New research finds that more than one-third of American clergy members are obese. Moreover, priesthood is associated with stress, long work hours, and low compensation.
Although the pastoral profession is often associated with a lack of self-care, a new study suggests the calling has some built-in prevention methods that can help clergy be healthier — if they take advantage of them.
Baylor University researchers found that clergy who take a day off each week, take a sabbatical or take part in a support group of other pastors lower their odds of being obese.
The new study is published in the journal Social Science Research.
“In many religious traditions, the theology actually mandates at least one day a week to recuperate,” said lead researcher Todd W. Ferguson.
[For more of this story, written by Rick Nauert, go to http://psychcentral.com/news/2...hallenges/79858.html]
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