Author: Auris Huang Hung

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol. 25(3), Fall 2006, pp. 226-239

Abstract:

Modeling a multi-disciplinary evaluation of psychological concepts for use in cross-cultural settings, this paper presents a psychological, theological, and cultural analysis of the concept of differentiated oneness (and related concepts individuation, differentiation, and boundaries) to examine its theoretical foundations and applicability in counseling Asian American families. After evaluating some of the psychological research among non-Western populations and the theology underlying differentiated oneness, this paper explores how Western and Eastern cultural differences, at the core of which are differing views of self, make direct application of this Western-based psychological principle to Asian Americans problematic. Some implications for Christian counseling are presented.

Author: P. Gregg Blanton

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol 25(1), Spr 2006. pp. 77-86

Abstract:

A review of the literature on spiritual interventions reveals that the Christian practice of letter writing is missing from Christian psychotherapy. Using concepts from the disciplines of Christian spiritual direction and narrative family therapy, this article brings the ancient Christian tradition of letter writing back into the contemporary psychotherapy setting. Based upon an integrated approach, this article leads Christian psychotherapists through the process of creating and sending letters that incorporate Christian spirituality into the therapeutic process. The rationale, purpose, tone, language, and components of a letter, as well as the five spiritual elements of a letter, are clearly outlined. Finally, this article offers a case study to illustrate the use of this reclaimed spiritual intervention: letter writing.

Authors: Don MacDonald & Marcia Webb

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol 25(1), Spr 2006. pp. 3-16

Abstract:

The proliferation of theories for conducting psychotherapy makes it easy for a therapist to become lost in the welter of ideas. In particular, clarity about the criteria for and the evaluation of theories lags. The present article discriminates between syncretism and eclecticism. As part of the discrimination, it provides 14 interrelated criteria by which to assess a theory. It also distinguishes between theories and treatment models. Finally, it presents a proposal for the reciprocal development of both. These 14 criteria come from a broad array of professional literature, and provide an approximation of a holistic perspective of humanity. They also describe theories in a complex and comprehensive manner, and offer therapists the opportunity to make in-depth attempts toward the integration of one’s personal faith commitments and one’s professional identity. Even with responsible efforts toward conceptual clarity, the authors describe the high potential for syncretism, due to the multitude, of theories, models, and criteria currently available to psychotherapists. The authors further propose strategies to prevent the conceptual compromises associated with a syncretistic approach to the conceptualization and conduct of psychotherapy.

Author: Struthers, William M.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(3), Fall 2005, pp. 195-209

Abstract:

In The Snark was a Boojum, Frank Beach addressed the concern that comparative psychogists set out to study the behavior of a variety of species (the Snark), yet they ended up focusing on a single model: the white rat. The Boojum, he discovered from the literature was that they were not doing comparative psychology. Over the last 30 years, a great amount of effort has been directed towards the integration of Christianity and psychology. In this article, a question similar to Beach’s is raised. Is integration a Snark or a Boojum. An analysis of articles from two periodicals involved in integration suggests that clinical and theoretical psychologists have published extensively and found their Snark. In contrast, empirical research in the more experimental fields is nearly absent, suggesting either that in these sub-disciplines integration is a Boojum, or an alternative framework is in place.

Author: Brown, James H.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(1), Spr 2005, pp. 56-59

Abstract:

Discusses key issues concerning psychological practices that are independent of managed care participation in the U.S. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Christianity and psychology.

Author: Van Walsum, Kimberly L.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 219-233

Abstract:

Throughout history, the symptoms of insanity have elicited responses of rejection, fear, hostility, and often community exclusion or abuse (Jones, 1983), responses that can be captured by the identifier lesfoux (the crazy ones). However, history also provides some examples of communities and individuals who responded to the insanity of others in a very different manner, identifying the insane symbolically or directly, in a connected manner, as nos malades (our ill ones). This article focuses on three historical examples in which Christian, specifically Catholic, influences shaped the care of the insane in their time. The three examples are drawn from the histories of France and Belgium prior to the 20th Century. They are: the Gheel Colony for the Insane founded around the cult of Saint Dymphna, the work of the Brothers of Saint John of God at Charenton in Paris, and the hospice-based care of Philippe Pine! and Jean Baptiste Pussin at the Bicêtre and Salpêtrière hospitals in Paris. Each example in its own way involved Christian institutions or principles transforming methods of caring for the insane. The care provided by the C heel Colony, the Brothers of Saint John of God, and Philippe Pinel each contrasted with the prevailing methods of care for the insane in their time. Each of the examples discussed here exemplified a response that may reflect roots in Christian institutions and principles that emphasized receiving others as one would receive Christ. Some thoughts are explored on how each of these three examples-with their associated Christian principles and rituals-influenced care for the insane at their particular historical juncture. When relevant, the article explores why the innovations in care demonstrated in these examples ran counter to the prevailing models of care for the insane in their day.

Authors: Chara, Jr., Paul J.; Gillett, Jill N.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23(3), Fall 2004, pp. 234-248

Abstract:

Possible synesthetic perceptions of God by 187 students from a secular university and a religiously affiliated college were investigated. Participants were presented 27 questions about their sensory images of God. Participants’ responses to the questions revealed several strong regularities in perception, suggesting a weak synesthetic experience and were interpreted to support the Martino and Marks (2001) semantic coding hypothesis. Additionally, gender, religious orientation, and value preferences were found to be related to many of the participants’ images of God, whereas some associations appeared to transcend the psychosocial factors studied. The perceptions of the participants were also compared to relevant biblical passages and found to be highly consistent with a scriptural portrayal of God in some ways but inconsistent with a biblical depiction of God in other respects.