Vocational Life Conflict and Coping Strategies of the Anglican Clergy in Accra

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Vocational Life Conflict and Coping Strategies among the Anglican Clergy in the Accra Diocese in Ghana. Sixty (60) participants were sampled among a population of One Hundred and Ten (110) across the Anglican Diocese of Accra, to participate in this cross-sectional survey. Participants completed self administered questionnaires comprising the Stress Diagnostic Survey (SDS), and the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI). Various analytical tools were used including Pearson Correlation Coefficient, One-Way ANOVA, Independent T test and Regression Analysis were used in analyzing the data. Results indicated that Vocational Life Conflict significantly influenced clergy stress. The study further reported a significant negative relationship between clergy stress and coping among the Anglican Clergy in Accra. Age of the respondents in the study did not have any significant effect on their overall stress levels. There was statistically no significant difference between priests who handle parishes (larger membership size) and priests who handle congregations (smaller membership size) in their level of total stress. Use of social support as a coping strategy reduced clergy stress significantly. Priests did not use more of Problem Solving coping than Social Support and Avoidance coping. These findings were explained based on the Lazarus Theory on Stress, Role Theory and Burnout. In conclusion, training in handling intra and interpersonal conflict, needs to be taken seriously in developing strategies to help priests in the Anglican Church in the Accra Diocese and the clergy in general to cope with the healthy expression of emotions, since the sources of stress to priests may be inevitable.