A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of a Well-Being Intervention for Healthcare Chaplains

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Healthcare Management
• Spiritual Care

Background:

• Chaplains face unique psychological and emotional challenges.
• Supporting chaplain well-being is crucial for effective spiritual care.
• Existing interventions for chaplain support require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the psychological and emotional experiences of chaplains.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of well-being workshops for chaplains.
• To provide evidence for organizational interventions aimed at enhancing chaplain well-being.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study design was employed.
• Workshops were developed and delivered to support chaplain well-being.
• Quantitative measures assessed self-compassion, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout.
• Qualitative data captured chaplains' experiences and workshop feedback.

Main Results:

• Post-workshop, self-compassion scores significantly increased.
• Secondary traumatic stress and burnout scores notably decreased after the workshops.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted the diverse experiences of chaplaincy and the positive impact of the workshops.

Conclusions:

• The workshops were feasible and acceptable to chaplains.
• The intervention demonstrated a positive impact on key well-being indicators.
• This pilot study provides a foundation for developing larger-scale organizational interventions to support chaplains.