Relationship between Role Perception and Well-Being in Married Female Missionaries

Abstract

Although women play a significant role in world missions, few studies have been done to ascertain what factors enhance their effectiveness and sense of well-being. This study surveyed 153 married female missionaries to explore how they perceive their overall well-being and missionary role, and whether their perception of their role is related to their sense of well-being. Unexpectedly, responses indicated a need to modify Bowers (1984) Classification of Married Women Missionaries' Roles from four categories into two: “direct worker” or “support worker.” In an analysis of the data using this new classification Direct Workers were found to have a lower level of emotional distress than Support Workers. Additionally, participants' answers to open-ended questions indicated a moderate level of relevance of role issues in their lives as missionaries. Implications of these findings for enhancing married female missionary's well-being and for future research using this new classification are discussed.