Stress and Psycho-social wellbeing among the diocesan Catholic priests in the Arch-diocese of Nairobi, Kenya

This article offers an explanatory review of the experience of stress and burnout syndromes in relation to psycho-social wellbeing among Catholic priests, a case study of the Nairobi Arch-diocesan clergy. Given the scarcity of studies in this subject a wider spectrum approach was used, which included quantitative and qualitative mixed methodology. Literature reviews and comparative studies with other professions was carried out. The study was based on Job Demands-Resource Theory. This study employed convergent parallel mixed approach. Study population for this study was 180 diocesan priests. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to check reliability of Likert scale tools whereby 0.7 was found to be the cut off. Reliability of interview guide was examined through triangulation.Pearson inferential statistics was used for analyzing quantitative data while content analysis and verbatim were used to analyze qualitative data. Data was presented in tables, graphs and through direct quotes.Stress prevalence was found manifest in various ways like; priests are surrounded by a metropolitan society where there are conflicts, anger and violence triggered by high populations in sub-urban/urban challenges amidst economic inflation that is very common. This, and other factors of high competitiveness among the city dwellers are likely catalysts to cause disorder and stress especially to the young priests because they are out to adventure, make a life. Older priests experienced psychological stress more because of many responsibilities, more than the younger priests whose minds are still fresh and vibrant. A young priest’s psychological stress is because of personal crises or unrealistic expectations. The results reveal various risk factors: work overload, a socio-cultural setup that distrusts the priests, lacking sufficient support (especially from the Church authorities), excessive demands from families of origin versus vocational needs, among others. However, the study also identified positive protection factors: promoting optimism, an approach-based coping style as well as a collaborative way of resolving conflicts, amenities and physical exercises, having a balanced diet, rest, social support (from parishioners, collaborators, bishops) and leading an active spiritual life. Diocesan support strategies like, further studies, deanery meetings, counselling were suggested as helpful for enhancement of psycho-social wellbeing of clergy. Other support systems include sabbatical leave, retreat, rehabilitation, clergy retirement house, and transfers. Enhancing protective factors and mitigating on the impact of risk factors would do much to improve the clergy’s wellbeing.All ethical considerations were strictly adhered