Religious Resources,Spiritual Struggles,and Mental Health in a Nationwide Sample of PCUSA Clergy |
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Authors: | Christopher G Ellison Lori A Roalson Janelle M Guillory Kevin J Flannelly John P Marcum |
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Institution: | (1) The University of Texas at Austin, University Station, A1700 Austin, TX, USA;(2) Office of Research Support, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA;(3) Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA;(4) Healthcare Chaplaincy, New York, NY, USA;(5) Research Services, Presbyterian Church (USA), Louisville, KY, USA |
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Abstract: | A growing body of research explores patterns and correlates of mental health among clergy and other religious professionals.
Our study augments this work by distinguishing between religious resources (i.e., support from church members, positive religious
coping practices), and spiritual struggles (i.e., troubled relations with God, negative interactions with members, chronic
religious doubts). We also explore several conceptual models of the interplay between these positive and negative religious
domains and stressful life events. After reviewing theory and research on religious resources, spiritual struggles, and mental
health, we test relevant hypotheses using data on a nationwide sample of ordained clergy members in the Presbyterian Church
(USA). At least some support is found for all main effects hypotheses. Religious resources predict well-being more strongly,
while spiritual struggles are more closely linked with psychological distress. There is some evidence that stressful life
events erode mental health by fostering an elevated sense of spiritual disarray and struggle. We find limited support for
the stress-buffering role of religious resources, and limited evidence for a stress-exacerbating effect of spiritual struggle.
Study limitations are identified, along with a number of implications and promising directions for future research. |
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