Digital Commons Network^™

Clinical Ethics And A Christian Worldview: Imago Dei In Clinical Practice, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Worldviews address five questions of what exists, how we know it, how things work, right and wrong, and who we are. A Christian worldview can subtly or profoundly change our approach to ethical clinical practice. This presentation explores how each aspect of a Christian worldview may shape our practices.

Positive Coping Among Wives Of Male Christian Clergy, Mark R. Mcminn, Sarah P. Kerrick, Susan Duma, Emma R. Campbell, Jane B. Jung

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Clergy spouses experience various life stressors, yet many cope and function effectively in the midst of their daily challenges. Mental health professionals were asked to identify wives of male clergy who exemplify emotional and spiritual health. Nominees were contacted and interviews conducted with 25 women. Each interviewee was asked about coping with normal life stressors, stressors associated with being married to a minister, and catastrophic life events. All interviews were transcribed and coded, using grounded theory. Participants emphasized the importance of spirituality, social support, limit-setting, and healthy lifestyle choices. Implications are discussed.

Outcomes Of Religious And Spiritual Adaptations To Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analytic Review, Timothy B. Smith, Jeremy Bartz, P. Scott Richards

Faculty Publications

The use of spiritually oriented psychotherapies has increased dramatically during the past decade. This article reports a meta-analysis of 31 outcome studies of spiritual therapies conducted from 1984 to 2005 with clients suffering from a variety of psychological problems. Across the 31 studies, the random-effects weighted average effect size was 0.56. This finding provides some empirical evidence that spiritually oriented psychotherapy approaches may be beneficial to individuals with certain psychological problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders). Recommendations for future research in this domain are offered.

Asg Student Social And Emotional Health Report, Michael. E. Bernard, Andrew Stephanou, Daniel Urbach

Wellbeing

This report presents the results of sophisticated Rasch measurement analysis and multi-level modelling to validate and support the use of the ACER Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) student and teacher surveys for reporting on the social and emotional well-being of students from the early years of schooling through to senior secondary school levels. It describes the social and emotional well-being of over 10,000 students attending 81 schools across Australia. Among the more important findings of this research are the characteristics of students with low levels of social and emotional well-being compared with students with higher levels of social and emotional …

Integrating Spirituality And Psychotherapy: Ethical Issues And Principles To Consider, Thomas G. Plante

Psychology

Professional and scientific psychology appears to have rediscovered spirituality and religion during recent years, with a large number of conferences, seminars, workshops, books, and special issues in major professional journals on spirituality and psychology integration. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight some of the more compelling ethical principles and issues to consider in spirituality and psychology integration with a focus on psychotherapy. This commentary will use the American Psychological Association's (2002) Ethics Code and more specifically, the RRICC model of ethics that readily applies to various mental health ethics codes across the world. The RRICC model highlights the …

Acculturation And Depression Among Hispanics: The Moderating Effect Of Intercultural Competence, Lucas Torres, David Rollock

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

In the present study the authors examined the relative contributions of typical acculturation indicators, general coping, and intercultural competence in predicting depression among 96 Hispanic adults. The results indicated that intercultural competence served to moderate the relationship between acculturation and depression. The combination of high acculturation and high intercultural competence was associated with fewer symptoms. General coping accounted for significant amounts of variance in predicting depression, over and above traditional acculturation variables alone, suggesting that an active problem-solving style was associated with a healthier outcome. The findings are discussed within the context of integrating competence-based variables into psychological conceptualizations of …

The Role And Meaning Of Spirituality Among Older Adults In Western Australia, Sue Grossman

Theses : Honours

Given the large projected increase in the proportion of Australian older adults (13% in 2004 to 22% in 2031) and the personal importance placed on spirituality in the lives of older adults, it is timely to investigate the role of spirituality in the everyday lives of older adults. The present paper analyses the literature pertaining to the psychological implications of spirituality in older adulthood. The points of discussion identified in the review include the relationship between spirituality and religion, theories of spiritual development, psychosocial wellbeing, health, end of life issues, culture, and psychological practice. It is concluded that the paucity …

Psychological Implications Of The Doctrine Of Christian Perfection With Special Reference To John Wesley's View, Irv Brendlinger, Eric E. Mueller

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

The doctrine of Christian Perfection is viewed by some as a wonderful and liberating doctrine, but by others it is seen as producing false expectations and guilt. John Wesley, the first major theologian to develop a theology of Christian Perfection, encountered misunderstandings and problems with this doctrine. He wrote and preached to correct the misunderstandings. Unfortunately, misunderstandings persist and sometimes have psychological effects on individuals. This article explores common understandings, beliefs, and experiences regarding Christian Perfection among evangelical Christians from the holiness tradition. The material was gathered by means of interviews that were recorded. The interviews were then studied by …

Men's Quest For Wholeness: The Changing Counseling Needs Of Paheka Males, Philip Culbertson

UNIversitas: Journal of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

In this essay I will claim that one of the most significant factors explaining the high levels of domestic and public violence in New Zealand is the definition of masculinity that Pakeha (descendants of white colonial settlers) men have inherited and the risks and demands for men who attempt to achieve it. In order to comprehend the extreme stress which the Pakeha definition of masculinity places on men, we need to begin by understanding how culture-specific every definition of masculinity (and femininity) is. Next we need to review how this Pakeha definition developed as a result of the history of …

Professional Psychology And The Doctrines Of Sin And Grace: Christian Leaders’ Perspectives, Mark R. Mcminn, Janeil N. Ruiz, David Marx, J. Brooke Wright, Nicole B. Gilbert

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

What is a professional psychologist to do when a client brings up the concept of sin? To some, sin may seem like a stifling religious relic that has no place in contemporary psychology. But viewing sin from within the Christian faith, and in tandem with the doctrine of grace, can help psychologists understand why sin is such an important concept for many of their Christian clients. Psychologists’ misunderstanding of sin and grace may contribute to relatively low rates of referral from Christian leaders to clinical psychologists, and may sometimes hinder therapeutic progress. Two methods of data collection, involving a total …

Invitation To The Table Conversation: A Few Diverse Perspectives On Integration, Natalia Yangarber-Hicks, Charles Behensky, Sally Schwer, Kelly Schimmel Flanagan, Nicholas J.S. Gibson, Mitchell W. Hicks, Cynthia Neal Kimball, Jenny H. Pak, Thomas G. Plante, Steven L. Porter

Psychology

This article represents an invitation to the "integration table" to several previously underrepresented perspectives within Christian psychology. The Judeo-Christian tradition and current views on scholarship and Christian faith compel us to extend hospitality to minority voices within integration, thereby enriching and challenging existing paradigms in the field. Contributors to this article, spanning areas of cultural, disciplinary, and theological diversity, provide suggestions for how their distinct voices can enhance future integrative efforts.

Silenced Voices: Experiences Of Grief Following Road Traffic Crashes In Western Australia, Lauren Breen

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Despite the introduction of road safety measures and media campaigns, crashes are a leading cause of death in Western Australia. While economic costs of crashes are relatively easy to determine, their psychosocial burden remains appreciably under-studied, as are the social, cultural, historical, temporal, and political contexts within which grief experiences are housed. As such, I explored the experience of grief resulting from losing a loved one in a crash in Western Australia and described the influence of contextual factors on those grief experiences.

Collaborate With Whom? Clergy Responses To Psychologist Characteristics (Chapter 2 Of Psychology And The Church), Mark R. Mcminn, Jeff Ammons, Brian R. Mclaughlin, Colleen Williamson, Justin W. Griffin, C. Richelle Fitzsimmons, Brandi Spires

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Some clergy and psychologists are willing to collaborate in providing for people under their care and some are reticent. The purpose of this research is to see if clergy are more likely to collaborate with psychologists of a particular sex or training background. Six groups of clergy were given written descriptions of a psychologist that varied on these two dimensions-the institution from which the psychologist received training and sexand were then asked to rate how likely they would be to participate in 7 collaborative scenarios with the psychologist. No group differences were found. Furthermore, clergy characteristics were not significantly related …

Creativity Lies At The Edge Of Disintegration: Addressing The Shadow Of Power And Leadership Within Psychotherapy Training Organisations, Rupert K. Tower

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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Care For Pastors: Learning From Clergy And Their Spouses, Mark R. Mcminn, R. Allen Lish, Pamela D. Trice, Alicia M. Root, Nicole B. Gilbert, Adelene Yap

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Pastors and their spouses face unique challenges because of the nature of pastoral work, and yet most manage these challenges successfully. Five studies are presented which help distinguish between intrapersonal, family, and community forms of care. Pastors rely heavily on intrapersonal forms of coping such as spiritual devotion, hobbies, exercise, and taking time away from work. The marriage relationship is also quite important for most clergy and spouses. Relationships outside the immediate family are not commonly identified as coping resources. Implications are discussed.

An Integration Of Biblical Principles In Counseling: Psychology Filtered Through Scripture, Jennifer Marie Mccarron

Senior Honors Theses

Psychology is sometimes rejected altogether by evangelical Christians on the basis that it is a flawed discipline. Evangelicals are threatened by what they might call spirituality hiding behind the veil of science. But psychology must be viewed properly, as must theology, in order to interpret and apply its claims correctly. The Bible may be considered revealed truth, but it is not the only truth God has revealed to humans. The Bible is God's revelation to man in written form, and is reliable as long as it is interpreted and applied properly. God has also given man truth which is outside …

Sexual Ethics Training In Seminary: Preparing Students To Manage Feelings Of Sexual Attraction, Katheryn Rhoads Meek, Mark R. Mcminn, Todd Burnett, Chris Mazzarella, Vitaliy L. Voytenko

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Sexual boundary violations by clergy have received heightened media attention in recent years with far reaching implications for the long-term well-being of the Church as an institution. While much has been written about the causes and implications of sexual misconduct by clergy, very little research has addressed preventative efforts. Prevention begins in graduate school or seminary. How do seminary alumni perceive the quality of their training in the areas of understanding and maintaining sexual health as well as in managing feelings of sexual attraction in professional contexts? In this survey, 585 alumni from 5 evangelical seminaries answered questions related to …

Clergy Interest In Innovative Collaboration With Psychologists, R. Allen Lish, Mark R. Mcminn, C. Richelle Fitzsimmons, Alicia M. Root

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

What forms of innovative collaboration are possible between clergy and psychologists? A total of 117 clergypersons (63% response rate) rated 6 scenarios of collaboration, indicating their level of interest and the extent to which they would like to remain involved with the psychologist. The scenarios were derived from two categories of collaboration articulated by in previous research: mental health services and enhancing parish life. Overall, clergy expressed relatively modest levels of interest in innovative collaboration, though they were somewhat interested in mental health consultation services. Many clergy refer troubled parishioners to clinical or counseling psychologists for treatment, but appear less …

Collaboration Through Research: The Multimethod Church-Based Assessment Process, Amy W. Dominguez, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The Multimethod Church-Based Assessment Process (MCAP) is a systematic assessment and consultation process developed to help congregations to better understand needs, resources, and ministJy successes. Con. sultation with the MCAP is best understood as a relational endeavor that requires collaboration between the church leadership team and a mental health professional skilled in consultation methods, data analysis, and research methods. Potential uses and limitations of the MCAP are described.

What Evangelical Pastors Want To Know About Psychology, Barrett W. Mcray, Mark R. Mcminn, Karen Wrightsman, Todd Burnett, Shiu-Ting Donna Ho

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Increasing attention has been given to psychologist-clergy collaboration in mainstream psychology journals, yet much remains to be considered regarding how these collaborative relationships will benefit the work of pastors and Christian congregations. The purpose of this research was to evaluate clergy perspectives regarding what psychologists can offer to facilitate the ministry of the church. Various methods of assessment were used, including a survey of evangelical pastors, responses to an open-ended question via electronic mail and in person, and a focus group of Christian mental health practitioners. Respondents indicated an interest in the relationship of sin and psychological disorder, interventions particularly …

Training Psychologists To Work With Religious Organizations: The Center For Church-Psychology Collaboration, Mark R. Mcminn, Katheryn Rhoads Meek, Sally Schwer Canning, Carlos F. Pozzi

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Church-psychology collaboration is gaining attention among professional psychologists, but few training or practical research opportunities are available for those interested in collaborating with religious leaders and organizations. The authors introduce the Center for Church-Psychology Collaboration (CCPC), with its mission to make sustained and relevant contributions to the research literature in psychology, train doctoral students in effective means of collaborating with religious organizations, and provide service to religious communities throughout the world. Domestic and global implications are discussed.

Research On Faith And Health: New Appoaches To Old Questions, Thomas G. Plante, Allen C. Sherman

Psychology

Does religious faith influence health? Are religious practices associated with altered risks for morbidity or mortality? Do religious or spiritual individuals tend to enjoy better well-being or mental health across the lifespan? Does spiritual or religious involvement change the way individuals adapt to the demands of chronic illness? This volume brings together some of the leading investigators who have explored these intriguing questions. Though research is in its early phases, the chapters that follow review some of what we have learned and begin to trace the outlines of the many mysteries that remain.

Religious Faith And Mental Health Outcomes, Thomas G. Plante, Naveen K. Sharma

Psychology

In this chapter we review recent research regarding the relationship between religious faith/spirituality and mental health outcomes, as well as provide directions for future research and discussion. The specific aspects of mental health and illness that we focus on include well-being, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and schizophrenia. We also briefly discuss research pertaining to religious faith and personality disorders, eating disorders, somatoform disorders, and bipolar disorder.

Psychology, Theology & Care For The Soul (The Introduction To Care For The Soul: Exploring The Intersection Of Psychology & Theology), Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

No abstract provided.

A Preliminary Assessment Of Mental Health Needs Faced In Religious Leaders In Eastern Europe, Brent M. Ellens, Mark R. Mcminn, Linda L. Lake, Matthew M. Hardy, Elizabeth J. Hayen

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Enormous sociopolitical changes in Eastern Europe in the last decade have had a profound impact on the psychological functioning of the citizens of these nations. In order to assess and intervene in the mental health realm in Eastern Europe, a brief survey was sent to various Christian leaders in Eastern Europe. Common mental health problems identified across the various Eastern European countries and cultures include depression, relationship difficulties, alcohol abuse, and anxiety disorders. Christians in Eastern Europe tend to turn to family and friends for help with these problems first, pastors second, and almost never to mental health professionals. Clergy …

Distinctive Components And Perceived Sources Of Gain In Christian Counseling, Rodger K. Bufford, Barbara M. Houston, W Brad Johnson

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

This article describes the results of two survey studies designed to assess Christian practitioners’ perspectives regarding both the distinctive components and undergirding sources of gain in Christian counseling. Both studies utilized mem- bers of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). Study 1 employed a convenience sample of 17 CAPS members, while Study 2 obtained a sample of 161 CAPS psychologists. Results of the studies were congruent and offered support for a multi-dimensional model of Christian counseling. Respon- dents were most likely to endorse God’s active involvement in counseling and the counselor’s faith as the most distinctive components of Christian …

Update - March 1999, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Mark Carr, Richard Rice and Siroj Sorajjakool join LLU Faculty of Religion
-- Scholars, Clinicians, and Patients Highlight February Palliative Care Conference
-- [ The Meaning of Pain and Suffering ]
-- MA in Clinical Ethics
-- MA in Clinical Ministry

Forgiveness Motives Among Evangelical Christians: Implications For Christian Marriage And Family Therapists, Mark R. Mcminn, Katheryn Rhoads Meek, Amy W. Dominguez, J Gregory Ryan, Kevin Novotny

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Therapists and researchers interested in forgiveness can learn from those who have experienced interpersonal wounds and have chosen to forgive. We interviewed 20 evangelical Christian forgivers, asking about motives for forgiveness. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods. Five categories of motivation are presented: comfort, duty, relational, humility/empathy, and Christian beliefs. Respondents described multiple motives for forgiveness, often combining a desire for comfort or a sense of duty with their Christian beliefs. Four implications for Christian marriage and family therapists are discussed: Expect diversity, avoid moralistic views of motives, remember religious resources in the forgiveness process, and expect benefits, but not …

Examples Of Collaboration Between Psychologists And Clergy, Laura C. Edwards, Brian R. K. B. Lim, Mark R. Mcminn, Amy W. Dominguez

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Some psychologists may be interested in working collaboratively with clergy and yet may not know where to start. What kinds of collaborative projects are possible? A qualitative analysis of 77 narratives offered by psychologists and clergy involved in collaboration revealed that collaboration between psychologists and clergy currently takes place in at least four contexts: mental health services, parish life, community concerns, and academics. Reported obstacles to collaboration are also described. Essential attitudes for psychologists interested in collaborating with clergy include respecting clergy as professionals, willingness to venture out from traditional professional settings, and exploring innovative collaborative possibilities.

Flooding, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Excerpt: "A behavioral approach used in elimination of unwanted fears or phobias. In flooding the client either is directly exposed to or imagines highly frightening events in a protected setting. Presumably the fear-inducing stimuli will lose their influence once the individual is fully exposed to them and discovers that no harm occurs. Following a discussion of the person's fears, the person is then asked to imagine the most feared situation. The therapist describes the salient fearful elements to enhance visualization. Thus an individual who is fearful of elevators is asked to imagine boarding a glass-enclosed high-speed elevator, then watching through …