachment: A Link that Survives the Grave?
Authors: Gassin Elizabeth A. , Lengel Gregory J.
Published: February 2018

The current project consists of two studies assessing the relationship between two attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) and forgiveness in the context of bereavement. Using these two dimensions, the authors explore whether or not general attachment style and attachment to a deceased person in particular predict the degree to which one will forgive that individual. While most previous studies of extending forgiveness to living individuals suggest attachment anxiety is a more robust predictor of forgiveness, the current studies point to attachment avoidance as a more reliable predictor. The authors consider developmental and cultural factors in explaining the results and note implications for pastors and therapists.
Practical Integration in Cross-Cultural Member Care
Authors: Eriksson Cynthia B.
Published: February 2018

Following the tradition of practical theology, practical integration seeks to create a meaningful dialogue of integration concepts in a particular community and a particular context. This essay explores the context of integrative holistic missionary care labeled Member Care. The historical backdrop of Member Care is rich with many founding foremothers and forefathers who have created a legacy of research and experience in advocating for missionary well-being and supporting families and individuals in the stresses and strains of cross-cultural transitions. More recent work has identified the multi-layered framework of Member Care that acknowledges the spiritual, personal, familial, organizational, and professional roles in the addressing the relational and emotional needs of missionaries. Next steps for practical integration in member care include attention to the spiritual needs of local or national mission workers, partnerships in Member Care efforts in newer mission sending countries, and integrative research and teaching around personal transformation and mission.
Teaching Christian Integration in Psychology and Counseling: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Garzon Fernando L. , Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis
Published: February 2018

In this article, we review the current status of theory and research on teaching Christian integration in psychology and counseling. Changes in student characteristics, emerging technologies, and paradigm shifts in the disciplines themselves predict unique opportunities and challenges for the future. We reflect upon directions integration learning theory and pedagogy should take in light of these considerations.
A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Christian Working Mothers' Personal Strivings
Authors: Gallagher Jennifer A. , Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Anderson Tamara L. , Del Rosario Kerris L.M.
Published: February 2018

The current study explored the motherhood strivings of 200 Christian professional mothers in the workforce and the strivings' relationship to positive affect, negative affect, satisfaction with life, interrole conflict, and the presence of psychological symptoms, in order to understand the influence of Christian subcultural factors on the experience of working Christian mothers. A mixed-methods study was conducted, including a content analysis informed by grounded theory methodology of the content of the motherhood strivings, and a quantitative analysis of how types of strivings are related to positive affect, negative affect, satisfaction with life, interrole conflict, and the presence of psychological symptoms. Qualitative analysis of the content of the motherhood themes resulted in two predominant themes: motherhood as living up to societal ideals and motherhood as embodiment of personal values. With respect to the quantitative findings, spiritual self-transcendence strivings were negatively correlated with interrole conflict. High-level, abstract strivings were positively correlated with the presence of interrole conflict, and negatively correlated with satisfaction with life. Strivings reflective of the intensive mothering ideology, specifically, the strivings that were reflective of the “entirely child centered” and “assume full responsibility” tenets of intensive mothering, were positively correlated with interrole conflict.
The Stories Students Tell: TAT Stories of Bereaved and Non-Bereaved College Students in a Christian Evangelical University
Authors: Walker Andrea C. , Balk David E.
Published: February 2018

The researchers analyzed, within an Evangelical Christian university context, bereaved and non-bereaved college students' Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) stories for themes of death, grief, general coping, and religious coping. The study measured: (a) how students in the throes of their grief construct TAT stories, (b) differences in coping between bereaved vs. non-bereaved and women vs. men, and (c) coping for those who specifically mentioned death or grief themes. Results found that students constructed their TAT stories with high frequencies of general coping. Frequencies did not differ by bereavement status or gender, but those mentioning death or grief even more often mentioned coping. Religious coping themes emerged infrequently. Results differ greatly from a prior study at a secular university, suggesting the need to further examine this group. Findings are discussed in light of socio-historical context and recent studies measuring college student religiosity/spirituality. Implications for further research are made.
Intellectual Humility: Scale Development and Theoretical Elaborations in the Context of Religious Leadership
Authors: McElroy Stacey E. , Rice Kenneth G. , Davis Don E. , Hook Joshua N. , Hill Peter C. , Worthington Everett L. , Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: February 2018

This article focused on how perceptions of intellectual humility (IH)—humility regarding one's knowledge or influence over ideas—affect relationships with religious leaders. We developed an informant report measure of IH perceptions using exploratory (Study 1; N = 213) and confirmatory (Study 2; N = 213) factor analyses, as well as a basic manipulation of IH (Study 3; N = 139). Then in Study 4 (N = 105), we examined IH in the context of a major betrayal by a religious leader (i.e., aligning with several factors theorized to strain the practice of IH). The results provide preliminary evidence for the psychometric soundness of the scale, including reliability and content validity of the scores. The scale was able to distinguish between IH and other constructs. Furthermore, the results provide initial evidence that IH is related to social bonds, as perceptions of IH were related to trust and higher forgiveness toward the religious leader, and positive attitudes towards the Sacred.
The Quiet Virtue Speaks: An Intervention to Promote Humility
Authors: Lavelock Caroline R. , Worthington Everett L. , Davis Don E. , Griffin Brandon J. , Reid Chelsea A. , Hook Joshua N. , Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: February 2018

Empirical interest in virtues and their benefits has increased in recent years. In the present study, we test the efficacy of a workbook intervention to promote humility. Participants (N = 59) were randomly assigned to a humility condition (n = 26; 7.5-hour workbook) or a control condition (n = 33; non-action). Participants in the humility condition reported greater increases in humility across time than did participants in the control condition, who did not change in humility over time. Participants in the humility condition also increased in forgivingness and patience and decreased in general negativity more than did participants in the control condition. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of the intervention with both religious and non-religious individuals, consistent with both a Christian and secular classical valuing of humility.
Religious Fundamentalism and Psychological Well-Being: An Italian Study
Authors: Carlucci Leonardo , Tommasi Marco , Balsamo Michela , Furnham Adrian , Saggino Aristide
Published: February 2018

This study's aims were two-fold: to contribute to an understanding of the relationship between religious fundamentalism and psychological well-being and to test the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of the revised Religious Fundamentalism Scale (RFS-12; Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 2004), one of the most important instruments for assessing religious fundamentalism when it is conceptualized as a cognitive process. Confirmative factor analysis and reliability and correlational analyses were conducted on a sample of 319 Catholic undergraduate students. Findings indicate that the Italian adaptation of the Religious Fundamentalism Scale, as a one-dimensional construct, represents a valid and reliable measure of religious fundamentalism. Furthermore, results highlight the positive role that religious fundamentalism plays in promoting life satisfaction and psychological well-being.
Spiritual Maturity as a Moderator of the Relationship between Christian Fundamentalism and Shame
Authors: Keller Kathryn H. , Mollen Debra , Rosen Lisa H.
Published: February 2018

The current study examined spiritual maturity as a moderator of the relation between Christian fundamentalism and shame. One hundred sixty four Christian-identified participants (141 women) were recruited through social networking sites. Participants completed the following measures through a secured website: the Revised Religious Fundamentalism Scale (Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 2004), Spiritual Assessment Inventory (Hall & Edwards, 1996), and The Shame Inventory (Rizvi, 2010). Hierarchical regressions were used to examine the moderation effects of spiritual maturity on shame for Christians who scored both high and low on the fundamentalist spectrum. Results revealed that two components of spiritual maturity—awareness of God and realistic acceptance—moderated the relationship between Christian fundamentalism and shame. Christians scoring high on fundamentalism and high on these dimensions of spiritual maturity experienced low shame. Conversely, Christians scoring high on fundamentalism and low on these dimensions of spiritual maturity experienced high shame. Implications for mental health clinicians and clergy are discussed.
A Metacognitive Perspective on Internal Dialogues and Rhetoric: Derived from the Prodigal Son's Parable
Authors: Polischuk Pablo
Published: February 2018

This article explores the reading of the Prodigal Son's self-talk though the lenses of a metacognitive-dialogical paradigm. The main thrust of the parable is provided and followed by a hypothetical reading of the succinct excerpts of the Prodigal's internal dialogues and rhetoric, recognizing their ancillary character, illustrative meaning, and contextual purpose. Such processes appear to be involved in metanoia—a change of mind: (a) the son's attention, perception, and recognition of his negative predicament; (b) his kairotic “aha” experience charged with regret, remorse, and repentance; (c) his inner dialogues—deliberating with self; (d) his mindful detachment, allowing for a purposeful shift to take place, so as to do the right thing; (e) his angst—arising in view of the consequences of his actions—prompting his anticipatory dialogues with the father (a sort of “stress inoculation training” to prepare for the eventual encounter); and (f) his actual decision to enact a purposeful response. The musings derived from such analysis may provide valuable insights into human nature in need of change. The article seeks to integrate biblical-theological insights with psychological principles that can be applied to theoretical and therapeutic endeavors in both disciplines.
The Influence of Affective Priming on One's Perceived Relationship to God
Authors: Crone Travis S.
Published: February 2018

It seems that when individuals are asked to assess their perceived relationship to God, they are often given a negative affective prime prior to the assessment. The purpose of the current series of studies was to explore how this negative affective priming would influence participants’ thoughts about their perceived relationship to God. Study 1 showed that the classic priming effect can be seen when the affective priming is nonreligious. However, going against predictions, there was a contrast effect when there was a religious focus with the positive priming having the most negative influence. Study 2 replicated and expanded this finding by showing that positive affective priming was linked to participants reporting that they experienced God's love less frequently. The current study highlights how the way that individuals think about or approach their relationship to God can have serious effects on how they experience this relationship.
Spiritual Struggles and Religious Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in those with Depression and Chronic Medical Illness
Authors: Pearce Michelle J. , Koenig Harold G.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Compared the effectiveness of religious cognitive-behavioral therapy (RCBT) versus conventional CBT (CCBT) on reducing spiritual struggles in persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) and medical illness.

Methods

Participants were randomized to receive 10 sessions of RCBT (n = 65) or CCBT (n = 67). Spiritual struggles were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks using the Brief RCOPE. Mixed effects growth curve models compared the effects of treatment on change in spiritual struggles.

Results

RCBT and CCBT reduced spiritual struggles to a similar degree over time (B = −0.48, SE = 0.31, df = 151, t = −1.53, p = .127, d = 0.25). Similar results were found in those with high religiosity and with high spiritual struggles at baseline. Higher baseline spiritual struggles predicted a slower decline in MDD (B = 0.47, SE = 0.20, t = 2.30, p = .022) independent of treatment group.

Conclusions

RCBT and CCBT are equally effective in reducing spiritual struggles in persons with MDD and medical illness. High spiritual struggles decrease the response of MDD to both RCBT and CCBT. These findings have treatment implications.
A Theological and Psychological Provisional Definition of Narcissism
Authors: Bergner Mario
Published: February 2018

Wolfhart Pannenberg's Christian anthropology along with Otto Kernberg and Heinz Kohut's object relations modalities offer theological and psychological insights for arriving at an integrated provisional definition of narcissism from these two disciplines. Psychology provides intellectual insights and natural means for approaching such a definition. Likewise, theology employs these, but also contributes supernatural identifiers for our understanding. Pannenberg's Christian anthropology of personhood asserts human beings experience the Fall as an unnatural narcissistic disturbance. According to Christian theology, we see only reflected features of our humanity, and are never fully known this side of eternity (see 1 Cor. 13:12). Psychology, through its continuing research and redefinition of various disorders, attests current diagnoses are not comprehensive but await further research. Hence, even the provisional definition here proposed is an approximation. This is a phenomenological definition to be used as a starting point for understanding narcissistic disturbances as experienced to some degree by all humans. It is a compassionate definition, not a label to be feared, which I hope opens new doors for pastoral and psychological treatments.
Celebrating Life and Death: Resiliency among Post-Earthquake Tibetans’ Religious Community
Authors: Ting Rachel Sing-Kiat
Published: February 2018

When the Sichuan earthquake occurred in 2008, some “Chinese psychological experts” brought harm to the local survivors by immediately focusing on the pathological effects of trauma and on diagnosing PTSD. Since then, more awareness of a culturally-sensitive approach to psychological relief work during emergencies and disasters has been raised locally and internationally. In 2010, when an earthquake shook the Tibetan community of Yushu in Qinghai, China, my on-site involvement in long-term voluntary relief work there allowed me to gather anthropological data on the survivors’ healing process as they dealt with loss and poverty. In this paper, I have used a case-study approach to illustrate elements of resiliency within the community of Tibetan survivors. Four distinctive vignettes are narrated to highlight the Tibetan “open-hearted” attitude as a way to celebrate life and embrace grief. The first case illustrates a “good death” of a terminally ill Tibetan survivor and how her sky burial modeled a cosmology and spirituality of “celebrating death.” The next 3 cases are stories of “celebrating life” with emerging themes of resilience, including receiving support from extended families, living life for a deceased, and finding happiness in helping others. This study suggests that modern psychologists have much to learn from the life-celebrating and resilience of this ethnic community in China. When providing psychological relief aid, a new paradigm of care is needed, and religion could play a pivotal role in recovering the strengths of the suffering individuals.
Spirituality and Religion as Mitigating Factors in Compassion Fatigue among Trauma Therapists in Romania
Authors: Newmeyer Mark , Keyes Benjamin , Palmer Kamala , Kent Vanessa , Spong Sara , Stephen Faith , Troy Mary
Published: February 2018

Emerging research suggests that, among trauma therapists, religiousness and spirituality may (a) buffer against compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout and (b) bolster spiritual growth and compassion satisfaction (Newmeyer et al., 2014). Despite findings that indicate spirituality and religion are sources of hope for people coping with painful circumstances (Pargament, 2013), research investigating the role of religion and spirituality as a protective factor (Weaver, Flannelly, Garbarino, Figley, & Flannelly, 2003) or as potentially promoting wellness for trauma therapists is limited. This study (N = 46) replicated a previous finding in which trauma therapists who endorsed a strong spiritual orientation reported increased compassion satisfaction when engaged in short-term (1–2 weeks), cross-cultural trauma work. Additionally, these short-term trauma therapists were compared to equally trained professionals working in the same context for 2 to 5 months and 6 months to 1 year (intermediate and long-term trauma therapists, respectively). The self-report instruments evidenced statistically significant increases in secondary trauma in both the intermediate and long-term trauma therapists when compared with short-term therapists. An unanticipated effect of the short-term trauma therapists’ presence was revealed: On pre- and post-measures the long-term trauma therapists reported statistically significant increases in resilience. This implies that the presence of the short-term therapists was beneficial to the long-term therapists. Thus, “respite care” for trauma therapists in long-term trauma settings might increase their capacity to thrive professionally.
Narrative Therapy, Theology, and Relational Openness: Reconstructing the Connection between Postmodern Therapy and Traditional Theology
Authors: Kwok Wai-Luen
Published: February 2018

Narrative therapy, as a postmodernist psychotherapy, is queried by some pastoral care workers. In addition, traditional theology is often rejected by Christian counseling as being outmoded in the postmodern world. This paper is an attempt to find the convergence of narrative therapy and traditional Christian theology. The paper's proposition is that narrative therapy's postmodernist view of counseling practice rediscovers the importance of pastoral care, which modernist counseling professionalism has ignored. The paper also discusses the idea that narrative therapy is not a deconstruction or a hyper-individualism. Rather, it is a relational recovery that is apposite to Christian faith. Then, the paper uses Martin Luther's theology of Law and Gospel to demonstrate theology has power to “deconstruct” and “externalize” human problems, and achieve relational recovery. Finally, Christology and the doctrine of the Trinity will be used to further explore a possible direction for reconciling postmodern psychotherapy and traditional theology.
Outcome Study Findings of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Missionaries and Clergy
Authors: Jensma Jeanne L.
Published: February 2018

This article reports the findings of an outcome study done at ALONGSIDE, a counseling-focused retreat center that offers three-week intensive outpatient programs for Christian leaders, the majority of whom are missionaries. Repeated measures research utilized the Outcome Questionnaire - 45.2 (OQ-45.2) to explore whether or not clients participating in the three-week intensive outpatient program realized significant clinical progress and whether or not therapeutic gains were retained after the conclusion of the program. Missionaries and other Christian leaders took the inventory online a month before coming to ALONGSIDE, upon arrival, at the end of the three-week program, and three months after the program concluded. The results indicated that a month of time before arrival did not bring about a significant reduction in symptomatology among the 191 subjects, but three weeks of ALONGSIDE's intensive outpatient program resulted in significant clinical improvement which remained when the inventory was taken again three months post-program. This suggests that in a fairly short period of time, an intensive outpatient program consisting of psycho-education, group psychotherapy, and individual and/or marital counseling within a milieu of intentional Christian community can be a highly effective model for promoting enduring psychological healing.
Penal Substitutionary Atonement and Concern for Suffering: An Empirical Study
Authors: Hydinger Kristen , Sandage Steven J. , Jankowski Peter J. , Rambo Shelly
Published: February 2018

The present study tested a hypothesized model of the degree of belief in penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) predicting a negative association with a sense of responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the world. Gender complementarian beliefs were hypothesized as a mediator of this association based on theological frameworks within the “New Calvinism” movement connecting PSA, gender views, and the positive spiritual significance of pain and suffering. The sample (N = 225) was comprised of masterslevel students at an Evangelical seminary in the Midwestern United States. Results supported a mediating role for complementarianism in the negative association between PSA and responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the world. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of theologies of suffering in connection with social ethics. This study highlights the potential interdisciplinary value of empirical research on specific theological views.
Leader Behavior, Group Size, and Member Satisfaction in University Christian Growth Groups
Authors: Peterson Mark F.
Published: February 2018

The relationship of group size, leader consideration behavior, and leader initiating structure behavior with member satisfaction was assessed. Respondents included 57 members of 14 small Christian growth groups made up primarily of evangelical undergraduate university students. Members' responses indicated that leader consideration and initiating structure were independent dimensions rather than two extremes of one dimension. Leaders were reported to exhibit somewhat less initiating structure behavior than members thought was desirable. Correlations and regression analyses showed that the absolute value of the discrepancy between actual and ideal leader initiating structure was more highly related to satisfaction than was actual initiating structure alone. Leader consideration was proportionately related to member satisfaction while group size was inversely related to satisfaction. When leading groups or training leaders of groups similar to those studied, the best amount of leader initiating structure should be determined partly on the basis of member expectations, expectations which may change during the life of a group.
Attribution to Supernatural Causation: An Important Component of Religious Commitment?
Authors: Ritzema Robert J.
Published: February 2018

Most religious belief systems maintain that some natural events are caused by divine intervention. Exploration of the manner in which believers attribute events to supernatural causes is thus one fruitful way of studying the psychology of religion. The attributional processes of evangelical Christian college students were explored by means of a questionnaire containing several brief descriptions of incidents, each followed by rating scales on which subjects attributed causality for that event. Individual differences in the tendency to invoke supernatural explanations were found, and the tendency to invoke such explanations was positively correlated with other measures of religious belief and practice. Attribution to God was unrelated to locus of control. Differences in the nature of the incidents to be explained affected attribution to God.
AN Integrative Approach to Psychological and Christian Thought Based on A Christian World View
Authors: Pascoe Jack P.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study is to formulate a metapsychological foundation for psychology which is consistent with Christian thought. The approach taken is epistemological in nature and integrative in scope. It concentrates on constructing a Christian world view which will provide a frame of reference for the integration of psychological and Christian thought.

A world view based on six Christian presuppositions is constructed. The six presuppositions discussed are: (a) one unifying truth –- God, (b) the reality of Christ, (c) a supernatural orientation, (d) human personalism, (e) the awareness of evil, and (f) ultimate purpose and meaning in life. This world view is a constructive synthesis of the Christian thought of Blamires (1963), Dooyeweerd (1936, 1960) and Trueblood (1969, 1970).

A metapsychological analysis of psychology is accomplished via a basic issues approach. Eight fundamental psychological issues described by Wertheimer (1972) are reviewed: (a) the individual as master versus the individual as victim of fate, (b) human nature as good versus human nature as evil, (c) andsum versus transsum, (d) mind versus body, (e) subjectivity versus objectivity, (f) past versus present, (g) nature versus nurture, and (h) simplicity versus complexity.

In conclusion, an integrative psychology is formulated which understands and explains the data of human behavior and experience in terms of the original metaphysical presuppositions which underlie all phenomena. The psychological issues examined earlier are analyzed from a Christian world view base. This is a formulation of a methodology for the further investigation and development of integrative psychology.
Religious Group Value Patterns and Motive Orientations
Authors: Mellor Steven , André J.
Published: February 2018

Value patterns of religious churchgoers were examined by the Political Cube and Christian Cube models as developed from Psychopolitical theory. Comparisons between The André Psychopolitical Scale, The André Psychopolitical Differential and the Rokeach Value Survey suggested that churchgoing groups were more oriented toward Love, Security and Rationality than controls, Christian churchgoers were distinct from non-Christian churchgoers, and all groups had consistent value patterns and motive orientations. It was suggested that further questions concerning religious values may be addressed from either religious or political domains of inquiry.
Pastoral Counseling as Sacramental Act
Authors: Meyer Charles
Published: February 2018

Pastoral Counseling centers are burgeoning because a whole new community of persons is developing with new sacramental needs. The anachronistic methods of the institutional church have resulted in the pastoral counselor taking on the role of priest and performing the fourfold Eucharistic function (take, bless, break, give) in therapy. Pastoral counseling is now a sacramental act, and may in fact develop into a sacrament.

Pastoral counselors have a unique combination of psychological and theological training, though in their zeal for professional acceptance they often emphasize the former at the expense of the latter. The pastoral counseling community has a responsibility to use its unique training to influence the institutional church to effectively meet the new sacramental, liturgical, and spiritual needs of its people. To be able to inform the growth of the historical community of faith and to adequately function sacramentally in the therapeutic setting, pastoral counselors must first examine their own spirituality.
Social Modeling: A Psychological-Theological Perspective
Authors: Marvin Michael L.
Published: February 2018

This article presents the main theoretical conceptualizations of learning by imitation, research pertaining to modeling influence, scriptual references to learning by example, and an evaluation of each as they relate to one set (configuration) of concepts. The following constructs are considered operative in both psychology and theology: (a) People do imitate and model after others; (b) live models are extremely effective in influencing the attitudes and behavior of others; (c) symbolic models are effective in influencing the attitudes and behavior of others; (d) different model characteristics effect the degree to which some people influence others; and (e) covert modeling procedures are effective in changing one's own behavior.
Locus of Control and Theological Beliefs
Authors: Furnham Adrian F.
Published: February 2018

Forty clergymen in the Church of England completed two locus of control scales after declaring their theological position on a fundamentalist-liberal theology scale. As predicted, it was found that “fundamentalists” were more internal in their locus of control beliefs than “liberals.” but this only applied to the Rotter scale. There was not a close relationship between the two locus of control scales. The results were discussed in terms of methods to determine religious beliefs, as well as locus of control beliefs.
The Conduct of Integration
Authors: Farnsworth Kirk E.
Published: February 2018

A method is presented for integrating psychological and theological facts. Based on a definition of integration as a process of discovering, verifying, relating, and applying God's truths, the procedure places heavy emphasis on orthopraxy (right living) as well as orthodoxy (right thinking). Briefly outlined, the method consists first of “conceptual relation,” or verifying that one's facts are methodologically-hermeneutically sound and then comparing them to see how closely they correspond or perhaps can be made to correspond. Second, the method involves “embodied integration,” or committing oneself to facts that are intellectually understood to be true in one's life over time. Epistemological issues and methodological alternatives are presented, with special emphasis on the biblical principles of “knowing that passes understanding” (Ephesians 3: 19, Philippians 4:7) and “doing, not hearing only” (James 1:22). In addition, five conceptual relation models are critiqued, and a challenge is given for doing research rather than merely reviewing research.
The Biblical Basis for Strategic Approaches in Pastoral Counseling
Authors: Boghosian Jack
Published: February 2018

This article examines the relationship between biblical and clinical wisdom concerning change. A nonrational, strategic view of helping people change is described. This is first discussed as a psychotherapeutic approach wherein intra-psychic and interpersonal conflicts are held to be manifested in dysfunctional social communication. People change through experiencing therapeutic communications which block dysfunctional ones and foster healthier interpersonal interaction. This strategic wisdom is identified in the Bible, particularly in Jesus’ use of paradox, metaphor, and parables to help people change. It is argued that pastoral counseling has neglected this wisdom. A case example is presented and six strategic interventions offered. Suggestions are made for pastoral counselors to utilize this approach.
American Psychology in Cross-Cultural Context
Authors: Dueck Al
Published: February 2018

The focus of this article is the concern that psychologists may be insensitive in applying their insights in cross-cultural settings, because of the implicit Western bias in their knowledge base. The writer assumes that knowledge is culture-specific. Given the context of modernity, mainstream American psychology reflects the ethos of American culture: It does so in its implicit commitment to science, secularity, technology, capitalism, rationality, pluralism, and individualism. The American psychologist who uses Western psychology in cross-cultural settings may serve to socialize members of the host culture into modernity. The article raises the logical implication of a sociology of psychological knowledge for a criterion against which the value of psychological insights can be evaluated.
Ritualizations and Ritualisms in Religious Development: A Psychosocial Perspective
Authors: Timpe Randie L.
Published: February 2018

Individual religious development is conceptualized as the manifestation of underlying psychosocial processes. Ritualizations (i.e., modes of social interaction) and ritualisms (i.e., the obsessive-compulsive uses of rituals) emanating from personality development and socialization have religious correlates. This article examines ritualizations and ritualisms occurring within religious development. Special attention is given to the developmental and etiological factors in religious ritualisms or religious pathologies. The classical theological example of the seven deadly sins is analyzed within a psychosocial perspective.
Orthodox Christian Values Related to Psychotherapy and Mental Health
Authors: Gass Carlton S.
Published: February 2018

The role of values in psychotherapy has received increasing attention in recent years. Previous research suggests that the values of orthodox Christian individuals influence their selection of a psychotherapist, and may exert a significant impact on the outcome of psychotherapy. In the present study, a values survey was administered to orthodox Christian and non-orthodox Christian and non-Christian undergraduates in order to measure beliefs and values related to psychotherapy and mental health. Orthodox Christians were found to have a rather distinctive set of values related to methods of coping with emotional distress, and to the goals and procedures of psychotherapy. These values focused on the therapeutic importance of religious faith, prayer and meditation, biblical teaching, and counseling within a Christian framework. The implications of the findings are discussed with reference to the client-therapist working alliance and utilization of specific strategies in psychotherapy.
An Implicit Theory of Personality, Illness, and Cure Found in the Writings of Neo-Pentecostal Faith Teachers
Authors: Clark Donald L.
Published: February 2018

Rychlak (1981) has suggested that a personality theory is framed around very specific constructs or criteria. When Rychlak's constructs are applied to the writings of a group of neo-pentecostals known as faith teachers, an inherent or implicit theory of personality, illness, and cure emerges. This implicit theory of personality held unself-consciously by the faith teachers is made explicit in this article.
Philosophical Reflections on Self-Worth and Self-Love
Authors: Clark David K.
Published: February 2018

There is both good and evil in the biblical view of the human self. But because of the biblical emphasis on human sin, the importance of positive self-love is sometimes overlooked. This article seeks to resolve this tension by distinguishing “worthy” (which we are not) from “worthful” (which we are). If we are worthy, we merit salvation; if we are worthful, we are worth saving but not deserving. If we are worthy, grace is unnecessary; if we are worthful, grace is necessary. Worthiness implies pride; worthfulness implies humility. This worthfulness is grounded in the image of God. Though “love your neighbors as yourself” does not prove we ought to love ourselves, the need for positive self-concepts is evidenced by the gifts of providence and atonement. Nygren's argument that agape creates value rather than recognizing value in us is interpreted in light of the worthy/worthful distinction. Finally, the interplay of pride and humility is discussed in light of this distinction.
Piaget and Parables: The Convergence of Secular and Scriptural Views of Learning
Authors: Foster James D. , Moran Glenn T.
Published: February 2018

Jean Piaget is widely acclaimed as a developmental theorist who has contributed much to the understanding of how children learn. While many educators adhere to Piaget's model of learning, few realize that techniques similar in structure were used by Jesus 2000 years ago. Basic components of Piaget's theory, namely assimilation, accommodation, and disequilibration of the learner, are evidenced in the parabolic method used by Jesus. This comparison between Piaget's theory and Christ's parabolic method suggests that an effective teacher would cognitively activate and disequilibrate the learner. Insights from Scripture and Piaget's theory imply that motivation through disequilibration should be effective with students having a variety of experiences, a wide spectrum of abilities, and a mixture of learning styles.
An Empirical Study of Contemplative Prayer as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy
Authors: Finney John R. , Malony H. Newton
Published: February 2018

The use of Christian contemplative prayer as an adjunct to psychotherapy was investigated It was hypothesized that (a) the use of contemplative prayer would he associated with improvement in psychotherapy; (b) the use of contemplative prayer would result in an enhancement of spirituality. A time series quasi-experimental design was used in which cacti subject served as his or her own control. There were nine subjects, three males and six females ranging in age from 21 to 58. All were in therapy. The dependent measures were (a) patients’ ratings of distress on target complaints: (b) the trait anxiety scale of the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; (c) the Stein and Chu adaptation of Barron's ego-strength scale; (d) Batson's inventory of religiosity; (e) Hood's Mysticism Scale; and (0 the Pauline Comparison Scale. Results gave modest circumstantial support for the research hypotheses. Evidence for psychotherapeutic improvement was a marked decrease in distress on target complaints (p<.0001). Enhancement of spirituality was suggested by a positive correlation of time spent in contemplative prayer and the Pauline Comparison scale scores (r=.76, p<.01).
The Association between Religiosity and the Purpose-in-Life Test: Does it Reflect Purpose or Satisfaction?
Authors: Dufton Brian D. , Perlman Daniel
Published: February 2018

There has been both theory and research to suggest that conservative religiosity is associated with a sense of life purpose. Much of this research has utilized the Purpose-in-Life (PIL) test. There has been some debate, however, regarding the homogeneity of this measure. The present study found that the PIL test consists of two factors, one reflecting life purpose and another reflecting life satisfaction. Conservative religiosity was associated with high scores on the PIL (as a whole), as well as on both purpose and life satisfaction items. Implications for both future use of the PIL and for past research on life purpose are discussed.
Analytical Psychology and the Dynamics of Human Evil: A Problematic Case in the Integration of Psychology and Theology
Authors: Griffin G. A. Elmer
Published: February 2018

The work of C.G. Jung is addressed as a problematic basis for the integration of psychology and Christian theology. By using some of the generally neglected sources which examine the contextual and personal factors influencing Jung's thought, such as those published by P. Homans, P. Rieff and W. Kaufmann, the Analytical understanding of human evil as demonstrated in the construct of the Shadow is considered. The problem of evil is seen as a central element in Jung's attempt to provide a functional equivalent to the Christian tradition which he finds inadequate for the “modern” individual This proposed alternative is shown to be theoretically inadequate. The continued popularity of the construct of the Shadow, along with other Jungian concepts, is found in the utility of a quasi-spiritual psychology in an age when traditional spirituality has lost its taken-for-granted status.
The Sorcerer Was a Straw Man-Apologetics Gone Awry: A Reaction to Foster and Led better
Authors: Kemp Hendrika Vande
Published: February 2018

The author responds to Foster and Ledbetter (1987) with her own brief critique of the anti-psychologists and a review of basic epistemological issues. Rather than support their apologetic for scientific methodism, she summarizes some dissenting voices from philosophical psychology and introduces the revisionist critique of history. She asserts that “philosophizing psychology” may be a viable alternative to “humanizing science.”
Spiritual Well-Being and Marital Adjustment
Authors: Roth Patricia D.
Published: February 2018

This pilot study investigated the relationship of spiritual well-being (defined here as a well-integrated internal religious orientation) to marital adjustment. The subscale dimensions of satisfaction, cohesion, consensus, and affectual expression were used as indicators of adjustment as measured by Spanier's (1976) Dyadic Adjustment Scale. These scale scores were correlated with the religious, existential, and spiritual well-being scores from Paloutzian & Ellison's (1982) Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Subjects were 147 married individuals from churches in Southern California. Responses indicated that spiritual well-being correlated significantly to marital adjustment, with significant differences for years married: Those married 10–40 years showed a higher correlation than those married over 40 years. Existential well-being scores correlated highly with marital adjustment scores at most marital stages. This provides some support for the hypothesis that lived-out spirituality is an important factor in perception of marital happiness.