Abstract
M.Phil.
The family life of ministers of religion is under severe stress.
Members are exposed to unique demands and expectations not
experienced by other families. The minister of religion is expected to
care for the church families while he is also responsible for taking care
of his own family's well-being. In most cases he ends up neglecting
his own family. The woman married to the minister of religion is often
caught in the middle, ending up with feelings of worthlessness and
disappointment.
Recognising the vital role she plays as a wife, a mother, a career
woman and also being married to a minister of religion, it is evident
that the negative effects also impact on others around her in the
ministry.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the
experiences of women married to ministers of religion; and to set
guidelines to assist them in mobilising their resources to facilitate their
mental health. An exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative
design was used to find out about the experiences of women married
to ministers of religion.
Phenomenological interviews were conducted with a purposive sample
of seven participants after obtaining permission. The interviews were
recorded on audiotapes and thereafter transcribed.
Steps were taken to ensure trustworthiness of the research process.
Data was analysed following Tesch's method (Creswell, 1994:154).
The results of this study indicated that women married to ministers
of religion find it difficult to cope with the expectations and the
demands of the ministry. They end up experiencing a lot of negative
emotions because of lack of support.
Guidelines to facilitate and promote the mental health of women
married to ministers of religion were suggested. Recommendations
were discussed.