What do psychologists know about working with the clergy? An analysis of eight APA journals: 1991–1994.

Abstract

To better understand the role of clergy in relation to the practice of psychology, a systematic review of research on clergy in 8 major American Psychological Association journals was conducted. From 1991 to 1994, 4 of 2,468 (0.02%) quantitative studies considered clergy in their data. This examination of the literature suggests that psychology lacks an original empirical literature that can enable a scientific evaluation of the beneficial or harmful effects of clergy involvement in mental health care. Professional psychology should give greater consideration of and collaboration with clergy.One of the most creative and promising directions that professional psychology has taken is an increased interest in multidisciplinary collaboration (Hinshaw & DeLeon, 1995). Examples of professional collaboration have been noted between psychol-ANDREW J. WEAVER is a United Methodist minister and clinical psychologist at Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and is a member of the clinical faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii. His research interests include the role of clergy in mental health and the psychological dynamics of religious coping. JUDITH A. SAMFORD is a clinical psychologist at Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and is a member of the clinical faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii. Her research interests include gender issues and religious coping mechanisms.

The relationship of religiosity to older adults’ mental health service use

“…For example, in a review of eight major American Psychological Association journals published between 1991 and 1994, only four articles (0.02%) even considered religious leaders in their data (Weaver, Larson, Kline, Lucas, & Koenig, 1997). However, Weaver and colleagues (2005) found that the number of articles addressing religious variables in four leading gerontological journals has increased between 1985 and 2002, though the quality of measurement of religious variables did not improve substantially.…”

Finding common ground: the boundaries and interconnections between faith-based organisations and mental health services

“…Moreover, there is a considerable evidence (in the USA, at least) that communitybased religious leaders have significant contact with people from their congregations who suffer from emotional and mental health problems; indeed many people experiencing what appears to be psychiatric illness look to clergy rather than psychiatric professionals (Wang, Berglund, & Kessler, 2003;Weaver, 1995;Weaver, Samford, & Kline, 1997).…”

Spiritual care in psychiatry: Professionals’ views

“…Parker and Brown (1986) included prayer as one of many possible strategies for coping with negative events and feelings. Some studies that looked at religion and mental health found evidence of its impact on health, including high utilization of religion/spirituality amongst patients coping with illness, better ability to cope with stress amongst religious groups and the positive impact of religion on self esteem (Weaver, 1997(Weaver, , 1998. Family and faith were found to be the best antidepressants for nursing home residents (Commerford & Reznikoff, 1996).…”

“…Moreover, religious commitment is thought to have a positive impact on immune systems (Koenig, Cohen, George, Hays, Larson & Blazer, 1997). However, the role of the Clergy in mental health remains a neglected area particularly when one considers how often Clergy members deal with mental health issues (Weaver, 1997).…”