Stress Factors , Spirituality , and Commitment among Seminarians and Their Spouses

At a seminary connected with a university all resident Master of Divinity students and their spouses were invited to participate in a study of the stresses of seminary life and their effects on personal spirituality and commitment to ministry and mission. Stressful events, debts due to student loans, and time pressures were found in general to impact negatively on spiritual well being and commitment. However, methods employed in coping with stress were found to be mediating variables between the stressful events and the outcomes. Positive reappraisal, problem solving, and seeking social support proved to be effective methods, while escape-avoidance had consistently negative results.

Availability:
Free
Publication Date:
1994
Authors:
Margaret G Dudley; Roger Dudley
Order Information:
With Margaret G. Dudley. Review of Religious Research 36 (September 1994): 43-57.
Keywords:
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Published Articles & Papers
Resource Objective:
Research
Level:
Tertiary
Audience:
Researcher
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist