Product Description

Bridging the subject fields of psychology and religion, this volume interweaves theories with first-hand accounts, clinical insight, and empirical research to look at such questions as whether religion is a help or a hindrance in times

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #511533 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 548 pages

Review
'This volume may be the best book on the psychology of religion in a generation or more. Well written and clearly outlined, it is grounded on an immense foundatino of empirical data.' - Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic; 'This thoroughly researched and well-written work should be on the reading list of every psychotherapist and counselor....Pargament is able in his concluding chapters to present very grounded and useful advice for how religious beliefs and experience could be better utilized in counseling situations, not only as immediate coping devices for current problems, but also as spurs to further psychological and emotional growth.' Journal of Religion and Health; 'As a textbook, The Psychology of Religion and Coping will provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of religion in the coping process... It fills a deep gap in the psychological literature, which for years has neglected perhaps the most important and common way that people cope with stress.' - Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc; 'A terrific book, especially for anyone who lives as closely to their own and others' search for meaning in stressful life experiences as chaplains do... Belongs in the hands of every professional chaplain.' - National Association of of Catholic Chaplains; 'A massive, scholarly, even-handed, level-headed book....It sets a new standard of excellence for works on religion and psychology.' - American Journal of Psychiatry

From the Back Cover
When faced with a crisis, why do some people turn to religion to help them cope, while others turn away? Is religious belief merely a defense of a form of denial? Is spirituality a help or a hindrance in times of stress? Building a much-needed bridge between two different worlds of thought and practice - religion and psychology - this volume sensitively interweaves theory with first-hand accounts, clinical insight, and scientific research.
The book underscores the need for greater sensitivity to religion and spirituality in the context of helping relationships, and suggests a range of ways that faith might be used more fully to help people in crisis.

Customer Reviews

An excellent integration of religion and psychology
Pargament provides an excellent summary of the clinical, research, and theological lierature on religion as it relates to coping and well-being. he also develops a useful,jargon-free framework for integrating psychology and religion. This book will be of interest to mental health clinicians, researchers in the field, as well as members of the lay public.