Abstract

PINHEIRO, Cesar Roberto  and  LIPP, Marilda Emmanuel Novaes. Occupational stress and quality of life of clergymen. Bol. - Acad. Paul. Psicol. [online]. 2009, vol.29, n.1, pp. 126-141. ISSN 1415-711X.

In order to measure quality of life, symptoms and incidence of stress, and the main occupational stressors in clergies (men and women) in the Methodist Church, as well as the degree of association of these variables, an interview was held with 74 adults (49 males and 25 females), 20 to 70 years old, approximately. The following instruments of measure were applied: term of agreement; identification form; inventory of stress symptoms, survey on stress sources in clergies; visual analogic scale and inventory of quality of life. It was noticed that 50% of the sample was highly stressed and that 64,5% had bad quality of life in terms of health care. It was also noticed that the percent of female population with stress (64%) overtook that of male in a similar situation (42,86%). As to symptoms, the study showed that in the stressed women the tendency of developing psychological symptoms is higher than it is in the men in the present sample. A significant percent of stress cases among married clergywomen was also noticed. Significant and negative correlations were observed between quality of life in health area and stress, indicating that higher levels of stress correlates with lower perception of life quality. The research also indicated that the first years of pastoral practice is associated with a higher level of stress. Considering stressors, it was noticed that the main sources of stress in a clergy life are: concern about their children's education (due to constant itinerancy); the undergoing of pastoral indication, and financial negotiation (pastoral stipend) between clergies and Church administration.

Keywords : Occupational stress; Stressors; Clergies; Quality of life.

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