Research On Religion

Posts Tagged ‘psychology’

Proeschold-Bell and Adams on Clergy Mental Health

Tags: anxiety, clergy-killing congregations, counseling, depression, emotions, mental health, metabolic syndrome, mood, positive mental health, psychology, role immersion, support networks, United Methodist Church

While many parishioners often look to their pastor for emotional and spiritual support, it is not often that we think that members of the clergy need such psychological assistance as well. Nonetheless, the demands of the ministry can be highly demanding and their unique professional role may often lead to isolation from important social support networks. Profs. Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell (Duke) and Chris Adams (Azusa Pacific) discuss the results of a recent study on the mental health of ministers within the United Methodist Church. The focus is not only on trying to address negative mental health outcomes, but ways in which positive mental health predictors can be encouraged. We also talk about how one counselor (Dr. Adams) has put this research to use in his own role as a counselor to seminarians and missionaries.

To download this episode, simply “right click” on the download button and select “save as…” Or join us on iTunes (it is free)!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

Daniel Russell on Ideals and Virtues

Tags: Aristotle, character, dogs, Epictetus, excellences, generosity, happiness, Hegel, ideals, Nicomachean Ethics, personality, Plato, practical intelligence, psychology, social flourishing, St. Paul, virtue, well-being

In a slight departure from our regular fare on religion, we step into the world of philosophy to examine the question of where virtue comes from and how it develops. Dan Russell (University of Arizona) explores this topic via the “mundane” (meaning “of this world”) approach of Aristotle. We examine the difference between ideals and virtues, the role of personality in psychology, and how this all might relate to religion.

Please share our free educational podcast with a friend. We would enjoy the company.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

Gregory Popcak on Religion, Psychology, & Seven Longings

Tags: 2 Peter 1:4, attachment theory, behaviorism, Cardinal George, cognitive distortions, dignity, John Calvin, Ken Pargament, Mike Aquilina, Pope Francis, psychology, psychotherapy, seven deadly sins, seven longings, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Thomas Aquinas, talking cure, tele-counseling, theosis

Can religion coexist with psychological counseling? While some tension has existed between these realms, Dr. Gregory Popcak explains how they are mutually facilitative and discusses his career as a Catholic psychologist. We also talk about his book “Broken Gods” and the why and how humans can become more like “god” (small “g”) and what that means. While it may sound blasphemous, Dr. Popcak notes this was a theme with such luminaries as St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, and C.S. Lewis!

Visit our extensive archives to find more interesting interviews!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

Alexander Ross on Religion & Happiness

Tags: church attendance, happiness, joy, mental health, psychology, secularization, small groups, women

Prof. G. Alexander Ross of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences discusses the decline in female happiness over the past four decades and how it is related to declining religious partipation. Our interview features a general discussion of happiness, the non-religious factors affecting one’s happiness, the general decline in female happiness (relative to males) and how religion promotes general contentment and joy. Prof. Ross notes that recent declines among church attendance, particularly among women, have led to a steeper decline in happiness for females as compared to men. We conclude with a discussion of the role of religion in psychological counseling.

Visit our new Facebook fan page. Search under “Research on Religion with Anthony Gill.”

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]