Priestly philosophical formation and psychological well-being of catholic priesthood candidates at Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre, Jinja, Uganda: A convergent parallel design.

Ekeh Nelson  Chinedu; Ophoke Leonard  Onyebuchi; Rev. Sr. Dr. Jane Frances  Nantamu

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2364

Authors

Ekeh Nelson Chinedu Faculty of Social Science and Psychology, University of Kisubi, Entebbe, Uganda
Ophoke Leonard Onyebuchi Department of Social Economic Sciences, Cavendish University Uganda
Rev. Sr. Dr. Jane Frances Nantamu Faculty of Social Science and Psychology, University of Kisubi Entebbe Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2364

Keywords:

Priestly philosophical formation, Psychological well-being, Formators’ attitude, Formation activities, Formation rules, Stress management, Emotional intelligence

Abstract

Background

This study was purposed to establish the relationship between priestly philosophical formation and psychological well-being of catholic priesthood candidates at Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre, Jinja, Uganda.

Methodology

A convergent parallel design through qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. The findings were drawn from qualitative data collected through interviews with 12 formators and 56 seminarians who participated in the survey, as well as secondary data from reports and literature.

Results

The findings reveal mean (M = 2.4143, SD = 1.40958) a potential gap in the relational dynamics between formators and seminarians; (M = 2.3499, SD = 1.29156), formation activities may not be adequately tailored to foster a sense of belonging, practical preparation, or spiritual growth among seminarians; (M = 2.1643, SD = 1.29274) formation rules are perceived as overly restrictive, potentially undermining seminarians’ psychological well-being and vocational development; (M = 3.7500, SD = 1.32501) urgent need to address the psychological challenges faced by seminarians in formation; (M = 3.9607, SD = 1.22751) seminarians’ awareness of their psychological needs and their support for proactive strategies to address these needs. Formation activities, formation rules (FR), and psychological well-being (PW) reveal a strong negative correlation of r= -0.859 and -0.883, which is statistically significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed), as indicated by the p-value of 0.000. In other words, stricter formation activities and formation rules might be associated with lower levels of psychological well-being among the participants.

Conclusion

This study concludes that there is no statistically significant relationship between formators' attitude and psychological well-being, although there is a strong negative relationship between formation activities, formation rules, and psychological well-being.

Recommendation

The study recommends that seminary leadership and formators should provide continuous training in pastoral counseling, emotional intelligence, and mental health first aid.

Author Biographies

Ekeh Nelson Chinedu, Faculty of Social Science and Psychology, University of Kisubi, Entebbe, Uganda

is a clinical psychologist and psychosocial practitioner with training in mental health counseling, youth development, and community-based psychosocial support. He has worked across clinical, university, hospital, and humanitarian settings, supporting individuals and communities affected by stress, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Ophoke Leonard Onyebuchi, Department of Social Economic Sciences, Cavendish University Uganda

is an accomplished administrator, foreign policy analyst, independent researcher, international relations expert, and negotiator. He also serves as a Mentor, an active member of the International Studies Association (ISA) and Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). In 2021, he was honored as a prize winner in the Open Doors Olympiad Scholarship in Politics and International Studies. He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Cavendish University, Uganda, a Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Human and Religious Studies from the University of Kisubi, Uganda. Adventurous and solution-oriented, he approaches every task with a commitment to excellence. This dedication is reflected in his interdisciplinary writings, publications, and engagements in global affairs. Reading and writing are his lifelong passions, pursuits he will never abandon.

Rev. Sr. Dr. Jane Frances Nantamu, Faculty of Social Science and Psychology, University of Kisubi Entebbe Uganda

is an academic leader and psychology scholar at the University of Kisubi (UniK) in Uganda, serving as Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Psychology. She plays a key role in supervising graduate research and guiding students in the psychological and social sciences fields, particularly in areas related to mental health and human behavior. As part of the university governance, she also represents academic staff on the University Council, contributing to policy, curriculum development, and academic quality assurance. Her work reflects a commitment to integrating social scientific knowledge with practical community and educational development.

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