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related (occupational) stress and interperso- their careers. However, if these relationships are
nal stress were the highest endorsed categories conflict-ridden and draining, then their impact
for stress in this sample. These findings will be contributes to the stress experienced by mis-
discussed in further detail below. sionaries (Ritchey & Rosik, 1993). Such stres-
sors may contribute to early departure from the
Occupational and Spiritual Stress mission field (Allen, 1986; Taylor, 1997; Trim-
Seventy two percent (72%) of this sample re- ble, 2006). Therefore, the results of this study
ported moderate, high, or extremely high work- indicate this continues to be an area needing
related or occupational stress. Forty-six (46%) attention.
of the sample rated spiritual stress as modera-
te, high or extremely high. Based on the spi- Perception of Stress: Age and Sex
ritual nature of this occupation, these results Women (married and unmarried) reported hig-
will be discussed concurrently. The findings her levels of stress than men in this sample. The
are congruent to many studies on missiona- lack of significant difference based on marital
ry stress (O’Donnell, 1995). The high volume status warrants further exploration. Sweatman
of work and limited resources most missiona- (1999) suggests that in this population marria-
ries experience make this a reasonable stressor ge may serve as a buffer for stress or exacerbate
to endorse. Several authors also note a greater stress depending on the quality of the relation-
sense of “spiritual warfare” around this occu- ship. Since marital quality was not assessed in
pation (Anyomi, 1997; Kim, 2009; Ng, 1997; this study, further interpretation of this finding
O’Donnell & O’Donnell, 1992, 2009, 2012; Tay- is limited. Overall, the results on this sample re-
lor, 1997). Missionaries may experience doubts, lated to sex and perceived stress are consistent
disappointments, and disillusionments, and with the literature and invite further inquiry
have unmet expectations of God (Eenigenburg into the role of the marital relationship in per-
& Bliss, 2010). Moreover, missionaries often live ceived stress.
in a “fishbowl” (Eenigenburg & Bliss, 2010; Fo- Younger missionaries may be more susceptible
yle, 2001) in which their lives are continually in to stress. The 26 to 30 age group had significantly
view of others. They are expected to be “spiri- higher PSS total scores compared to missiona-
tual giants”; therefore, some of their own spiri- ries in the 51-80 range. In fact, others that have
tual needs may go unrecognized or unmet (Ng, suggested that age may be an important factor
1997). in determining the magnitude of the stress re-
sponse (Carpenter, Tyrka, Ross, Khoury, An-
Interpersonal Stress derson, & Price, 2009; Kidd, Hamer, & Step-
Sixty-five percent (65%) of the sample reported toe, 2011; Lupien, McEwen, Gunnar, & Heim,
moderate, high or extremely high levels of in- 2009). Therefore, the current study is congruent
terpersonal stress over the previous month. The with other research that has suggested that both
men and women in this sample were consistent age and sex are important factors in the percep-
with other studies in this finding (Foyle, 1987). tion of stress.
In fact, a central factor in studies of intercultu-
ral effectiveness/competence and adjustment CHOPS Stress Inventory
of expatriates is the development of appropri- This newly adapted stress measurement tool for
ate interpersonal relationships (Cerny, Smith, missionary populations shows good initial psy-
Ritchard, & Dodd, 2007). chometric qualities. It is the first quantitative
Missionaries are surrounded by a web of relati- stress measure targeted specifically for missio-
onships (Ritchey & Rosik, 1993). These relati- naries. It is brief in its scope with only 17 items
onships hold the power to promote health and and has the potential to be readily accessible in
wellness or sickness and stress for the missio- that both member care and missionaries can
nary. If the relationships are positive in nature, utilize it free of charge. As more psychometric
then they provide a major source of support research is done on the CHOPS, it may even-
and care that sustains missionaries throughout tually be used as an outcomes measure during

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