A qualitative study of mental health help-seeking among Catholic priests

Isacco, Anthony; Sahker, Ethan; Hamilton, Deanna; Mannarino, Mary Beth; Sim, Wonjin; Jean, Meredith St.

doi:10.1080/13674676.2014.910759

Cited by 18 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Clinicians may be concerned and offer support or an expression of availability to these priests. Research suggests that priests are open to seeking help from licensed mental health providers, even over the help offered by other priests (Isacco, Sahker, Hamilton, Mannarino, Sim, & St. Jean, 2014; Kane, 2001b, 2008a, 2008b, 2014).…”

Section: The Choice To Retirementioning

confidence: 99%

The Taboo of Retirement for Diocesan Catholic Priests

Kane

2016

J Pastoral Care Counsel

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Section: The Choice To Retirementioning

confidence: 99%

The Taboo of Retirement for Diocesan Catholic Priests

Kane

2016

J Pastoral Care Counsel

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“…Despite that, priests tend to underutilize professional services (Knox et al, 2005), using this option as a last resort. Literature therefore recommends actively encouraging the ordained community to use professional services to resolve their problems or symptoms whenever peer support or religious coping fails (Isacco et al, 2014;Pietkiewicz & Bachryj, 2014). Counselors who are familiar with contextual factors affecting priests' lives can help their clients acknowledge various areas of vulnerability that may have been suppressed or are in conflict.…”

Section: Priests As Unique Clientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This may be why priests tend to avoid disclosing personal problems, and underutilize professional help. Studies show that they are concerned about confidentiality, want to maintain a positive image of themselves and of the Church, or fear social stigma (Isacco et al, 2014;Pietkiewicz & Bachryj, 2014). They may project their harsh superego on the counselor and anticipate criticism or rejection.…”

Section: Implications For Counseling Psychologistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Specific challenges associated with being a priest include loneliness, struggling with economic and administrative matters, limitations in pastoral work, tense relationships with superiors, as well as positive and negative stereotypes relating to this group. Some priests report unrealistic expectations towards clergy, or prejudice related to scandals in which members of their group are involved, as highly stressful and deepening social distance, and as a disincentive to disclosing one's own problems (Ciarrocchi & Wicks, 2000;Hoge, 2002;Isacco et al, 2014;Pietkiewicz & Bachryj, 2014). …”

Section: Priests As Unique Clientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Priests are often perceived as having a lifelong 'calling' (Isacco et al, 2014). Pietkiewicz and Bachryj (2014) say that the priesthood involves a specific lifestyle and the language of a valued spiritual leader.…”

Section: Priests As Unique Clientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reaching a decision to change vocation: a qualitative study of former priests’ experiences

Pietkiewicz

2015

Int J Educ Vocat Guidance

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The aim of this study was to explore experiences of Roman Catholic clergy who relinquish the priesthood. Ten former priests participated in semistructured interviews that were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Overall, the study found that priests experienced needs and aspirations conflicting with their social role and the expectations made of them. They found making decisions about vocational change frustrating and stressful because of concerns about breaking community norms, fear of social stigma, and disbelief in their ability to cope in lay life. Specific guidelines for supporting priests through counseling psychologists are provided.Résumé. En venir à la décision de changer de vocation : une étude qualitative portant sur les expériences d'anciens prêtres. L'objectif de cette étude était d'explorer les expériences de membres du clergé catholique romain ayant renoncé au sacerdoce. Dix anciens prêtres ont pris part à des entretiens semi-structurés qui ont été soumis à une analyse interprétative phénoménologique. Globalement, l'étude démontre que les prêtres ont éprouvé des besoins et des aspirations qui entraient en conflit avec leur rôle social et avec les attentes placées sur eux. Ils ont trouvé le fait de prendre des décisions à propos de leur réorientation frustrant et stressant, en raison de leurs préoccupations liées au fait de briser les normes de la communauté, de la peur de la stigmatisation sociale, et de leurs doutes quant à leur aptitude à faire face à la vie laïque. Des lignes directrices pour le soutien des prêtres par des psychologues conseillers sont proposées.

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Enhancing Sense of Coherence and Mindfulness in an Ecclesiastical, Intercultural Group Training Context

et al. 2016

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Sense of coherence (SOC) and mindfulness (MI) are believed to promote the health and well-being of individuals and organisations. The aim of this longitudinal study was to contribute to the literature on the development of SOC through training and interventions and thereby explore the development of these constructs in a group of senior professionals in the German Catholic Church. A sample of eight participants voluntarily enrolled for a 12-day training programme spread over a period of nine months to develop intercultural and inter-religious competencies, SOC and MI. Quantitative scores of the pre- and post-test SOC and MI questionnaires were qualitatively analysed. Results indicate that the majority of participants scored lower in the post-test on SOC and slightly higher in MI. The discussion explores the pitfalls in the development of these constructs in the study's participants and highlights the implications for theory and practice. Practical training implications for developing SOC and MI are offered.

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A qualitative study of mental health help-seeking among Catholic priests

Cited by 18 publications

References 35 publications

The Taboo of Retirement for Diocesan Catholic Priests

The Taboo of Retirement for Diocesan Catholic Priests

Reaching a decision to change vocation: a qualitative study of former priests’ experiences

Enhancing Sense of Coherence and Mindfulness in an Ecclesiastical, Intercultural Group Training Context

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