Abstract
Exposure to childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on the mental and emotional health of an individual (Ford & Courtois, 2009). Research on help-seeking behaviors indicate that 15% to 40% of individuals who experience mental health problems, including trauma-related concerns, initially contact a member of the clergy for help rather than contacting a medical or mental health professional (Nieuwsma et al., 2014; Wang et al., 2003); therefore, research into the trauma-related attitudes and beliefs of clergy is warranted. The purpose of this study was to understand the personal and professional factors that predict the trauma-related attitudes and beliefs of Christian clergy in the State of Florida as a first step in applying a trauma-informed care model to churches and other religious communities. Participants (N = 235) completed an online survey that included measures of trauma-related attitudes and beliefs, trait emotional intelligence, personal trauma exposure, the completion of trauma-related training, and clergy job responsibilities (i.e., hours per week spent in counseling and pastoral care activities). Hierarchical multiple regression was utilized, and results showed that trauma-related training and trait emotional intelligence were statistically significant predictors of trauma-related attitudes and beliefs. Trauma exposure and clergy job responsibilities were not statistically significant predictors. In light of these findings, implications for mental health professionals, counselor educators, clergy training programs, and researchers are provided.
Graduation Date
2021
Semester
Summer
Advisor
Hagedorn, W. Bryce
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department
Counselor Education and School Psychology
Degree Program
Education; Counselor Education
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0008714;DP0025445
URL
https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0025445
Language
English
Release Date
8-15-2024
Length of Campus-only Access
3 years
Access Status
Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Pennock, Elizabeth, "Trauma-Informed Clergy: An Investigation of Factors Predicting the Trauma-Related Attitudes of Christian Clergy in Florida" (2021). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023. 743.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2020/743