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01-04-2017 | Original Paper

Commitment to Celibacy in German Catholic Priests: Its Relation to Religious Practices, Psychosomatic Health and Psychosocial Resources

Authors: Klaus Baumann, Christoph Jacobs, Eckhard Frick sj, Arndt Büssing

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

We aimed to investigate Catholic priests’ commitment to celibacy and its relation to their religious practices, life and work satisfaction, and psychosomatic health. Results of our cross-sectional study of 2549 priests show that the majority finds living in celibacy helpful to minister more effectively. Nevertheless, a large proportion see it as a burden and would not choose celibate life again. Commitment to celibacy was predicted best by the frequency of religious practices (liturgy), work engagement and personal relation with God, explaining 39 % of variance. These resources are predictors for maintaining a celibate lifestyle and facilitate priests’ satisfaction with life and commitment to their ministry.

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Title: Commitment to Celibacy in German Catholic Priests: Its Relation to Religious Practices, Psychosomatic Health and Psychosocial Resources
Authors: Klaus Baumann
Christoph Jacobs
Eckhard Frick sj
Arndt Büssing
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0313-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Commitment to Celibacy in German Catholic Priests: Its Relation to Religious Practices, Psychosomatic Health and Psychosocial Resources

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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