Interviews were carried out with 10 Christian pastoral counselors to explore their perspectives on the use of Scripture and prayer in the counseling process. Grounded Theory was utilized. Five main categories including a theological framework of pastoral counseling, counselors' considerations of using Scripture and prayer, preparation for Christian spiritual intervention, implications of spiritual resources, and ethical issues in the pastoral counseling process were generated. The results suggest the theological framework of pastoral counseling is crucial to the use of Scripture and prayer, and the issue of a neutral response should first be clarified for clients. Basic guidelines for ethically using Scripture and prayer for working with Christian clients are proposed for further pastoral counselor training, practice, and research.

This study examined the effectiveness of a Self-Concept Enhancement Program (SCEP) on Taiwanese university students. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) and a waiting-list control group (n = 30). The experimental group received SCEP psycho-educational treatment for 8 weeks, whereas the control group did not. Results indicated significant improvements on physical, personal, self-identity, and total self-concept in the experimental group, but not in the control group. Participants evaluated the SCEP as useful, beneficial, and powerful in promoting their self-concept. Cultural issues were highlighted and discussed. Implications for research and counseling practice are suggested.

The purpose was to examine differences in verbal interactions during the group counseling process and the relationship between perceived verbal interactions and members' demographic variables. 42 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of four counseling groups. Based on the Hill Interaction Matrix, Quadrant 4 verbal interactions, consisting of Speculative and Confrontative verbal behaviors in Personal and Relationship levels, were perceived significantly more often at the closing stage than at the initial stage. Furthermore, the perceived verbal interactions were related to the demographic variables of sex, educational level, and group experience, but not acquaintanceship. The findings suggested that the higher ratings of perceived Speculative and Confrontative verbal behaviors and the lower ratings of Assertive and Silence verbal interactions must be interpreted cautiously from a cross-cultural perspective, especially in Asian cultures.

Background: This study examined the relationship between the regular exercise behavior of male college faculty and their levels of career and life satisfactions. Exercise provides men with a coping strategy for daily life. The effects of regular exercise on the sense of control and reducing anxiety and depression have been extensively addressed. However, findings from current research are confusing. Extended from a literature review, this study further examines the hypothesis that: Regular exercise is positively related to career satisfaction and life satisfaction, and these links are moderated by career development needs. In addition, demographic effects were also studied in terms of education, years of work experience, position and marital status.Methods: Across-sectional survey design was developed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A stratified sample of male college faculty was selected (N = 211) and data were analyzed using multi-group structural equation modeling with complementary analyses.Results: Only one of demographic effects was significant (educational degree, F 2, 207 = 6.09, p = .003). In comparison with the rest of the sample, men with a PhD or Masters degree reported lower levels of regular exercise. The results also reveal the role of career development needs in moderating the effects of regular exercise on career and life satisfactions. Significant links were found between regular exercise behavior and life satisfaction in the low career needs group (b = .27, p = .02), and with career satisfaction in the neutral career needs group (b = .23, p = .05), but were not significant for the high career needs group.Conclusion: The effects of regular exercise differ between three groups of men with varying degrees of career development needs, and these may affect life or career satisfaction, depending on individuals' career needs. Career satisfaction and life satisfaction are conceptually different, and should both be examined in further studies. As no difference in the amount of regular exercise was found between the three groups (F 2, 208 = 2.413, p = .092), the non-significant links in the high career needs group may suggest that these men derive satisfaction from the work rather than life dimension. Finally, prevention and health promotion for men who have a postgraduate degree should be stressed in educational settings.