Introducing the clergy occupational distress index (CODI)

Background: This study demonstrates the reliability and validity of the Clergy Occupational Distress Index (CODI). The CODI is a five-item index designed to measure clergy's occupational distress. Methods: Researchers test the reliability and validity of the index using two samples of clergy: a nationally representative sample of clergy and a sample of Protestant clergy. Exploratory factor analysis and Chronbach's alpha scores are generated. Construct validity is measured by examining the associations between the CODI and measures of self-rated health and anxiety while controlling for demographic and other social factors. Results: In both samples, the five items of the CODI load onto a single factor and the Chronbach's alpha scores are robust. The regression models indicate that a high score on the CODI (i.e. more frequent occupational distress) is negatively associated with measures of self-rated health and positively associated with measures of anxiety. Conclusion: The CODI is a reliable and valid measure of occupational distress in clergy that is short enough to fit on most survey instruments. It allows researchers to measure the occupational distress experienced by clergy, who traditionally have not been the subject of occupational health studies.