ASSESSMENT OF RELIGIOUS DIMENSIONS IN CHRISTIAN CLIENTS - A REVIEW OFSELECTED INSTRUMENTS FOR RESEARCH AND CLINICAL USE

Due to recent changes within the field of psychology, namely, the incl usion of religion as a human difference within the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as the inclusion of ''Re ligious or Spiritual Problem'' as a v-code in the DSM-IV, the understa nding and effective treatment of people of faith has been elevated as a clinical issue. Measures of religious dimensions and spirituality ca n be very helpful in working with religious clients. Numerous instrume nts measuring a variety of religious dimensions are available for rese arch and clinical use. The authors offer a review of selected instrume nts which have been developed to measure a variety of religious variab les, and to be used particularly with Christian clients. The instrumen ts are evaluated for both psychometric soundness and clinical utility. Strengths and weaknesses are noted and suggestions for future researc h are provided.