Before the beginning: Religious leaders' perceptions of the possibility for mutually beneficial collaboration with psychologists

Abstract

In the past decade, several authors have argued that psychologists consider collaboration with religious communities as a way of reaching people in their natural settings, addressing issues of ecological validity, and enriching psychological theory and practice. However, absent from most of the literature is a rationale for why members of the religious communities may be interested in collaborating; or, how setting members might benefit from such working relationships. The paper presents perspectives from leaders of religious communities on these questions. Based on interviews with leaders, three variables emerged as influential for leaders' openness to collaboration: (a) emphasis on a service orientation (inreach/outreach), (b) familiarity with a university, and (c) perceptions of psychologists as potential collaborators. The results of the interviews also suggest that (d) many leaders make distinctions between collaboration and consultation, (e) several potential barriers exist for collaboration, and (f) community psychologists may need to make distinctions between clinical and community interventions. The paper presents initial guidelines and relevant information to psychologists interested in working in the context of religious organizations.

The Religious Support Scale: Construction, Validation, and Cross‐Validation

“…Religious support measures offer particular utility to community psychology, where there is growing interest in religion as a resource for community interventions such as prevention, consultation, empowerment, and organizational development (e.g., . Moreover, the concept of mutually beneficial collaboration between religious leaders/congregations and psychologists is gaining increased attention (Court, 1997;Kloos, Horneffer, & Moore, 1995;Weaver, Koenig, & Larson, 1997). Although interest is growing, actual efforts have been scarce (Plante, 1999).…”

Arabic-speaking religious leaders’ perceptions of the causes of mental illness and the use of medication for treatment

“…Fortunately, numerous substitute preparations to gelatine capsules are now available (e.g. Research on the Arabic-speaking clergy is limited, but the beliefs of the non-Arabic-speaking clergy regarding mental illness have been investigated in Western societies (Kloos et al, 1995). Another frequently overlooked phenomenon is the practice of ceasing medication during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan due to its requirement for fasting (Sattar and Pinals, 2002).…”

Improving Understanding and Collaboration Between Campus Ministers and College Counseling Center Personnel

“…In addition, campus ministers do not typically have the resources or time to counsel all of the students seeking their help. Because campus ministers are on the front line yet are not able to meet all students' counseling needs, they are in a key position to help refer students to professional counseling-taking on the role of facilitators with counseling services (Kloos, Horneffer, & Moore, 1995).…”

“…Campus iniiisters fi-om religiously diverse faith traditions are trained professionals who have a unique access to students involved in their campus ministries. Ths enables campus ministers to identiGstudents in need ofmental health services and places them in a stntegic position to facilitate referrals to college counseling center personnel (Kloos et al, 1995). However, in most cases, it seems that campus ministers and college counseling center personnel have very little, if any, collaboration.…”