Date
4-7-2026
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Meredith Park
Keywords
Biblical Worldview, Christian Principles, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Faith-based, Human Flourishing, K-12 instruction, Mental Health Curriculum
Disciplines
Education | Educational Psychology
Recommended Citation
Mankos, Keri, "Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Biblical Principles in Curriculum: A Phenomenology of Christian Educators' Mental Health Instruction" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8158.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8158
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical study was to explore the experiences of Christian K-12 educators who are in instructional roles who integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with a biblical worldview in their curriculum design and instructional practices at three Christian K-12 schools in the Eastern United States. The integration of a biblical worldview and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques was generally defined as using biblical principles to help students change their thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health. This study examined how educators incorporated biblical principles into the design and delivery of academic courses, such as mental health education and spiritual development. The research also explored how biblical integration supported students’ mental health through changing thoughts and behaviors in a postmodern world. The guiding theoretical framework for this study was cognitive behavioral therapy and how it was applied in Christian educational settings. The Central Research Question was: How did Christian K-12 educators integrate cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with biblical principles in their curriculum and instructional practices within faith-based environments? The participants were 11 Christian K-12 educators from three schools on the Eastern U.S. coast who integrated CBT techniques with biblical principles. The data collection included semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts. Data analysis was conducted using thematic and interpretive methods, with bracketing, to manage researcher bias. Findings revealed three overarching themes that emerged across data sources: Relational Well-Being and Support Systems, Human Flourishing and Holistic Care, and Biblical Integration in Mental Health.
