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Abstract

The concept of role conflict is explored with data gathered from a population of Catholic priests in the diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. Seventeen potential sources of role conflict were investigated and levels of agreement on eight current issues within the Church were assessed. In each area it was found that younger priests were experiencing more severe role conflict. Likewise, the youngest men indicated that they perceived noticeable differences in expectations concerning their role performance from numerous others whom they served. Some role conflict appeared to be resolved by attaching greater significance to younger reference and significant others. The existence of role conflict among Catholic priests, especially the younger men, seems to be confirmed.

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A Case Study of Role Conflict: Roman Catholic Priests

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