Psychological attachment issues in Catholic seminarians: Concepts & interview data relevant for formators and psychologists

Abstract

There has been a recent increase in research and dialogue regarding the psychological health of Roman Catholic priests, as well as the role of psychology in the admittance and formation process of seminarians. Strong relationships with others and with God have been identified as important factors for a priest’s psychological and spiritual health and happiness. Attachment theory provides a useful framework for conceptualizing the development of relational difficulties. The prevalence and significance of insecure attachment styles in seminarians has not been explored in much detail in previous research. Original research was conducted in the form of questionnaires and interviews with psychologists and formation staff currently working with seminarians. This work examined the relevance of attachment issues for seminarians, explored what can be done for attachment issues using the present resources and formation process, and gathered information on what current psychologists and formators see as attachment problems or other types of psychological problems.