Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.