Bruce A. Stevens

Grounded theology: A new method to explore luck

The idea of luck has been explored, but not well developed, in three disciplines: philosophy, psychology, and theology. This article uses grounded theory to explore the theme of luck through 15 qualitative interviews with subjects aged between 60 and 75. The sample represented a variety of agnostic and Christian perspectives. The idea of luck was found to be a messy concept, but revealed aspects of participants’ worldviews and how they make meaning. This led to two conclusions. The idea of luck is subversive and emotionally messy. This article introduces the idea that grounded theory might be useful as a theological methodology, which could be termed grounded theology.

Systematic review of aged care interventions for older prisoners

The care of older prisoners is a growing problem. This review examined aged care interventions in prisons.

“I believe…”: A qualitative study of older adults

ABSTRACT Beliefs. Believing. Both are tested by different life experiences. This qualitative study of 15 older adults used a grounded theology methodology to develop a model of what influences the views of a range of Christian and agnostic subjects. The study identified two sources in life learning and spiritual learning that influence agnostic, more liberal, or conservative beliefs. This emergent model is contrasted with the approach of leading theologian Graham Ward.

Competency‐based training and assessment in Australian postgraduate clinical psychology education

Background Competency-based training and assessment is considered the best practice internationally in postgraduate clinical psychology education. In Australia, there are still some ways to go as programmes begin to integrate competency-based pedagogical models into clinical training and assessment. Further understanding of the strengths and challenges of these models will be useful to educators interested in developing a competency-based approach. Methods A structured literature review was carried out using the databases PsychInfo, PubMed, and PsychArticles. Keywords were: competency, and “training” or “assessment” or “model” or “clinical” or “psychology” or “medicine” or “allied health.” Articles had to be written in the English language and published in peer-reviewed journals. Relevant book chapters and web references from professional accreditation bodies were also assessed for inclusion. A total of 54 references were utilised in the review. Results The review supports the relevance of competency-based learning and teaching. It draws on seminal benchmarking work from the international literature and considers the strengths and limitations of competency-based approaches to clinical health training and assessment. The review provides support for the ongoing progression towards competency-based training models in Australian postgraduate clinical psychology. Conclusions Competency-based training and assessment methods offer educators sophisticated mechanisms for ensuring that clinical psychology graduates are prepared to meet the demands of professional practice and public accountability. Further efforts at integrating competency-based training models into Australian postgraduate curriculum, and associated research into the outcomes, are necessary to ensure a pedagogical culture of best practice in this country.

Ageing in corrective services: from the perspective of prison chaplains

The number of older inmates in New South Wales prisons has increased over the past ten years but it is unclear whether corrective services can cater for the increase. The current study reports the results of a qualitative study about ageing in prison. Eight prison chaplains from four corrective facilities in NSW were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The results of a thematic analysis revealed four main themes: the system, the services, the environment and the inmate. The themes reveal a system that is not designed to cope with an ageing population. Inmates become resentful of what has happened to them rather than for the damage they have done to somebody else. The system lacks processes and programmes to enable proper rehabilitation. The issues raised by the chaplains in terms of services, the environment and the inmates decrease the possibility that an older inmate will adapt to the environment and successfully age in place.

The life tasks model: Enhancing psychological and spiritual growth in the aged

ABSTRACT The life tasks model is an active, mutual, and potentially universal approach to the spiritual care of the aged. A life task is a responsibility, once undertaken, that lasts a lifetime. Three tasks are identified. Task 1 is the discovery of hidden learning. The process of discovery draws on implicit learning that comes into awareness. This leads to task 2, testing in which learning brought into awareness is tested by other life experiences. The final task is task 3, integration, in which a more aware and cohesive self is formed. Ideally, this leads to service or vocation. Progress on the life tasks is illustrated by responses in a qualitative study of older adults. Although this model can be applied to self-growth and ministry to all ages, it is well suited to the care of the aged.

Unique needs: Salvation Army officers in retirement and end-of-life care

ABSTRACT Retirement is a major life transition. On this point there is general agreement. But what about retirement for clergy and those who serve in the church? Perhaps a few see ministry as a job; then the change would be much like a worker ceasing paid employment. However, does being ordained, having a respected leadership role in the church, and serving God bring some unique dynamics to this transition? In this article we try to identify such factors using a large sample of Australian Salvation Army officers.

Differential influences of the facets of religious and spiritual beliefs on salvation army officers’ quality of life

ABSTRACT Salvation Army officers often work in stressful situations which are likely to impact on wellbeing. No research has examined the buffering effects of the officers’ strong religious and spiritual beliefs on this relationship. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and religious and spiritual beliefs among current and retired Salvation Army officers from the Australian Eastern Territory. Two hundred and seventy officers aged between 30 and 93 years (153 males and 102 females) completed the WHOQOL-BREF1 and the WHOQOL-SRPB.2 The results of the analyses revealed positive relationships between religious and spiritual QoL, the eight facets of the WHOQOL-SRPB, overall QoL and each of the four WHOQOL-BREF domains. The results showed that the facets of religious and spiritual QoL made differential contributions to QoL, and the QoL domains. Hope and optimism was the only facet to predict physical and environment QoL in regression analyses. It was also a significant predictor, along with inner peace and meaning and purpose in life, of psychological QoL. Wholeness and integration, spiritual strength and faith significantly predicted the social relationship domain. However, the relationship with spiritual strength and social relationships was mediated by wholeness and integration. Spiritual connection did not significantly predict any of the QoL domains. Religious and spiritual beliefs are important for Salvation Army officers maintaining a high level of QoL in the face of stressful work environments. However, the different facets of religion and spirituality play different roles in this relationship and need to be examined individually. This is particularly important given that religious and spiritual beliefs may help officers cope with stressful work situations.

Grounded Theology? A Call for a Community of Practice

The potential of grounded theory has not been fully realized in practical theology. While grounded theory studies have been published, the results have been largely descriptive, and theological reflection usually limited. There appears to have been no explicit goal of generating theological ideas. This paper suggests a community of practice approach to developing the potential of grounded theory to lead to what might be called grounded theology. Two published studies show something of the early potential of this approach.

Mindful self-compassion for chaplains and aged care workers

ABSTRACT Self-compassion is essential for psychological well-being. It is also an important starting point for chaplains and carers of the aged or of anyone in a dependent relationship. Mindful self-compassion is a “3rd wave” cognitive behavioural therapy that does not try to change symptoms but encourages a shift in attitudes—in this case with ourselves. The work of Kristen Neff is outlined with her three principles to achieve self-compassion. The psychoanalytic concept of “hate in the counter-transference” illustrates the difficulties of being a carer in a dependent relationship. Theological implications are discussed with a consideration of whether God actually likes us.