Browsing by Author "Yapp, Maria Madelene"

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    The self-perceived role of Christian chaplains in New Zealand state schools : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Yapp, Maria Madelene
    State school chaplaincy is a recent phenomenon in New Zealand state schools. It was introduced in the 1980s by the Churches Education Commission (CEC), after the Bible in School programmes, as a voluntary service to care for children in state schools. Currently CEC promotes that a chaplain is a "confidential ear" and "a caring trusted friend" and states that chaplaincy "supports the pastoral care networks in New Zealand schools for students, staff, parents and care-givers and Boards of Trustees". However, definition of the key terms has not been provided and no research has determined what chaplains do. This thesis explores the work of state school chaplains, by participant observation, questionnaires, and interviews, examining who these chaplains are, the nature of Chaplaincy Assessing Resourcing Equipping (C.A.R.E.) courses, and how chaplains "support the pastoral networks of New Zealand schools". Results indicate that they, as a group, display an autonomy, independence, and freedom not clearly discernible in their job descriptions of "confidential listening ears" and "caring trusted friends". They seek the advantages of both remaining apart from and a part of the school establishment. They support state schools, by working under the guidance of the school staff and acting as independent workers and consultants. As "confidential listening ears", they have found their way from school playgrounds to staff meetings. The autonomy chaplains claim may have derived from CEC's failure to provide clear operational definitions of the chaplaincy role, lack of adequate assessing and equipping at chaplaincy courses, and/or lack of sufficient monitoring and supervision on the job. Their extensive involvement in helping and caring for state schools, including evangelization, may have stemmed from the fact that they, as Christian helpers, want to act like Jesus or 'be Jesus'. The meaning of 'being Jesus' is explored by examining the idea of loving one's neighbours as oneself, the example of Jesus, and Jesus' account of the parable of The Good Samaritan. It is suggested that acting like Jesus or "being Jesus' includes not only helping but also evangelization. However, evangelizing in state schools contravenes CEC's recommendations. It is recommended that CEC clarify its intention for state school chaplaincy and consider both the appropriateness and intent of the use of the title 'chaplain', as well as provide precise operational definitions for the key terms of the chaplaincy roles.
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    Types and temperaments : personality correlates of belief in, and involvement with paranormal phenomena : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Yapp, Maria Madelene
    The objective of the study reported in this thesis was to investigate personality correlates of belief in, and involvement with paranormal phenomena. Two approaches to personality were adopted. One approach used Jung's (1921/1974) Functional theory of personality types, the other approach used Keirsey and Bates' (1984) four-temperament theory. Belief in the paranormal and involvement with the paranormal were regarded as two distinct and separable variables. Since the mid 1930's there have been over 150 published articles concerned with the various correlates of belief in, and involvement with paranormal phenomena. This reflects the fact that paranormal beliefs in the general population are pervasive and, if religious beliefs are regarded as falling within the domain of paranormal beliefs, are long standing and socially maintained and encouraged. In fact, across cultures, the majority of the population believes in one or more paranormal beliefs (Clarke, 1991; Messer & Griggs, 1989; Sobal & Emmons, 1982, cited in Irwin, 1993). The amount of research data in paranormal beliefs accumulated so far is considered to be substantial (Irwin, 1993).