An Examination of Religious Institution Involvement in Trauma Recovery
Description
INTRODUCTION: Existing research indicates that most people are exposed to potentially traumatic events and that most of the United States population holds a religious affiliation. This study examines how churches address parishioners who are seeking religious support in the context of their trauma. SUBJECTS: The researcher will interview clergy at Christian Reformed Churches (CRCs) in Kent and Ottawa Counties in Michigan that host between 201 and 500 attendants at weekly services. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This qualitative study will utilize in-person interview methods. Qualifying churches will be determined using information found on the CRC of the North America website. The researcher will reach out to qualifying churches via email and follow up phone calls. ANALYSES: Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. The researcher will then analyze the transcriptions, looking for themes among the interviews. RESULTS: Analysis is still ongoing, but preliminary results indicate several themes among the data. While some participating pastors had a degree in or training relating to counseling, most participants stated the importance of explaining to parishioners that their role is to be a pastor and not a counselor. All participants stressed the importance of referring parishioners to counseling services as needed. Overall, there was a lack of training specific to working with traumatized parishioners and participants indicated that they did not have a formal or objective way to evaluate the effectiveness of the supports they provide to parishioners. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be executed to inform churches and faith leaders of the importance of understanding a trauma-informed approach.
An Examination of Religious Institution Involvement in Trauma Recovery
INTRODUCTION: Existing research indicates that most people are exposed to potentially traumatic events and that most of the United States population holds a religious affiliation. This study examines how churches address parishioners who are seeking religious support in the context of their trauma. SUBJECTS: The researcher will interview clergy at Christian Reformed Churches (CRCs) in Kent and Ottawa Counties in Michigan that host between 201 and 500 attendants at weekly services. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This qualitative study will utilize in-person interview methods. Qualifying churches will be determined using information found on the CRC of the North America website. The researcher will reach out to qualifying churches via email and follow up phone calls. ANALYSES: Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. The researcher will then analyze the transcriptions, looking for themes among the interviews. RESULTS: Analysis is still ongoing, but preliminary results indicate several themes among the data. While some participating pastors had a degree in or training relating to counseling, most participants stated the importance of explaining to parishioners that their role is to be a pastor and not a counselor. All participants stressed the importance of referring parishioners to counseling services as needed. Overall, there was a lack of training specific to working with traumatized parishioners and participants indicated that they did not have a formal or objective way to evaluate the effectiveness of the supports they provide to parishioners. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be executed to inform churches and faith leaders of the importance of understanding a trauma-informed approach.