A Phenomenological Study on the Stress and Coping Mechanisms of Filipino Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Abstract

Young adult missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encounter different stressors and employ various coping mechanisms. The research study aims to identify the lived experiences of Filipino LDS missionaries. The study employed purposive and criterion sampling among Filipino LDS missionaries. Given the time and resources available to the researcher, 23 respondents is a practical amount to achieve appropriate saturation in a phenomenological study (Polkinghorne, 1989). All respondents returned home no more than two years ago; their ages range from 20-27 years old for males and 21 years old and above for females. The disparity is due to the varying established age requirement between male and female LDS missionaries. The researcher used a phenomenological approach to extract the common experiences as lived by the respondents. Unstructured interviews were conducted to gather data. The researcher incorporated the modified Colaizzi-Giorgi-Keen method by Moustakas in analyzing the collected data. Participants reported several factors contributing to their stress: their geographical assignment, interpersonal relationships, additional responsibilities, meeting targets and deadlines, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Various coping strategies were employed to deal with their stress: religious coping, distraction, seeking social support, and meaning-making. Overall, the stress experienced by missionaries led them to have a stronger sense of purpose and greater appreciation for missionary work. This study recommends the passing of Church policies that are focused on alleviating work-related pressure from LDS missionaries. An immediate inclusion of mental health education to the academic curriculum of the Philippines will be instrumental in increasing awareness of mental health and in fostering a healthier environment for both missionaries and individuals at risk