Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 5/2019

01-10-2019 | Burnout Syndrome | Original Paper

The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Work-Related Psychological Health Among Anglican Clergy in Wales

Authors: Leslie J. Francis, Neville J. Emslie, V. John Payne

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

This study explores the effect of emotional intelligence (assessed by the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale) on work-related psychological health (assessed by the two scales of the Francis Burnout Inventory) among 364 Anglican clergy serving in the Church in Wales (264 clergymen, 93 clergywomen, and 7 who did not disclose their sex). After controlling for personal factors (sex and age) and for personality dimensions (extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism), the data suggested that higher levels of emotional intelligence enhanced work-related psychological health both in terms of lowering negative affect (emotional exhaustion in ministry) and in terms of increasing positive affect (satisfaction in ministry). These findings suggest that there may be benefits in professional development programmes designed to develop emotional intelligence among clergy.
Literature
go back to reference Boyatzis, R. E. (2007). Developing emotional intelligence competencies. In J. Ciarrochi & J. D. Mayer (Eds.), Applying emotional intelligence: A practitioner’s guide (pp. 28–52). New York, NY: Psychology Press. Boyatzis, R. E. (2007). Developing emotional intelligence competencies. In J. Ciarrochi & J. D. Mayer (Eds.), Applying emotional intelligence: A practitioner’s guide (pp. 28–52). New York, NY: Psychology Press.
go back to reference Bradburn, N. M. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being. Chicago, IL: Aldine. Bradburn, N. M. (1969). The structure of psychological well-being. Chicago, IL: Aldine.
go back to reference Brewster, C. E., Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2011). Maintaining a public ministry in rural England: Work-related psychological health and psychological type among Anglican clergy serving in multi-church benefices. In H.-G. Ziebertz & L. J. Francis (Eds.), The public significance of religion (pp. 241–265). Leiden: Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/ej.9789004207066.i-495.90.CrossRef Brewster, C. E., Francis, L. J., & Robbins, M. (2011). Maintaining a public ministry in rural England: Work-related psychological health and psychological type among Anglican clergy serving in multi-church benefices. In H.-G. Ziebertz & L. J. Francis (Eds.), The public significance of religion (pp. 241–265). Leiden: Brill. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1163/​ej.​9789004207066.​i-495.​90.CrossRef
go back to reference DeVellis, R. F. (2003). Scale development: Theory and applications. London: Sage. DeVellis, R. F. (2003). Scale development: Theory and applications. London: Sage.
go back to reference Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1975). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (adult and junior). London: Hodder and Stoughton. Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1975). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (adult and junior). London: Hodder and Stoughton.
go back to reference Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1991). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Scales. London: Hodder and Stoughton. Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1991). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Scales. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
go back to reference Fradera, A. (2015). When psychologists tried to replicate 100 previously published findings. The Psychologist, 28, 794–795. Fradera, A. (2015). When psychologists tried to replicate 100 previously published findings. The Psychologist, 28, 794–795.
go back to reference Francis, L. J. (2005). Faith and psychology: Personality, religion and the individual. London: Darton, Longman and Todd. Francis, L. J. (2005). Faith and psychology: Personality, religion and the individual. London: Darton, Longman and Todd.
go back to reference Francis, L. J. (2018). Healthy leadership: The science of clergy work-related psychological health. Edited collection. In R. Brouwer (Ed.), The future of lived religious leadership (pp. 116–134). Amsterdam: VU University Press. Francis, L. J. (2018). Healthy leadership: The science of clergy work-related psychological health. Edited collection. In R. Brouwer (Ed.), The future of lived religious leadership (pp. 116–134). Amsterdam: VU University Press.
go back to reference Francis, L. J., Kaldor, P., Robbins, M., & Castle, K. (2005). Happy but exhausted? Work-related psychological health among clergy. Pastoral Sciences, 24, 101–120. Francis, L. J., Kaldor, P., Robbins, M., & Castle, K. (2005). Happy but exhausted? Work-related psychological health among clergy. Pastoral Sciences, 24, 101–120.
go back to reference Francis, L. J., Laycock, P., & Brewster, C. E. (2015). The burdens of rural ministry: Identifying and exploring the correlates of five causes of stress among rural Anglican clergy serving in multi-parish benefices. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 26, 218–236. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004299436_015.CrossRef Francis, L. J., Laycock, P., & Brewster, C. E. (2015). The burdens of rural ministry: Identifying and exploring the correlates of five causes of stress among rural Anglican clergy serving in multi-parish benefices. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 26, 218–236. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1163/​9789004299436_​015.CrossRef
go back to reference Francis, L. J., Payne, V. J., & Robbins, M. (2013a). Psychological type and susceptibility to burnout: A study among Anglican clergymen in Wales. In B. R. Doolittle (Ed.), Psychology of burnout: New research (pp. 179–192). New York: Nova Science. Francis, L. J., Payne, V. J., & Robbins, M. (2013a). Psychological type and susceptibility to burnout: A study among Anglican clergymen in Wales. In B. R. Doolittle (Ed.), Psychology of burnout: New research (pp. 179–192). New York: Nova Science.
go back to reference Francis, L. J., & Rutledge, C. J. F. (2000). Are rural clergy in the Church of England under greater stress? A study in empirical theology. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 11, 173–191. Francis, L. J., & Rutledge, C. J. F. (2000). Are rural clergy in the Church of England under greater stress? A study in empirical theology. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 11, 173–191.
go back to reference Francis, L. J., Ryland, A., & Robbins, M. (2011a). Emotional intelligence among church leaders: Applying the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale within Newfrontiers. In S. Boag & N. Tiliopoulos (Eds.), Personality and individual differences: Theory, assessment, and application (pp. 141–149). New York: Nova Science. Francis, L. J., Ryland, A., & Robbins, M. (2011a). Emotional intelligence among church leaders: Applying the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale within Newfrontiers. In S. Boag & N. Tiliopoulos (Eds.), Personality and individual differences: Theory, assessment, and application (pp. 141–149). New York: Nova Science.
go back to reference Francis, L. J., & Turton, D. W. (2004a). Recognising and understanding burnout among the clergy: A perspective from empirical theology. In D. Herl & M. L. Berman (Eds.), Building bridges over troubled waters: Enhancing pastoral care and guidance (pp. 307–331). Lima, OH: Wyndham Hall Press. Francis, L. J., & Turton, D. W. (2004a). Recognising and understanding burnout among the clergy: A perspective from empirical theology. In D. Herl & M. L. Berman (Eds.), Building bridges over troubled waters: Enhancing pastoral care and guidance (pp. 307–331). Lima, OH: Wyndham Hall Press.
go back to reference 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. 245–265). Leiden: Brill. 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. 245–265). Leiden: Brill.
go back to reference Gardner, L. (2006). Emotional intelligence and occupational stress. In C. Stough, D. H. Saklofske, & C. K. Hansen (Eds.), Emotional intelligence: International symposium (pp. 169–195). Croydon: Tertiary Press. Gardner, L. (2006). Emotional intelligence and occupational stress. In C. Stough, D. H. Saklofske, & C. K. Hansen (Eds.), Emotional intelligence: International symposium (pp. 169–195). Croydon: Tertiary Press.
go back to reference Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review, March–April, 78–90. Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review, March–April, 78–90.
go back to reference Goleman, D. (2013). The focused leader. Harvard Business Review, 91(12), 50–60. Goleman, D. (2013). The focused leader. Harvard Business Review, 91(12), 50–60.
go back to reference Herrera, H. L., Pedrosa, I., Galindo, M. P. V., Suárez-Álvarez, J., Villardón, M. P. G., & García-Cueto, E. (2014). Multivariate analysis of burnout syndrome in Latin American priests. Psicothema, 26, 227–234. Herrera, H. L., Pedrosa, I., Galindo, M. P. V., Suárez-Álvarez, J., Villardón, M. P. G., & García-Cueto, E. (2014). Multivariate analysis of burnout syndrome in Latin American priests. Psicothema, 26, 227–234.
go back to reference Iqbal, F., & Abbasi, F. (2013). Relationship between emotional intelligence and job burnout among university professors. Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2, 219–229. Iqbal, F., & Abbasi, F. (2013). Relationship between emotional intelligence and job burnout among university professors. Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2, 219–229.
go back to reference Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. (1986). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press. Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. (1986). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
go back to reference Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. J. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence: Educational implications (pp. 3–31). New York, NY: Basic Books. Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. J. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence: Educational implications (pp. 3–31). New York, NY: Basic Books.
go back to reference Miller-Clarkson, J. (2013). Examining the relationships of emotional intelligence and performance-based self-esteem with burnout among pastors. Unpublished PhD dissertation, Walden University. Miller-Clarkson, J. (2013). Examining the relationships of emotional intelligence and performance-based self-esteem with burnout among pastors. Unpublished PhD dissertation, Walden University.
go back to reference Myers, I. B., & McCaulley, M. H. (1985). Manual: A guide to the development and use of the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press. Myers, I. B., & McCaulley, M. H. (1985). Manual: A guide to the development and use of the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
go back to reference Pau, A. K. H., & Croucher, R. (2003). Emotional intelligence and perceived stress in dental undergraduates. Journal of Dental Education, 67, 1023–1028.PubMed Pau, A. K. H., & Croucher, R. (2003). Emotional intelligence and perceived stress in dental undergraduates. Journal of Dental Education, 67, 1023–1028.PubMed
go back to reference Pizarro, D., & Salovey, P. (2002). Religious systems as ‘emotionally intelligent’ organizations. Psychological Inquiry, 13, 220–225. Pizarro, D., & Salovey, P. (2002). Religious systems as ‘emotionally intelligent’ organizations. Psychological Inquiry, 13, 220–225.
go back to reference Robbins, M., & Francis, L. J. (2010). Work-related psychological health among Church of England clergywomen: Individual differences and psychological type. Review of Religious Research, 52, 57–71. Robbins, M., & Francis, L. J. (2010). Work-related psychological health among Church of England clergywomen: Individual differences and psychological type. Review of Religious Research, 52, 57–71.
go back to reference Rutledge, C. J. F., & Francis, L. J. (2004). Burnout among male Anglican parochial clergy in England: Testing a modified form of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 15, 71–93. Rutledge, C. J. F., & Francis, L. J. (2004). Burnout among male Anglican parochial clergy in England: Testing a modified form of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, 15, 71–93.
go back to reference Schutte, N. S., & Malouff, J. M. (2002). Incorporating emotional skills in a college transition course enhances student retention. Journal of the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, 14, 7–21. Schutte, N. S., & Malouff, J. M. (2002). Incorporating emotional skills in a college transition course enhances student retention. Journal of the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, 14, 7–21.
go back to reference Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., & Bhullar, N. (2009). The Assessing Emotions Scale. In C. Stough, D. Saklofske, & J. Parker (Eds.), The assessment of emotional intelligence (pp. 119–135). New York: Springer.CrossRef Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., & Bhullar, N. (2009). The Assessing Emotions Scale. In C. Stough, D. Saklofske, & J. Parker (Eds.), The assessment of emotional intelligence (pp. 119–135). New York: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., & Thorsteinsson, E. G. (2013). Increasing emotional intelligence through training: Current status and future directions. The International Journal of Emotional Education, 5, 56–72. Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., & Thorsteinsson, E. G. (2013). Increasing emotional intelligence through training: Current status and future directions. The International Journal of Emotional Education, 5, 56–72.
go back to reference Ünal, Z. M. (2014). The contribution of emotional intelligence on the components of burnout: The case of health care sector professionals. Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 19, 27–34. Ünal, Z. M. (2014). The contribution of emotional intelligence on the components of burnout: The case of health care sector professionals. Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 19, 27–34.
Metadata
Title
The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Work-Related Psychological Health Among Anglican Clergy in Wales
Authors
Leslie J. Francis
Neville J. Emslie
V. John Payne
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00798-7

Other articles of this Issue 5/2019

Journal of Religion and Health 5/2019 Go to the issue