Current Clinic Research
The Hope Marriage Project
The HOPE marriage
project is a clinical trial study examining the effects of the Hope approach
to marital therapy on different aspects of couples relationship. This
means that couples are receiving a specific approach to marriage therapy called
Hope focused therapy. The approach is tailored to the specific goals
and needs of each couple, while following this approach. Couples receive
8 free sessions of marriage counseling and are paid $75.00 for completing
assessments of their marriage. Assessments include questions about their
agreement on important issues, their beliefs about their marriage, their commitment
and other questions. We also measure heart rate and blood pressure during
a communication exercise and have couples review their own videotape and rate
it. This project uses cutting edge techniques and methods to significantly
add to the literature on marital therapy.
Previous research has found the Hope approach to be effective. Current
research is still collecting data on couples with a goal of completing 50
couples' treatment by July of 2007. After that date the Hope approach
will continue to be available through the clinic, although this study will
be complete.
Contact Information: Interested parties can email the principal
investigator and supervisor Dr. Jennifer Ripley at marriage@regent.edu
Sexual Attitudes and Behavior Study
The Sexual Attitudes and Behavior Study is a national, longitudinal
study of sexual attitudes and behavior that has been ongoing for 5 years.
Dr. Mark Yarhouse has been conducting this study with the assistance
of Psy.D. and Ph.D. students in the School of Psychology & Counseling.
The Psy.D. and Ph.D. students have an opportunity to receive training
in conducting an extensive, structured interview on sexual attitudes
and behavior. The results of the study are expected to be published in
2008.
Contact Information: Interested parties can contact
Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D., Professor of Psychology and director of the
Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity (www.sexualidentityinstitute.org).
Dr. Yarhouse can be reached by phone at (757) 352.4829 or by
email at markyar@regent.edu.
Personality and Forgiveness: Theoretical
and Applied Aspects
This
team has been involved in theoretical studies establishing that the personality
factor of Negative Emotionality (NE) is strongly predictive of a tendency
to be unforgiving towards oneself. Further, the aspect of NE that is
most predictive of lack of self-forgiveness is depression. Agreeableness,
another personality factor, is strongly related to tendencies to not
forgive others and to seek revenge for perceived wrong-doing. A dissertation
study is ongoing to establish which aspect of Agreeableness best predicts
other-forgiveness. The research team has also had dissertations examining
motivations to forgive and the effect of father-absence on forgiveness
in their children. For example, a major motivation to forgive is to
preserve relationships, including those with God. Finally, the
relationship between forgiveness, God-Image, and gratitude is currently
being examined through a doctoral dissertation.
The research team also focuses on applied aspects of forgiveness through
examination of efficacy of forgiveness interventions with prison samples. One
study has established that a group forgiveness intervention resulted
in less revenge and greater other-forgiveness among prison inmates. A
dissertation follow-up study is underway to extend this finding within
a different prison sample. We have also examined forgiveness within
a school-based program designed to decrease aggressive behavior. It
was found that the program did result in increases of other-forgiveness.
All of the completed studies have been presented at professional conferences
such as the American Psychological Society, Christian Association of
Psychological Studies, and Virginia Psychological Association. Several
of the studies are also being submitted to professional journals.
Contact Information: Interested parties can email the principal investigator
and supervisor Dr. Judy Johnson at judijo2@regent.edu.
The MMate Center
The mission of the MMATE Center is to support and empower churches in building a successful marriage ministry. This support creates the opportunity for churches to support mature and Godly marriages. The MMATE Center provides internet resources for marriage ministry leaders and consultations with church leaders. Dr. Jennifer Ripley, associate professor of psychology, heads a team of doctoral students who provide the support for a thriving Center both in community outreach and research.
http://www.mmatecenter.com/
