E. Wayne Hill

Sense of Coherence as a Mediator of Stress for Cancer Patients and Spouses

In a path analysis for cancer patients and spouses, sense of coherence was the only significant direct predictor of psychological stress. However, spiritual resources and family strengths had significant indirect paths through sense of coherence as the mediator. Refined path models eliminated spiritual resources as a predictor for spouses but retained spiritual resources as an indirect predictor through sense of coherence for patients. The variable, accumulated demands, was not a direct predictor of stress for either patients or spouses. This result was contrary to a hypothesis in McCubbin and Pattersons Double ABCX model. Unlike a pathogenic model, in which stress is viewed as a threat to homeostasis, the nonpathogenic ABCX model emphasizes how sense of coherence is an organizer for the constant stresses of living.

Understanding Boundary-Related Stress in Clergy Families

ABSTRACT Clergy play an important role in our society by working with individuals, families, churches, and communities. Many clergy members and their families report experiencing high levels of stress due to their demanding responsibilities and hectic schedules. The present study aimed to gain a more in-depth understanding of boundary-related stress and coping resources of clergy and their families. Data were collected through focus groups consisting of clergy and clergy spouses. Results revealed a number of boundary-related stressors affecting the quality of life for clergy and their families. Boundary-related stressors were found to include issues surrounding time, mobility, congregational fit, space, isolation, and intrusions. In order to cope with these boundary-related stressors, clergy and their families reported that they used a variety of coping methods to buffer the impact of boundary intrusions.

Understanding forgiveness as discovery: Implications for marital and family therapy

This article explores the concept of forgiveness in relationship systems and examines various conceptualizations and definitions found in the literature. Forgiveness is described as a complex psychological and relational process that is more a discovery than an act of will. A rationale for viewing forgiveness in a contextual, historical, and relational attachment paradigm is presented, and the association of forgiveness with empathy and emotional intelligence is discussed. Marital and family therapists are encouraged to attend to contextual family of origin issues and to facilitate an empathic relational environment where ambivalence is expected and tolerated for enhancing the process of forgiveness. Relevant clinical cases are shared to illustrate the process of forgiveness as discovery.

An Exploratory Study Comparing ACoAs to Non-ACoAs on Current Family Relationships

This study compares Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs) with Non-ACoAS on current family relationships. Subjects included 437 participants who were divided into seven groups: Non- ACoA males; non-ACoA females, ACoA males, ACoA females, ACoA males who were alcoholic, ACoA females who were alcoholic and a group of ACoA females who were sexually abused. Participants completed the CAST Alcohol Screening Test, the Locke- Wallace Marital Adjustment Test, and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated significant differences between the ACoA and Non- ACoA groups on comparative divorce rates, marital adjustment, and perception of the quality of the relationships with their spouses and their own children. ACoAs were also much more likely to marry someone from an alcoholic family system than Non-ACoAs.

Marital and family therapy supervision: A relational-attachment model

Drawing from attachment theory, this article presents a collaborative marriage and family therapy supervisory model which both advocates and demonstrates a relational and an educational construct for facilitating the supervisory process. Issues concerning cognition and anxiety management are addressed in the context of attachment theory and stages in the supervisory process are identified. Cognitive, emotional, and social development are linked to attachment theory and discussed in the context of supervision.

Identity Strivings within the Mother-Daughter Relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine mother-daughter relationships and their individual perceptions of autonomy, intimacy, conflict, and quality of relationship. For 221 matched pairs of postadolescent females and their mothers, scores on autonomy were explored in relation to ratings of intimacy, conflict, and quality of relationship. Multiple regression analysis for daughters yielded two significant predictor variables for quality of relationship, conflict and one measure of autonomy. The regression for mothers yielded two significant predictor variables, conflict and intimacy. Implications for these findings were discussed in relation to development of identity of mothers and their adult daughters.

Intergenerational Perceptions of Attachment and Prosocial Behavior

SUMMARY Intergenerational differences in perceptions of attachment, prosocial behavior, and social support were examined from an ecological perspective. One hundred seventeen family triads made up of female adolescents, their mothers, and maternal grandmothers served as the sample for this study. Perceptions of maternal attachment were greater for adolescents than mothers and greater for grandmothers than mothers. Mothers reported greater prosocial behavior than adolescents and grandmothers. No significant generational differences were found for perceptions of attachment to fathers or social support. Findings were discussed in relation to intergenerational implications for family socialization.

Contexts for Understanding Forgiveness and Repentance as Discovery: A Pastoral Care Perspective

Conceptualizes forgiveness and repentance from a discovery process paradigm and examines various contexts for understanding and facilitating the forgiveness/repentance process. Suggests a “body/mind/spirit” connection with implications for pastoral care and counseling.

Determinants of Employment Satisfaction for Pastoral Counselors

Explores various factors which serve as determinants of employment satisfactions for pastoral counselors, using a stratified random sample of 143 pastoral counselors. Concludes from the data that for pastoral counselors personal well-being at work, work enviornment, spiritual well-being, and job stress are significant predictors of employment satisfaction. Discusses the implications of the empirical findings for pastoral counselors as well as for employers and administrators of pastoral counseling centers.

An Overview of Psychoneuroimmunology: Implications for Pastoral Care

Presents an overview of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and explores practical and theological implications for pastoral care.