By Ajani Fernando

Published: August 28, 2024

References: 3

Open Access

|

|

Working Research

|

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between spiritual well-being and coping mechanisms in the context of the mental health of Methodist clergy in Sri Lanka. Previous research by Shaw et al. (2021) highlighted the particular difficulties faced by ministers, revealing greater levels of distress and despair among them. The study's objectives are to measure spiritual well-being, examine its connection to mental health, identify coping mechanisms, and assess their impact on mental health. The study employed a quantitative methodology, sampling 114 English-speaking clergy members, and utilized validated measures such as the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-21, the Spiritual Well-being Scale, and the Brief COPE Scale.

The findings show that Methodist clergy exhibited moderate spiritual well-being, with SWBS scores ranging from 36 to 88, an overall mean of 64.99 (SD = 4.47), and subscale means of 30.0 (SD = 2.88) for Religious Well-being and 34.99 (SD = 2.3) for Existential Well-being. A weak, positive correlation was found between spiritual well-being and both depression (r(110) = .09) and anxiety (r(110) = .06), with no significant relationship between spiritual well-being and stress (r(110) = .03). Clergy moderately used problem-focused (M = 3.57, SD = 0.51) and emotion-focused coping strategies (M = 3.28, SD = 0.43), while avoidant coping was used less frequently (M = 1.64, SD = 0.68).

Significant gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting higher levels of depression (p = 0.01), anxiety (p = 0.02), and stress (p = 0.03) compared to males. Younger clergy members (ages 25-34) reported higher levels of depression (p = 0.01), anxiety (p = 0.00), and stress (p = 0.00) compared to older age groups. A significant difference in anxiety was found (p = 0.05), with unmarried and widowed individuals showing higher anxiety scores than married individuals. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests did not find significant differences in spiritual well-being based on gender, marital status, or age groups. The study highlights the importance of addressing spiritual well-being and coping strategies, particularly problem-focused coping, in improving mental health outcomes among clergy. Limitations include potential social desirability bias and linguistic exclusivity, with further research recommended to complement quantitative findings with qualitative interviews.

References

• Milstein, G., Hybels, C. F., & Proeschold-Bell, R. J. (2020). A prospective study of clergy spiritual well-being, depressive symptoms, and occupational distress. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 12(4), 409–416.

• Ozcan, O., Hoelterhoff, M., & Wylie, E. (2021). Faith and spirituality as psychological coping mechanism among female aid workers: a qualitative study. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 6(1).

• Shaw, M. (2021). Clergy Wholeness Study: How Occupational Distress, Depression, and Social Support Inform the Health of Clergy- Martin Shaw, Roy Lukman, Linda Wright Simmons, Ramona Reynolds, 2021. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling.

About the Author

Ajani Fernando is a dedicated Psychology and Special Education Teacher, as well as a Mental Health Practitioner. She specializes in supporting children with special needs and addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. She also conducts impactful workshops in the church, teaching coping skills rooted in Christian values. Her work is focused on improving the emotional and mental well-being of those she serve.

"Empowering Minds, Inspiring Futures: Bridging Academia and Innovation Globally"

Wells Resource