Religion and Mental Health: What Are Virginia Minister's Perceptions of Counseling and Psychology?
Year: 1999
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to ascertain which, if any, variables would effect how a minister felt about counseling and psychology, and what impact this may have on the possibility that he or she would refer to secular counselors for those in their congregations who are having difficulties beyond the pastor's expertise. The study investigated this possibility by examining the following variables: age, pastoral experience, educational level, and the amount of psychology class credits that a minister had in training. In addition, it sought to determine what influence a minister's theological belief and his or her denomination had on their perception of psychology and the decision 1 to refer. A survey instrument was created, submitted to a pilot study, and sent to 250 randomly selected pastors in the State ofVuginia. The instrument used a Likert scale to measure minister's positive or negative beliefs and opinions about counseling and psychology, and ifhe or she would be inclined to refer a troubled church member to a counseling or psychological professional. The resuhing answers were tested with respect to the above named independent variables to determine if these influenced the ministers
Author: Clay E. Peters
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2296408998