Special Issue of Scientia et Fides on Experimental Psychology and the Notion of Personhood

"More recently, cognitive psychologists have used the resources of psychological science to study the foundations of religion, and to discuss and possibly illuminate issues of concern for theologians. The new field, known as the cognitive science of religion (CSR), draws from work by Ernest Thomas Lawson, Robert McCauley, Pascal Boyer and Justin Barrett, among others. Many of its scholars are inspired by a spirit of collaborative work with theologians and philosophers of religion, emphasizing the need of serious cross-training between disciplines. Driven by the same spirit, the present issue of Scientia et Fides documents instances of integrative work at the intersection of psychological science and philosophical or theological knowledge, specifically centered around our understanding of what a person is. We hope that, apart from their individual worth, as a whole these contributions will stimulate further interdisciplinary studies, in order to achieve genuine science-engaged philosophy and theology, and a science that is aware of philosophical and theological discussions." (from the introduction)

Cross-Training Needs Among Community-Based Clinicians in HIV and Substance Use

Background: People with double burden of HIV and substance use have poorer treatment engagement and worse treatment outcomes. Cross-training of HIV and substance use disorder clinicians can potentially enhance the scale up and quality of integrated care. Research is needed on clinicians’ areas of greatest training need in order to inform training development. Methods: Data from semi-structured individual interviews with 16 HIV and 13 substance use disorder clinicians (N=29) examining clinician perspectives on their training needs were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, three themes emerged in regards to the clinicians’ need for training: 1) past training experiences: both HIV and substance use clinicians reported they had received minimal formal cross-training; 2) gaps in training: sensitivity and anti-stigma training, the latest medications for opioid use disorder and HIV prevention/treatment and referral resources emerged as key areas of cross-training need; and 3) training and supervision format/structure: clinicians cited didactic workshops and ongoing supervision as appealing strategies. Conclusions: Results show that lack of formal and updated training for clinicians is an important gap in providing integrated HIV and substance use treatment. Didactic workshops and ongoing support strategies that address stigma, medications for HIV and substance use disorder, and referral resources are likely to be particularly valuable.