Psychological testing

[notredame_999]

just wondering what kind of psychological testing is involved for seminarians? Would a history of promiscuity, pornography, and depresssion be red flags?

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

just wondering what kind of psychological testing is involved for seminarians? Would a history of promiscuity, pornography, and depresssion be red flags?

It depends on what tests are ordered, it can vary by religious order/community/diocese but it is realtively the same.

There will be a sexual history as well as other type tests. There will be a sort of test with the ink blots or pictures. There will be an interview.

Such a history as you state can be a red flag depending on the other tests.

If you try to hide anything it will come out in your tests, at best all it will show is that you are being dishonest and hiding something, it will not necessarily show what you are hiding but if such shows up the psychologist might do another interview with you and will most likely not recommend you.

But you have a lot of work to do before you even get to the application stage.

 

[SwordofLight]

just wondering what kind of psychological testing is involved for seminarians? Would a history of promiscuity, pornography, and depresssion be red flags?

Just be honest, most seminarians has histories with all of the things that you have mentioned as a result of living in our culture. I have been in a Diocesan Priestly Formation program, it can seem intimidating. Do not lie, that will be the biggest red flag.

They don’t expect perfection, that is what the formation process is for.

 

[Mark1970]

just wondering what kind of psychological testing is involved for seminarians? Would a history of promiscuity, pornography, and depresssion be red flags?

I’d be interested in knowing the kind of testing, as I have a psychology background. I have an idea of the kind of tests that can be done to determine sexual preference but (I’m trying to be discreet considering this is a public forum) I’d be a bit surprised at one or two of the tests that can be done, being used in a seminary environment.

 

[densline]

Are women who considers to be religious be taken to similar tests?

Any Idea?

 

[ForeverHis8827]

Are women who considers to be religious be taken to similar tests?

Any Idea?

Yes, most of them require psychological testing for the application. I do know of some that do not. The application that I filled out for where I may be entering soon required:

A letter written by me asking to enter that monastery.
A letter of recommendation from a priest or spiritual director.
Copies of your baptism and confirmation certificates.
A medical form filled out by me (yes or no questions about past and present health.)
A medical form filled out by a doctor.

It was simple; compared to other applications i’ve heard about. Each community application will be different.

 

[densline]

Yes, most of them require psychological testing for the application. I do know of some that do not. The application that I filled out for where I may be entering soon required:

A letter written by me asking to enter that monastery.
A letter of recommendation from a priest or spiritual director.
Copies of your baptism and confirmation certificates.
A medical form filled out by me (yes or no questions about past and present health.)
A medical form filled out by a doctor.

It was simple; compared to other applications i’ve heard about. Each community application will be different.

Thanks my dear,
Are you entering a monastery? Is it like a cloister or something?

I’m discerning between Carmelite OCD, Franciscans or Benedictines but Mostly the first two.

 

[puzzleannie]

Would a history of promiscuity, pornography, and depresssion be red flags?

I certainly hope so.

if you want to know the application process for a particular diocese, religious order or seminary, simply call the vocations director and ask, then you will get an answer relevant to your specific interest rather than generalities

 

[ForeverHis8827]

Thanks my dear,
Are you entering a monastery? Is it like a cloister or something?

I’m discerning between Carmelite OCD, Franciscans or Benedictines but Mostly the first two.

Your very welcome. I will be entering a Discalced Carmelite monastery possibly this December; a date hasn’t been final yet but it may be December 12th.

My prayers are with you as you continue your discernment!

 

[wina]

Thanks my dear,
Are you entering a monastery? Is it like a cloister or something?

I’m discerning between Carmelite OCD, Franciscans or Benedictines but Mostly the first two.

I’m going to try to live in Carmelite OCD this November, their requirements (I think it may be different with other communities although the same order):

As Aspirant:

1. All my school certificate from Elementary school to University
2. All my work experience references
3. Any other certificates
4. a written letter asking to enter it for 3 months orientation
5. Before all of those, I should correspondence 1 year before and once a month go to meet novice directress

For Postulant:

1. Medical check up
2. Psycology test
3. Another written letter to enter as postulant

 

[Jennifer_G]

If one were to discern with more than one order, would one have to take these tests all over again a 2nd time?

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

If one were to discern with more than one order, would one have to take these tests all over again a 2nd time?

That depends.

The psychological testing usually occurs after the application process, or more correctly it is one of the last steps of the application process.

If your application for entry is accepted then they go on to the psychological testing.

So the only way that you would have the testing a second time is if, after the application process, you or the order/community decided that you would not enter.

You should not be going through the application process with more than one order/community at a time.