Clergy Perceptions of Their Preparation for Counseling Older Adults

Abstract

This study uses mental health literacy as a model for analysis of survey data from clergy (N = 503) to examine clergy members' perceptions of how prepared they feel to counsel older people. Logistic regression results indicate that more training specific to older adults and to mental illness, better relationships with mental health professionals, and more knowledge of resources were associated with increased feelings of preparedness for counseling. Discussion includes recommendations for training to help increase clergy members' abilities to recognize issues needing referral, improvement of relationships between clergy and mental health professionals, and increasing clergy knowledge of available resources.

Keywords:

• clergy
• counseling
• training
• elders
• older adults
• mental health literacy

Acknowledgments

This project was made possible by support from the John A. Hartford Foundation and the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Social Work. I would like to extend my thanks to both of them, as this project would not have been possible without their generosity. I would like to thank Robin Kimberlin, Binuja Paudyal, and Kirsten Weaver for their assistance in completing the project. Mostly, much gratitude is owed to study participants for their time and willingness to participate in this study.