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01-03-2012 | Original Paper

The Relationship Between Work-Related Stress and Boundary-Related Stress Within the Clerical Profession

Authors: Carl R. Wells, Janice Probst, Robert McKeown, Stephanie Mitchem, Han Whiejong

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

The concepts of work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict have been studied extensively in recent years. We propose a different means of understanding clergy work and family stressors because the boundaries between family and work are blurred within the clerical profession. We suggest, therefore, that the stressors associated with ordained ministry can be better analyzed if separated into two related, but distinct categories: (1) stressors stemming from the demands of the work (work-related stress) and (2) stressors stemming from the way the work impinges upon clerical family boundaries (boundary-related stress). Utilizing the Pulpit and Pew Clergy Leadership Survey of 2001, we explore the association between these two forms of stress. Correlation analysis and simple and multiple regression models are used. A strong association between work-related stress and boundary-related stress is detected; length of time spent in the profession is related to reduced levels of boundary- and work-related stress.

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Title: The Relationship Between Work-Related Stress and Boundary-Related Stress Within the Clerical Profession
Authors: Carl R. Wells
Janice Probst
Robert McKeown
Stephanie Mitchem
Han Whiejong
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9501-9

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