International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Ronald Musinguzi Kersteins1, Wambua Pius Muasa (PhD)2
1The Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Marist International University College, a Constituency of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
2Institute of Youth Studies, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Tangaza University College, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Abstract: Coping strategies to burnout in pastoral ministry is paramount to the mental well-being of Catholic religious men and women. The objective of this study was to identify coping strategies for preventing burnout in pastoral ministry among the Catholic religious men and women of Mbarara Archdiocese Uganda. The study employed an exploratory research design. Through Purposive sampling the study utilized a sample size of 10 participants. The data was collected using Interview Guide. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that spiritual practices such as prayer, retreats and recollections, are major ways of preventing burnout among religious men and women in their ministry. Moreover, the Catholic religious men and women prevent burnout in pastoral ministry through self-care which included activities such as taking time to rest, having time for recreation, breaks and holidays, and renewal courses. In addition, the findings showed that Catholic religious men and women prevent pastoral ministry through psycho-spiritual resources such as meditation, imagery, journaling, visualization, and awareness. The study recommends to Bishops and Major Superiors to put in place programs that emphasize self-care among their religious men and women. Programs such as regular vacations, sabbaticals, regular medical attention can help to enhance the wellness of the religious men and women even when they are involved in challenging apostolate.
I. INTRODUCTION
From literature, it becomes apparent that burnout experience is a reality in pastoral ministry. Like any other professional worker, religious men and women are likely to suffer from mental health problems as a result of burnout emanating from pastoral ministry. If the situation is not properly handled, using effective coping strategies, it can be detrimental on their mental well-being. Coping strategies refer to the specific efforts that workers employ to master, tolerate and reduce stressful events. These strategies are behaviors, thoughts and emotions that workers use to adjust to the changes that occur in the job environment (Muriithi et al., 2020). In a study conducted with elementary teachers reported personal resources to be effective coping strategies in handling burnout (Krok, 2016). Meaning in life has been considered as one of the important factors that may play a beneficial role in preventing or decreasing the negative symptoms of burnout. The main reason lies in the fact that