Kirsty Bucknell: Improving self reflection to strengthen resilience in ministry worker

A new study shows that training in systematic self reflection will develop resilience among ministry workers, who are at risk of stress related ill health.

Self reflective resilience training is beneficial to those in ministry roles and programs in this area can minimise stress related ill health.

BUT, Not all self reflection is equal.

Organisational Psychologist with Sydney’s Center for Ministry Development Kirsty Bucknell has surveyed and tested a significant number of Australian Protestant Ministry workers to analyse the relationship between self reflection and mental health outcomes.

Kirsty’s just completed her PhD on this subject and says while there is a high sense of purpose and personal satisfaction in ministry work the stressors and strains of the role have been associated with burnout and stress related ill health.

Further reading: 

Bucknell, K.J., Kangas, M. & Crane, M.F. (2022). Adaptive self-reflection and resilience: the moderating effects of rumination on insight as a mediator. Personality and Individual Differences 185(4), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111234

Bucknell, K. J., Kangas, M., Karin, E., & Crane, M. F. (2023). A randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of self-reflective writing focused on successful and unsuccessful coping experiences on resilience. Stress and Health, https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3311

Bucknell, K. J., Hoare, S., Kangas, M., Karin, E., & Crane, M. F. (2024). A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Coping Self-Insights Associated with Resilience. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 14(11), 1018. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111018