ERIC Number: EJ1113929
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Oct
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0251-2513
EISSN: N/A
Reaching a Decision to Change Vocation: A Qualitative Study of Former Priests' Experiences
Pietkiewicz, Igor J.
International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, v16 n3 p379-404 Oct 2016
The aim of this study was to explore experiences of Roman Catholic clergy who relinquish the priesthood. Ten former priests participated in semi-structured 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.
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Career Change, Midlife Transitions, Catholics, Clergy, Semi Structured Interviews, Phenomenology, Expectation, Role Conflict, Social Responsibility, Social Influences, Self Efficacy, Counseling Techniques, Counseling Psychology, Decision Making, Career Development, Foreign Countries
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2189
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Counselors
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Poland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A