Religious Status Interview [RSI-33]

Description

The Religious Status Interview [RSI-33] is a structured 33-item interview designed to assess religious maturity and functioning, primarily within a Christian religious framework.

Purpose

The RSI-33 examines key dimensions such as:

  • awareness of God,
  • acceptance of God’s grace and love,
  • repentance and responsibility,
  • recognition of divine guidance,
  • participation in organized religion,
  • experience of fellowship and community,
  • ethical behavior,
  • openness in faith.

Scoring

Responses are evaluated by the interviewer using a five-point rating scale, with higher scores generally reflecting greater religious maturity. Scores may be calculated for individual dimensions as well as for overall religious functioning.

Applications

The RSI-33 can be used in psychological, clinical, pastoral, and religion-related research to explore religious maturity, spiritual functioning, mental health, and the role of faith in everyday life.

References

Malony, H. N. (1985). The Religious Status Interview: A Measure of Religious Maturity.

Pruyser, P. W. (1976). The Minister as Diagnostician: Personal Problems in Pastoral Perspective. Westminster Press.