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

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.