Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2013
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Nathaniel G. Wade
Abstract
Over the past three decades research on addressing religious and spiritual issues in individual counseling has blossomed, but group counseling has been virtually ignored. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the beliefs and preferences of group counseling clients and therapists regarding the discussion of religious and spiritual concerns, and the appropriateness of religious and spiritual interventions. Participants were 164 clients and 54 therapists participating in counseling groups at nine university counseling centers nationwide. The majority of clients and therapists indicated that religious concerns are an appropriate topic for group counseling, and the majority of clients reported a preference to discuss religious or spiritual concerns. Both clients and therapists rated spiritual interventions as more appropriate, overall, than religious interventions. However, most clients and therapists rated exploration of both religious and spiritual struggles as an appropriate intervention. Regression models predicting client preferences to discuss religious and spiritual issues identified religious commitment and religious struggle as significant predictors. Finally, implications for practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Copyright Owner
Brian Christopher Post
Copyright Date
2013
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
225 pages
Recommended Citation
Post, Brian Christopher, "Religious and spiritual issues in group counseling: Beliefs and preferences of university counseling center clients and therapists" (2013). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 12974.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/12974
