Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden von Seelsorgenden im Berufsalltag

Abstract

Pastoral caregivers are often confronted with high emotional, mental, social, and religious-spiritual demands in their professional practice. Against this background, the present study examines the well-being, health, and professional situation of Christian pastoral caregivers, the majority of whom are Reformed, in German-speaking Switzerland. Based on a survey of 102 pastoral caregivers aged between 27 and 65 (M = 53 years, 45.1% women), subjective well-being, psychological and physical stress, work-related resources, and coping strategies are analyzed. The results show overall high life satisfaction, low psychological stress, and a positive assessment of the professional situation. Perceived work resources, social support, and good stress management skills are particularly important for well-being. Although individual religiosity is highly pronounced, it does not show any significant correlations with the indicators of well-being, health, and professional situation examined. The study provides important insights for promoting the mental health and job satisfaction of pastoral caregivers and identifies specific support needs in their everyday work.