The conservative church: Psychosocial advantages and disadvantages

Religious Involvement, Stress, and Mental Health: Findings from the 1995 Detroit Area Study

“…Moreover, some of Durkheim's initial explanation for the apparent protective effects of Catholicism in Europe may also be germane to other religious communities in the U.S. (Pescosolido & Georgianna 1989). For instance, some have suggested that normative clarity, strong devotional orientations, and social solidarity may result in coherent plausibility structures and enhanced psychosocial resilience within conservative and sectarian communities (Ellison 1991;Iannaccone 1994;Kelley 1972;Pargament et al 1987). Perhaps for these reasons, counties with high concentrations of fundamentalist and evangelical Protestants tend to have relatively low suicide rates (Pescosolido & Georgianna 1989), and members of such denominations tend to report higher life satisfaction than others in national surveys (Ellison 1991;Ellison, Gay & Glass 1989).…”

The prospect and purpose of locating community research and action in religious settings

“…Much of the discourse about religion and community psychology has focused on the potential contributions a consideration of religious factors can make to prevention and promotion efforts. Ken Maton and Ken Pargament have been the most notable leaders in initiating this discourse with their research (e.g., Maton, 1987;Maton & Wells;1995;Maton & Pargament, 1991;Pargament, Echemendia, Johnson, Cook, McGath, Myers, & Brannick, 1987;Pargament, 1997) and with contributions as editors (Maton & Pargament, 1987;Pargament, Maton, & Hess, 1992). Only recently have other community psychologists joined them in discussion about these issues in a prominent community psychology-related professional and scholarly forum.…”

Developing Cultural Competency with Evangelical Christians

“…Evangelical fellowships tend to be open, empowering communities that foster personal growth and healing (Pargament et al, 1987;Maton & Salem, 1995). For instance, Maton and Salem's (1995) multilevel, longitudinal examination of an Evangelical congregation revealed an empowering, supportive, strengths-based atmosphere.…”