title: The Impact of Education on Views of Homosexuality in the Senior Clergy of Hidalgo County, Texas.
abstract: This study explores clergy perspectives on homosexuality and mental health. Interviews were conducted with 245 senior clergy of faith-based organizations in Hidalgo County, Texas. Analyses revealed that the less education the individual had, the more likely he or she viewed homosexuals as being more psychologically disturbed than heterosexuals. Clergy also expressed uncertainty in their views and actions regarding referral practices. A need for clergy education on views of homosexuality is documented. Suggestions are made for future research and education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Pamela R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.affiliation: School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, USA. ramirez-johnson@fuller.edu.
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ramírez-Johnson
mesh_terms: D002977:Clergy / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013781:Texas
keywords: Clergy and mental health education; Clergy education; Hidalgo County, Texas; Higher education of clergy; Hispanic clergy; Mental health perspectives on homosexuality; Ministerial training; Views on homosexuality