Religious problem-solving styles: Three styles revisited

As previously found, three styles of religious problem solving were hypothesized. In a sample of 272 male clergy and spouses, factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of the Religious Problem-Solving Scale using a short form consisting. of 18 of the original 36 items. Factor analysis pointed to a three-factor solution with six items each loading on each factor corresponding to three styles of religious problem solving. These three styles suggest a manner of problem solving in which the individual is in a partnership with God in coping (Collaborative), one in which the individual assumes total responsibility for problem solving (Self-Directing), and one in which the individual abandons responsibility for problem solving, leaving it up to God(Deferring). The study also found high internal consistency among the items forming the three subscales. The study substantiates three distinct scales of religious problem solving and supports a fuller consideration of the religiosity variable in problem solving and coping for clergy. The value of parsimony in scale design or usage in research is implied.