Psychopathology, Guilt, Perfectionism, and Family of Origin Functioning among Protestant Clergy

Abstract

Levels of psychopathology, guilt, perfectionism, and family of origin functioning among a sample of male, Protestant clergy (N = 168) were compared with those of male teachers from public high schools (N = 43) and Christian high schools (N = 51). Data were collected via self-report instruments. Results revealed no significant differences between groups on psychopathology or perfectionism. However, clergy and Christian teachers had significantly higher guilt scores than public high school teachers, but higher guilt was associated with only the Norm Violation subscale. Clergy perceived their family of origin as significantly less healthy than the comparison groups. Some support was found for the “mother dominant/father absent” theory of vocational choice among pastors. Scriptural literalism among pastors was not significantly related to psychopathology, guilt, perfectionism, or family of origin functioning. Implications of the present findings are discussed.

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