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The cost of caring? emotional labour, wellbeing and the clergy

  • Gail Kinman
    ,
  • Obrene McFall
    ,
  • Joanna Rodriguez
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

Although members of the clergy experience working conditions that have been associated with “emotional labour”, little is known about the impact of this aspect of the job role on wellbeing. This study examined relationships between emotional labour and psychological distress and intrinsic job satisfaction in 188 UK-based clergy. Also investigated were the potential moderating effects of social support and training in counselling skills. Findings revealed significant associations between emotional labour and both psychological distress and job satisfaction. Evidence was found that counselling training and a wider social network may protect clergy from the negative impact of emotional labour, but social network size may also be a risk factor for wellbeing. Further research should examine the impact of emotional labour on clergy, and the factors that might help them manage this more effectively.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 671-680

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Pastoral Psychology (Volume 60, Issue 5)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/10/2011

Publication status

Published - 01/10/2011

ISSN

0031-2789

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/294074
  • Scopus: 80052479950

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