Influence of Social and Health Related Stress on Quality Family Relationships Among Clergy: A Case of Christ Is The Answer Ministries, Kenya
Date
2023-04-24
Authors
Makena, Veronica Kaari
Wambugu, Anne
Chiroma, Nathan
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IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)
Abstract
Background: The responsibilities of clergy members, which include providing spiritual guidance and support to their congregation, can be challenging and result in occupational stress. This stress can have an impact on both the clergy members themselves and their relationships with their families. This study investigated the influence of social and health related stress on quality family relationships among clergy in Christ Is The Answer Ministries, Kenya (CITAM). Materials and Methods: A pragmatist lens which informs the adoption of mixed methods research design was used. Out of a sample size of 135, 115 respondents comprising of 57 pastors, 40 spouse and 18 children participated in the study. Ethical considerations were adhered to by receiving the necessary approvals and licenses before commencing the study. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions which were all done online. Quantitative data was analyzed using the linear regression technique in SPSS Version 28 and presented through tables. The qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis approach with identification of key themes.
Results: The quantitative data demonstrated strongly that the clergy at CITAM Kenya have a high quality of clergy family relationships despite the daunting nature of their jobs. It showed that even though the occupational stress among the clergy was moderately high, they maintained very high quality of family relationships. Qualitative data revealed that the clergy family members, especially the spouses suffer the same effects of occupational stress that the clergy suffer. There is, therefore, need for the Church to empower both the clergy and their families for ministerial work. Empowering the two will increase the support base and reduce the severity of the occupational stress and its effects on the quality of clergy family relationships. Conclusion: This research study has contributed to the body of knowledge by investigating the influence of occupational stress on the quality of clergy family relationships at CITAM, Kenya. It has investigated the effects social and health-related stress on the quality of clergy family relationships.
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Keywords
Occupational Stress, Family Relationship, Self-Care, Clergy
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