Date

6-26-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Stephen Ford

Keywords

Self-care, mental health, clergy, African American

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

When self-care is effectively implemented, it can help individuals avoid or reduce mental health challenges throughout their lives (Luis et al., 2021). Unfortunately, research indicates numerous mental health challenges faced by clergy (Chan & Chen, 2019; Jackson, 2013; Gallagher, 2019; Edward, 2020). To assist ministers in cultivating a healthier life and a more effective ministry, this study will specifically explore the relationship between self-care and mental health challenges among African American clergy. The literature on this subject will identify historical, cultural, and spiritual influences. It will also examine specific mental health concerns, effective self-care practices, and relevant outcomes. Although research has been conducted to investigate mental health among clergy, the African American population remains underrepresented in many of those studies (Shaw et al., 2012; Terry & Cunningham, 2021; Chase, 2019). Therefore, the following analysis will employ an experimental quantitative research design that includes a pre-test and post-test to determine if self-care affects the mental health challenges associated with being a minister. The DASS-21 and the MBI-HSS will be used to measure clergy mental health before and after the trial period to evaluate the impact of self-care.

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