Correlates of Satisfaction in the Priesthood

Abstract

Variables used by organizational psychologists to explain variance in job satisfaction in business were found to explain some differences in satisfaction among priests.' Such factors as the ability to determine policies, opportunity for self-expression, supportive relationships, prestige of assignment, and adequate salary showed substantial positive correlations with overall satisfaction. The strength of these correlations held for all job assignments and all age groups. The relation between the value of celibacy and the above organizational factors can best be expressed in exchange terms. Celibacy, valued poorly by younger priests, becomes a high cost for remaining in the priesthood. When other rewards are not available (self-expression, ability to determine policy, supportive relationships), the high cost of service may induce resignations. Until the beginning of the Vatican Council in 1962, it was unusual to hear of a priest leaving the priesthood. Since its end in 1965, however, the resignation rate of priests throughout the world has increased. In the diocese of Chicago, for example, the number of resignations before 1960 averaged about one a year. During the last three years, the number has averaged approximately thirtyfive per year, a number roughly equal to that of priests ordained during the same period. An increase in resignations is true of most dioceses in the United States. The issue is further complicated by the fact that the number of seminarians studying for the priesthood in the United States has decreased from approximately 46,000 to about 25,000 during the last four years. What are the reasons for the large increase in resignations in the priesthood? There is evidence that measures of job satisfaction are negatively related to turnover in employee personnel. Turnover, however, is not a necessary consequence of dissatisfaction. The option of remaining in one's role is often compared with other alternatives and a decision is based on the consequences which