Comparing the Psychological Profiles of Anglican Clergy and Anglican Churchgoers in the United States

Abstract Psychological type and psychological temperament theory have contributed to the two fields of congregation studies and clergy studies. The present study brings these two fields together by drawing on data from an online survey employing the Francis Psychological Type and Emotional Temperament Scales promoted among clergy and laity in the United States. The analyses compare the profiles of 467 clergywomen and 1,910 female churchgoers, and the profiles of 418 clergymen and 859 male churchgoers, affiliated with the Episcopal Church in the United States. The data are consistent with findings from earlier research among Anglicans in England and Wales, indicating significant differences in type and temperament between Anglican clergy and the members of their congregations. For example, in terms of temperament theory 66% of female churchgoers and 68% of male churchgoers reported as sensing and judging (SJ) compared with 43% of clergywomen and 48% of clergymen. Appreciation of these differences may help to promote greater understanding between Anglican clergy and laity.