Publication Details
Abstract
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.