Examining Marital Quality within the Clergy Profession: The Relationship between Occupational Stress, Positive Occupational Factors, and Marital Satisfaction

This study examines the relationship between occupational factors and marital satisfaction within the clergy profession, utilizing longitudinal data across fourteen years. Using the Quality of Relationship Index, we examined occupational distress and hostile church environment to gauge a potential negative effect, and ministry satisfaction and congregational support to gauge a potential positive effect on clergy marital relationships. Results reveal significant associations between all four occupational factors and clergy marital satisfaction. Specifically, compared to clergy in “very happy” marriages, clergy were significantly more likely to report being “somewhat happy” or “not happy” when they experienced higher occupational distress, higher hostility in church environment, lower ministry satisfaction, and lower congregational support. This research highlights the significance of both positive and negative aspects of work extending beyond the wellbeing of clergy themselves to their marital wellbeing—underscoring the importance of supportive interventions for clergy families to enhance both their occupational and relational health.

Duke Scholars

Author Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell Duke Global Health Institute

Author Jane Bo-Hyeong Lee