The science of clergy work-related psychological

health: theory, assessment, and evidence

Leslie J FrancisUniversity of Warwick, UK

Structure Conceptual framework Models and theories Empirical studies Empirical evidence Key conclusion

PART ONEConceptual framework

Psychology and theology in conversation

Empirical theology

Theology of individual difference

Empirical theology A way of discerning God’s activity in God’s world Mark 4: 3-9

Theology of individual difference

Strong doctrine of creation Doctrine of fall Doctrine of salvation Genesis 1: 27

PART TWOModels of clergy work-related psychological

health Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)

Maslach Burnout Inventory-Revised (MBI-R)

Francis Burnout Inventory (FBI)

MBI Three components Emotional exhaustion Depersonalisation Low personal accomplishment Sequential model

MBI problems Factor structure Relevance to clergy Scales unequal in length Validating sequential model Practical application

MBI-R Items adapted for clergy Scales balanced in length Scoring mode clarified

FBI Two components Negative affect (SEEM) Positive affect (SIMS) Balanced affect

FBI strengths Developed specially for clergy Model can be validated Practical application

PART THREEStudies employing

measure MBI

MBI-R

FBI

MBI 16 studies between 1984 and 2013 Mainly in the USA South Africa Italy

MBI-R 12 studies between 2000 and 2007 All in UK Anglican Catholic Pentecostal

FBI 11 studies between 2005 and 2013 UK USA Australia

PART FOURDiscussing the findings

Personal factors

Environmental factors

Theological factors

Psychological factors

Health-related strategies

Personal factors Age Sex

Environmental factors Rural ministry

Theological factors Liberal or conservative Evangelical or catholic Charismatic or not charismatic

Psychological factors Cattell Big Five Eysenck Jung

Health-related strategies 1Turton, D. W., & Francis, L. J. (2007). The relationship

between attitude toward prayer and professional burnout among Anglican parochial clergy in England: Are praying clergy healthier clergy? Mental Health, Religion and

Culture, 10, 61-74.

Health-related strategies 2Francis, L. J. & Turton, D. W. (2004b). Reflective ministry and

empirical theology: Antidote to clergy stress? In C. A. M. Hermans, & M. E. Moore (Eds.), Hermeneutics and

empirical research in practical theology: The contribution

of empirical theology by Johannes A van der Ven (pp. 245-265). Leiden: Brill.

Health-related strategies 3Francis, L. J., Turton, D. W., & Louden, S. H. (2007). Dogs, cats

and Catholic parochial clergy in England and Wales: Exploring the relationship between companion animals and work-related psychological health. Mental Health,

Religion and Culture, 10, 47-60.

PART FIVEKey conclusion

Psychological factors are key

Theological implications

Practical implications

The science of clergy work-related psychological

health: theory, assessment, and evidence

Leslie J FrancisUniversity of Warwick, UK