The vocation of clergy life can be a hazardous journey. Stress and burnout are issues, which are increasingly reported by clerics. Burnout is defined by a constellation of work related symptoms (Doolittle, Mental Health, Religion & Culture,10(1), [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] 2007), with emotional exhaustion recognised as a core component. Despite this recognition the research has not focused on factors which lead to this state of emotional exhaustion in particular secondary traumatization. The purpose of this article is threefold. Firstly, it presents the theoretical framework of secondary trauma. Secondly it reviews the literature aligning clergy and trauma work and thirdly it discuses the emotional and physical toll upon clergy from this aspect of their role.

Objectives This review synthesizes recent research on resilience in those who care for a family member with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, identifying the challenges and potential factors moderating resilience. Methods This systematic narrative review is informed by searches on six bibliographic databases between January and June 2016. Forty-one articles were identified to meet the inclusion criteria, and findings were synthesised around three key themes. Results Those who care for someone with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have been described as resilient through building strength in facing the adversity of caring. The main predictors of carer resilience were the child's level of disability, perception of the caring experience and family functioning. The outcomes of resilience were identified as better psychological and physical health as well as psychological adaption. Coping abilities and social support, influenced by individual and environmental factors contribute to resilience. Discussion Research suggested that some carers have the ability to build resilience over time, although limited understanding of coping with the emotional experience of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is conveyed. Social support appears to be a protective factor for Duchenne muscular dystrophy carers but further research is required on its relationship with resilience.

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This article explores the impact upon clergy as a result of working with trauma within their pastoral ministry. The paper is unusual in that examines the toll exacted as part of their daily pastoral ministry in offering care and support to those who have encountered life's daily tragedies. Utilizing a sample of 16 serving Irish clergy Drawing on an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework the data was organized into super-ordinate themes. Findings indicate that this is a challenging aspect of the ministry and one that can result in physical, cognitive and behavioural effects not only on those who provide the initial support but also in turn upon their informal support networks.

Clergy work with crisis, crisis requires caring and caring demands a cost Without a doubt the demands of 21st century ministry have moved far beyond those depicted in the novels of Jane Austen. Today’s clergy are frequently accessed for support by individuals and communities during times of crisis. This has been further highlighted by the Coronavirus pandemic that swept across the world during the completion of this book impacting the lives of millions in ways many of us could never have imagined. Continual exposure to the crisis being experienced by others is well documented as taking its toll amongst several caring professions. However, in this book, Jill Hendron sets out the unique challenges of the pastoral ministry when working with crisis and considers the many impacts it can have. For those clergy providing pastoral care this book will help to ensure they also pay attention to their own emotional wellbeing. It should also become a ‘must read’ for those considering entering the ministry or those who hold responsibility for training and supporting clergy and who need to understand these unique stressors within the pastoral ministry.