Psychological background testing, what makes a good priest?

[ohne]

Hi all,

It seems apparent that dioceses and religious orders conduct fairly extensive psychological and background testing prior to accepting people. This seems to relate to things such as your friends, past relationships, family etc.

I’m just wondering what most dioceses and religious orders would be looking for in terms of these tests. Should someone who has had many past girlfriends be preferred for a priest to someone who has always been single or vice-versa?

Similarly, would they be looking for someone who is very sociable with many friends who he sees regularly or more of a quiet, introverted person?

Would a happy stable family life upbringing be preferred to someone who has had a difficult upbringing?

 

[Allen537]

Hi all,

It seems apparent that dioceses and religious orders conduct fairly extensive psychological and background testing prior to accepting people. This seems to relate to things such as your friends, past relationships, family etc.

I’m just wondering what most dioceses and religious orders would be looking for in terms of these tests. Should someone who has had many past girlfriends be preferred for a priest to someone who has always been single or vice-versa?

Similarly, would they be looking for someone who is very sociable with many friends who he sees regularly or more of a quiet, introverted person?

Would a happy stable family life upbringing be preferred to someone who has had a difficult upbringing?

I think first and foremost, they are looking to make sure that the person trying to join isn’t crazy or has any deep-seated issues that would cause the order/diocese and others serious problems.

As far as the number of girlfriends one has had, that’s relative to the person. Let’s say someone says that they have only had two girlfriends. Someone might say “wow, really not enough for a person”. But, if that man is only 18, that number makes more sense as opposed to a 40 year old who has only had two girlfriends. But that works the other way as well, too many at a young age could be a red-flag for vocation boards, and they would want to know the circumstances of that number.

As far as sociable vs introvert, depending on the order/diocese. Orders that are strictly contemplative would be more inclined to take in introverts, since that is more conducive to their life. But for Mendicants and diocesan priests, they would lean more towards the sociable one, since they are always in contact with people “from the outside”. My order is a contemplative order of mendicants, so we are always struggling to find that perfect balance within ourselves, so we have men who are very sociable, and those who are very, very introverted. Again, either extreme in a person would be a red-flag for a vocations board.

As far as upbringings, no one has had a perfect life. And the people who do vocations work know this. The big question is how did that effect you, how have you dealt with that? The psychological testing with help to make this better known.

I hope this helps.

In Carmel,

Br. Allen

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

As far as the number of girlfriends one has had, that’s relative to the person. Let’s say someone says that they have only had two girlfriends. Someone might say “wow, really not enough for a person”. But, if that man is only 18, that number makes more sense as opposed to a 40 year old who has only had two girlfriends. But that works the other way as well, too many at a young age could be a red-flag for vocation boards, and they would want to know the circumstances of that number.

There is also the issue of how one defines the word “girlfriend”. I do not recall being asked at all as to a number for this, but that does not mean that I was not.

As far as sociable vs introvert, depending on the order/diocese. Orders that are strictly contemplative would be more inclined to take in introverts, since that is more conducive to their life. But for Mendicants and diocesan priests, they would lean more towards the sociable one, since they are always in contact with people “from the outside”. My order is a contemplative order of mendicants, so we are always struggling to find that perfect balance within ourselves, so we have men who are very sociable, and those who are very, very introverted. Again, either extreme in a person would be a red-flag for a vocations board.

I think that “extrovert vs introvert” would be the correct terms as the opposite of introvert is extrovert. One can be an introvert and still be sociable. I believe I can be very sociable but I am still a big introvert.

Again, I do not recall any of the tests I took focusing on this scale. But again, that does not mean it did not happen.

I think the point of the testing, as pointed out by Br Allen (a fellow Carmelite) is to make sure a candidate is health psychologically which can be different for different people. That is what might be healthy for one person might be a big red flag for another.

 

[Rusty_Halo]

Hi all,

It seems apparent that dioceses and religious orders conduct fairly extensive psychological and background testing prior to accepting people. This seems to relate to things such as your friends, past relationships, family etc.

I’m just wondering what most dioceses and religious orders would be looking for in terms of these tests. Should someone who has had many past girlfriends be preferred for a priest to someone who has always been single or vice-versa?

Similarly, would they be looking for someone who is very sociable with many friends who he sees regularly or more of a quiet, introverted person?

Would a happy stable family life upbringing be preferred to someone who has had a difficult upbringing?

The purpose of the test is to make sure you aren’t crazy… and if you are somewhat… to help you deal with that if there is hope for you being a priest.

Extroverts always have an easier time, but that doesn’t mean they exclude introverts. Introverts simply have to learn to deal with it and be more social and “pastoral”.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Extroverts always have an easier time, but that doesn’t mean they exclude introverts. Introverts simply have to learn to deal with it and be more social and “pastoral”.

Extroverts have their own issues to deal with, no one has an easy time with discernment and formation.

I also must disagree. Just because one is an introvert does not mean that they are not social and “pastoral”. It just means that there are times when they need their “alone time”.

I am an introvert and I do not think anyone would describe me as not being social or “pastoral”. Quite the contrary, I think some would not even guess that I am an introvert.

Those introverts who have trouble with being social and “pastoral” (wonder why you choose to use quotes here) are because they have other issues, that may or may not be related to being introverts, that need to be addressed, just as some extroverts have other issues that need to be worked on.

I have heard of a study, I will try to find more on it and maybe start a new thread when I do, that a majority of those in religious life (if not the priesthood) are introverts.

 

[withwind]

Some people didn’t know I am introverted until I told them. All they thought was that I was sociable and I could talk…and sometimes talkative. Well, I want to be alone many times but when being with the group, I have no problem…sometiems with strangers…I am shy but I am learning not to be.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I am not a candidate for priesthood, but one for the sisterhood. I often wonder how well I will do if and when I go through psychological testing to become a sister/nun. There is one order in particular that I know of that allows sisters with mental disabilities who can continue medication in their order. I was discerning with them for a while, and they were a Discalced Carmelite order, but there was something very fishy in the way they tried to recruit new sisters. They haven’t had a new vocation from the USA in about 20 years! They’ve had to have new candidates from Kenya transfer over to the USA. 2 are already professed nuns, 3 are postulants.

 

[iamMyBeloveds]

J.M.+J.T.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Hi, I saw your question on here and I wanted to offer my reply.
The above answers describe the psychological testing very well! I underwent this testing about a year ago for my upcoming entrance into the convent.
They are looking for the “red flags”, yes, (mental illness, depression, bipolar disorders, OCD, difficulties stemming from a past history of abuse, etc.) They also look for clues to your past upbringing and relationships and how these things have affected you.
However, they are also looking for an extensive overview of your personality traits and how you relate to others. In short, they psychological testing helps an order to determine whether or not you will be able to live well in a community setting, and to undergo the daily routine of religious life, demanding as it is.
If you are to undergo this, one recommendation and a heads-up: Please answer honestly. If you take a true/false personality test such as the MMPI-2 test, or the CPI (Califonia Psychological Inventory), be aware that these tests are designed to catch the test-taker if they deliberately falsify an answer. I’m definitely not trying to make you nervous about it, but just be aware of it. The tests are about 500-questions each. It’s quite tempting to make oneself seem better-suited for religious life by answering the questions in a more positive light, but just be honest. Everyone has their struggles and difficulties! I know I do!

Here is the testing I underwent (Each order probably requires different testing, however):
-MMPI-2
-CPI
-Edwards Personal Preference Scale
-Face-to-face interview with a psychologist
-Rorschach Inkblot test
-TAT, Thematic Apperception Test
-Copying some simple pictures on cards by drawing the images shown on a separate sheet of paper
-Type-written autobiography for the psychologist
-Paperwork with questions about your personality, preferences, career ideas, reasons for pursuing religious life, personality strengths and weaknesses
-Sentence completion paper

As for the dating and past relationships question, everybody is different. I know people who have entered religious life with no boyfriend/girlfriend relationships and people, such as myself, who have dated a few people here and there throughout high school and college.
Also, as to the introvert/extrovert question, in religious life, there are many, many personality types! I don’t think that this part matters as much as your ability to adapt. For example, if you are normally introverted, are you able to adapt and be with your religious community during recreation? And vice versa: Is an extrovert able to adjust themselves for periods of extensive and deep prayer and truly gain from that experience?

I am praying for you in your discernment!! The psychological testing is no biggie at all. It’s actually quite helpful! I’m glad I did it!

 

[Joannm]

I once hear a priest describe himself as an “occupational extrovert.” He was able to be outgoing and social and do what needed to be get done when doing his priestly duties, but he needed to be alone and quiet in order to recharge. He would prefer to avoid large crowds and parties and in fact, he gave up a pastorship at a large parish with a few priests in order to be a lone priest in a small parish.

I too am a introvert, but if you ask people they say I am an extrovert. It is more the way one processes things and their preferences for being with others or being alone or only with a few close people. Also, introverts like to process things while most extroverts think by talking with others.

 

[danlaupat]

Extroverts always have an easier time, but that doesn’t mean they exclude introverts. Introverts simply have to learn to deal with it and be more social and “pastoral”.

I would agree. If you look at Myers-Briggs Personality typology (based on Jungian principles), introverts are more inclined to draw social “energy” from within, whereas extroverts are drawing energy from the people around them. It’s not about being “social” but rather about where one’s relational preference lies, or what is feeding one’s social needs. This does not mean that introverts are poor at relating to others or that extroverts can only relate to others and have little ability to draw on inner resources. Indeed, each and every one us has a preference either toward introversion and extroversion, but we can turn to the other side of the continuum when necessary (e.g., when in social situations or at work (requires more extroversion) and when at prayer (requires introversion)).

I happen to be an introvert but I have some leanings toward extroversion. At work I am moderatley extroverted because of the nature of my work–I have to talk with people all day . However, I like to eat lunch alone rather than with everyone else since I need that time to recoup. I can hold my own at social gatherings, but I don’t always enjoy being around a lot of people, and in fact, I prefer small social gatherings with people I know rather than large ones. Once I get home after a day at work, I enjoy my quiet time. In fact, I must have that time or I get cranky. Yet, I also don’t like being alone all the time. I also must get in my socialization with friends or family. So it’s really about balance. Nobody is purely introverted or extroverted, perhaps unless there is pathology.

I know absolutely nothing about psychological testing for religious vocations, but i would think a balance of personality types is the norm.

 

[iamMyBeloveds]

I know absolutely nothing about psychological testing for religious vocations, but i would think a balance of personality types is the norm.

Great way to put it!
From what I have been tested on and heard about the results of that testing, I would be led to believe that a healthy balance in one’s personality is the norm.

 

[1234]

Hi all,

It seems apparent that dioceses and religious orders conduct fairly extensive psychological and background testing prior to accepting people. This seems to relate to things such as your friends, past relationships, family etc.

I’m just wondering what most dioceses and religious orders would be looking for in terms of these tests. Should someone who has had many past girlfriends be preferred for a priest to someone who has always been single or vice-versa?

Similarly, would they be looking for someone who is very sociable with many friends who he sees regularly or more of a quiet, introverted person?

Would a happy stable family life upbringing be preferred to someone who has had a difficult upbringing?

Each order is going to consider each applicant as an individual.

The tests are used mainly to screen out severe personality disorders,that might not show up during the interview process. However, the reason behind the lengthy evaluation, required visits, aspirancy and postulancy, as well as temporary vows, is to do further screening, as well as to acquaint the entrant thoroughly with the community, its work and future.

Having said this, it would appear to me that an introvert might do better in religious life rather than a diocesan priesthood; in religious life, particularly in the Benedictine orders there is time for the office and lectio, which would be compatible with an introverted personality. Teaching orders, including the Benedictines, Dominicans and Jesuits also would suit an introverted personality.

Having a happy childhood provides one with a distinct advantage in life in general, whatever the calling, but lacking a happy childhood isn’t an insuperable obstacle in choosing religious life. I myself have been struck by the backgrounds of those in religious life, that the religious had definite deficiencies in their family life which may have led them to seek another way.

 

[Rusty_Halo]

Extroverts have their own issues to deal with, no one has an easy time with discernment and formation.

As an introvert in formation- I can say that it is a big concern. Introverts can have difficulty with mastering public perceptions.

I also must disagree. Just because one is an introvert does not mean that they are not social and “pastoral”. It just means that there are times when they need their “alone time”.

See above Introverts have a lot of good things going for them too.

I am an introvert and I do not think anyone would describe me as not being social or “pastoral”. Quite the contrary, I think some would not even guess that I am an introvert.

Wait until you know people like your family. They’ll see you how you can be an introvert at times.

 

[CoolRich59]

I think first and foremost, they are looking to make sure that the person trying to join isn’t crazy or has any deep-seated issues that would cause the order/diocese and others serious problems.

I agree with this assessment. I underwent an evaluation as part of the diaconate formation program (for permanent deacon, not a priest). Based on the questions I was asked, and in reading the psychiatrist’s report, they were basically trying to determine whether I was well-adjusted, whether I had any emotional issues, etc.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

As an introvert in formation- I can say that it is a big concern. Introverts can have difficulty with mastering public perceptions.

People are individuals, I do not find that introverts have any more issues than extroverts do. We all have our own issues that need to be worked through in formation.

Wait until you know people like your family. They’ll see you how you can be an introvert at times.

Seeing that I have been in formation for a number of years now, yes some can see this, others don’t see this. Again, individuals. We can not lump any one in a single group.

My main point is that extroverts do not have any “easier” time with formation.

 

[wjp984]

Interesting thread. Although I’m 24 and now halfway done with law school, I’ve thought of the possibility of maybe having a calling to the priesthood since I’m sure a law degree would go well with it. My first year of law school was a wonderful year where I had to rely on God and go to daily mass and adoration regularly for the first time in order to get through the hardest year of school I probably will ever have.

However, since there is a history of mental illness in my family I don’t know how normal I am. I have anxiety issues and don’t know what other aspects of mental illness have passed down to me but ironically I am still an extravert despite my anxiety. The point is the thought of taking psycological exams terrifies me though so it’s the easy excuse I’ve always used not to pursue considering a vocation but at least the one thing I do know at this time is I am thankful for God’s help in succeeding in law school so far and will hopefully get a chance to use my talents one day in whatever I do…

 

[ASD]

Apparently open to appalling abuse:

Holy See on use of psychology in priestly formation