Trauma, Burnout, and Well-Being Among Chaplains and Clergy in the United States
摘要
Religious and spiritual 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 cisgendered male clergy and, particularly in the United States, 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 United States on their experiences of distress and well-being, as well as their 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 based on indicators of traumatic stress, burnout, well-being, and personal factors likely contributing to overall functioning. Implications, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.