Abstract
The study of individual differences is well established in psychology, but has not been extensively applied to clergy. This dissertation identifies seven areas of individual differences relevant to the fi eld of ministry studies and examines each of these areas through two perspectives. The first perspective draws together insight from the wider psychological literature. The second perspective examines new data from a survey conducted among 370 clergy currently serving in the Church in Wales.The study begins by examining the psychological type profile of clergy, drawing on Jung's model of psychological type and using the Francis Psychological Type Scales. Second, the study examines the work-related psychological health of clergy, drawing on the balanced affect model of wellbeing and using the Satisfaction in Ministry Scale and the Scale of Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry. Third, the study examines the preferred ministry styles exercised by clergy using the Payne Index of Ministry Styles. Fourth, the study examines the Emotional Intelligence of clergy using the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale. Fifth, the study examines the diurnal rhythms displayed by clergy using the Francis Owl Lark Index. Sixth, the study assesses the personality of clergy using the three dimensional model of personality developed by Eysenck. Finally, the study examines the ministry lifestyle modelled by clergy, using a new instrument developed for this survey.
On the basis of these findings recommendations are made for the pastoral care of clergy in the light of insights developed from the individual differences perspective.
| Date of Award | 23 May 2012 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | Isla Johnson Trust |
| Supervisor | Mandy Robbins (Supervisor) |