Psychology serving the Chinese church: development of the support group for Chinese Christian women

Abstract

There has been growing attention given to church-psychology collaboration in the field of psychology, which has opened up doors for creative endeavors between psychology and the church. This study explores the possibility of such a collaborative effort being implemented in the Chinese church through a women's group. The rising of small groups in the Christian church as well as in the American society has posited the small group as a feasible means of collaboration. The relational aspect of female development and the collectivistic nature of the Chinese culture have also given the impetus for the development of a women's group as a relevant tool of intervention for college-age Chinese Christian women. The effectiveness of the women's group was evaluated employing a quasi pre- and post-group design. Quantitative data were collected using both standardized measures and an idiosyncratic questionnaire for the group. Post-group interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative data on the group experience. Findings revealed that the women's group promoted emotional wellbeing as well as spiritual well-being in participants as a result of deepened relationships and perceived spiritual support from the group. Participants also benefited from being able to address various issues from a Biblical and female perspective. A directive and personal leadership style was found to contribute to a positive group experience for the participants with flexibility for involvement in the group as well. A manual for conducting groups with Chinese Christian women was developed to facilitate a manualized model of care groups for subsequent leaders who are committed to serving the needs of this population.