Scared but Powerful: Healthcare Chaplains’ Emotional Responses and Self-Care Modes during the SARS-Cov-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Drawing from both the qualitative free-text responses and quantitative responses to an international survey of 1657 chaplains serving during the SARS-Cov-19 pandemic, we explore chaplains' emotional responses to the pandemic and how emotion connects to self-care. This paper reports on the modes of self-care practiced by chaplains, including modes reported as unavailable due to pandemic restrictions. Lastly, we explore how effective spiritual care leadership may mediate chaplain emotions and ultimately chaplain self-care.