Cognitive Conflict and Well-Being among Muslim Clergy

Abstract

This paper surveys the relationship between Clergy Vocational Conflict, cognitive conflict (religious conflict and Quest) and psychological well-being in a sample of 178 Muslim clergy in Turkey. It was found that Clergy Vocational Conflict is accompanied by religious conflict and Quest. Those who experienced Clergy Vocational Conflict and religious conflict (but not Quest) suffered from poor psychological well-being. Quest, which does not affect psychological well-being, and religious conflict, which adversely affects it, are more common among the younger stratum of the sample. However, well-being prevails among the older layer and among the more educated clergy. Finally, psychological well-being, self-esteem, Quest and religious conflict were found as predictors for Clergy Vocational Conflict.

Emotional Eating Mediates the Relationship Between Role Stress and Obesity in Clergy

“…Although role stress was moderate rather than high, this was most likely due to the mature age and seniority of the sample, and this may also explain the low correlation between role stress and obesity. Though it is reported that clergy have high role stress (Charlton et al, 2009; Hoge & Wenger, 2005; Kemery, 2006), increased age and seniority (experience) diminish the negative influence of role stressors (Francis et al, 2004; Monahan, 1999; Ok, 2009). Thus, role stress may have been higher during early years in the clergy role, which lead to increased emotional eating, and weight gain.…”

“…Ambiguities around role expectations often contribute to struggles with maintaining boundaries between personal and professional life, as the demands and needs of church and parishioners occur 24 hours a day (Meek et al, 2003; Proeschold-Bell et al, 2011). Having a job description, older age, and more seniority have been found to diminish clergy role stress (Francis et al, 2004; Monahan, 1999; Ok, 2009).…”

“…The generalizability of the study findings is limited by the delimitations and characteristics of the clergy sample: male, married, having a Master’s degree, non-Hispanic white, with email access. The LCMS clergy group was chosen due to their moderate religious views (Smith, 1990), and the stressors that they faced were very similar to stressors experienced by other clergy groups and denominations (Bleiberg, 1999; Hoge & Wenger, 2005; Meek et al, 2003, Ok, 2009; Proeschold-Bell & LeGrand, 2010). They appeared to be a good representation of male clergy in general.…”

“…Without such awareness, change in eating behaviors and maintaining a healthy weight are unlikely to occur. This is especially important in the clergy population because in addition to the general stressors of everyday life, clergy have unique role stressors (Hoge & Wenger 2005; Proeschold-Bell et al, 2011), and are at high risk to experience clergy role stress (Francis, Louden, & Rutledge, 2004; Ok, 2009). It is likely that in response to these unique role stressors and resultant role stress, clergy engage in emotional eating.…”

The Problem of Appropriate Psychology of Religion Measures for Non-Western Christian Samples with Respect to the Turkish-Islamic Religious Landscape

“…For psychology of religion studies, this means that, in order to capture these changes within Turkish-Muslim religiosity, the researcher should choose measures that point to attitudes towards religion (e.g., with Ok's (2011) Ok-Religious Attitudes Scale; Sezen's (2008) Faith Development Measure), reflect the emergence of popularity and laicism within Turkish Islam (e.g., with Costu's (2009) Religious Orientation Scale) and maybe reflect mentioned doubts (e.g., with Ok's (2009a) Clergy Vocational Conflict Scale; Yapici's (2002) Religious Dogmatism Scale).…”