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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Strategies Employed By Clergy To Prevent And Cope With Interpersonal Isolation, Ryan C. Staley, Mark R. Mcminn, Kathleen Gathercoal, Kurt Free
Strategies Employed By Clergy To Prevent And Cope With Interpersonal Isolation, Ryan C. Staley, Mark R. Mcminn, Kathleen Gathercoal, Kurt Free
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
Numerous studies have affirmed that interpersonal isolation is one of the unique challenges clergy face. This study examined the experience of interpersonal isolation among a sample of clergy serving in a senior pastor role by having them complete a modified form of the Social Support Questionnaire, Short Form (SSQSR), as well as six open-ended interview questions. The interview responses of clergy participants were compared based on a median split of the SSQSR satisfaction scores. Analysis of clergy responses revealed several prominent themes in the following areas: barriers to establishing supportive relationships, strategies for establishing and maintaining supportive relationships, lack of …
Positive Coping Among Wives Of Male Christian Clergy, Mark R. Mcminn, Sarah P. Kerrick, Susan Duma, Emma R. Campbell, Jane B. Jung
Positive Coping Among Wives Of Male Christian Clergy, Mark R. Mcminn, Sarah P. Kerrick, Susan Duma, Emma R. Campbell, Jane B. Jung
Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program
Clergy spouses experience various life stressors, yet many cope and function effectively in the midst of their daily challenges. Mental health professionals were asked to identify wives of male clergy who exemplify emotional and spiritual health. Nominees were contacted and interviews conducted with 25 women. Each interviewee was asked about coping with normal life stressors, stressors associated with being married to a minister, and catastrophic life events. All interviews were transcribed and coded, using grounded theory. Participants emphasized the importance of spirituality, social support, limit-setting, and healthy lifestyle choices. Implications are discussed.