African Catholic missionary nuns: Acculturative stress while serving in the United States of America

This study focuses on acculturative stress experiences of African Catholic Missionary Nuns (ACMNs) serving in the United States. Limited research on missionary stress has focused on Protestant missionaries serving in short-term and long-term missions outside the United States. Semi-structured research interviews were used to collect data from two active members of the ACMNs who had served in the United States for at least five years. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts.;Four themes that emerged from the narratives of ACMNs together describe a trajectory of lived experiences that the ACMNs encountered during their adjustments to living and serving in the United States. The emergent themes were language/accent issues, financial pressures, employment struggles and balancing work and religious obligations. Study findings highlight the diverse nature of stress affecting ACMNs individually and collectively. Furthermore, the findings provide significant authentic insights from the perspectives of the ACMNs in the United States and will guide and strengthen orientation, retention and transition programs for ACMNs.