Title: Behind The Pulpit: Emotional Challenges And Coping Mechanisms Among Pastors' Wives In Ibadan
Authors: Magdalene Azimeye Akinsanya and David Adebayo Oluwole
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 91-99
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
This study explored the emotional stability of pastors' wives in the Ibadan metropolis, with a focus on the emotional challenges they encounter in their roles and the coping strategies they adopt. Guided by a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine pastors' wives across five Local Government Areas. The findings revealed that emotional stability is a dynamic process, shaped by personal growth, marital support, and spiritual discipline. Participants reported that their emotional challenges stemmed largely from exclusion in ministry decision-making, congregational expectations, and public scrutiny, often resulting in internalised emotional strain. Despite these pressures, respondents demonstrated adaptive coping mechanisms, including self-talk, prayer, singing, and spousal modelling of emotional regulation. While family and spousal support emerged as crucial to emotional well-being, most participants expressed disappointment at the perceived lack of emotional care from the church. The study concludes that pastors' wives must continually develop emotional resilience to balance spiritual expectations, marital roles, and societal demands. Recommendations are offered for faith-based institutions to better support the emotional health of clergy spouses through inclusive, psychological, and pastoral care initiatives.