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Articles 1 - 30 of 66
Full-Text Articles in Christianity
Inner Work Community: Shadow Work As Spiritual Formation, Michael Simmons
Inner Work Community: Shadow Work As Spiritual Formation, Michael Simmons
Doctor of Leadership
The NPO statement surrounding this doctoral project is that A theological, practical, and community-centered framework for shadow work is disconnected from Christian spiritual formation. This doctoral project is the culmination of a three-fold process: discovering the need for shadow work in the context of spiritual formation, designing multi-faceted virtually-based opportunities to address this need among individuals and groups, and delivering those opportunities via online courses, one-on-one shadow work, and digital content such as essays, articles, and podcasts. My vocational context is my unofficial organization, and MVP, Inner Work Community, which provides these opportunities. Inner Work Community is extended through partnerships …
Military Chaplains’ Provision Of Psychological Assistance To Soldiers In Ukraine, Artem Makovskyi
Military Chaplains’ Provision Of Psychological Assistance To Soldiers In Ukraine, Artem Makovskyi
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe
This article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of and the author's personal practical experience with the work of military chaplains in providing psychological assistance to Ukrainian servicemen. Researchers in the field of psychology of religion have identified a number of functions of religion,--namely communicative, regulatory, integrating, ideological and compensatory--on which the pastoral activity of a military chaplain can be analyzed in their provision of psychological assistance to combatants. A comparison of the tasks facing military psychologists and military chaplains is carried out based on legal documents. Emphasis is placed on those moments where they can functionally complement each …
Experiences Of Divine Grace Among Christian Friends, Kyle T. Webster
Experiences Of Divine Grace Among Christian Friends, Kyle T. Webster
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Though topics of prayer, forgiveness, and gratitude have received attention in the psychology of religion, there is sparse literature regarding the concept of grace. This study explored how Christians who identify as Friends (Quakers) experience grace from God. Thirty interviews were conducted with Friends in the Pacific Northwest, using a standardized semistructured interview developed for a larger study of how Christians from various denominations experience grace. Four organizing themes were derived from the interview questions and then grounded theory was used to uncover associated sub-themes within each organizing theme. The organizing themes include the nature of God, the nature of …
Does Christian Faith Impact Loneliness?, Jeffrey M. Kelly
Does Christian Faith Impact Loneliness?, Jeffrey M. Kelly
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Loneliness is on the rise within the United States, particularly within younger adults ages 18-37 (Bruce et al 2019). Although much is known about the negative dimensions of loneliness, and some about protective factors to help ease loneliness, the potential impact of religious and spiritual beliefs and behaviors on loneliness remains largely unexplored. This study focused on the relationship between a committed religious faith and perceived feelings of loneliness among university students. Participants include 1,182 undergraduate students from George Fox University who participated in the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Religious commitment was evaluated using a supplemental 6-item self-report measure …
Experiences Of Grace As Told By The Lgbtq Community, Nicholas A. Schollars
Experiences Of Grace As Told By The Lgbtq Community, Nicholas A. Schollars
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Positive psychology has yielded rich insights about the nature of forgiveness and gratitude, but it is just beginning to broach the topic of grace. Theoretical evidence suggests grace is a crucial therapeutic factor in helping patients overcome shame, but empirical evidence is wanting. Because of the central role grace plays in Christianity, a qualitative exploration was conducted with a sample of participants identifying as either lesbian, gay, or bisexual, as well as Christian. Transcripts from 26 semi-structured interviews were coded and analyzed. Participants reported that their experiences of Divine Grace were related to their views about God’s nature. They reported …
Program Evaluation Of Integration Training, Megan Anna Neff
Program Evaluation Of Integration Training, Megan Anna Neff
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
This paper provides a brief historical overview of the integration of psychology and Christianity while highlighting some of the growing tensions within the movement. Integration of psychology and Christianity has been heavily influenced by training that occurs at APAaccredited programs which explicitly integrate psychology and Christianity as part of their training, making integrative training a salient component to evaluate when considering the future development of the integration movement. An overview of the current research on the effectiveness of learning integration among undergraduate and graduate populations is offered followed by exploratory questions addressing how these inputs may relate to students’ experiences …
The Relationship Between Self-Compassion, Religion, Gender, And Objectified Body Consciousness In Christian Nazarene Women, Arielle R. A. Marston
The Relationship Between Self-Compassion, Religion, Gender, And Objectified Body Consciousness In Christian Nazarene Women, Arielle R. A. Marston
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Body shame and objectification of the female body are well known contributing factors in physical and mental health issues including high stress, eating disorder symptomatology, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Religion plays a role in body shame and female objectification through both scripture and theological writings although this relationship remains inconclusive. Self-Compassion has been found to be a mitigating factor with regard to body shame in college and caregiver contexts. The Church of the Nazarene promotes itself as supporting female leadership and roles within the church. Since religion and gender roles seem to play a role in body shame and …
The Obstacles To Receiving Grace In A Substance Abuse Population, Bradley Johnson
The Obstacles To Receiving Grace In A Substance Abuse Population, Bradley Johnson
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Grace has been important throughout the history of Christianity, and it is also relevant in the contemporary positive psychology movement. Nonetheless, the construct of grace has been left relatively unexplored through theoretical or empirical investigation in the social sciences. The few psychological explorations of grace found in the current literature can be roughly divided into four categories: advocating for grace, theoretical development, measuring grace, and empirical studies of grace. The current study examined the obstacles to grace experienced by patients in a substance abuse recovery program. Seven obstacles were first identified by a group of 25 participants through the use …
Pearce's "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Christians With Depression: A Practical Tool-Based Primer" (Book Review), Kenneth D. Litwak
Pearce's "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Christians With Depression: A Practical Tool-Based Primer" (Book Review), Kenneth D. Litwak
The Christian Librarian
No abstract provided.
Am I Good Enough? Dealing Pastorally With The Shame Of Women In The Amalgam Of Korean Confucian And Christian Culture, Sarah Ahn
Seminary Masters Theses
In this paper, the literature review of shame is examined: the definition of emotions, the relationship between shame and the self, the definition and characteristics of shame alongside with guilt, the social nature of shame, and the female quality of shame. After examining the previous attempts on shame and its relationship with culture, this paper argues how shame functions, particularly in Korean culture, employing a cultural-anthropological, a societal-anthropological, and a Korean native-psychological approach. Furthermore, the paper explores the relationship between shame and Korean women in the amalgam of Korean Confucian and Christian context. The negative and positive roles of shame …
The Relationship Of Gender, Spirituality, And Willingness To Seek Mental Health Treatment Among Students At A Faith-Based Institution, Lauren A. Hoffman
The Relationship Of Gender, Spirituality, And Willingness To Seek Mental Health Treatment Among Students At A Faith-Based Institution, Lauren A. Hoffman
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
College is a demanding time in a student’s life that can require willingness to seek help in times of significant distress. The factors that can influence this decision are numerous and complex. This study examined the relationship between willingness to seek mental health treatment, gender, and level of religiosity and spirituality in students that are enrolled in a single faith-based institution. Results suggest that female students were more willing to seek help from a mental health professional than males, and students who endorsed high levels of religiosity and spirituality were more inclined to seek help from a religiously affiliated advisor …
Changing Behavior And Renewing The Brain: A Study Of College Students, Mark Maddix, Glena Andrews
Changing Behavior And Renewing The Brain: A Study Of College Students, Mark Maddix, Glena Andrews
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
The field of neuroscience and religion continues to explode as researchers seek to understand religious experiences in the brain. Studies in religious experience, called neurotheology, attempt to draw conclusions about the truth of these religious experiences from the study of biological brain events. Given the substantial research on the science of religion, this article explores the physiological changes of college students engaged in regular spiritual practices. Students were asked to engage in intentional spiritual formational practices, such as prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, and contemplation, to see if these practices impacted their physiological activities, including brain wave, heart rate, skin response …
Spiritual Formation In The Graduate School Of Clinical Psychology At George Fox University, Rodger K. Bufford, Nancy S. Thurston, Kathleen Gathercoal, Marie-Christine Goodworth, Lynn H. Holt
Spiritual Formation In The Graduate School Of Clinical Psychology At George Fox University, Rodger K. Bufford, Nancy S. Thurston, Kathleen Gathercoal, Marie-Christine Goodworth, Lynn H. Holt
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
At its inception, the training model in the Graduate School of Clinical Psychology (GSCP) at George Fox University was informed by the approach inaugurated at Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology in the 1960s. In the original model, training in Christian religion/spirituality and theology accompanied training in professional psychology. In the interim, our culture, psychological knowledge, perceived psychological needs, and training programs have changed greatly. Here we report changes in religion/spirituality (RIS) training and integration over the last two decades. We describe our current spiritual formation structure and process, and program evaluation efforts. Over the past several years the GSCP …
Wrestling For The Souls Of The Survivors: Helping Partners Who Are Married To Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, John N. Raymond
Wrestling For The Souls Of The Survivors: Helping Partners Who Are Married To Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, John N. Raymond
Doctor of Ministry
For some who partake in the wonders of marriage, the experiences of pleasant memories and successful challenges mark their dreams in their twilight years. For couples where one or both experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA), marital challenges have far greater negative effect on each of the marital partners—their twilight dreams may not be so pleasant. Although many couples experience setbacks and hardships, for the couple affected by CSA, the setbacks are experienced with greater intensity and duration. This dissertation will highlight research quantifying the negative long-term consequences of CSA. I also will give examples of qualitative research that describes the …
Pratt's "Don't Panic: How To Keep Going When The Going Gets Tough" (Book Review), Deborah Hunt
Pratt's "Don't Panic: How To Keep Going When The Going Gets Tough" (Book Review), Deborah Hunt
The Christian Librarian
No abstract provided.
The Effects Of Grace On Self-Forgiveness With A Religious Community, Laura Geczy-Haskins
The Effects Of Grace On Self-Forgiveness With A Religious Community, Laura Geczy-Haskins
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Genuine self-forgiveness entails accepting responsibility for wrongdoing while experiencing a continued sense of self-worth (Enright & Human Development Study Group, 1996; Fisher & Exline, 2006; Hall & Fincham, 2005; Martin, 2008; Szablowinski, 2012; Vitz & Meade, 2011; Wenzel, Woodyatt, & Hedrick, 2012; Woodyatt & Wenzel, 2013a; Woodyatt & Wenzel, 2013b). Previous research has demonstrated that a benevolent concept of God and a personal sense of God’s forgiveness facilitate self-forgiveness (Exline, Yali, & Lobel,1999; Hall & Fincham, 2008; Martin, 2008; McConnell & Dixon, 2012), suggesting that those who accept responsibility for the offense and believe God can forgive that offense will …
Introduction To The Science Of Virtue, Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Introduction To The Science Of Virtue, Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
My students look at me funny when I mention 1980, as if we are studying ancient history. It doesn’t seem that long ago to me, but most of them were ten years shy of being born. Mount St. Helens erupted that year, gifting my classmates and me with an inch of ash for our college graduation day in Portland, Oregon. Rubik’s Cube captured the world’s attention and more of my free time than I care to admit. And a concerned couple at my church approached my wife, Lisa, and me a few weeks before we packed our U-Haul for graduate …
Wisdom, Chapter 1 Of The Science Of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Wisdom, Chapter 1 Of The Science Of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
The day before I started this chapter I played flag football with some of my doctoral students. Though I am thirty years their senior, I tried my best to keep up for three hours of great fun. Today my sore muscles scream any time I try to move. My wife, Lisa, would say they are reprimanding me for my foolishness. Typing on the keyboard is about the only motion that doesn’t hurt. It seems both fitting and paradoxical to begin writing about wisdom the morning after punishing my body in the name of a good time. Hopefully I haven’t just …
Forgiveness, Chapter 2 Of The Science Of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Forgiveness, Chapter 2 Of The Science Of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters To The Church, Mark R. Mcminn
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
Forgiveness is close to the center of everything Christian. It shows up in the heart of the Lord’s Prayer, which is in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, which is the centerpiece of how we understand Jesus and his astonishing critical wisdom. “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matt. 6:12).
A Gratitude Intervention In A Christian Church Community, Jens Uhder, Mark R. Mcminn, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal
A Gratitude Intervention In A Christian Church Community, Jens Uhder, Mark R. Mcminn, Rodger K. Bufford, Kathleen Gathercoal
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
This field experiment examined the effects of a gratefulness intervention in the context of a Christian church congregation. Two Christian congregations with comparable demographic and socio-economic characteristics were enrolled and assigned to the experimental and comparison conditions. The gratitude intervention was developed collaboratively with church leaders. Though within-subject effects were found for psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, daily spiritual experiences, and favorable views of psychology and interdisciplinary collaboration, the comparison group showed similar increases to the intervention group. Thus, the effects of the gratitude intervention were supported within but not across groups. No significant changes …
The Effects Of Grace Interventions In Church Communities, Rodger K. Bufford, Mark R. Mcminn, Jeff A. Moody, Laura Geczy-Haskins
The Effects Of Grace Interventions In Church Communities, Rodger K. Bufford, Mark R. Mcminn, Jeff A. Moody, Laura Geczy-Haskins
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
Grace remains little studied though several recent studies have developed promising ways to measure grace. Here we report two studies involving grace interventions as part of an ongoing investigation of positive psychology in the context of Christian church communities, Study One used a crossover design in which two congregations were measured on grace and other variables at the outset, and again after phases one and two. One congregation received a grace intervention during phase one and the second during phase two. Results showed increased scores on grace but not an expected increase in marital satisfaction among married participants. Study Two …
Fundamental Image Theory: An Integrated Model Of Trauma, Cassandra K. Sieg
Fundamental Image Theory: An Integrated Model Of Trauma, Cassandra K. Sieg
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Historically, trauma theory and intervention has focused on “actual or threatened death or serious injury” (DSM-IV; APA, 1994). More recently, the field has broadened its consideration to a range of trauma and stressor related disorders, including perpetration induced traumautic stress (PITS; MacNair, 2015). Violence perpetration has negative implications on a personal, interpersonal, and group level, but a review of the literature reveals a significant gap in our understanding of perpetration-induced traumatic stress, including 2 fundamental questions: how does perpetrating violence cause trauma, and how can we treat this trauma? None of the existing psychological models adequately answer the first question, …
Reiss's "The 16 Strivings For God: The New Psychology Of Religious Experiences" (Book Review), Lisa Fuller
Reiss's "The 16 Strivings For God: The New Psychology Of Religious Experiences" (Book Review), Lisa Fuller
The Christian Librarian
A review of Reiss, S. (2015). The 16 strivings for God: The new psychology of religious experiences. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press. 174 pp. $25.00. ISBN 9780881465570
Effects Of An Electronically Guided Prayer Intervention, Brian Lee Goetsch
Effects Of An Electronically Guided Prayer Intervention, Brian Lee Goetsch
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract Hope has been identified as an important factor in a variety of positive outcomes in psychotherapy, medicine, academic success, and for general levels of functioning. However, until now most studies on hope have been correlational in nature, and researchers have rarely sought to understand how hope can be facilitated. The present study considered the effect of prayer on experiences of hope in a national sample of Christian college students. An intervention group completed a guided prayer exercise once a day for 2 weeks. Pre and post-test levels of hope were assessed and compared to a control group, and a …
Sexual Interdependence Theory (Sit)/Sexual Progression Approach (Spa), Rodger K. Bufford, Albert Pace, Brett Copeland
Sexual Interdependence Theory (Sit)/Sexual Progression Approach (Spa), Rodger K. Bufford, Albert Pace, Brett Copeland
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
No abstract provided.
Dimensions Of Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Dimensions Of Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
No abstract provided.
Encountering Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Encountering Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
No abstract provided.
Comparison Of The Use Of Gendered Language In Discourse On Christian Theology And Psychology, Chloe Ackerman
Comparison Of The Use Of Gendered Language In Discourse On Christian Theology And Psychology, Chloe Ackerman
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
The English language has historically reflected the sexist principles of Western culture. Common examples include the use of sexist pronouns and nouns such as policeman, businessman, or servicemen to represent men and women. Research in the last 50 years revealed the detrimental effects of sexist language, and the English language was accordingly altered. However, sexist language is still used colloquially and in settings such as Christian theology. This study explored differences in the use of gender language between the discourse on Christian theology and psychology, and tested a method of promoting inclusive gender language in Christian discourse. One hundred thirty-nine …
Measuring Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Measuring Grace, Rodger K. Bufford
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
No abstract provided.
Notes From The Field: Delivering Trauma And Disaster Mental Health Services In Dangerous Places, Rodger K. Bufford, George F. Rhoades
Notes From The Field: Delivering Trauma And Disaster Mental Health Services In Dangerous Places, Rodger K. Bufford, George F. Rhoades
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
The second presentation will describe findings from a series of empirical studies conducted in zones of persistent and cumulative exposure to traumatic stress. The zones under examination include Sri Lanka, India, Sudan, Haiti, Japan, and the West Bank of the Jordan River. The findings are discussed in terms their implications for public health (both “physical” and “mental”), spiritual and emotional wellbeing, and the reciprocal influences of culture and traumatic experiences.