The science of clergy work-related psychological health: theory, assessment, and evidence Leslie J Francis University of Warwick, UK
Structure Conceptual framework Models and theories Empirical studies Empirical evidence Key conclusion
PART ONE Conceptual 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 TWO Models 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 THREE Studies 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 FOUR Discussing 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 1 Turton, 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,
Health-related strategies 2 Francis, 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 ). Leiden: Brill.
Health-related strategies 3 Francis, 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,
PART FIVE Key conclusion Psychological factors are key Theological implications Practical implications
The science of clergy work-related psychological health: theory, assessment, and evidence Leslie J Francis University of Warwick, UK