Pastors and their spouses face unique challenges because of the nature of pastoral work, and yet most manage these challenges successfully. Five studies are presented which help distinguish between intrapersonal, family, and community forms of care. Pastors rely heavily on intrapersonal forms of coping such as spiritual devotion, hobbies, exercise, and taking time away from work. The marriage relationship is also quite important for most clergy and spouses. Relationships outside the immediate family are not commonly identified as coping resources. Implications are discussed.

Religious beliefs about mental illness represent one potential influence on the choice to utilize or avoid professional help. For example, believing that devout spirituality assures mental health and/or that mental illness indicates spiritual failure may discourage religious individuals from seeking help. Such beliefs have traditionally been attributed to Pentecostals, but no research has assessed this assumption. This study examined Pentecostal perspectives on depression's causes and treatments. Contrary to the Pentecostal theological literature, participants endorsed a variety of causal factors. Regarding cures, however, faith was endorsed as the most effective option. Implications are provided and recommendations are offered to practitioners working with Pentecostals, including consultation and collaboration with clergy and religiously sensitive psychoeducational programs.

No abstract