Perception of Stress among Clergy and Their Spouses

Twenty-one parish clergy and eleven clergy spouses attending a stress workshop were asked to rate a list of 43 stressors. The hypothesis that certain stressors would emerge as common for both clergy and spouses tended to be affirmed in that eight out of the fourteen greatest stressors in both groups were held in common. The hypotheses that clergy would be more aware of stress in relation to church duties and that spouses would be more aware of stress in relation to their family and personal lives tended to be disaffirmed.