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du Prel JB, Koscec Bjelajac A, Franić Z, Henftling L, Brborović H, Schernhammer E, McElvenny DM, Merisalu E, Pranjic N, Guseva Canu I, Godderis L. The Relationship Between Work-Related Stress and Depression: A Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606968. [PMID: 38751606 PMCID: PMC11094281 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Work-related stress is highly prevalent. Recent systematic reviews concluded on a significant association between common work-related stress measures and depression. Our scoping review aims to explore whether work-related psychosocial stress is generally associated with depression or depressiveness, the extent and methodology of the primary research undertaken on this topic and to elucidate inconsistencies or gaps in knowledge. Methods We searched for literature in Pubmed, PsycInfo and Web of Science including full reports in seven languages published between 1999 and 2022 and applied the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews criteria. Results Of 463 primarily identified articles, 125 were retained after abstract and full-text screening. The majority report significant associations between work-related stress and depression. Cross-sectional studies are most prevalent. Sufficient evidence exists only for job strain and effort-reward imbalance. Most studies are from Asia, North America and Europe. The health sector is the most studied. Several research gaps such as the lack of interventional studies were identified. Conclusion The consistency of most studies on the significant association between work-related stress and depression is remarkable. More studies are needed to improve evidence and to close research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptist du Prel
- Department of Occupational Health Science, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Zrinka Franić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorena Henftling
- Department of Occupational Health Science, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hana Brborović
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Damien M. McElvenny
- Research Group, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eda Merisalu
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nurka Pranjic
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Irina Guseva Canu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Unisanté, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
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Lee BHJ, Holleman A, Proeschold-Bell RJ. Stability and shifts in the combined positive and negative mental health of clergy: A longitudinal latent class and latent transition analysis study of united methodist pastors before and after the onset of COVID-19. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116651. [PMID: 38340387 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 and its associated restrictions presented unprecedented challenges for those in the helping professions. In this study, we seek to understand how the mental health of those who belong to one specific helping profession - clergy - changed in the context of COVID-19. Using longitudinal data of a sample of United Methodist pastors from the North Carolina Clergy Health Initiative, we conduct both cross-sectional and person-centered analyses to investigate how the overall mental health of this occupational group changed, as well as how different subgroups of clergy fared within the context of the pandemic, depending on their well-being prior to the onset of COVID-19. We found that the mental health of pastors suffered within the context of the pandemic, but that individual changes in mental health differed based on what the combined positive and negative mental health patterns of clergy were prior to the pandemic, for which we used latent class analysis to identify as Flourishing, Distressed, Languishing, or Burdened but Fulfilled. Of these subgroups, having Flourishing pre-pandemic status was protective of mental health following the onset of COVID-19, whereas the other three subgroups' mental health statuses worsened. This study is the one of the first longitudinal studies of helping professionals which has tracked changes in mental health before and after the onset of COVID-19. Our findings demonstrate the utility of considering positive and negative mental health indicators together, and they point to certain groups that can be targeted with well-being resources during future periods of acute or abnormal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hyeong Jane Lee
- Duke Global Health Institute and Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Anna Holleman
- Department of Sociology and Duke Global Health Institute, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Duke Global Health Institute and Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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3
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Upenieks L. Spiritually Well, Mentally Well? Examining the Early Life Religious Antecedents of the Impact of Spiritual Well-Being on Mental Health Among United Methodist Clergy in North Carolina. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:2656-2685. [PMID: 37140815 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01822-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Research has consistently shown that the seeds of religiosity are planted and begin to take form during early life socialization, but little attention have been given to these dynamics among clergy members. In this study, we consider whether early life religious exposure may amplify the beneficial effects of spiritual well-being (having a "thriving" spiritual life) for mental health and burnout for clergy. Drawing from a life course perspective, we use longitudinal data from the Clergy Health Initiative, which sampled United Methodist Clergy in North Carolina (n = 1330). Key results suggest that higher frequencies of childhood religious attendance were consistently associated with lower depressive symptoms and burnout. The beneficial associations between spiritual well-being and lower depressive symptoms and burnout were also stronger for clergy with greater church attendance in childhood. The accumulation of "religious capital" for clergy who were raised in religious households with regular service attendance appear to accentuate the positive effects of spiritual well-being, which encompass a greater sense of closeness to God in their own lives and in ministry. This study identifies the importance of researchers taking a "longer" view of the religious and spiritual lives of clergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, 97326 One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Proeschold-Bell RJ, Eagle DE, Tice LC, Yao J, Rash JA, Choi JY, Stringfield B, Labrecque SM. The Selah Pilot Study of Spiritual, Mindfulness, and Stress Inoculation Practices on Stress-Related Outcomes Among United Methodist Clergy in the United States. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10943-023-01848-x. [PMID: 37365439 PMCID: PMC10366291 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01848-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The job-demand-control-support model indicates that clergy are at high risk for chronic stress and adverse health outcomes. A multi-group pre-test-post-test design was used to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and range of outcome effect sizes for four potentially stress-reducing interventions: stress inoculation training, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), the Daily Examen, and Centering Prayer. All United Methodist clergy in North Carolina were eligible and recruited via email to attend their preferred intervention. Surveys at 0, 3, and 12 weeks assessed symptoms of stress, anxiety, and perceived stress reactivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks using 24 h ambulatory heart rate monitoring data. A subset of participants completed in-depth interviews and reported skill practice using daily text messages. Standardized mean differences with 95% and 75% confidence intervals were calculated for the change observed in each intervention from baseline to 3 and 12 weeks post-baseline to determine the range of effect sizes likely to be observed in a definitive trial. 71 clergy participated in an intervention. The daily percentage of participants engaging in stress management practices ranged from 47% (MBSR) to 69% (Examen). Results suggest that participation in Daily Examen, stress inoculation, or MBSR interventions could plausibly result in improvement in stress and anxiety at 12 weeks with small-to-large effect sizes. Small effect sizes on change in HRV were plausible for MBSR and Centering Prayer from baseline to 12 weeks. All four interventions were feasible and acceptable, although Centering Prayer had lower enrollment and mixed results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA.
| | - David E Eagle
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Logan C Tice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Joshua A Rash
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF, Canada
| | - Jessica Y Choi
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Beth Stringfield
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Sofia M Labrecque
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Duke Center for Health Policies and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, USA
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5
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Biru B, Yao J, Plunket J, Hybels CF, Kim ET, Eagle DE, Choi JY, Proeschold-Bell RJ. The Gap in Mental Health Service Utilization Among United Methodist Clergy with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1597-1615. [PMID: 36508124 PMCID: PMC10133353 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01699-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Clergy are tasked with multiple interpersonal administrative, organizational, and religious responsibilities, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, administering sacraments, developing lay leader skills, and providing leadership and vision for the congregation and community. The high expectations and demands placed on them put them at an increased risk for mental distress such as depression and anxiety. Little is known about whether and how clergy, helpers themselves, receive care when they experience mental distress. All active United Methodist Church (UMC) clergy in North Carolina were recruited to take a survey in 2019 comprising validated depression and anxiety screeners and questions about mental health service utilization. Bivariate and Poisson regression analyses were conducted on the subset of participants with elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms to determine the extent of mental health service use during four different timeframes and the relationship between service use and sociodemographic variables. A total of 1,489 clergy participated. Of the 222 (15%) who had elevated anxiety or depressive symptoms or both, 49.1% had not ever or recently (in the past two years) seen a mental health professional. Participants were more likely to report using services currently or recently (in the past two years) if they were younger, had depression before age 21, or "very often" felt loved and cared for by their congregation. The rate of mental health service use among UMC clergy is comparable to the national average of service use by US adults with mental distress. However, it is concerning that 49% of clergy with elevated symptoms were not engaged in care. This study points to clergy subgroups to target for an increase in mental health service use. Strategies to support clergy and minimize mental health stigma are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blen Biru
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Jia Yao
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - James Plunket
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Celia F. Hybels
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Eunsoo Timothy Kim
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - David E. Eagle
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Jessica Y. Choi
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705 USA
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Smith K, Wang D, Canada A, Poston JM, Bee R, Hurlbert L. The biobehavioral family model with a seminarian population: A systems perspective of clinical care. Front Psychol 2022; 13:859798. [PMID: 36211836 PMCID: PMC9539678 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.859798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminary students remain unstudied in the research literature despite their eminent role in caring for the wellbeing of congregants. This study aimed to conduct baseline analysis of their family of origin health, psychological health, and physiological heath by utilizing the Biobehavioral Family Model (BBFM) as a conceptual framework for understanding the associations between these constructs. Statistical analysis utilizing structural equation modeling provided support that the BBFM was a sound model for assessing the relationships between these constructs within a seminary sample. Additionally, seminarians were found to have higher rates of anxiety and depression when compared to the general population. Together, findings indicate that clinical care for seminarians may be best if implemented from a global systemic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Smith
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Medaille University, Buffalo, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Kaitlin Smith,
| | - David Wang
- Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Canada
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - John M. Poston
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Rick Bee
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Lara Hurlbert
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
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7
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Experiential Avoidance Mediates the Relationship between Prayer Type and Mental Health before and through the COVID-19 Pandemic. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The practice of prayer has been shown to predict various mental health outcomes, with different types of prayer accounting for different outcomes. Considering the numerous stressors facing seminary students, which have only intensified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, prayer may be a common coping strategy for students who study theology, spiritual growth, and leadership. The present study investigates the role that different types of prayer may have in reducing anxiety, depression, and work burnout among seminary students. Experiential avoidance is proposed as a mediator such that specific types of prayer contribute to greater spiritual and characterological formation through staying engaged in the midst of struggle. Longitudinal data was collected from 564 graduate seminary students from 17 institutions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that experiential avoidance would mediate the relationship between colloquial, liturgical, meditative, and petitionary prayer types and the negative mental health outcomes of anxiety, depression, and work burnout. Results confirmed significant negative relationships between colloquial, liturgical, and meditative prayer types and all three mental health indicators, fully mediated by experiential avoidance. Petitionary prayer was not significantly related to lower levels of mental health. These results indicate that engaging in certain prayer practices may be a protective factor by facilitating experiential engagement.
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8
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Kansiewicz KM, Sells JN, Holland D, Lichi D, Newmeyer M. Well-Being and Help-Seeking Among Assemblies of God Ministers in the USA. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:1242-1260. [PMID: 34997884 PMCID: PMC8742158 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined Assemblies of God pastors in the USA (n = 874) on role identity, well-being, religious coping, and attitudes toward seeking professional counseling. Overall, 14.1% had depression at moderate or higher severity based on the PHQ-9 scale (score of 10 or above), with an additional 25.7% in the mild category (score of 5-9). On the Clergy Spiritual Well-Being scale, 9.2% had poor spiritual well-being in everyday life, while 18.1% showed poor spiritual well-being in ministry (score below 15 on each respective subscale). About 20% of the sample scored in the high range (above 10) on the Clergy Occupational Distress Index. Male role norms, occupational distress, and positive religious coping were predictive of help-seeking attitudes. Those who were married, younger, more highly educated, female, or had more close friends had more positive attitudes toward seeking counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Kansiewicz
- Graduate Counseling Program, Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO, 65802, USA.
| | - James N Sells
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Daniel Holland
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | | | - Mark Newmeyer
- Townsend Institute, Concordia University, Irvine, CA, USA
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Age differences in trajectories of depressive, anxiety, and burnout symptoms in a population with a high likelihood of persistent occupational distress. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:21-32. [PMID: 32985393 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work in occupations with higher levels of occupational stress can bring mental health costs. Many older adults worldwide are continuing to work past traditional retirement age, raising the question whether older adults experience depression, anxiety, or burnout at the same or greater levels as younger workers, and whether there are differences by age in these levels over time. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Longitudinal survey of 1161 currently employed US clergy followed every 6-12 months for up to 66 months. MEASUREMENTS Depression was measured with the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Anxiety was measured using the anxiety component of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Burnout symptoms were assessed using the three components of the Maslach Burnout Inventory: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and sense of personal accomplishment (PA). RESULTS Older participants had lower scores of depression, anxiety, EE, and DP and higher levels of PA over time compared to younger adults. Levels of EE decreased for older working adults, while not significantly changing over time for those younger. DP symptoms decreased over time among those 55 years or older but increased among those 25-54 years. CONCLUSIONS Older working adults may have higher levels of resilience and be able to balance personal life with their occupation as well as may engage in certain behaviors that increase social support and, for clergy, spiritual well-being that may decrease stress in a way that allows these older adults to appear to tolerate working longer without poorer mental health outcomes.
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Tice LC, Eagle DE, Rash JA, Larkins JS, Labrecque SM, Platt A, Yao J, Proeschold-Bell RJ. The Selah study protocol of three interventions to manage stress among clergy: a preference-based randomized waitlist control trial. Trials 2021; 22:892. [PMID: 34886896 PMCID: PMC8655493 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05845-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Like many helping professionals in emotional labor occupations, clergy experience high rates of mental and physical comorbidities. Regular stress management practices may reduce stress-related symptoms and morbidity, but more research is needed into what practices can be reliably included in busy lifestyles and practiced at a high enough level to meaningfully reduce stress symptoms. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The overall design is a preference-based randomized waitlist control trial. United Methodist clergy in North Carolina will be eligible to participate. The intervention and waitlist control groups will be recruited by email. The interventions offered are specifically targeted to clergy preference and include mindfulness-based stress reduction, Daily Examen, and stress inoculation training. Surveys will be conducted at 0, 12, and 24 weeks with heart rate data collected at 0 and 12 weeks. The primary outcomes for this study are self-reported symptoms of stress and heart rate at week 12 for each intervention compared to waitlist control; the secondary outcome is symptoms of anxiety comparing each intervention vs waitlist control. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from the Duke University Campus IRB (2019-0238). The results will be made available to researchers, funders, and members of the clergy community. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY While evidence-based stress reduction practices such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) exist, a wider variety of practices should be tested to appeal to different individuals. Clergy in particular may prefer, and consequently enact, spiritual practices like the Daily Examen, and individuals such as clergy who spend most of their time thinking and feeling may prefer experiential-based practices like stress inoculation training. If efficacious, the Daily Examen and stress inoculation training practices have high feasibility in that they require few minutes per day. This study is limited by the inclusion of Christian clergy of only one denomination. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04625777 . November 12, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C. Tice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - David E. Eagle
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Joshua A. Rash
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | - Jessie S. Larkins
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Sofia M. Labrecque
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Jia Yao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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Banasik-Jemielniak N, Jemielniak D, Pędzich W. Intercessory Rote Prayer, Life Longevity and the Mortality of Roman Catholic Bishops: An Exploratory Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:3871-3885. [PMID: 33721174 PMCID: PMC8542532 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Based on a computational analysis of a large dataset, this study explores if there is a significant longevity effect of intercessory prayer for a named individual's well-being, if he receives a very high number of prayers per annum for an extended period. We relied on an observational cohort study, based on data from 1988 to 2018, including 857 Roman Catholic bishops, 500 Catholic priests, and 3038 male academics from six countries. We measured the covariance of the mean length of life, controlled for nationality. It was found that there is a main effect for occupation F(2, 4391) = 4.07, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.002, with pairwise comparisons indicating significant differences between the mean life duration of bishops (M = 30,489) and of priests (M = 29,894), but none between the academic teachers (M = 30,147) and either of the other groups. A comparison analysis between bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses showed no significant difference t(67.31) = 1.61, p = 0.11. The first analysis proved that bishops live longer than priests, but due to a marginal effect size this result should be treated with caution. No difference was found between the mean length of life of bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dariusz Jemielniak
- Management in Networked and Digital Societies (MINDS) Department, Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Pędzich
- Management in Networked and Digital Societies (MINDS) Department, Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Eagle DE, Rash JA, Tice L, Proeschold-Bell RJ. Evaluation of a remote, internet-delivered version of the Trier Social Stress Test. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 165:137-144. [PMID: 33865901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a widely used, reliable, and ecologically valid method for inducing acute stress under controlled conditions. Traditionally, the TSST is administered with staff physically present with participants, which limits the participant populations that can be exposed to the TSST. We describe an adaptation of the TSST to remote, online delivery over video-conferencing, which we call the internet-delivered Trier Social Stress Test (iTSST). This adaption has participants use wearable, self-administered ECG monitors received and returned via mail. Fifty participants were recruited to take part in a pilot study evaluating stress-reduction interventions and completed the iTSST at two occasions separated by approximately 12 weeks. Perceived stress and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during both administrations of the iTSST. Forty-one participants completed both assessments and were included in the set of analyses. Both administrations were characterized by an increase in self-reported stress and reduction in self-reported relaxation from the resting phase to the speech task, which returned to baseline during recovery. In terms of HRV, we observed a significant parasympathetic response to the iTSST in 90% of participants, evidenced by a decrease in RMSSD and increase in heart rate from resting to the speech task, which recovered during the recovery phase. In terms of repeatability, there was little evidence of habituation and the iTSST elicited a stress response during both the initial administration and the 12-week follow-up. While the utility is limited by the lack of a measure of sympathetic and HPA-axis activity, the iTSST represents a promising research tool when physically interacting with participants is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Eagle
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America.
| | - Joshua A Rash
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Logan Tice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
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13
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Shaw M, Lukman R, Simmons LW, Reynolds R. Clergy Wholeness Study: How Occupational Distress, Depression, and Social Support Inform the Health of Clergy. THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING : JPCC 2021; 75:23-32. [PMID: 33843300 DOI: 10.1177/1542305020968046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that the rate of clergy occupational distress and depression is increasing. This study examines occupational distress, social support, mental health, and spiritual wholeness in Florida clergy. Clergy in our study sample exhibited higher rates of occupational distress than the national average. Significant connections were made between validated instruments used to assess mental health, clergy occupational distress, and social support. More research is needed to understand the potential causal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Shaw
- Institute for Ministry Education and Research, AdventHealth University, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Roy Lukman
- AdventHealth University, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Linda Wright Simmons
- Institute for Ministry Education and Research, AdventHealth University, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Ramona Reynolds
- Institute for Ministry Education and Research, AdventHealth University, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Lau B. Mental health challenges and work engagement: The results from a cross-sectional study of Norwegian priests. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2020.1726094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Lau
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Webb BL, Mama SK. The Provision of Clergy Health Resources by Faith-Based Organizations in the USA. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:2110-2119. [PMID: 31848799 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe practices and perceptions related to promoting clergy health among a national sample of denomination-level faith-based organizations (FBOs) (N = 154). Stress was identified as the top health-related issue facing clergy. The most commonly offered health resource was employer-sponsored health insurance. Lack of financial resources was the most common barrier to providing health resources for clergy. This study highlights potential priorities for denomination-level FBOs interested in providing health resources for clergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Webb
- Department of Applied Health, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Campus Box 1126, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1126, USA.
| | - Scherezade K Mama
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Terry JD, Cunningham CJL. The Sacred and Stressed: Testing a Model of Clergy Health. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:1541-1566. [PMID: 31583597 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00920-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In many ways, clergy and religious leaders are an ignored, yet high-risk population. A clergy member unable to cope with challenges in his or her own life may be ineffective at helping church members to cope with their stress. In the present study, we developed and tested an operational model of clergy holistic health, including occupational demands, and personal and job-related resources. Data were collected from clergy (N = 418) and analyzed using correlational and regression-based techniques. Results from the present study provide support for the demands-control-support model (Johnson and Hall in Am J Public Health 78(10):1336-1342, 1988). Specifically, our findings suggest that clergy mental health may be improved by (a) an increase in the work-related social support needed to take advantage of job control followed by (b) an increase in job control. Furthermore, the present findings expand on previous research by identifying spiritual well-being as an important outcome that may be impacted by job-related demands. The present findings also underscore the value of contextualized or occupation-specific measures, given the stronger correlations that were observed between the occupation-specific measure of perceived job demands than the general measure of perceived job demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Drake Terry
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, 250 Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA.
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Keyes CLM, Yao J, Hybels CF, Milstein G, Proeschold-Bell RJ. Are changes in positive mental health associated with increased likelihood of depression over a two year period? A test of the mental health promotion and protection hypotheses. J Affect Disord 2020; 270:136-142. [PMID: 32339105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the mental health promotion and protection (MHPP) model of reducing depression. Data are from the Clergy Health Initiative Longitudinal Survey of United Methodist ministers in North Carolina that included the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) for positive mental health and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression in 2014 and 2016 (N = 955). The promotion hypothesis predicts reduced risk of depression in 2016 among clergy whose mental health increased to flourishing and the increased risk of depression in 2016 for clergy who stayed not flourishing. The protection hypothesis predicts increased risk of depression in 2016 for clergy who were flourishing in 2014 but went down to 'not flourishing' in 2016. The reference group is clergy who stayed flourishing. We used modified Poisson regression models for binary outcomes to estimate Prevalence Ratios (PR) and to estimate Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) of depression in 2016 associated with changes in mental health status. Results support both hypotheses. Compared to clergy who stayed flourishing, clergy who improved to flourishing were as likely, while clergy who stayed not flourishing were nearly seven times more likely, to have depression in 2016. Clergy who declined to not flourishing were six times more likely to have depression in 2016 compared to those who stayed flourishing. Similar patterns were observed when the sample was restricted to clergy without depression in 2014. These findings suggest focusing on MHPP as a complementary approach to treatment to reduce the incidence, prevalence and burden of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia Yao
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA.
| | - Celia F Hybels
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, USA.
| | - Glen Milstein
- The City University of New York, Department of Psychology, USA.
| | - Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, USA.
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Milstein G, Palitsky R, Cuevas A. The religion variable in community health promotion and illness prevention. J Prev Interv Community 2019; 48:1-6. [PMID: 31402789 DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2019.1617519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Religion is a source of beliefs and practices, which can in turn influence health behaviors. Therefore, religious communities represent potential public health partners to improve well-being across economic and ethnic diversity. This issue of the Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community presents six empirical studies with a breadth of methodologies, and a range of subjects. The associations of religion with cancer fatalism, prenatal substance abuse, bereavement, suicide prevention, clergy mental health and attitudes toward the Affordable Care Act are reported here. These research findings support the key importance of community. Like community, religion is complex. This issue's studies demonstrate the need to include ethnicity in analyses as well as the necessity to measure both religious belief and practice. Consistently, religious community participation predicted more positive outcomes than one's level of belief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen Milstein
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, New York, USA
| | - Roman Palitsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Adolfo Cuevas
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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Case AD, Keyes CLM, Huffman KF, Sittser K, Wallace A, Khatiwoda P, Parnell HE, Proeschold-Bell RJ. Attitudes and behaviors that differentiate clergy with positive mental health from those with burnout. J Prev Interv Community 2019; 48:94-112. [PMID: 31140956 DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2019.1617525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Clergy provide significant support to their congregants, sometimes at a cost to their mental health. Identifying the factors that enable clergy to flourish in the face of such occupational stressors can inform prevention and intervention efforts to support their well-being. In particular, more research is needed on positive mental health and not only mental health problems. We conducted interviews with 52 clergy to understand the behaviors and attitudes associated with positive mental health in this population. Our consensual grounded theory analytic approach yielded five factors that appear to distinguish clergy with better versus worse mental health. They were: (1) being intentional about health; (2) a "participating in God's work" orientation to ministry; (3) boundary-setting; (4) lack of boundaries; and (5) ongoing stressors. These findings point to concrete steps that can be taken by clergy and those who care about them to promote their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Case
- Department of Psychological Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Corey L M Keyes
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie F Huffman
- Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelli Sittser
- Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amanda Wallace
- Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Heather E Parnell
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Persistent Depressive Symptoms in a Population With High Levels of Occupational Stress: Trajectories Offer Insights Into Both Chronicity and Resilience. J Psychiatr Pract 2018; 24:399-409. [PMID: 30395547 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Religious participation and spirituality are linked to good mental health. However, clergy may experience more depression than is observed in the general population, which may be due in part to high job strain. The objectives of this study were to identify distinct longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms in clergy and to identify variables associated with each course. The sample was 1172 clergy who were followed for up to 66 months. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), which was administered approximately every 6 months. Latent class trajectory analysis was conducted for group identification, and a 3-class trajectory model fit the data best. Class 1 (38% of the sample) had minimal or no depressive symptoms over time, class 2 (47%) had chronic mild symptoms, and class 3 (15%) had persistent moderate/severe symptoms. Occupational distress was significantly associated with trajectory class. The odds of being in either the chronic mild or the persistent moderate/severe depressive symptom class were significantly higher for those who were female, for those with fair/poor self-rated health, for those with more perceived financial or occupational stress, for those with lower levels of perceived emotional support, and/or for those with lower levels of spiritual well-being. The class exhibiting resilience to depressive symptoms had higher levels of perceived support and spiritual well-being as well as lower levels of perceived financial and occupational stress. A substantial percentage of clergy, and possibly people in similar helping occupations, may experience significant levels of depressive symptoms that do not remit over time. These individuals may benefit from treatments that address work-related coping.
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Hilger-Kolb J, Diehl K, Herr R, Loerbroks A. Effort-reward imbalance among students at German universities: associations with self-rated health and mental health. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:1011-1020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mental health among Norwegian priests: associations with effort-reward imbalance and overcommitment. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 91:81-89. [PMID: 28929228 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among Norwegian priests and to examine their associations with effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and overcommitment. METHODS Eight hundred four priests in the Norwegian Church completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI-Q), and the Intrinsic Effort Scale, measuring overcommitment. RESULTS A significant proportion of the priests (23.4%) had HADS scores indicating a possible anxiety problem. Somewhat fewer had depression problems (9.3%). Both anxiety and depression difficulties were associated with an imbalance between effort given and rewards received at work. Priests characterized by a combination of this imbalance and high scores on overcommitment had more anxiety and depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS There is a higher occurrence of mental health challenges among priests than among the regular population. This applies in particular to anxiety symptoms measured by the HADS. These findings also indicate that it may be fruitful to explore mental health conditions among priests who report different combinations of effort-reward and overcommitment.
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Proeschold-Bell RJ, Turner EL, Bennett GG, Yao J, Li XF, Eagle DE, Meyer RA, Williams RB, Swift RY, Moore HE, Kolkin MA, Weisner CC, Rugani KM, Hough HJ, Williams VP, Toole DC. A 2-Year Holistic Health and Stress Intervention: Results of an RCT in Clergy. Am J Prev Med 2017. [PMID: 28641912 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study sought to determine the effect of a 2-year, multicomponent health intervention (Spirited Life) targeting metabolic syndrome and stress simultaneously. DESIGN An RCT using a three-cohort multiple baseline design was conducted in 2010-2014. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Participants were United Methodist clergy in North Carolina, U.S., in 2010, invited based on occupational status. Of invited 1,745 clergy, 1,114 consented, provided baseline data, and were randomly assigned to immediate intervention (n=395), 1-year waitlist (n=283), or 2-year waitlist (n=436) cohorts for a 48-month trial duration. INTERVENTION The 2-year intervention consisted of personal goal setting and encouragement to engage in monthly health coaching, an online weight loss intervention, a small grant, and three workshops delivering stress management and theological content supporting healthy behaviors. Participants were not blinded to intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Trial outcomes were metabolic syndrome (primary) and self-reported stress and depressive symptoms (secondary). Intervention effects were estimated in 2016 in an intention-to-treat framework using generalized estimating equations with adjustment for baseline level of the outcome and follow-up time points. Log-link Poisson generalized estimating equations with robust SEs was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for binary outcomes; mean differences were used for continuous/score outcomes. RESULTS Baseline prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 50.9% and depression was 11.4%. The 12-month intervention effect showed a benefit for metabolic syndrome (PR=0.86, 95% CI=0.79, 0.94, p<0.001). This benefit was sustained at 24 months of intervention (PR=0.88; 95% CI=0.78, 1.00, p=0.04). There was no significant effect on depression or stress scores. CONCLUSIONS The Spirited Life intervention improved metabolic syndrome prevalence in a population of U.S. Christian clergy and sustained improvements during 24 months of intervention. These findings offer support for long-duration behavior change interventions and population-level interventions that allow participants to set their own health goals. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01564719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gary G Bennett
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jia Yao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - David E Eagle
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Redford B Williams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Behavioral Medicine Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Williams LifeSkills, Inc., Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David C Toole
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina
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Bina R, Harrington D. Differential Predictors of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Hebrew Version Two Factor Structure Construct Validity. Matern Child Health J 2017; 21:2237-2244. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Prospective Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and the Metabolic Syndrome: the Spirited Life Study of Methodist Pastors in North Carolina. Ann Behav Med 2017; 51:610-619. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-017-9883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors have been shown to predict a poor disease course in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether this applies to job stress is currently unknown. We assessed the prevalence of job stress and its correlates in a large cohort of patients with IBD. METHODS We included all adult, professionally active patients enrolled between 2006 and 2015 in the Swiss IBD Cohort. Job stress was measured through the self-report effort-reward imbalance ratio and overcommitment (OC) to work questionnaires. We used multiple linear regressions to assess association with sociodemographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and disease-related factors. RESULTS Altogether 1656 patients completed the questionnaires (905 Crohn's disease and 751 ulcerative colitis/IBD unclassified). Only 91 (5.7%) of patients had an effort-reward imbalance ratio >1. Effort-reward imbalance and OC scores were higher in full-time versus part-time employees (coef = 0.050, P = 0.002; coef = 0.906, P < 0.001) and among those absent from the workplace in the previous 3 months (coef = 0.049, P = 0.010; coef = 1.062, P < 0.001). Higher OC scores were associated with sex (women vs. men: coef = 0.568, P = 0.014), being in a relationship (coef = 0.805, P = 0.001), higher level of occupation (director vs. trainee: coef = 1.447, P < 0.001), and extraintestinal manifestations (coef = 0.623, P = 0.005). Patients hospitalized in the previous 12 months had lower OC scores (coef = 0.560, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS The average level of job stress seems to be remarkably low in patients with IBD from Switzerland. The clinician should turn attention especially to women, full-time employees with a high level of education, and patients with extraintestinal manifestations to identify those with the most vulnerability to suffer from job stress.
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Frick E, Büssing A, Baumann K, Weig W, Jacobs C. Do Self-efficacy Expectation and Spirituality Provide a Buffer Against Stress-Associated Impairment of Health? A Comprehensive Analysis of the German Pastoral Ministry Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2016; 55:448-68. [PMID: 25812491 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0040-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to analyse stress perception, psychosomatic health and life satisfaction in pastoral professionals, paying particular attention to their individual and shared resources. Enrolling 8574 German pastoral professionals (48% priests, 22% parish expert workers, 18% pastoral assistants, 12% deacons), we found that pastoral professionals' stress perception is associated with psychosomatic health impairment. General self-efficacy was a beneficial resource to protect against stress perceptions, while perception of the transcendent had a further yet weakly positive influence for stress-related impairment of health. External stressors (i.e. team size, duration of work per week and size of pastoral unit) were only of marginal independent relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eckhard Frick
- Munich School of Philosophy and Professorship of Spiritual Care, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arndt Büssing
- Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Faculty of Health, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 583313, Herdecke, Germany.
| | - Klaus Baumann
- Caritas Science and Christian Social Work, Faculty of Theology, Albert-Ludwig University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weig
- Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Christoph Jacobs
- Pastoral Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Theology Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
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