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The Relationship Between Priestly Motivational Styles and Personal Wellbeing in Ministry: Exploring the Connection Between Religious Orientation and Purpose in Life Among Catholic Priests Serving in Italy

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Review of Religious Research

Abstract

This study examines the association between priestly motivation (accessed via the psychological notion of religious orientation) and personal wellbeing (accessed via the psychological notion of purpose in life) among a sample of 155 Catholic priests serving in Italy. The data confirm a positive association between intrinsic religious orientation and purpose in life, but a negative association between quest religious orientation and purpose in life. These findings are discussed in light of the expectations placed on Catholic priests by the Church and by society.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, Institute of Education, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK

    Leslie J. Francis

  2. Pontifical Salesian University, Rome, Italy

    Giuseppe Crea

Authors
  1. Leslie J. Francis
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  2. Giuseppe Crea
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Correspondence to Leslie J. Francis.

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Francis, L.J., Crea, G. The Relationship Between Priestly Motivational Styles and Personal Wellbeing in Ministry: Exploring the Connection Between Religious Orientation and Purpose in Life Among Catholic Priests Serving in Italy. Rev Relig Res 58, 219–228 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13644-015-0242-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13644-015-0242-1

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