Definition
Kenneth I. Pargament is an American psychologist known for his research on the role of religion and spirituality in coping with stress, crisis, and mental health.
Overview
Kenneth Pargament is a prominent figure in the field of psychology of religion. He is particularly recognized for his work on how individuals use religious and spiritual beliefs and practices to cope with life stressors. His research has contributed significantly to understanding the adaptive and maladaptive ways people employ spirituality during times of crisis. Pargament has held academic positions at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he was a professor in the Department of Psychology. He is also affiliated with the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University.
Etymology/Origin
The name "Kenneth" is of Gaelic origin, meaning "born of fire" or "handsome," while "Pargament" appears to be a surname of French or Norman origin, though its precise etymology is not widely documented. The full name refers specifically to Kenneth I. Pargament, the psychologist.
Characteristics
Pargament's scholarly contributions are characterized by empirical research and theoretical development in the intersection of psychology, religion, and health. He introduced the concept of "religious coping," which examines how individuals draw upon religious resources to manage psychological stress. He also developed the "Styles of Religious Coping" measure, widely used in research. His work distinguishes between positive religious coping (e.g., seeking spiritual support) and negative religious coping (e.g., feeling abandoned by God), highlighting the dual potential of religion to aid or hinder psychological adjustment.
Related Topics
- Psychology of religion
- Spiritual coping
- Positive psychology
- Mental health and religion
- Stress and coping theory
- Multidimensional Measurement of Religiousness/Spirituality (MMRS)
Pargament is the author of several influential publications, including The Psychology of Religion and Coping (1997), which is considered a foundational text in the field. His work has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and other institutions.