Keywords
psychotherapy, religion, spirituality
Abstract
This study investigated whether 49 Mormon psychotherapy clients and 51 Mormon nonclients differed on a number of religious and psychological variables. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance, controlling for social desirability, education level, and occupation status. Clients scored higher than nonclients on shame and lower on existential well-being. There were no significant differences between clients and nonclients on religious orientation, religious wellbeing, moral reasoning, and guilt. Females scored much higher on guilt, and female clients scored much higher on shame; there were no other gender differences. Subjects showed a preference for Stage 4 moral reasoning, and 92% were intrinsically motivated in their religious worship. The psychotherapy clients' religious beliefs and motivations appeared healthy and functional and could be an asset during therapy. The clients manifested some psychological issues which could predispose them to unhealthy reactions to some of the doctrines and influences of their religion. The gender differences observed were also discussed.
Original Publication Citation
Richards, P.S., Smith, S.A., & Davis, L.F. (1989). Healthy and unhealthy forms of religiousness manifested by psychotherapy clients: An empirical investigation. Journal of Research in Personality, 23, 506-524.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Richards, P. Scott; Smith, Steven A.; and Davis, Lanay F., "Healthy and Unhealthy Forms of Religiousness Manifested by Psychotherapy Clients: An Empirical Investigation" (1989). Faculty Publications. 3869.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/3869
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1989-12
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6679
Publisher
Journal of Research in Personality
Language
English
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Counseling Psychology and Special Education
Copyright Status
Academic Press, Inc.
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/