Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
Biographic Data
| ID | 81258 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell |
| GIVEN NAMES | Rae Jean |
| FAMILY NAME | Proeschold-Bell |
| SIGNATURE | PROESCHOLD-BELL R J |
| AFFILIATIONS | Duke University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-2008-3053 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 41 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 90 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 41 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Examining Marital Quality within the Clergy Profession: The Relationship between Occupational Stress, Positive Occupational Factors, and Marital Satisfaction
This study examines the relationship between occupational factors and marital satisfaction within the clergy profession, utilizing longitudinal data across fourteen years. Using the Quality of Relationship Index, we examined occupational distress and hostile church environment to gauge a potential negative effect, and ministry satisfaction and congregational support to gauge a potential positive effect on clergy marital relationships. Results rev…
The Power of Spousal Support in Ministry: A Longitudinal Study of Social Support Profiles, Marital Quality, and Ministry Satisfaction Among United Methodist Clergy
For many occupations, the toll of work‐related stressors on job satisfaction may be mitigated by social and emotional support. However, social support may be different for clergy, considering their unique work environment. Using data from the Clergy Health Initiative Longitudinal Survey, this study examines the relationship between different combinations of social support and job satisfaction among clergy (i.e., ministry satisfaction). We identif…
Does Flourishing Mental Health Improve Perceived Quality of Life
Flourishing mental health and quality of life (QoL) are related but distinct positive indicators of wellbeing. This study examined the relationship between flourishing mental health and QoL, specifically by using longitudinal data to determine the directionality of this relationship. Using three waves of data across six years from the Clergy Health Initiative Longitudinal Study (CHILS), we conducted the Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Model (…
Exploring supportive roles for global north investigators in global health research
Many academics are increasingly pushing for solutions to address inequitable partnership dynamics in global health research and practice. Efforts to improve equity in collaborations have prompted academic institutions to grapple with promotion and tenure criteria (usually Global North institutions), as these criteria often require leadership on grants, publications, and conference presentations for advancement. From inequitable funding opportunit…
The weight of the yoke: A qualitative analysis of the stressors for clergy across a mental health continuum
Healthy clergy serve as the cornerstone of thriving congregations and, by extension, healthier communities. However, the multifaced working responsibilities combined with a deep sense of responsibility to one's sacred call can produce a cascade of sources of stress that are not always taken into consideration when assessing ways to support clergy. Using data from the Clergy Health Initiative Longitudinal Survey (CHILS) and in-depth interviews fro…
A brief report on the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among United Methodist clergy
These results contribute to the study of ACEs and career choice, highlighting the need for targeted support and training for clergy with these experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
Stability and shifts in the combined positive and negative mental health of clergy: A longitudinal latent class and latent transition analysis study of united methodist pastors before and after the on…
What processes or key components do teachers attribute to their well‐being? A cross‐cultural qualitative study of teacher well‐being in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar
The study of teacher well‐being is critically important. However, teacher well‐being studies are lacking in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and also generally in low‐income countries. This exploratory case study sought to identify teachers' perceptions of work‐related characteristics and personal practices associated with well‐being and burnout in three underrepresented, diverse sites: Battambang, Cambodia; Bungoma, Kenya; and Doha, Qatar. Nin…
When Shepherds Shed: Trajectories of Weight-Related Behaviors in a Holistic Health Intervention Tailored for US Christian Clergy
Maintaining healthy behaviors is challenging. Based upon previous reports that in North Carolina (NC), USA, overweight/obese clergy lost weight during a two-year religiously tailored health intervention, we described trajectories of diet, physical activity, and sleep. We investigated whether behavior changes were associated with weight and use of health-promoting theological messages. Improvements were observed in sleep, calorie-dense food intake…
The Gap in Mental Health Service Utilization Among United Methodist Clergy with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms
Clergy are tasked with multiple interpersonal administrative, organizational, and religious responsibilities, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, administering sacraments, developing lay leader skills, and providing leadership and vision for the congregation and community. The high expectations and demands placed on them put them at an increased risk for mental distress such as depression and anxiety. Little is known about whether and how cl…
The Selah Pilot Study of Spiritual, Mindfulness, and Stress Inoculation Practices on Stress-Related Outcomes Among United Methodist Clergy in the United States
The job–demand–control–support model indicates that clergy are at high risk for chronic stress and adverse health outcomes. A multi-group pre-test–post-test design was used to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and range of outcome effect sizes for four potentially stress-reducing interventions: stress inoculation training, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), the Daily Examen, and Centering Prayer. All United Methodist clergy in Nort…
Changes in Sabbath-Keeping and Mental Health Over Time: Evaluation Findings From the Sabbath Living Study
Work-related stress is experienced at a high level in the United States. Clergy are particularly likely to over-extend themselves to act on their sacred call. Sabbath-keeping may offer a practice that is beneficial for mental health, yet many Protestant clergy do not keep a regular Sabbath. We examined whether United Methodist clergy who attended informative Sabbath-keeping workshops reported changes in spiritual well-being and mental health post…
Seminary Students and Physical Health: Beliefs, Behaviors, and Barriers
How Would You Describe a Mentally Healthy Person? A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study of Caregivers of Orphans and Separated Children
A prospective study of clergy spiritual well-being, depressive symptoms, and occupational distress
Religion and Caregiving for Orphans and Vulnerable Children: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers Across Four Religious Traditions and Five Global Contexts
Studies of caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) rarely examine the role religion plays in their lives. We conducted qualitative interviews of 69 caregivers in four countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Cambodia, and India (Hyderabad and Nagaland), and across four religious traditions: Christian (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant), Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu. We asked respondents to describe the importance of religion for their becomi…
Enjoyment and meaning in daily activities among caregivers of orphaned and separated children in four countries
Caring and thriving: An international qualitative study of caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children and strategies to sustain positive mental health
Perceived social support, received social support, and depression among clergy
We argue that perceived support is best conceptualized more as a measure of how an individual appraises his/her situation rather than a true reflection of how much support he/she receives. To test this theory, we used survey data from the Clergy Health Initiative Panel Survey to examine the relationship between perceived and received social support and their association with depressive symptoms in clergy ( N = 1,288). Overall, analyses revealed p…
Relationships between Sabbath Observance and Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health in Clergy
Disentangling Race and Socioeconomic Status in Health Disparities Research: An Examination of Black and White Clergy
The Honeymoon is Over: Occupational Relocation and Changes in Mental Health among United Methodist Clergy
In this study we examine how the process of relocation affects the mental health of United Methodist clergy and the extent to which relocation is associated with changes in clergy perception of the workplace environment and feelings of self-efficacy. We analyzed data from a longitudinal survey of 1375 clergy, one quarter of whom experienced a move between the baseline survey in 2008 and the follow-up survey 2 years later. Contrary to expectations…
Clergy Burnout: A Comparison Study with Other Helping Professions
“We Hide Under the Scriptures”: Conceptualization of Health Among United Methodist Church Clergy in Kenya
Methodological considerations in the use of name generators and interpreters
Perceived social support, received social support, and depression among clergy
We argue that perceived support is best conceptualized more as a measure of how an individual appraises his/her situation rather than a true reflection of how much support he/she receives. To test this theory, we used survey data from the Clergy Health Initiative Panel Survey to examine the relationship between perceived and received social support and their association with depressive symptoms in clergy ( N = 1,288). Overall, analyses revealed p…
Component measures of psychological sense of community among gay men
Psychological Sense of Community (PSOC) theoretically comprises four components (Membership, Influence, Fulfillment of Needs, and Shared Emotional Connection), but existing measures of the components are psychometrically lacking. The current study sought to develop valid and reliable measures of the four theoretical components by building on and conceptually tightening items from existing PSOC measures, including the Sense of Community Index. Twe…
Clergy Burnout: A Comparison Study with Other Helping Professions
The Glory of God is a Human Being Fully Alive: Predictors of Positive Versus Negative Mental Health Among Clergy
Clergy fulfill vital societal functions as meaning makers and community builders. Partly because of their important roles, clergy frequently encounter stressful situations. Further, studies suggest that clergy experience high rates of depression. Despite this, few studies have examined protective factors for clergy that may increase their positive mental health. We invited all United Methodist clergy in North Carolina to participate in a survey. …
Relationships between Sabbath Observance and Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health in Clergy
Are Rural Clergy Worse Off: An Examination of Occupational Conditions and Pastoral Experiences in a Sample of United Methodist Clergy
Scholars have shown that clergy work can be stressful, and that these occupational strains can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Despite the fact that nearly one-third of all congregations in the United States are rural, little work has examined how occupational conditions and clergy experiences might vary systematically by geographical context. This study uses recent data from United Methodist Church clergy in North Carolina …
Disentangling Race and Socioeconomic Status in Health Disparities Research: An Examination of Black and White Clergy
Healthy Leaders: Multilevel Health Promotion Considerations for Diverse United Methodist Church Pastors
Community psychologists often work with institutions and leaders, such as clergy, to bring about social change. Studies finding high rates of chronic disease among clergy have called for the design of clergy health interventions. However, among clergy there is substantial diversity. We conducted four focus groups with a cross‐section of United Methodist clergy and one focus group each with female, local, young, and large‐sized church pastors. We …
The Honeymoon is Over: Occupational Relocation and Changes in Mental Health among United Methodist Clergy
In this study we examine how the process of relocation affects the mental health of United Methodist clergy and the extent to which relocation is associated with changes in clergy perception of the workplace environment and feelings of self-efficacy. We analyzed data from a longitudinal survey of 1375 clergy, one quarter of whom experienced a move between the baseline survey in 2008 and the follow-up survey 2 years later. Contrary to expectations…
Overcoming the Challenges of Pastoral Work? Peer Support Groups and Psychological Distress among United Methodist Church Clergy
Clergy often face a great deal of occupational stress that in turn can lead to psychological distress. In recent years, denominations have been turning to peer support groups to combat these challenges, but little research exists regarding their effectiveness. This study explores the utility of peer support groups for reducing psychological distress among pastors by analyzing data from two waves of an ongoing study of United Methodist Church (UMC…
Health Programming for Clergy: An Overview of Protestant Programs in the United States
Caring and thriving: An international qualitative study of caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children and strategies to sustain positive mental health
Component measures of psychological sense of community among gay men
Psychological Sense of Community (PSOC) theoretically comprises four components (Membership, Influence, Fulfillment of Needs, and Shared Emotional Connection), but existing measures of the components are psychometrically lacking. The current study sought to develop valid and reliable measures of the four theoretical components by building on and conceptually tightening items from existing PSOC measures, including the Sense of Community Index. Twe…
Triply-diagnosed patients in the HIV/Aids Treatment Adherence, Health Outcomes and Cost Study: Patterns of home care use
Although AIDS is a chronic illness, little is known about the patterns and correlates of long-term care use among triply diagnosed HIV patients. We examined nursing and home care use among 1,045 participants in the HIV/AIDS Treatment Adherence, Health Outcomes and Cost Study, a multi-site study of HIV-positive patients with at least one mental health and one substance disorder. Patient interviews and medical record review data were used to examin…
The Cognitive Escape Scale: Measuring HIV-related Thought Avoidance
An Interrupted Time Series Evaluation of a Hepatitis C Intervention for Persons with HIV
Explaining rural/non-rural disparities in physical health-related quality of life: A study of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina
A Theoretical Model of the Holistic Health of United Methodist Clergy
Health Programming for Clergy: An Overview of Protestant Programs in the United States
Exploring Rural/Non-Rural Differences among United Methodist Churches and Clergy in North Carolina: Duke Clergy Health Initiative Date of Projected Completion: 2015
Physical Health Functioning Among United Methodist Clergy
The Life of Leaders: An Intensive Health Program for Clergy
Are Rural Clergy Worse Off: An Examination of Occupational Conditions and Pastoral Experiences in a Sample of United Methodist Clergy
Scholars have shown that clergy work can be stressful, and that these occupational strains can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Despite the fact that nearly one-third of all congregations in the United States are rural, little work has examined how occupational conditions and clergy experiences might vary systematically by geographical context. This study uses recent data from United Methodist Church clergy in North Carolina …
Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy
Healthy Leaders: Multilevel Health Promotion Considerations for Diverse United Methodist Church Pastors
Community psychologists often work with institutions and leaders, such as clergy, to bring about social change. Studies finding high rates of chronic disease among clergy have called for the design of clergy health interventions. However, among clergy there is substantial diversity. We conducted four focus groups with a cross‐section of United Methodist clergy and one focus group each with female, local, young, and large‐sized church pastors. We …
Overcoming the Challenges of Pastoral Work? Peer Support Groups and Psychological Distress among United Methodist Church Clergy
Clergy often face a great deal of occupational stress that in turn can lead to psychological distress. In recent years, denominations have been turning to peer support groups to combat these challenges, but little research exists regarding their effectiveness. This study explores the utility of peer support groups for reducing psychological distress among pastors by analyzing data from two waves of an ongoing study of United Methodist Church (UMC…
Closeness to God Among Those Doing God’s Work: A Spiritual Well-Being Measure for Clergy
“We Hide Under the Scriptures”: Conceptualization of Health Among United Methodist Church Clergy in Kenya
Methodological considerations in the use of name generators and interpreters
The Glory of God is a Human Being Fully Alive: Predictors of Positive Versus Negative Mental Health Among Clergy
Clergy fulfill vital societal functions as meaning makers and community builders. Partly because of their important roles, clergy frequently encounter stressful situations. Further, studies suggest that clergy experience high rates of depression. Despite this, few studies have examined protective factors for clergy that may increase their positive mental health. We invited all United Methodist clergy in North Carolina to participate in a survey. …
Clergy Burnout: A Comparison Study with Other Helping Professions
The Honeymoon is Over: Occupational Relocation and Changes in Mental Health among United Methodist Clergy
In this study we examine how the process of relocation affects the mental health of United Methodist clergy and the extent to which relocation is associated with changes in clergy perception of the workplace environment and feelings of self-efficacy. We analyzed data from a longitudinal survey of 1375 clergy, one quarter of whom experienced a move between the baseline survey in 2008 and the follow-up survey 2 years later. Contrary to expectations…
Relationships between Sabbath Observance and Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health in Clergy
Disentangling Race and Socioeconomic Status in Health Disparities Research: An Examination of Black and White Clergy
Caring and thriving: An international qualitative study of caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children and strategies to sustain positive mental health
Perceived social support, received social support, and depression among clergy
We argue that perceived support is best conceptualized more as a measure of how an individual appraises his/her situation rather than a true reflection of how much support he/she receives. To test this theory, we used survey data from the Clergy Health Initiative Panel Survey to examine the relationship between perceived and received social support and their association with depressive symptoms in clergy ( N = 1,288). Overall, analyses revealed p…
A prospective study of clergy spiritual well-being, depressive symptoms, and occupational distress
Psychology (30 works) · Medicine (25 works) · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology (19 works) · Social Psychology (19 works) · Psychiatry (18 works) · Mental health (16 works) · Public health (15 works) · Clinical Psychology (14 works) · Nursing (14 works) · Sociology (14 works)