The Catholic population in the world is growing, especially in the U.S., but there are fewer priests to respond to ministerial needs (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, 2015). Most older priests delay retirement and face various challenges associated with aging (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, 2009). This study examined whether elder priests’ satisfaction with life is associated with self-rated health and gerotranscendence, a concept emphasizing a developmental shift towards a more cosmic and transcendent perspective experienced by aging individuals (Tornstam, 2005). A total of 201 Roman Catholic priests residing in the United States took a survey consisting of (a) the gerotranscendence scale (Tornstam, 2005), (b) health status questionnaire (Radosevich & Pruitt, 1996), (c) satisfaction with life scale (Diener et al., 1985) and demographic questions. The mean age was 70 (SD = 10.4); the range was 50 to 93 years old. Results indicated that the priests’ satisfaction with life was positively correlated with self-rated mental health (r(199) = .51, p < .01) and physical health (r(199) = .21, p < .01). Life satisfaction also positively correlated with two of three gerotranscendence dimensions: cosmic transcendence (r(199) = .24, p < .01) and coherence (r(199) = .63, p < .01). Results showed cosmic transcendence as a moderating variable between physical health and life satisfaction. Likewise, coherence was a moderating variable between both physical and mental health and satisfaction. Measurement issues related to the solitude subscale as well as clinical implications of gerotranscendence for aging priests will be discussed. Authors:
Jordan Orbe, Loyola House of Studies Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
Michiko Iwasaki, Loyola University Maryland, United States
Anthony Isacco, Chatham University, United States
Carolyn M. Barry, Loyola University Maryland, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Rev. Jordan Orbe is Assistant Professor of Psycho-Spiritual Formation at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University. He is a licensed psychologist in the Philippines and currently works in a treatment and formation center.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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