Abstract
The principal objective of this thesis is to study the
effect
upon participating students of hospital-based
courses taught within the Department of Christian Ethics and
Practical Theology at Edinburgh University. A historical
introduction traces the development of the teaching of
practical theology in Edinburgh from 1846 until 1971, by
which time three full-time hospital chaplains were associated
with the department with responsibilities for developing
the above courses. After a 'Theological Note' which examines
the theological issues important in the historical
development, other factors are suggested which created an
environment favourable to this new approach to pastoral
education.
Empirical data is provided relating to the week-long
Easter Vacation hospitals conference for the Practical
Theology I class in two separate years and for extended
fieldwork placements which form part of Practical Theology
III and the Diploma and Certificate in Pastoral Studies.
Using the Theological School Inventory it was possible to
identify theologically conservative and liberal groups
within the Practical Theology I class. A 40-item Attitude
Inventory enabled attitude change as a result of participation
in the conference to be measured on four dimensions, viz.
hospitals, ministry, psychiatry and ethical issues. Data is
provided both for the whole group and the theologically
differing sub-groups. Content Analysis of Students' essays
provides further information regarding reaction to the
conference.
Research into the extended fieldwork placements focuses
upon change in styles of pastoral counselling resulting from
participation in the relevant courses. The method used is
to identify and classify the counselling responses of
students to tape-recordings of simulated pastoral
counselling interviews, a method devised by Strupp and
modified by Campbell. Change in counsellor response is
related to personality and other biographical factors.
The thesis is followed by a Postscript which discusses
two issues of a more theoretical nature, "The Hospital as
an Arena of Theological Education" and "The Theological
Integrity of Pastoral Counselling".
