Martha Rogers | None (Private) (original) (raw)
Papers by Martha Rogers
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Sep 1, 1992
A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude... more A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude Pekela, Province of Groning, The Netherlands. This is a wedding of accounts taken (a) from a published report by two key professionals involved at the time of the incident, Drs. Jonker and Jonker-Bakker, medical practitioners in Oude Pekela; (b) from an investigation of the incident incorporated in a doctorandus degree thesis by Benjamin Rossen at the University of Amsterdam; and (c) professional commentary and reactions to this material.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1981
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1975
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Sep 1, 1992
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1981
Journal of Personality Assessment, Feb 1, 1985
This article chronologically reviews the literature relating to subtle and obvious items of the M... more This article chronologically reviews the literature relating to subtle and obvious items of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Wiener's original development of subtle and obvious subscales, Seeman's support for the concept of subtlety, and Duffs arguments concerning empirical versus face validity are discussed. Later research exploring demand characteristics are then reviewed, such as the paradoxical relationships under differing instruction sets and population issues. The work from Auburn University researchers on the development of a 5-point subtlety scale, the interaction with personality factors, and individual scale research is critiqued.
This was an invited webinar to the National Association of Women Judges to overview various adult... more This was an invited webinar to the National Association of Women Judges to overview various adult and child neurodiverse conditions where the victim, defendant, or witness may require special accommodations in order to function in their legal proceedings. The recorded presentation can be found on the NAJP website.
Instead, it's a way to describe people using words other than "normal" and "abnormal" or "suffers... more Instead, it's a way to describe people using words other than "normal" and "abnormal" or "suffers from" • That's important because there's no single definition of "normal" for how the human brain works. • The word for people who aren't neurodivergent is "neurotypical." That means their strengths and challenges aren't affected by any kind of difference that changes how their brains work. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent: Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders onset during prenatal or early development. Some are based on known genetic factors influencing development. Some are due to medical or toxic factors influencing the unborn child. • Autistic Spectrum Disorder [ASD]: Language/communication issues onset in first two years, impaired social interaction, impaired 'theory of mind,' misreading affect or intentions of others; obsessive interests with repetitive behaviors, stressed by new situations or changes. • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] may be separately diagnosed, but also seen along with many other disorders. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent: Neurodevelopmental Disorders • Intellectual Disability [ID]: IQ<70, with low level of independent/ adaptive functioning: high gullibility and credulity, easily victimized • Down Syndrome: Genetic error, resulting in ID 50-70, friendly, affable, making them more prone to victimization • Fragile X Syndrome: Genetic error, the most frequently known genetic origin of ID. • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS]: In utero alcohol exposure. Often highly impulsive, may be associated with low IQ, poor executive functioning, learning from consequences, pan-sexual acting out Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] • Autism spectrum disorder [ASD]: This includes what was once known as Asperger's syndrome [High end of spectrum with normal or above intellectual functioning] • ASD is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, most often influencing language development and social interactions. ID is found in about 38% of cases. • Some are sensory-sensitive and sensation-avoiding, easily being overwhelmed environmentally, by lights, sounds, food textures, tactile experiences, crowded spaces, changes in environment (up to 90% comorbid with Sensory Processing Disorder [SPD]) • Some engage in sensation-seeking self-stimulating behaviors such as twirling, handflapping; OCD behaviors; some have intense specific interests such as calendars, trains, music. A few are savants in their area of interest. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Symptoms may be part of another disorder or a separate diagnosis: Childhood onset: Often becomes more obvious in school-age kids; common along with Learning Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder [ODD], comorbid with ASD (20-50%); at higher risk for Substance Use Disorders, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Personality Disorders Adult: ADHD may dissipate after childhood while others continue into adulthood; ADHD sometimes precedes bipolar disorder or overlaps (20%); higher risk factor for later mild cognitive impairment and dementia, but attenuated if psychiatric disorders are also present Adult Onset: With brain injuries, or medical or neurological conditions Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Neurocognitive Disorders Key Informant Incidents • A total of 30 critical incidents were reported by 19 survey respondents. Every respondent provided at least once incident, and when probed for more, half gave a 2 nd or 3 rd incident. • What was your role? The majority were judges reporting on incidents in their courtroom. NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • What type of proceeding was involved? Calendar call, arraignment, traffic infractions, unemployment, truancy, bond, stalking injunction, custody/parent time trial, family law, juvenile dependency, plea/sentencing, criminal sentencing NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • Gender and age of subject? • Preponderantly adult males [30's, 40's, 50's] and a few elderly • A few females, young adults or middle age • Adolescents, male and female NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • First or primary language? • Was an interpreter required? None required an interpreter and only 2 out of 30 incidents involved subjects where English was not primary language. NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents What changes or accommodations were made? '…explaining the law and process to him carefully throughout the two-day trial' '…offered breaks'… '…let him talk longer because he had difficulty getting to the point' … '…I repeated back to him what I thought he said, gave him a chance to correct me' '…extra time taken to discuss with [attorneys, family member]' … '…allowed wife/caregiver to speak on his behalf with his consent' … '…asked him to be patient with me as he was yelling over the answers to his questions' … '…petitioner could not sit still...allowed her to walk around...asked her when she came to the podium to stop momentarily so I could ask a question...' NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents What problems were encountered? • Less than 15% said no problems occurred. • Unstable or aggressive subject: Several jurists mentioned verbal aggression, 'elevated behavior with opposing party,' threatening, irritability, fidgeting, nervousness • Communication problems included: receptive/understanding, expressive, memory issues; difficulty in focusing conversation; lack of eye contact [misunderstood], lack of executive functioning or organization, loss of interest, zoning out, inability to participate, probable use of substances prior to hearing NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey:
Military Medicine, 1978
UCH has been written about the problems involved in doing research in an inpatient psychiatric se... more UCH has been written about the problems involved in doing research in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Some of these problems include patient fantasies of benefit or harm from being on a research ward, 3-5,8,9 staff anxiety over real or imagined conflicts of interest between therapy and research needs,3,9 staff resistance to increased work load,3,9 and compromises that are necessary in the experimental design as a result of clinical, teaching, and administrative needs. 3,9 This paper will consider some of the difficulties encountered in converting a general inpatient psychiatric ward at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center into a clinical research ward. To illustrate some of these difficulties, the Pilot Phase of a study assessing the efficacy of group psychotherapy will be described. By showing that many of these initial difficulties can indeed be resolved, it is hoped that inpatient psychiatric research in the military setting will be encouraged in the future.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 1980
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1979
A brief overview of systems theory is provided with examples of major aspects of systems such as ... more A brief overview of systems theory is provided with examples of major aspects of systems such as boundary, adaptability and specialization, decider subsystem and feedback loop functioning, and priorities or goals. Ways in which systems can malfunction are then described. Several Bible families' narratives are then analyzed from a systems perspective; these include Lot's family as an example of a malfunctioning system, Abigail and Nabal as an example of a system with one major dysfunctional component, Abram and Sarai as an example of a system that clearly grew in competence and spirituality, and, finally, Priscilla and Aquila are seen as an optimally operating system. It is concluded that a systems model could provide a basis for studying Bible family narratives as “background” of the total “gestalt” of Scriptures, from which basic principles permitting healthy development can be derived. A more comprehensive view of the meaning of biblical “foreground.” or specific injunctio...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1975
A small fundamentalist church was hypothesized to be definable as an autonomous community meeting... more A small fundamentalist church was hypothesized to be definable as an autonomous community meeting many of its own needs. A questionnaire was used to study intra-community relationships, goals, and interaction with the larger community. The hypothesis of autonomy with little exchange with the larger community was confirmed while their primary goal, identified as bringing others to Christ was seen to be thwarted by separatism. An individual's role in the church was largly predictable by sex, age, and marital status. Adolescents’ responses suggested that neither their needs for spiritual guidance nor their social needs were being adequately met. Recommendations to further change were made and limitations of the study were discussed.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992
A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude... more A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude Pekela, Province of Groning, The Netherlands. This is a wedding of accounts taken (a) from a published report by two key professionals involved at the time of the incident, Drs. Jonker and Jonker-Bakker, medical practitioners in Oude Pekela; (b) from an investigation of the incident incorporated in a doctorandus degree thesis by Benjamin Rossen at the University of Amsterdam; and (c) professional commentary and reactions to this material.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992
This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satan... more This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satanic ritualistic abuse). SRA is defined, a Christian perspective to the topic introduced, and the need expressed to look hard at the clinical data, research findings, and presuppositions which influence “pro” and “con” views of SRA phenomena in both the secular and Christian therapeutic communities. Issues discussed include (a) the sources of understanding and values, (b) whether evil is understandable, (c) whether it is possible to tolerate not knowing or being able to explain everything, (d) the effects of Christian influence and evangelical hype, (e) whether religious perspective has an impact on an individual's beliefs or judgments about abuse, and (f) whether Christians are dealing effectively with the reality of abuse in their own communities. The special issue of JPT is a call for closer examination of evidence and a coming together of people who do not agree on the issues to sh...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Systems theory was presented as a potential tool for integrating scriptural and empirical underst... more Systems theory was presented as a potential tool for integrating scriptural and empirical understandings of humankind, since its basic concepts appear inherently in Scripture and also utilize natural levels of organization in the world, for example, physical, chemical, biological, familial, social, and cultural systems levels. Antecedents of systems theory were briefly reviewed; major concepts were defined with examples provided. The call of Abram by God to leave his land, kindred, and father's house was then analyzed from a systems theory perspective, contrasting the cultural religious milieu from which he came with the changes which became evident in his life space as an outflow from his commitment to Jehovah. While the ancient Near-East pantheon was created by and dependent upon humans, the emerging Jewish culture became increasingly dependent upon and shaped by its religious belief system, based upon the Lord's covenant relationship with his people. Abram, by making hims...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Problem formation and its resolution is hypothesized to be similar in “process,” whether it is co... more Problem formation and its resolution is hypothesized to be similar in “process,” whether it is conceptualized in terms of sin and redemption or psychopathology and psychotherapy. Watzlawick, Weakland, and Fisch's (1974) systems theory explanation of problem formation and problem resolution is applied to the dilemmas facing the Apostle Paul prior to and throughout his conversion. His concept of attaining righteousness through conforming to the Law resulted in futile attempts at “more of the same,” resulting in a “game without end.” In order to change, a paradigm shift was required. The problem was reframed for him through his encounter with Christians and with Christ himself on the road to Damascus. He was placed in a “therapeutic double-bind,” making it possible for him to find the solution of righteousness through faith in Christ. Potential problems in the integration of biblical material and systems theory are also briefly examined.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Jesus Christ stands out as the most effective change agent in recorded history. His therapeutic e... more Jesus Christ stands out as the most effective change agent in recorded history. His therapeutic encounters and the gospel message he preached may both be understood from a brief therapy, systems theory point of view. There are two levels of understanding in Jesus’ brief encounters and communications: an earthly level and a spiritual level. Most of the people whom Christ encountered were operating on the earthly level. Christ's goal in these encounters was to move the individual from an earthly perspective to a spiritual perspective, or from their old system to a new one. It is at this point of paradigm shift that people are presented with the opportunity to make the most significant second-order change possible: salvation.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1982
Recognizing the important “gatekeeper” role of clergy in relation to the mental health field, the... more Recognizing the important “gatekeeper” role of clergy in relation to the mental health field, the purpose of this research was to identify, among pastors of clients at a private Christian counseling service, characteristics which would predict the degree to which those pastors were open to interaction with mental health resources. The concept of Openness included both interactive behaviors (e.g., referrals) and attitudes suggestive of a willingness to interact. After establishing the reliability of the criterion variable, mailed questionnaires obtained data on 73 pastors of recent clinic clients. Using stepwise multiple regression, three of 10 predictor variables (pastors’ counseling activity, education, and style of ministry) were found significant predictors of Open Behavior, p < .001, accounting for 53% of the total variance. Open Behavior was greater among therapeutically-active, well-educated, and non-isolated pastors. The relationships of other variables (e.g., denomination...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1985
A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of ... more A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of a clergy consultation service. A total of 66 clergy were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to determine the following: clergy and church demographic characteristics, clergy involvement in counseling activity, referral practices and value placed on collaboration with mental health resources, and receptivity towards consultation with mental health professionals. Clergy revealed they saw the following problems on a frequent basis in their counseling work: marital problems, issues regarding guilt and forgiveness, anger, depression, anxiety, family problems, premarital issues, job related concerns, and parent-teen conflicts. Differences were noted in the counseling technique employed by clergy who had higher education, formal coursework in counseling methods, and had undergone a personal therapy experience. Pastoral counselors and mental health professionals had significantly more value...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Sep 1, 1992
A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude... more A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude Pekela, Province of Groning, The Netherlands. This is a wedding of accounts taken (a) from a published report by two key professionals involved at the time of the incident, Drs. Jonker and Jonker-Bakker, medical practitioners in Oude Pekela; (b) from an investigation of the incident incorporated in a doctorandus degree thesis by Benjamin Rossen at the University of Amsterdam; and (c) professional commentary and reactions to this material.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1981
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1975
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Sep 1, 1992
Journal of Psychology and Theology, Jun 1, 1981
Journal of Personality Assessment, Feb 1, 1985
This article chronologically reviews the literature relating to subtle and obvious items of the M... more This article chronologically reviews the literature relating to subtle and obvious items of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Wiener's original development of subtle and obvious subscales, Seeman's support for the concept of subtlety, and Duffs arguments concerning empirical versus face validity are discussed. Later research exploring demand characteristics are then reviewed, such as the paradoxical relationships under differing instruction sets and population issues. The work from Auburn University researchers on the development of a 5-point subtlety scale, the interaction with personality factors, and individual scale research is critiqued.
This was an invited webinar to the National Association of Women Judges to overview various adult... more This was an invited webinar to the National Association of Women Judges to overview various adult and child neurodiverse conditions where the victim, defendant, or witness may require special accommodations in order to function in their legal proceedings. The recorded presentation can be found on the NAJP website.
Instead, it's a way to describe people using words other than "normal" and "abnormal" or "suffers... more Instead, it's a way to describe people using words other than "normal" and "abnormal" or "suffers from" • That's important because there's no single definition of "normal" for how the human brain works. • The word for people who aren't neurodivergent is "neurotypical." That means their strengths and challenges aren't affected by any kind of difference that changes how their brains work. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent: Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders onset during prenatal or early development. Some are based on known genetic factors influencing development. Some are due to medical or toxic factors influencing the unborn child. • Autistic Spectrum Disorder [ASD]: Language/communication issues onset in first two years, impaired social interaction, impaired 'theory of mind,' misreading affect or intentions of others; obsessive interests with repetitive behaviors, stressed by new situations or changes. • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] may be separately diagnosed, but also seen along with many other disorders. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent: Neurodevelopmental Disorders • Intellectual Disability [ID]: IQ<70, with low level of independent/ adaptive functioning: high gullibility and credulity, easily victimized • Down Syndrome: Genetic error, resulting in ID 50-70, friendly, affable, making them more prone to victimization • Fragile X Syndrome: Genetic error, the most frequently known genetic origin of ID. • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS]: In utero alcohol exposure. Often highly impulsive, may be associated with low IQ, poor executive functioning, learning from consequences, pan-sexual acting out Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] • Autism spectrum disorder [ASD]: This includes what was once known as Asperger's syndrome [High end of spectrum with normal or above intellectual functioning] • ASD is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, most often influencing language development and social interactions. ID is found in about 38% of cases. • Some are sensory-sensitive and sensation-avoiding, easily being overwhelmed environmentally, by lights, sounds, food textures, tactile experiences, crowded spaces, changes in environment (up to 90% comorbid with Sensory Processing Disorder [SPD]) • Some engage in sensation-seeking self-stimulating behaviors such as twirling, handflapping; OCD behaviors; some have intense specific interests such as calendars, trains, music. A few are savants in their area of interest. Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Symptoms may be part of another disorder or a separate diagnosis: Childhood onset: Often becomes more obvious in school-age kids; common along with Learning Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder [ODD], comorbid with ASD (20-50%); at higher risk for Substance Use Disorders, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Personality Disorders Adult: ADHD may dissipate after childhood while others continue into adulthood; ADHD sometimes precedes bipolar disorder or overlaps (20%); higher risk factor for later mild cognitive impairment and dementia, but attenuated if psychiatric disorders are also present Adult Onset: With brain injuries, or medical or neurological conditions Common Conditions Among the Neurodivergent Neurocognitive Disorders Key Informant Incidents • A total of 30 critical incidents were reported by 19 survey respondents. Every respondent provided at least once incident, and when probed for more, half gave a 2 nd or 3 rd incident. • What was your role? The majority were judges reporting on incidents in their courtroom. NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • What type of proceeding was involved? Calendar call, arraignment, traffic infractions, unemployment, truancy, bond, stalking injunction, custody/parent time trial, family law, juvenile dependency, plea/sentencing, criminal sentencing NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • Gender and age of subject? • Preponderantly adult males [30's, 40's, 50's] and a few elderly • A few females, young adults or middle age • Adolescents, male and female NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents • First or primary language? • Was an interpreter required? None required an interpreter and only 2 out of 30 incidents involved subjects where English was not primary language. NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents What changes or accommodations were made? '…explaining the law and process to him carefully throughout the two-day trial' '…offered breaks'… '…let him talk longer because he had difficulty getting to the point' … '…I repeated back to him what I thought he said, gave him a chance to correct me' '…extra time taken to discuss with [attorneys, family member]' … '…allowed wife/caregiver to speak on his behalf with his consent' … '…asked him to be patient with me as he was yelling over the answers to his questions' … '…petitioner could not sit still...allowed her to walk around...asked her when she came to the podium to stop momentarily so I could ask a question...' NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey: Key Informant Incidents What problems were encountered? • Less than 15% said no problems occurred. • Unstable or aggressive subject: Several jurists mentioned verbal aggression, 'elevated behavior with opposing party,' threatening, irritability, fidgeting, nervousness • Communication problems included: receptive/understanding, expressive, memory issues; difficulty in focusing conversation; lack of eye contact [misunderstood], lack of executive functioning or organization, loss of interest, zoning out, inability to participate, probable use of substances prior to hearing NAWJ Neurodiversity Survey:
Military Medicine, 1978
UCH has been written about the problems involved in doing research in an inpatient psychiatric se... more UCH has been written about the problems involved in doing research in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Some of these problems include patient fantasies of benefit or harm from being on a research ward, 3-5,8,9 staff anxiety over real or imagined conflicts of interest between therapy and research needs,3,9 staff resistance to increased work load,3,9 and compromises that are necessary in the experimental design as a result of clinical, teaching, and administrative needs. 3,9 This paper will consider some of the difficulties encountered in converting a general inpatient psychiatric ward at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center into a clinical research ward. To illustrate some of these difficulties, the Pilot Phase of a study assessing the efficacy of group psychotherapy will be described. By showing that many of these initial difficulties can indeed be resolved, it is hoped that inpatient psychiatric research in the military setting will be encouraged in the future.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 1980
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1979
A brief overview of systems theory is provided with examples of major aspects of systems such as ... more A brief overview of systems theory is provided with examples of major aspects of systems such as boundary, adaptability and specialization, decider subsystem and feedback loop functioning, and priorities or goals. Ways in which systems can malfunction are then described. Several Bible families' narratives are then analyzed from a systems perspective; these include Lot's family as an example of a malfunctioning system, Abigail and Nabal as an example of a system with one major dysfunctional component, Abram and Sarai as an example of a system that clearly grew in competence and spirituality, and, finally, Priscilla and Aquila are seen as an optimally operating system. It is concluded that a systems model could provide a basis for studying Bible family narratives as “background” of the total “gestalt” of Scriptures, from which basic principles permitting healthy development can be derived. A more comprehensive view of the meaning of biblical “foreground.” or specific injunctio...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1975
A small fundamentalist church was hypothesized to be definable as an autonomous community meeting... more A small fundamentalist church was hypothesized to be definable as an autonomous community meeting many of its own needs. A questionnaire was used to study intra-community relationships, goals, and interaction with the larger community. The hypothesis of autonomy with little exchange with the larger community was confirmed while their primary goal, identified as bringing others to Christ was seen to be thwarted by separatism. An individual's role in the church was largly predictable by sex, age, and marital status. Adolescents’ responses suggested that neither their needs for spiritual guidance nor their social needs were being adequately met. Recommendations to further change were made and limitations of the study were discussed.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992
A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude... more A case of alleged Satanic ritualistic abuse occurred during mid-1987 in the small village of Oude Pekela, Province of Groning, The Netherlands. This is a wedding of accounts taken (a) from a published report by two key professionals involved at the time of the incident, Drs. Jonker and Jonker-Bakker, medical practitioners in Oude Pekela; (b) from an investigation of the incident incorporated in a doctorandus degree thesis by Benjamin Rossen at the University of Amsterdam; and (c) professional commentary and reactions to this material.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1992
This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satan... more This article introduces the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on SRA (satanic ritualistic abuse). SRA is defined, a Christian perspective to the topic introduced, and the need expressed to look hard at the clinical data, research findings, and presuppositions which influence “pro” and “con” views of SRA phenomena in both the secular and Christian therapeutic communities. Issues discussed include (a) the sources of understanding and values, (b) whether evil is understandable, (c) whether it is possible to tolerate not knowing or being able to explain everything, (d) the effects of Christian influence and evangelical hype, (e) whether religious perspective has an impact on an individual's beliefs or judgments about abuse, and (f) whether Christians are dealing effectively with the reality of abuse in their own communities. The special issue of JPT is a call for closer examination of evidence and a coming together of people who do not agree on the issues to sh...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Systems theory was presented as a potential tool for integrating scriptural and empirical underst... more Systems theory was presented as a potential tool for integrating scriptural and empirical understandings of humankind, since its basic concepts appear inherently in Scripture and also utilize natural levels of organization in the world, for example, physical, chemical, biological, familial, social, and cultural systems levels. Antecedents of systems theory were briefly reviewed; major concepts were defined with examples provided. The call of Abram by God to leave his land, kindred, and father's house was then analyzed from a systems theory perspective, contrasting the cultural religious milieu from which he came with the changes which became evident in his life space as an outflow from his commitment to Jehovah. While the ancient Near-East pantheon was created by and dependent upon humans, the emerging Jewish culture became increasingly dependent upon and shaped by its religious belief system, based upon the Lord's covenant relationship with his people. Abram, by making hims...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Problem formation and its resolution is hypothesized to be similar in “process,” whether it is co... more Problem formation and its resolution is hypothesized to be similar in “process,” whether it is conceptualized in terms of sin and redemption or psychopathology and psychotherapy. Watzlawick, Weakland, and Fisch's (1974) systems theory explanation of problem formation and problem resolution is applied to the dilemmas facing the Apostle Paul prior to and throughout his conversion. His concept of attaining righteousness through conforming to the Law resulted in futile attempts at “more of the same,” resulting in a “game without end.” In order to change, a paradigm shift was required. The problem was reframed for him through his encounter with Christians and with Christ himself on the road to Damascus. He was placed in a “therapeutic double-bind,” making it possible for him to find the solution of righteousness through faith in Christ. Potential problems in the integration of biblical material and systems theory are also briefly examined.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Jesus Christ stands out as the most effective change agent in recorded history. His therapeutic e... more Jesus Christ stands out as the most effective change agent in recorded history. His therapeutic encounters and the gospel message he preached may both be understood from a brief therapy, systems theory point of view. There are two levels of understanding in Jesus’ brief encounters and communications: an earthly level and a spiritual level. Most of the people whom Christ encountered were operating on the earthly level. Christ's goal in these encounters was to move the individual from an earthly perspective to a spiritual perspective, or from their old system to a new one. It is at this point of paradigm shift that people are presented with the opportunity to make the most significant second-order change possible: salvation.
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1981
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1982
Recognizing the important “gatekeeper” role of clergy in relation to the mental health field, the... more Recognizing the important “gatekeeper” role of clergy in relation to the mental health field, the purpose of this research was to identify, among pastors of clients at a private Christian counseling service, characteristics which would predict the degree to which those pastors were open to interaction with mental health resources. The concept of Openness included both interactive behaviors (e.g., referrals) and attitudes suggestive of a willingness to interact. After establishing the reliability of the criterion variable, mailed questionnaires obtained data on 73 pastors of recent clinic clients. Using stepwise multiple regression, three of 10 predictor variables (pastors’ counseling activity, education, and style of ministry) were found significant predictors of Open Behavior, p < .001, accounting for 53% of the total variance. Open Behavior was greater among therapeutically-active, well-educated, and non-isolated pastors. The relationships of other variables (e.g., denomination...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1985
A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of ... more A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of a clergy consultation service. A total of 66 clergy were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to determine the following: clergy and church demographic characteristics, clergy involvement in counseling activity, referral practices and value placed on collaboration with mental health resources, and receptivity towards consultation with mental health professionals. Clergy revealed they saw the following problems on a frequent basis in their counseling work: marital problems, issues regarding guilt and forgiveness, anger, depression, anxiety, family problems, premarital issues, job related concerns, and parent-teen conflicts. Differences were noted in the counseling technique employed by clergy who had higher education, formal coursework in counseling methods, and had undergone a personal therapy experience. Pastoral counselors and mental health professionals had significantly more value...