Die rol van die kerk as ondersteuningsnetwerk — Die verwantskap tussen psigo-sosiale klimaat, kerklike betrokkenheid en sielkundige welsyn

Abstract

The role of the church as a supportive network: The relationship between psycho-social climate, church involvement and psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to determine whether mere involvement in church activities is enough to perceive the church as supportive, or whether the church should possess certain qualities before it is experienced as being supportive. The concept of psycho-social climate was used as a conceptual frame of reference to study the characteristics of the church. Two hundred and fourteen members of 10 different congregations completed a battery of questionnaires designed to measure their involvement in the church, their perception of the psycho-social climate of the church and their level of psychological well-being. No relationship between church involvement and psychological well-being could be found. On the other hand the analysis of the relationship between the dimensions of church climate and psychological well-being produced a number of significant correlations. Step-wise multiple regression analysis confirmed that the psycho-social dimensions of order/clarity, social concern, stability and activity were significant predictors of level of psychological well-being. The obtained relationship was interpreted as confirmation of the impact that the psycho-social environment has on individual functioning.

The development and evaluation of a Biblically-based therapy programme for a congregation

“…The coefficient alpha reliability on this scale was high (0,844) and compares well with the alpha reliability reported by Pretorius et al (1990) that is 0,80.…”

“…The programme was seemingly not effective in improving the other dimensions of "church climate", possibly because of the short duration of the programme or because of a lack of specific interventions aimed at changing "church climate". "Church climate" correlates positively with psychological well-being (Pretorius et al, 1990). The research done by Pretorius et al (1990) indicates that if members of a congregation perceive order/clarity, social concern, autonomy and openness for change in the congregation they have lower anxiety levels.…”

“…"Church climate" correlates positively with psychological well-being (Pretorius et al, 1990). The research done by Pretorius et al (1990) indicates that if members of a congregation perceive order/clarity, social concern, autonomy and openness for change in the congregation they have lower anxiety levels. The finding of the research project that the programme improved the dimension of openness to change, therefore correlates positively with the decrease in the stress levels of the experimental group.…”

“…Various other studies indicate that someone's involvement in religious, congregational and church-related activities has positive value for the psychological functioning of an individual because the church as a community of believers offers a source of hope, stability, intimacy and support in life crises (Cowart et al, 1995;Maton & Pargament, 1987;McAdoo & Crawford, 1991;Pargament, 1997;Pretorius et al, 1990;Spilka et al, 1985). It seems as if little research has been done with regard to the effect of programmes utilising the involvement of the church community in people's wellbeing (Cowart et al, 1995;Pargament et al, 1991;Rissmeyer, 1992).…”