title: Enhancing Sense of Coherence and Mindfulness in an Ecclesiastical, Intercultural Group Training Context.
abstract: Sense of coherence (SOC) and mindfulness (MI) are believed to promote the health and well-being of individuals and organisations. The aim of this longitudinal study was to contribute to the literature on the development of SOC through training and interventions and thereby explore the development of these constructs in a group of senior professionals in the German Catholic Church. A sample of eight participants voluntarily enrolled for a 12-day training programme spread over a period of nine months to develop intercultural and inter-religious competencies, SOC and MI. Quantitative scores of the pre- and post-test SOC and MI questionnaires were qualitatively analysed. Results indicate that the majority of participants scored lower in the post-test on SOC and slightly higher in MI. The discussion explores the pitfalls in the development of these constructs in the study's participants and highlights the implications for theory and practice. Practical training implications for developing SOC and MI are offered.
authors: Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa (UNISA), 3-114, AJH van der Walt Building, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, Gauteng, South Africa.
authors: Claude-Hélène
authors: CH
authors: Mayer
authors: Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa (UNISA), 3-114, AJH van der Walt Building, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, Gauteng, South Africa.
authors: Rian
authors: R
authors: Viviers
authors: Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa (UNISA), 3-114, AJH van der Walt Building, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, Gauteng, South Africa. flotma@unisa.ac.za.
authors: Aden-Paul
authors: AP
authors: Flotman
authors: Bistum Essen, Essen, Germany.
authors: Detlef
authors: D
authors: Schneider-Stengel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002410:Catholicism; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness / Q000379:methods*; D012067:Religion; D060685:Sense of Coherence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Catholic Church; Germany; Intercultural competences; Intervention; Mindfulness; Sense of coherence; Training