Showing papers by "Everett L. Worthington published in 1989"

Religious Faith Across the Life Span Implications for Counseling and Research

Abstract: The thesis of this article is that psychologists can benefit in assessment and counseling of clients and in research by understanding the religious development of many of their religious clients throughout the life span. Theories of religious development are reviewed in the initial section of the article. Generally, the early life of the religious person is well described by using a variety of stage theories; however, at adolescence and beyond, prediction is enhanced by using life-event or transition theory perspectives. In the second section, research is reviewed on a variety of issues involving religion over the life span. In the final section, the implications of theory and research on religious involvement in therapy are investigated, and number of important questions for assessment, treatment, and research are identified

Marriage Counseling: A Christian Approach to Counseling Couples

Abstract: An approach to marriage counseling aimed at Christian couples is described. The theoretical bases of the approach are cognitive behavioral therapy and structural and strategic marital therapies. Techniques are drawn from various schools of marriage therapy. Shared Christian values between counselor and clients are used to promote increased marital commitment, marital satisfaction, and personal spiritual growth. Marital satisfaction might be increased through helping the couple increase their intimacy, enhance their communication, improve their conflict management, and forgive each other for past and present hurts.

Religious affiliations in mental health research samples as compared with national samples.

Abstract: Religious affiliations of patients in research samples in four major psychiatric journals for the years 1978-1982 were compared with those reported in national samples. Protestants and the unaffiliated were underrepresented, whereas Jewish persons were overrepresented. Catholics used mental health services in proportions similar to their presence in the population at large. These findings suggest that religious affiliation may influence the use of mental health services.

The benefits of legislation requiring parental involvement prior to adolescent abortion.

Abstract: The authors present their support of what they consider to be the potentially beneficial aspects of mandatory parental involvement in adolescent pregnancy abortion decision making. Recognizing yet failing to closely consider the case against mandatory parental involvement they support parental involvement legislation as beneficial for the pregnant adolescent her family and family unity. The authors cite research indicating that adolescents tend to underestimate parental support and suggest that parents are able to render needed assistance in the decision making process. Additional research is cited showing the differential quality of adolescent decision making across adolescence and when compared to adults. Where young women fail to notify their parents in such cases they also potentially deprive themselves of parental support. Moreover guilt and anxiety are likely to result from failing to inform her parents of pregnancy and abortion increasing the potential for parent-adolescent alienation. The authors believe that those lacking parental support will be distressed regardless of whether or not they choose to inform their parents of an impending abortion. In so far as benefits to parents are concerned parents are considered ultimately responsible for medical and/or psychological treatment bills from or following an abortion and should be informed in a timely fashion. Adolescent pregnancy may also be seen as a form of rebellion through the exercise of sexual power and my exacerbate intra-familial conflict. Acknowledging the potential for tragic cases with and without legislation the authors advocate legislation. For argument against mandatory parental involvement the authors suggest 5 American Psychologist articles from 1987.