Impact of Pastoral Counselling on the Psychological Adjustment of Patients in Rehabilitation Centres in Port Harcourt City
Keywords:
Pastoral Counselling, Psychological Adjustment, Emotional Adjustment, Coping Ability, Self-Esteem, Rehabilitation Centres, Port Harcourt CityAbstract
This research work examines the effect of pastoral counselling on psychological adjustment of
patients in rehabilitation centres in Port Harcourt City. It focused on the impact of pastoral counselling
on emotional adjustment as well as coping and self-esteem. A descriptive survey design was
employed and a population included patients from, five rehabilitation centres purposefully selected.
We used stratified random sampling to extract a sample comprising 150 patients proportionately.
Data were collected via a structured questionnaire validated via a pilot study (reliability coefficient
= 0.82). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). The results
found pastoral counselling was associated with a significant greater emotional, adjustment for
patients and higher coping and improved self-esteem (over one, two and three months) [56]. Finally,
results revealed mean scores of 3.26, 3.32, and 3.33 for emotional adjustment, coping ability, and
self-esteem, respectively (1 = disagree; 4 = agree), indicating the respondents' general agreement to
the positive effects of pastoral counselling. These results are consistent with previous research
highlighting the contribution of faith-based interventions for increased psychological resilience,
emotional well-being, and adaptive coping. Pastoral counselling may therefore be an important
adjunct therapy that meets the spiritual rights of patients and facilitates their holistic care in
rehabilitation services. Incorporating organized religious counselling programs, increasing training
for counsellors, and increasing teamwork between clinical and spiritual care providers in
rehabilitation centres may aid in attaining better rehabilitation outcomes. More research is needed to
test the effect of pastoral counselling on rehabilitation success and adaptation to post-treatment life
in the long term.
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