Priests’ Beliefs, Experiences, and Feeling about Sexual Activity over the Life-Course, From Adolescence through Adulthood
Advisor Information
Lisa L. Sample
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to conduct the first qualitative life-history study on Catholic priests accused of sexual malfeasance (CPASM). My findings center on the confluence of how CPASM view their self (i.e., identity), environments, and behavior when they were youths. I opted to start by examining youth to establish a baseline of identity before more roles were added in life. My preliminary results suggest those in my sample were born into a Catholic identity (n=8). Their identity and behavior in youth were heavily shaped by Catholicism, which was present in a variety of environments including Church, home, and school. Aspects of identity were influenced by how they thought others viewed them. With the exception of one priest, all became aware of their sexuality as youth. For those aware of their sexuality, there was conflict between it and their Catholic identity in youth. The next steps for this project are discussed.
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Priests’ Beliefs, Experiences, and Feeling about Sexual Activity over the Life-Course, From Adolescence through Adulthood
The purpose of this study is to conduct the first qualitative life-history study on Catholic priests accused of sexual malfeasance (CPASM). My findings center on the confluence of how CPASM view their self (i.e., identity), environments, and behavior when they were youths. I opted to start by examining youth to establish a baseline of identity before more roles were added in life. My preliminary results suggest those in my sample were born into a Catholic identity (n=8). Their identity and behavior in youth were heavily shaped by Catholicism, which was present in a variety of environments including Church, home, and school. Aspects of identity were influenced by how they thought others viewed them. With the exception of one priest, all became aware of their sexuality as youth. For those aware of their sexuality, there was conflict between it and their Catholic identity in youth. The next steps for this project are discussed.