Religiosity, Spirituality, Health and Work-related Behaviour Patterns in Pastors of two Free Protestant Denominations

Background: Epidemiological data show psychosocial health risks of pastors. This study should therefore identify psychosocial risk factors and health resources including religiosity and spirituality in profession related behaviour and experience of pastors. Methods Pastors of two protestant denominations were surveyed with three standard instruments (AVEM, SF-12, BMMRS). Results: Only a small fraction of pastors presented a healthy behaviour and experience pattern (13.9% SDA; 10.1% FEG). A burnout-related risk pattern was found in 28.3% of SDA and 37.2% of FEG pastors. Pastors with a healthy pattern scored higher in physical and mental health and selected scales of religiosity/spirituality than those with a pattern in risk for burnout. Conclusions: The results show distinct psychosocial strain patterns of pastors. Religiosity and spirituality may be an important resource.