Assessment of Religious Dimensions in Christian Clients: A Review of Selected Instruments for Research and Clinical Use

Abstract

Due to recent changes within the field of psychology, namely, the inclusion of religion as a human difference within the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as the inclusion of “Religious or Spiritual Problem” as a V-code in the DSM-IV, the understanding and effective treatment of people of faith has been elevated as a clinical issue. Measures of religious dimensions and spirituality can be very helpful in working with religious clients. Numerous instruments measuring a variety of religious dimensions are available for research and clinical use. The authors offer a review of selected instruments which have been developed to measure a variety of religious variables, and to be used particularly with Christian clients. The instruments are evaluated for both psychometric soundness and clinical utility. Strengths and weaknesses are noted and suggestions for future research are provided.