The present study examines the impact of socio-demographic and attitudinal characteristics of pastors and laypersons on the implementation process. The research is based on the hypothesis that implementation of social action programs is related to the importance given to these programs by members of an organization. The findings reveal that different sets of socio-demographic characteristics are influential regarding the importance given to programs by pastors and laypersons. Additionally, the results show that the attitudinal characteristics have greater impact on pastors' perception of social action programs than that of laypersons. The priority in the implementation process of social programs is proven to be identical with the overall perception of the importance of these programs. / Department of Sociology

The purpose of this study was to interview clergy that experienced significant stress in their personal and professional lives and understand the coping mechanisms implemented to mediate the stressors. Although an abundance of literature exists which addresses the problem of clergy strains, there is limited academic research provided through the lens of seasoned clergy which reveals coping strategies related to sustaining ministry. The sample consisted of eight Protestant ordained clergy in the Midwestern United States who had led a congregation in the range of 125 to 1000. All were married with at least two children. Two of the eight were females. All of the respondents were Caucasian with the exception of one African-American male. Participants were selected as clergy, past and present that had undergone a significant stress-related experience that forced them to cope. Clergy from fourteen different denominations were solicited. The ages of the participants ranged from forty-two to fifty-nine years of age. Participants were identified with the use of a screening survey instrument listing a variety of stressors in response to the query: “Have you experienced stress similar to any of these listed?” An additional question followed: “Have you gone through a significant learning or life changing experience related to your role as a clergy member?” This particular self-report qualitative study was undertaken using the descriptive method with an interpretive approach. The intent was to understand the meaning people made of their experiences and provide useful information for those in this chosen profession. Analysis of the data revealed six major stressors categorized as change, leadership, dissonance, crises, expectations, and loneliness. Eleven coping mechanisms were identified. These included exercise, prayer, leadership development, reading, retreats, counselor, calling, family, day off, relationships, and scripture. The data analysis resulted in the participants being classified into one of three categories based on the number of coping strategies implemented. Those with five or less were designated passively engaged, participants with six mechanisms were deemed moderately engaged, and those using eight or more coping devices were considered competently engaged. Further examination revealed there may be an association between the degree of stress, the number of coping strategies and the effects both have on whether clergy remain in a parish for an extended period of time or even remain in the profession. / Department of Educational Studies

Community psychology is concerned with the relationship between individuals and social systems in community contexts, but the field has under-explored the role of religious organizations in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Worldwide, most people identify with a religion, and congregations serve as important mediating structure that creates a sense of community and provides linkages between individuals and society. There may be significant benefits to religious participation, including greater life satisfaction, health, and quality of life. Such benefits may be especially important to individuals with intellectual disability who generally experience poorer outcomes. However, we know very little about the inclusion of persons with intellectual disability in faith communities, particularly from the perspective of faith leaders who play pivotal roles in transmitting values and making decisions for their community. The present dissertation aimed to address gaps in knowledge about how religious leaders make meaning of intellectual disabilities and their perspectives toward individuals with intellectual disabilities. Catholic priests, parochial vicars, and deacons were interviewed to address three overarching research questions, viz. (a) What types of experiences, in and outside of faith communities, do religious leaders have with individuals with intellectual disabilities?; (b) What are the beliefs of religious leaders toward the involvement of individuals with intellectual disabilities within faith communities?; and (c) How does religion inform the understanding of intellectual disabilities among religious leaders? Participation was limited to religious leaders who are part of the U.S. Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Portland, Oregon. Participation was only sought from religious leaders who are assigned to parishes that either host adaptive liturgies or were identified as having at least one parishioner with developmental disabilities participating in the mainstream mass. A total of 12 religious leaders (pastors, parochial vicars, and deacons) participated in the present study. Semi-structured interviews illuminated the perspectives of religious leaders toward individuals with intellectual disabilities such as the type of involvement individuals with intellectual disabilities are encouraged to engage in within the congregation. Additionally, participants were also asked about how they made meaning of intellectual disabilities. Using grounded theory analysis, I identified five models of intellectual disability that organize the complex relationships among the focal research questions. These five models include (1) Close to God, (2) Conformity, (3) Unfortunate Innocent Children, (4) Deficient, and (5) Human Diversity. Among the five models, Human Diversity viewed intellectual disability as a natural part of human variation while the rest focused on negative or positive stereotypes of intellectual disabilities. Each model yields a different definition which results in varying determinations of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. However, each definition is one dimensional and bound in culture. Most of these models suggest that the construction and categorization of intellectual disability may perpetuate inequality. Additional research is needed to explore the boundaries of models of intellectual disabilities constructed within a religious context. The present dissertation is one step in exploring meanings of intellectual disabilities and factors that impact their participation in faith communities

This study investigated the attitudes of church leaders towards their perceived leadership roles in HIV prevention, using a sample of 85 clergy and lay leaders. Working from the premise that churches concentrate on care and support instead of HIV prevention, data were collected from Lutheran church leaders in Zimbabwe, using a questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of reasoned action. The findings of this study suggest that the church is a potential source for HIV prevention. However, the capability to lead in HIV prevention was limited by barriers due to self-efficacy and cultural constraints, differences between communicator and audience, experiences and perceptions of the communicator and to some extent, institutional constraints. Programmers should focus on removing the barriers faced by the church leaders to improve their ability to lead in HIV prevention and strengthen prevention efforts. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

This study investigated the attitudes of church leaders towards their perceived leadership roles in HIV prevention, using a sample of 85 clergy and lay leaders. Working from the premise that churches concentrate on care and support instead of HIV prevention, data were collected from Lutheran church leaders in Zimbabwe, using a questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of reasoned action. The findings of this study suggest that the church is a potential source for HIV prevention. However, the capability to lead in HIV prevention was limited by barriers due to self-efficacy and cultural constraints, differences between communicator and audience, experiences and perceptions of the communicator and to some extent, institutional constraints. Programmers should focus on removing the barriers faced by the church leaders to improve their ability to lead in HIV prevention and strengthen prevention efforts. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)