Forthcoming article on religious leader trauma, burnout, and well-being

The Danielsen Institute’s cross-sectional study on burnout, trauma, and well-being among clergy and chaplains has been accepted for publication with Pastoral Psychology. Dr. Elise Ji Young Choe led this team project which was funded by our Peale Foundation grant. Findings reveal concerning rates of PTSD and burnout symptoms among these leaders but also moderate levels of well-being which likely reflects the meaning many find in their work. Clergy were somewhat more symptomatic than chaplains and women leaders more than men. Differentiation of self and self-compassion emerged as protective factors, while self-sacrificing tendencies and inadequate compensation were risk factors. This study highlights some of the important issues emphasized in the Institute’s CHRYSALIS program and other preventative formation efforts in seminary contexts.

Choe, E.J.Y., Crabtree, S.A., Hydinger, K.R., Stein, L.B., & Sandage, S.J. (in press). Trauma, burnout, and well-being among chaplains and clergy in the United States. Pastoral Psychology. 

Abstract

Religious and spiritual (R/S) chaplains and clergy (CAC) are often exposed to high levels of distress in the systems and communities where they serve as leaders and spiritual authorities. Previous research has shown CAC to be at heightened risk for negative work impacts. However, the extant literature predominantly centers the experiences of cis-gendered male clergy and, in particularly in the United States (U.S.), is limited to specific denominations or geographical regions. Also, many studies have not simultaneously considered risk and protective factors that may contribute to distress and well-being among this population. To address these research gaps, we surveyed CAC from across the U.S. on their experiences of distress and well-being, as well as personal capacities that might influence these outcomes. Results suggest that, on average, CAC report concerningly high levels of traumatic stress symptoms and burnout but maintain moderate levels of well-being. However, person-centered analyses identified four distinct groups of CAC on indicators of traumatic stress, burnout, well-being, and personal factors likely contributing to overall functioning. Implications, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.