PTSD symptoms in religious leaders: Prevalence, stressors, and associations with narcissism

Abstract

Religious leaders face numerous mental health challenges, and prior research suggests that some experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to work-related experiences. This study employed a diverse sample of 274 religious leaders to (a) qualitatively describe the types of work-related experiences they identify as particularly stressful or overwhelming, (b) assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms associated with these experiences, and (c) test hypothesized associations between PTSD symptoms and narcissism. The study found that the stressful experiences reported typically involved relational conflict, having limited resources, or caring for people suffering. Over half of the sample endorsed symptoms that were above the cutoff for a clinical concern for PTSD, and PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with symptoms of both vulnerable narcissism and grandiose narcissism. Practical implications for the ongoing formation and support of religious leaders are discussed.

Ban of Religious Gatherings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Christian Church Leaders’ Well-Being in Ghana

“…Previous studies show that religious leaders have significant stress levels given the demands of their work (Proeschold-Bell et al, 2011 ; Ruffing et al, 2020 ). During the period of the lockdown in parts of Ghana, as well as the national ban on religious gatherings, duties such as commuting to church and pastoral visits were halted.…”

“…Research suggests that mental health challenges such as high levels of stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion are on the rise among religious leaders and the clergy (Proeschold-Bell et al, 2011 ; Ruffing et al, 2020 ). The causes of these mental health problems are often multifaceted and diverse in scope.…”

“…The causes of these mental health problems are often multifaceted and diverse in scope. For instance, Ruffing et al ( 2020 ) have identified that issues related to conflicts in relationships and providing care for people in crisis within the context of limited resources could trigger and/or exacerbate stress levels among religious leaders. By the nature of their work, religious leaders are constantly faced with tasks in existentially charged situations that often require their attention and resources.…”

A mixed-method intervention study on relational spirituality and humility among religious leaders.

“…Finally, examining the effectiveness of a humility intervention among religious leaders is pertinent because leaders are susceptible to work-related traumatic stress and diminished well-being (Ruffing, Bell, et al, 2020), shame (Wolfteich et al, 2016), narcissism (Ruffing et al, 2018), and self-abasement (Weidman et al, 2018). Greater humility has demonstrated associations with greater well-being, lower shame, and lower narcissism (Exline, 2012; Jankowski et al, 2019) suggesting that cultivating humility may protect against detriments associated with religious leadership.…”

Religious leaders’ well-being: Protective influences for humility and differentiation against narcissism.

“…Religious leaders may also be idealized by community members, held to demanding expectations of competence and constant availability, critiqued by followers with contrary perspectives, and frequently exposed to highly stressful or even traumatic situations with limited support and remuneration (Ruffing et al, 2018; Ruffing, Bell, et al, 2020; Ruffing, Devor, et al, 2020). This religion-humility paradox can be seen in religious leaders’ reflections, for example, “My parishioners are gushing in praise for me, and I find it overwhelming and embarrassing—I don’t know how to handle such intense praise, and I don’t always feel I’ve done anything worthy of it” (Ruffing, Devor, et al, 2020, p. 118), and “I am often seen as someone who provides solutions and help, and thus have to guard against the temptation to regard myself as better than I am” (Ruffing, Devor, et al, 2020, p. 119).…”