Religion and mental health: Perceptions of referral attitudes toward secular therapy and psychology among Assemblies of God ministers in the state of Michigan

The objective of the research project was to gain some knowledge on Assemblies of God ministers' referral practices to secular counselors or psychologists. The literature review examined the development of psychology from its inception to the present day position and the changes that occurred during this development. It focused on the historical platform of hostility toward religion by some of the founding fathers of psychology like Freud, Fromm, Skinner, and Jung, as well as present day leaders like Ellis. The literature revealed a struggle among the founding fathers of psychology with religion, the effects of which are still prevalent today. This, in turn, caused a strong reaction from the religious community. Presently, there is a greater willingness in the mental health profession to integrate a person's belief system into the therapeutic process, but the age-old animosity between the two professions is kept alive by individuals on both sides of the spectrum. This study examined the relationship between certain variables such as the minister's age, theological orientation, number of years in ministry etc. that would make him or her more open toward professional psychology. It found that the reporting clergy members were hesitant to believe members of their congregations could be helped by secular mental health professionals. According to the survey taken, it was also unlikely for them to refer their members to secular counselors or psychologists. The study found three variables related to the minister's attitudes. Recommendations of this study are manifold, from further research on the topic to expanding on the variables to research that should be developed concentrating on the viewpoints and options of the parishioners regarding secular mental health professionals.