Author(s)

Dallas Scales

Date

11-2016

Department

School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Charlie Davidson

Keywords

Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Pastoral Care, Self-Care, Stress, Trauma

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis project is to provide five strategies for spiritual leaders to combat the negative affect of compassion fatigue due to trauma events. Although pastoral care and counseling is an effective instrument by which churches stay germane to changing human needs in a shifting society and churches, pastors and caregivers have grown susceptible to compassion fatigue. The researcher will gather data from a survey of 100 spiritual leaders constructed around four hypotheses related to self-care after a trauma event: psychological, emotional, physiological and theological created uniquely for this thesis process. This research will provide five strategies for protective factors to improve future self-care programs based on the research findings. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the research would provide findings that could be of significant value for other churches that intend to create and implement self-care programs.

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