Factors That Influence Depression Categorization in Christian Clergy Members From the United States

Abstract

In the United States, clergy members are at higher risk for mental health distress than the general population. To support early intervention, understanding factors associated with depression status is vital. This study seeks to examine factors associated with mild and moderate depression using the patient health questionnaire depression scale (PHQ) in Christian clergy members from the United States (N = 186). Using logistic regression procedures and Ferguson’s (Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40(5), 532–538, 2009) criteria for practical significance, younger age (Exp(B) = 0.956, 95% C·I = 0.072–0.016, p = 0.002), history of family therapy (Exp(B) = 0.119, 95% C·I = 0.986–0.008, p = 0.049), and psychiatric medications (Exp(B) = 3.050, 95% C·I = 1.407–6.611, p = 0.005) increased the odds of clergy members being classified in the mild depression group. Additionally, logistic regression procedures indicated that younger age (B = −0.045, Exp(B) = 0.96, 95% C·I = 0.92–0.97, p = 0.03), previous individual therapy (B = 1.66, Exp(B) = 5.28, 95% C·I = 1.36–20.44, p = 0.02), suburban (B = 1.66, Exp(B) = 5.28, 95% C·I = 1.36–20.44, p = 0.02), and rural status (B = 2.36, Exp(B) = 10.63, 95% C·I = 1.99–56.92, p = 0.006) increased the odds of being classified in the moderate depression group. Implications are discussed for researchers, clergy members, and faith tradition leaders.