Preliminary Analyses of Three Measures of Grace: Can They be Unified?

摘要: Grace is an interesting and potentially significant domain within positive psychology, but remains largely neglected. The present study examined the relationships among three known grace scales to evaluate potential for creating a stronger single measure. It also explored their several other religious/spiritual measures examine whether are measuring same construct, explore implications our understanding of grace, provide insights further study. had moderately strong correlations with each (r= .55 .66), similar religion/spirituality, distinct psychological health distress. This suggested that measure somewhat different constructs. Two showed negative skew, indicating ceiling problems. Differences in underlying constructs, contamination by concepts, or multidimensional structure could account these differences. Further should better articulate constructs measures, address problems related skew responses, clarify multidimensional. ********** Half century ago, Norman Rockwell's illustration on cover Saturday Evening Post (November 24, 1951), Saying Grace, captured interest American public. More recently, millions have viewed movie Amish (Thompson & Champion, 2010) portrays spirit gracious forgiveness marked community's response killing school-girls Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania 2006. Yet has received little attention psychologists, even psychology movement (e.g., Peterson Seligman, 2004). latter bit surprising given interpersonal such as shown Amish, can certainly be considered human virtue. These examples reflect two dimensions idea Christian thought practice. "Saying grace" really euphemism thanking God showing redemptive providing food daily needs--it is, sense, relative gratitude. illustrates enact others. A number writers discussed Dudley, 1995; Gowack, 1998; McKee, McMinn, 2008; Wahking, 1992; Watson, 1969), it been included variable couple studies Ratanasiripong, 1997; Schaefer, 1999). However, efforts so far surprisingly limited. To effectively suitable seems essential. following will describe construct purpose Construct theme both Old New Testaments. doctrine God's which unique thought, draws from unmerited kindness "the all (1 Peter 5:10, Standard Bible). theological discussions distinguish types grace. basic distinction between common special (Hughes, 2001; Ruiz, Marx, Wright, Gilbert, 2006). Common includes things passing seasons, sunshine rain, production materials clothing shelter, restraint evil lawlessness; forms affect persons. "Special redeems, sanctifies, glorifies his people" 2001, p. 520). According Hughes, distinguished terms prevenient grace--the belief acts first saving people; efficacious grace-the notion accomplishes divine purpose; irresistible principle cannot refused; sufficient able save, preserve, transform one earthly life successfully bring into heavenly kingdom. …