Date of Award
Fall 12-2020
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
School
Communication
Committee Chair
Dr. John Meyer
Committee Chair School
Communication
Committee Member 2
Dr. Steven Venette
Committee Member 2 School
Communication
Committee Member 3
Dr. Paul Strait
Committee Member 3 School
Communication
Abstract
This study provides an overview of the concepts surrounding clergy burnout,
organizational culture, and emotional labor theory. Furthermore, it explains the need
for clearer understanding of clergy perceptions of their own personal
experiences with burnout and their emotional wellbeing in relation to their organizational environment and careers as clergy members. The methodology of qualitative interviews sought to understand the narratives and experiences of clergy members from their own words and worldviews rather than from a statistical basis or analysis.
This research found answers to key questions involving communication about burnout in the context of organizational culture and emotional labor, including the connection between lack of organizational support for clergy members and clergy members’ experiences with burnout, anecdotal evidence that there is little to know discussion about the subject of burnout or areas pertaining to emotional distress among clergy and those they serve, and that lack of boundaries and role clarification heavily contribute to feelings of burnout in clergy members.
Copyright
Noll, 2020
Recommended Citation
Noll, Lauren, "Burned Out but Barely Begun: A Qualitative Study on Newer Clergy and Communication Surrounding Emotional Labor and Personal Well-Being in South Mississippi" (2020). Master's Theses. 787.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/787