This study was to explore the nature of stress experienced by a seminarian and coping styles utilized by them under stress. And this study was to suggest a Christian counseling methodology for solving stress. The major findings of the study included a...
This study was to explore the nature of stress experienced by a seminarian and coping styles utilized by them under stress. And this study was to suggest a Christian counseling methodology for solving stress. The major findings of the study included as follows. Firstly, seminarians experienced stress predominantly from such area as church, followed by family and theological study among others. Secondly, coping styles most frequently utilized by seminarians were emotional pacification, the problem solving strategy, social support, and positive interpretation. This study suggested a Christian counseling methodology based on the Holistic Liberation-Growth Counseling of Howard J. Clinebell as the following. 1. A counselor must listen carefully to a client`s story. Persons under stress are looking for an ear that will listen. Careful listening can provide the counselee with an opportunity to examine and heal their inner hurts. 2. Constructive and rational thinking is necessary. Such a constructive and rational thinking can help seminarians grow in the depth and vitality of their spiritual life so that it will empower all aspects of their lives. 3. Social support is necessary to solve the client`s tress. When a stressful event occurs on a social basis not an individual basis, its solution can be possible with neighbouring help. It is true that much stess of seminarians originates in churh environment. 4. Counseling program through writing confession could be facilitated. The writing confession of the stressful event would affect positively their solving stress with an increase in emotional catharsis and self-esteem. 5. A participation in group counseling for healing is effective to solve their stress. Sharing in healing group is very helpful to healing and restoration to seminarians`hurts throughout their stressful events. 6. Spiritual direction can provide a client with an insight of thinking, feeling and behaving and a spiritual well being through a restoration of intimacy with God.