The Lonely Robes?: A Study of American Catholic Priests' Social Connectedness as Predicted by Social Support

Abstract

This theses investigates predictors of social connectedness among American Catholic priests, a potentially isolated and economically limited population. Using the 1993 and 2001 replications of the 1970 Survey of American Catholic Priests, multiple linear regression models examine social support as a predictor of social connectedness among 1,994 American Catholic priests. Results suggest that social support is associated with social connectedness, but that this association differs by priest type and by attitudes toward support from organizations. Specifically, religious priests (compared to diocesan priests) and priests who agree that more organizational support is needed display a particularly strong positive association between social support and social connectedness. These findings are discussed in light of theories of social connectedness and support among uniquely isolated populations and argues for additional studies of American Catholic priests, particularly post-retirement.