Mid-Year Conference

Divison 36 of the American Psychological Association

The 6th Annual Mid-Year Research Conference on Religion and Spirituality, hosted by Division 36 (Psychology of Religion) of APA and the Department of Pastoral Counseling at Loyola College in Maryland <http://www.loyola.edu/pastoralcounseling/myc/index.html> was held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 29 and March 1, 2008 at the Columbia Graduate Center of Loyola College. It was preceded by a day of pre-conference seminars on Thursday, Feb. 28.

The Conference represents a joint partnership between Division 36 (Psychology of Religion) of the American Psychological Association. The goal of this partnership is to leverage resources in an effort to stimulate research in the area of psychology and religion/spirituality. The Conference provides a supportive academic forum where professionals discuss the latest research findings and scientific advances in the field. A quick look at the program guide shows a very diverse range of interests being represented by scholars at all levels, from graduate students to leading figures in the field. There is no other professional conference with a major purpose of promoting research in religion and spirituality.

The Department of Pastoral Counseling has been sponsoring this research event since it began 12 years ago as a small roundtable discussion on religious research. The first “Conference” was attended by about 20 graduate students, faculty, and invited researchers. Over the next several years the conference grew to a half-day event that included several invited speakers and more than 100 attendees. The Conference is now two full days preceded by a one day pre-conference.

Use the links below to access documents and forms related to the conference. For further information or any questions, contact Brenda Helsing by e-mail: bhelsing@loyola.edu.