An Examination of Personal Health Promotion and Curricular Coverage of Health at US Seminary Schools

J Relig Health. 2017 Apr;56(2):669-682. doi: 10.1007/s10943-016-0315-7.

Abstract

Seminary schools train clergy members, who have significant influence on the health-related environment of their faith-based organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine health promotion in seminary schools, including curriculum coverage of health-related topics. This cross-sectional, mixed methods study used print and online surveys. Seminary schools (n = 57) self-reported approaches to health and health-related curriculum. Most schools emphasized the inclusion of health in clerical practice, and healthy behaviors among students, and covered holistic views of health and self-care issues within their curriculum. This study provides insight into how seminary schools are training future generations of clergy on health-related topics.

Keywords: Clergy; Prevention; Seminary school; Training.

MeSH terms

  • Clergy / education*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Curriculum / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Promotion / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Schools / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States