Correlation Between Burnout and Psychological Well-Being Among Catholic Priests in The Archdiocese of Accra, Ghana.

Abstract

Existing literature has extensively explored the sources, assessments, treatments, and prevention of worker-related burnout, but there is less focus on religious-centred workers, such as Catholic priests. Catholic priests serve in diverse roles that extend beyond spiritual duties to include psycho-social issues, often working beyond scheduled hours and experiencing high stress levels that affect their psychological wellbeing. This study aimed to establish the correlation between burnout and psychological well-being among Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Accra, Ghana. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of burnout, assess levels of psychological well-being, examine the correlation between burnout and psychological well-being, and identify coping mechanisms for burnout among priests. A census technique was used among 172 priests aged 21-61 and above. The study employed Balance Affect Theory, Job Demand-Resource Theory, and Ryff's Psychological Well-being Theory. Data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaires, the Francis Burnout Inventory (FBI), the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), and the De Lima Validated Coping Mechanisms. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Results showed varying responses regarding burnout due to pastoral duties: 39.2% of priests disagreed with experiencing emotional exhaustion, 30.8% were uncertain, and 30% agreed that pastoral duties led to burnout. Satisfaction in ministry was reported by 61.3%, while 34.5% were uncertain, and 4.2% disagreed. Priests scored high in personal growth (29.81), self-acceptance (29.50), purpose in life (29.46), positive relations (28.87), but low in environmental mastery (27.47) and autonomy (27.17). There was a significant negative moderate relationship between burnout and psychological well-being (rs = -.42, p < .001). The study recommends that priests prioritize their mental health to avoid compromised pastoral satisfaction and suggests that church authorities enhance spiritual and psychosocial support through policies and activities.