Isacco Anthony, Sahker Ethan, Krinock Elizabeth, Sim Wonjin, Hamilton Deanna
Counseling Psychology Programs, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Counseling Psychology Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Am J Mens Health. 2016 Jul;10(4):325-37. doi: 10.1177/1557988314567325. Epub 2015 Jan 23.
Roman Catholic diocesan priests are a subgroup of men with unique religious and spiritual roles, beliefs, and practices. This qualitative study of 15 priests from the mid-Atlantic area of the United States focused on how priests' relationship with God and promises of celibacy and obedience influenced their psychological health. Using a consensual qualitative research (CQR) design, the analysis revealed that participants described their relationship with God as central to their health and contributing to positive outcomes (e.g., sense of connection and support). The influence of their promises of celibacy and obedience were linked to both positive outcomes (e.g., decreased stress, improved relationships) and negative outcomes (e.g., internal conflict, depression/loneliness). This study highlighted the central role that priests' relationship with God has on positive psychological health. Future research is necessary to understand how to maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects of priests' promises of celibacy and obedience, which would benefit programs aimed at supporting priests' psychological health.
罗马天主教教区神父是一个具有独特宗教和精神角色、信仰及实践的男性亚群体。这项对来自美国大西洋中部地区的15位神父进行的定性研究，聚焦于神父与上帝的关系以及独身和服从的承诺如何影响他们的心理健康。采用共识定性研究（CQR）设计，分析发现参与者将他们与上帝的关系描述为对其健康至关重要，并促成了积极结果（如联系感和支持感）。他们独身和服从承诺的影响既与积极结果（如压力减轻、人际关系改善）有关，也与消极结果（如内心冲突、抑郁/孤独）有关。这项研究突出了神父与上帝的关系对积极心理健康的核心作用。未来有必要开展研究，以了解如何最大化神父独身和服从承诺的积极影响并最小化其消极影响，这将有益于旨在支持神父心理健康的项目。
