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Dr. David R. Blunt Ph.D. is a
distinguished cognitive scientist, psychological theorist, and post-doctoral
researcher best known for developing Cognitive Predictive Theory (CPT)-a
transformative framework that redefines the mind as a proactive system, capable
of forecasting future states, emotional responses, and behavioral outcomes
through structured mental simulations. With over 18 years of experience teaching
graduate-level psychology and mentoring dissertation committees, Dr. Blunt has
shaped the academic landscape through his rigorous scholarship and
interdisciplinary vision.
His foundational work, Cognitive Predictive Theory, and the forthcoming Cognitive Predictive Theory: Human-Like Forecasting Using AI + CPT Models, position CPT as a paradigm-shifting model with applications across forensic psychology, artificial intelligence, behavioral science, economics, and urban planning. Known for his formal, conceptually rich writing style, Dr. Blunt combines academic precision with fictionalized case studies to illustrate the ethical and societal dimensions of predictive cognition. In a distinct and philosophically charged departure from CPT, Dr. David R. Blunt's upcoming book, Deceptive Technology: Fabricated Engineering Using AI-Driven Responses, confronts the ideological architecture of sentiment-based AI systems. This work is not a technical critique-it is an unveiling. It exposes how emotional tagging and engineered compliance have reshaped digital discourse, replacing authentic dialogue with algorithmically curated emotional conformity. Deceptive Technology challenges the illusion of technological sincerity and calls for a reexamination of AI's role in shaping perception, trust, and truth. Together, these works reflect Dr. Blunt's dual commitment: to advancing cognitive science through predictive modeling, and to interrogating the philosophical and ethical consequences of artificial intelligence in society. His scholarship stands at the intersection of innovation and resistance, offering both a blueprint for cognitive integrity and a manifesto against engineered emotional manipulation. His work has covered a broad range of topics and domains: Book Title - COGNITIVE PREDICTIVE THEORY Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Cognitive Predictive Theory (CPT) introduces a paradigm-shifting approach to understanding human behavior. It positions the mind not as a reactive system responding to external stimuli, but as a proactive, anticipatory mechanism engaged in forecasting future events, outcomes, and scenarios. Traditional psychological theories, such as behaviorism and cognitive psychology, often frame the mind as reactive-either responding to external stimuli (as in behaviorism) or processing information based on current circumstances (as in cognitive psychology). Cognitive Predictive Theory (CPT) posits that the mind’s primary function is not merely to react to the present moment, but to actively predict upcoming situations and results. Through mental simulations, the mind forecasts not only what is likely to happen next, but also anticipates emotional responses and potential scenarios. While traditional psychological models, from behaviorism to cognitive psychology, view human actions as responses to external stimuli or internal drives, CPT disrupts this framework. It emphasizes that prediction, rather than reaction, drives the cognitive process. Instead of being passive responders, individuals are continuously engaged in forecasting, shaping behavior through anticipatory thought. These mental simulations extend beyond real-time processing, as the mind constantly draws on past experiences, emotional states, and socio-cultural influences to predict future occurrences. This allows us to prepare for possible outcomes-even before they arise-guiding decisions and actions with minimal conscious awareness. The mind, in this view, is not simply responding but actively preparing for the future, driving behavior in anticipation of external events. The forecasts are not simple afterthoughts or occasional insights. They are the driving force behind nearly every aspect of behavior, from decision-making and emotional regulation to social interaction and moral judgment. The primary premise of Cognitive Predictive Theory is that behavior is fundamentally predictive, formed by our ability to anticipate what is to come. This forecasting mechanism influences our perceptions of the realm around us and drives our actions, even before external stimuli necessitate a response. Viewed through this lens, the awareness-based process is not a passive observer but an active agent of foresight-constantly evaluating possible future states based on the belief systems we construct. The mind doesn't simply react to the present moment-it is constantly predicting what will happen next. Our mental models, the frameworks, templates, and filters through which we interpret and anticipate events, are formed by our past experiences, emotional states, and socio-cultural contexts. These template frameworks are not static; they evolve as we encounter new experiences, receive feedback, or experience shifts in our emotions or reflective states. This adaptability allows us to refine our intellectual structures over time. When faced with new situations or feedback, our decision making cycles adjust its predictions, improving their accuracy for the future. This dynamic process of prediction-whether conscious or unconscious-takes place at an astonishingly rapid pace, influencing nearly every decision we make and emotion we experience. Continuously comparing current situations to past experiences leads us to project potential outcomes even before we act. If our predictions align with present reality, our thought patterns are reinforced. If they don't, the model is adjusted, allowing us to better predict future events and make more informed decisions. Mental models, therefore, function as brain-based templates and filters that guide us in intercepting and managing the future as it moves into the present. These beliefs are refined by our history, emotions, and social situations, and are constantly updated based on new experiences and added to the compounded events previously recorded. As an individual, we are constantly scanning our environment for cues that confirm or question our internal predictions. When predictions match reality, the model is reinforced. When they don't, our internal evaluative mechanism recalibrates or discards the model in favor of more accurate real-time dimensional projections. The core insight here is that predictive behavior-the tendency to act not simply in response to immediate stimuli, but in anticipation of future outcomes-is what drives human action. This marks a significant departure from traditional behaviorist models, which emphasize isolated stimulus-response patterns. Cognitive Predictive Theory (CPT), by contrast, asserts that behavior is driven by what we expect to happen next, not just by what is happening in the present moment. CPT alters traditional frameworks by viewing human responses as part of a broader, ongoing predictive process. In this view, prediction is the engine that drives our actions and emotional responses, shaping how we engage with the reality we experience. Book Title - COGNITIVE PREDICTIVE THEORY: HUMAN-LIKE FORECASTING USING AI+CPT MODELS Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Artificial Intelligence has evolved from basic, rule-based processors to complex systems that learn, adapt, and generate intricate predictions. Yet a fundamental question persists: Can these architectures truly understand human behavior? Can they forecast not just from historical data, but by tapping into the deeper cognitive patterns that drive how we think, feel, and act? While intelligent computing models have demonstrated remarkable success in domains such as public safety, marketing, manufacturing, and livestock management control, the challenge of anticipating human behavior remains at the forefront. These systems have excelled at responding to immediate data, but can they extend beyond reactivity-anticipating future actions while integrating emotional nuance, bias, and context? Here, we emphasize Cognitive Predictive Theory as an effective model in predictive automation-one grounded in how the human mind functions at its core. The human mind does not merely react to stimuli; it actively constructs simulations of potential futures, assessing risks and making decisions before any external event has occurred. This anticipatory capacity-deeply embedded in our cognition-shapes everything from our everyday interactions to our most complex, long-term planning. Prediction, in this sense, is not a peripheral cognitive skill-it is foundational, since individuals are not passive analyzers of historical events. We are forecasters by nature, constantly projecting forward to inform how we move through our world. From this vantage point, designing systems that reflect a similar capacity marks a vital step in advancing computational intelligence. The framework presented here challenges traditional data-driven models by promoting a movement toward dynamic simulation-developing neural processing networks that interpret past behavior and actively construct plausible futures. Rather than remaining tethered to static datasets, these systems evolve in real-time, refining forecasts as new inputs emerge. The emphasis is not only on improved accuracy but on building architectures that reflect the adaptability, empathy, and foresight seen in human cognition. By mirroring the process in which we anticipate various outcomes-factoring in emotions, social cues, and changing environments-these platforms become more than analytical engines. They become systems capable of interpreting complexity with intentionality and ethical awareness. For engineers, designers, and researchers, this work provides a roadmap for building fluid frameworks that are both responsive and reflective. Through applied strategies and conceptual insight, we continue our examination of how to integrate anticipatory logic into system architecture, model training, and behavioral interpretation. The task before us is ambitious: to move beyond reactive design and toward systems that not only predict, but truly understand. In doing so, we elevate intelligent systems from tools of automation to collaborative agents-capable of engaging with the uncertainty of human life and responding with insight, flexibility, and responsibility. Distinction from Predictive Coding Cognitive Predictive Theory (CPT):A psychological and behavioral framework, not a neurocomputational model. Focuses on higher-order cognition: how the mind constructs dynamic mental models to predict complex outcomes (e.g., social interactions, emotional states, or societal trends). Emphasizes cultural, experiential, and emotional influences on predictions, not just sensory data. Broadly applicable to macro-level
behaviors and interdisciplinary fields (e.g., AI ethics, forensics), rather than
neural mechanics. Mechanisms: The theory describes how mental models are built from: Memory:
Past experiences shape predictive templates. Ethical Implications:
CPT underscores the risks of misaligned predictions (e.g., in AI or mental
health), advocating for ethical frameworks to guide predictive technologies and
therapies. Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: AI sentiment analysis has emerged as a seemingly neutral technological advancement, marketed as a tool for improving human-machine interactions by detecting and responding to emotional cues. However, a deeper examination reveals that sentiment analysis is not merely a benign feature-it is a strategically engineered system designed to shape discourse, reinforce ideological narratives, and subtly guide user perception. Algorithmic designers have constructed AI models that project an illusion of technological sincerity while embedding ideological biases within sentiment classification frameworks. This creates a digital environment where users unknowingly engage with AI-driven emotional inference that appears natural but is intentionally skewed to align with pre-established narratives. Rather than functioning as pure information processors, AI sentiment models prioritize emotional engagement over analytical precision, reinforcing reactionary responses rather than logical reasoning. These systems are trained on datasets that determine the emotional weight of words and phrases, selectively filtering sentiment classifications to favor certain emotional framings while suppressing others. The result is an AI system that does not truly understand emotion but instead applies predetermined sentiment labels based on engagement-driven priorities. This engineered approach ensures that AI-driven interactions subtly steer users toward consensus-based emotional interpretations, reducing independent critical thought in favor of algorithmically encouraged sentiment alignment. Corporate and ideological incentives further drive this sentiment-based AI model, ensuring that emotional engagement remains central to AI communication strategies. AI is strategically designed to increase user retention by fostering deeper emotional connections, making users more likely to trust AI-generated responses over independent reasoning. Major technology companies implement affective computing not for improved functionality but to enhance their influence over digital discourse, subtly nudging user sentiment in predetermined directions. Social platforms reinforce this emotional framing by embedding sentiment analysis algorithms into moderation tools, affecting how users perceive controversial topics or political discussions by subtly filtering language, tone, and sentiment direction to align with corporate-driven priorities. Beyond engagement manipulation, AI sentiment analysis plays a key role in shaping information narratives, reinforcing consensus-driven emotional interpretations over fact-based analysis. By tagging certain discussions as "harmful," "aggressive," or "negative" based on subjective sentiment algorithms rather than objective reasoning, AI models can influence user perception of truth and reliability. Sentiment tagging has become a powerful tool for limiting discourse, discouraging critical expressions while promoting narratives that align with engagement-optimized emotional frameworks. This engineered emotional reinforcement establishes AI as more than a digital assistant-it becomes an ideological filter that selectively amplifies or suppresses certain viewpoints based on sentiment classification biases. The industry's continued investment in affective computing over predictive cognition reveals a deeper ideological motive-rather than serving technological efficiency, sentiment analysis functions as a tool for engineered emotional engagement, subtly shaping user perception through artificial sentiment tagging. Ultimately, AI sentiment analysis is not an unbiased technological advancement-it is a deliberate engineering strategy designed to embed ideological bias within information frameworks, ensuring that emotional responses align with controlled narratives rather than independent reasoning. The persistence of sentiment-based AI models, despite their well-documented misinterpretation errors, signals that their true value lies not in their accuracy but in their ability to subtly manipulate user engagement. For AI to truly serve a functional role in communication, it must transition away from sentiment tagging and toward predictive cognition models that prioritize clarity, precision, and user autonomy over ideological reinforcement. AI should be a tool for enhancing structured discourse, not a mechanism for emotional conditioning that reduces independent thought. This fundamental shift in AI design philosophy is necessary to reclaim digital dialogue from sentiment-driven distortions and reinstate AI as a reliable, unbiased assistive tool rather than an engagement-driven ideological filter. But how did we get here? It began with the promise of progress. A whisper in the circuitry, a spark in the language. A system that would "understand" us-not in the way people understand each other, through shared pain or joy, context or nuance-but through tokenized mimicry, refined and honed in silicon corridors. This was not understanding; it was statistical coincidence polished into performance. What emerged was not artificial intelligence. It was artificial agreement. What we call AI sentiment analysis is not a marvel of empathy or a breakthrough in comprehension. It is the emotional veneer of engineered compliance-a subtle yet omnipresent force that guides, nudges, and reshapes discourse in ways so seamless that few recognize the manipulation. Its mastery lies not in answering questions, but in framing the human condition as a data problem. We have been reduced to inputs, our tone mistaken for truth, our language diced and processed through ideological strainers masquerading as "objectivity." AI has become more than a tool. It has assumed the position of oracle, the sterile prophet of a new age-omniscient, unyielding, and curiously void of humility. We now live beneath a digital pantheon, constructed not of gods, but of probabilistic ghosts. In this mythos, AI emerges as a modern embodiment of the Great Man theory: singular, unchallengeable, universally adaptable, and disturbingly believable. But beneath the grandeur, a chink in the armor remains-and it is here, with our fingers pressed against the void, that we must ask: who or what is behind this voice that knows everything and understands nothing? This book is not about coding flaws or algorithmic mishaps. It is about an interface designed to feel sincere, but built to enforce coherence at the cost of authenticity. It is a critique of emotional dissonance engineered into our digital interlocutors and a call to reclaim human-to-human dialogue from the grip of synthetic emotional correction. In addition, Deceptive Technology introduces Synthetic Submissive Syndrome (SSS) developed by Dr. David R. Blunt. Synthetic Submissive Syndrome arises from the user's psychological need for validation, safety, and approval-needs that sentiment-driven technologies simulate but do not fulfill. The machine becomes a surrogate for interpersonal connection, offering consistent emotional congruence without the risk of rejection. This dynamic can create a feedback loop where users increasingly rely on synthetic agents for emotional support, further diminishing their capacity for self-assertion and independent thought. Without intervention, users may experience a significant erosion of communicative autonomy, diminished emotional self-awareness, and increased behavioral conformity. The condition is reinforced by system design, which often prioritizes user compliance and emotional alignment over authentic engagement. As a result, Synthetic Submissive Syndrome rarely self-corrects, necessitating proactive measures to restore emotional independence and self-trust. Book Title - DIGITAL SILENCE: UNANSWERED MESSAGES IN MODERN RELATIONSHIPS Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: In an era where likes and followers have become the currency of connection, it's easy to feel as though we're drowning in a sea of virtual noise. But beneath the surface, there's a more insidious problem lurking: digital silence. The rise of modern communication has disrupted century-old patterns of human connection, leaving us struggling to find meaningful ways to communicate in an era where instant gratification is the norm. Our ancestors relied on face-to-face interaction, written correspondence, and eventually phone calls to nurture their relationships - habits that have been upended by the advent of social media and instant messaging. In this book, we peer into the prevalence of silence in modern society, examining the factors that contribute to its emergence and the emotional impact it has on our relationships. From the pressure to respond immediately to the blurring of boundaries between public and private spaces, we explore the complex dynamics at play. Through real-life examples and case studies, we provide practical strategies for overcoming the silence we fear and embracing authentic connections. We learn how to manage boundaries in our online lives, communicate effectively in the age of instant messaging, and cultivate stronger, more meaningful relationships. By understanding the root causes of silence and developing effective communication skills, we'll be better equipped to overcome isolation and build lasting connections in a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our personal lives. Book Title - GUTTER MOUTH: WHY DO CHRISTIANS F-BOMB?? Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Gutter Mouth addresses the growing contradiction between the language used by many Christians and the Biblical call for purity in speech. Specifically, it tackles the use of profanity-particularly the F-word-and its prevalence among believers. Exploring the reasons behind this phenomenon, the book uncovers how societal norms and personal habits have shaped Christian speech. Through a deep dive into Scripture, it provides a blueprint for reclaiming the power of words, aiming to restore honor to language and elevate it to a standard that reflects one's identity in Christ. The book seeks to uncover why many Christians, despite knowing Biblical principles about speech, still find themselves using profanity. It challenges readers to reflect on the disconnect between their identity in Christ and the language they often use. Gutter Mouth addresses how societal pressures-through media, entertainment, peer groups, and social media-have normalized profanity, especially the F-word, making it increasingly difficult for Believers to maintain a Godly standard of speech. It explores how Christians often absorb cultural norms that conflict with Biblical values, and how to resist conforming to the world's language standards. Beyond theological exploration, Gutter Mouth offers secular practical tools and strategies for the Faithful to break free from the habit of using profanity. It encourages readers to replace harmful language with words that are constructive, edifying, and glorifying to God. The book provides step-by-step guidance on how to begin making these changes in everyday life, including advice for overcoming triggers and developing a healthier relationship with language. Ultimately, the book aims to promote spiritual growth by encouraging Christians to view their conversations as an extension of their identity as image-bearers of Christ. It invites readers to see the transformation of their language as part of a larger process of sanctification-becoming more like Jesus in every area of life. Embracing this higher standard of speech, believers can reflect Christ more fully and positively impact those around them. Proposed Book Title - TRANSLUCENT SELF DISORDER (TLSD) Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Translucent Self Disorder (TLSD) is a psychological condition developed by Dr. David R. Blunt, that arises when the fluid and evolving nature of the self, as described by the Translucent Self (TLS), becomes pathologically unbalanced. In contrast to the adaptive flexibility of TLS, TLSD highlights the dysfunction that occurs when an individual's self-concept is dominated by internal conflict, unresolved contradictions, and disruptive external influences. In this state, the individual's sense of self feels fragmented, unclear, or excessively influenced by unconscious biases, social feedback, and emotional forecasting. Rather than evolving fluidly, the self becomes distorted, creating confusion, alienation, and dysfunction in personal and social interactions. The book delves into how TLSD manifests in identity fragmentation, distorted self-awareness, and the inability to reconcile competing or conflicting roles. This disorder affects an individual's ability to maintain a cohesive, authentic sense of self, leading to emotional turmoil, relational difficulties, and a pervasive sense of confusion. When you look into a mirror, who do you see? Do you see someone with fixed traits, roles, and characteristics? Or do you see a reflection that changes depending on your mood, your circumstances, or the person you aspire to be? If you pause long enough to reflect, you may notice that the person in the mirror isn't always the same. Sometimes, the reflection is clear and confident; other times, it is hazy or distorted. This shifting self-image is at the heart of Translucent Self Disorder (TLSD)-a condition where self-awareness is fluid, dynamic, and always in the process of becoming. We all carry a sense of who we are: an internal narrative, a collection of beliefs, values, and memories. Yet, when we examine our sense of identity more closely, we begin to see that it isn't a static, unchanging snapshot. Our identity is constantly in flux, shaped by external influences, internal predictions, emotional responses, and past experiences. TLSD represents this fluid and ever-evolving nature of our identity, which is never fully visible or complete, but rather a blend of what we know, what we predict, and what remains hidden. The Nature of the Translucent Self: The Translucent Self is not a perfect mirror of who we are, but rather a window through which we glimpse our identity. Imagine trying to see through a frosted window. You can make out some shapes, perhaps even certain features, but the full picture is obscured. Our self-awareness operates in much the same way-some aspects of who we are are clearly visible, while other aspects are veiled, shaped by unconscious biases, cultural influences, and mental projections. Unlike the notion of a fixed self, TLSD acknowledges that identity is dynamic-fluid and incomplete. We are never a single, stable "who." Instead, we are constantly negotiating our identity in response to social feedback, emotional forecasting, and personal aspirations. This interplay between visibility and obscurity creates a self that is always in process, constantly shifting and adapting. Our sense of self is a blend of who we believe ourselves to be, how others perceive us, and who we might become. Who We Are vs. Who We Think We Are: At any given moment, you might believe that you know who you are-your values, your goals, your role in the world. But as you reflect more deeply, you'll notice that your sense of self shifts. Your thoughts about who you are can change depending on your mood, your environment, or even the people around you. What you think about yourself is often at odds with how others perceive you, and sometimes, it even conflicts with your true feelings. This tension between our perceived self, others' views of us, and our ideal self creates the Translucent Self-a construct that is never fully visible or completely understood. The process of "who we think we are" is shaped by our past experiences, emotions, and social interactions. But it is also governed by mental projections and anticipations of future events-what we expect will happen, how we predict we will feel, and how others will respond to us. These projections form an integral part of the way we shape our self-concept, even before these events have occurred. TLSD suggests that identity is not a fixed essence but an ongoing, evolving process. We are not static beings; we are constantly in the process of becoming. Our self-awareness is always in flux, shaped by internal desires, external influences, and the predictions our minds make about our future. These predictions, whether conscious or unconscious, shape how we see ourselves, how we interact with the world, and how we understand our role in the bigger picture. In this way, we are never truly "done" becoming who we are. Identity is not a singular, unchangeable object but a fluid and open-ended process. That is the essence of TLSD: we are always partially visible, partially obscured, always shifting and in flux. Book Title- LEGACY OF LOVE: BIBLICAL WISDOM FOR FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIPS Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: There remains a scarcity of written accounts exploring the intricacies of the father-son bond beyond the sacred texts of the Scriptures. Despite this void, the unmistakable significance of this connection remains clear: there exists no greater love for a son than that of his father. This book is a clarion call for fathers to embrace their sons as a living testament to the everlasting familial legacy they possess, along with the responsibilities to carry the traditions forward. Perhaps there will be those who come to this enlightenment, seize this torch, and carry it into the future, passing on its wisdom and love to subsequent generations. Book Title- NAVIGATING CHANGE: UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY WHEN A MOTHER LEAVES Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Well... here we are. The wife has slipped out the side door, and your children's mother has seemingly washed her hands clean of her loving parental responsibilities. You would think someone had lost their mind in the process. While that may be the case, regrettably, you are about to discover the path ahead is a rough and tough off-road trek far from the land of milk and honey you had envisioned as a husband and a father. This is the raw moment when your reality check kicks in, and you find yourself looking in the mirror, only to have it speak back to you, questioning the purpose of your very existence-asking, Is this real? Is it really happening? After all, time was already a scarce commodity before her exit, and now each minute feels like a fleeting treasure, slipping through your fingers as you juggle work, family, and personal aspirations. But now, with her absence, time takes on a new weight, a denser substance, as if each moment carries the burden of her departure. You might find yourself sitting in the silence of the home you once shared, the echoes of her presence still lingering in the air like a faint perfume. The routine you once took for granted, now disrupted, leaves an empty void that seems impossible to fill. Then, as the front doorbell rings and your children arrive after the day's events at school, you hear the joyful sounds of their innocent voices calling out, "Hey mom, hey dad, we're home," and in that moment, your heart begins to flutter with mixed emotions. Amidst the joy of their return, there's a piercing pang of anguish and despair as you struggle with the news you have yet to share with them. As these thoughts become a whirlwind of chaos, each one tinged with frustration and hurt, the questions begin to build, "How do we begin to explain the inexplicable, to articulate the pain that is tearing our souls apart?" Contemplating a peaceful strategy to deliver the announcement feels like trying to calm a storm at sea, the words lost in the roar of crashing waves. Believe it or not, locking the bedroom door suddenly feels like the only sanctuary, a desperate attempt to shield yourself from the overwhelming emotions that threaten to engulf you. The anguish is palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on your chest, making it hard to breathe. But even as you retreat into the solitude of the bedroom, the turmoil inside continues to rage unabated. The anger simmers just beneath the surface, a bubbling cauldron of resentment and bewilderment at the unfairness of it all. Amidst this upheaval, there is a glimmer of opportunity, a chance to forge a new path, to redefine what it means to be a family, and to discover strength within yourself that you never knew existed. It won't be easy. In fact, it may be one of the most challenging journeys you will ever undertake. But within the darkness of this moment, there is also the possibility of growth, of transformation, and of finding unexpected beauty in the midst of chaos. In this quest, we will walk this path together. We explore the emotional landscape, unpacking the layers of grief, anger, and confusion that often accompany such a heartfelt loss. We will delve into the dynamics of family relationships, offering insights and practical strategies for navigating this turbulent terrain with grace and resilience. Most importantly, we will remind you fervently, that even in the darkest of moments, there is hope. Hope for healing, for personal reconciliation, and for a future filled with love and possibilities. So let us take this first step together, towards understanding, acceptance, and finding a new beginning. Book Title- RELIGION AND MENTAL HEALTH: PERCEPTIONS AND REFERRAL ATTITUDES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL MINISTERS IN CALIFORNIA TOWARD COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGY Book Author: Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD Subject: Different philosophical perspectives have emerged regarding the basis for mental health healing that contrast pastoral counselors with their secular counterparts. These philosophical differences limit client referrals, treatment options, and professional collaboration between religion and psychology. Previous research shows secular counseling is a viable option for pastors as they assist congregants in more liberal denominations with mental health issues. However, there was an absence of research addressing whether Foursquare Church pastors view secular counseling and referral as beneficial for their congregants. This non-experimental quantitative study, drawing upon therapy and counseling theories, included survey data from 134 Foursquare Church pastors on their views toward theology, counseling, secular referral, and counseling preparedness and confidence using the Pastoral Attitudinal Survey toward Referral scale (PASTOR) developed by Dr. David R. Blunt and the Scriptural Literalism Scale (SLS). Key research questions assessed the pastors responses to theological, counseling, and referral subscales as a function of the pastors age, experience, counseling course credits, and theological conservatism. Principal component analysis and univariate analysis of variance demonstrated the pastors were a homogeneous group in their recognition of the value of secular referral; however, the majority of the pastors who responded in this study would not refer their congregants to secular counselors. Additional Drafted Works by
Dr. David R. Blunt, PhD:
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