Religious problem-solving styles: Three styles revisited

As previously found, three styles of religious problem solving were hypothe sized. In a sample of 272 male clergy and spouses, factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of the Religious Problem-Solving Scale using a short form consisting. of 18 of the original 36 items. Factor analysis po inted to a three-factor solution with six items each loading on each factor corresponding to three styles of religious problem solving. These three st yles suggest a manner of problem solving in which the individual is in a pa rtnership with God in coping (Collaborative), one in which the individual a ssumes total responsibility for problem solving (Self-Directing), and one i n which the individual abandons responsibility for problem solving, leaving it up to God(Deferring). The study also found high internal consistency am ong the items forming the three subscales. The study substantiates three di stinct scales of religious problem solving and supports a fuller considerat ion of the religiosity variable in problem solving and coping for clergy. T he value of parsimony in scale design or usage in research is implied.