Chatham Professor Contributes to Research Aimed at Improving the Screening and Treatment of Clergy
A special new issue of the journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice takes a deep look at identifying risk factors that can help the Catholic Church screen out clergy applicants who indicate high potential for sexual offense before they ever become ordained clergy. The issue was jointly edited by two renowned experts on the psychology of religion and spirituality, Chatham University professor Anthony J. Isacco III, Ph.D., and Santa Clara University and Stanford University professor Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., ABPP. This is the first issue of a professional psychology journal to specifically focus on Catholic clergy issues since the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s 2018 report revealed hundreds of instances of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania parishes.
The reports published in the issue include nine peer-reviewed articles from psychology experts in the U.S. and Canada. Key findings from these professional articles can provide crucial insights into the emotional maturity and stability of clergy applicants, which is vital to applicant screening because emotional deficits are known risk factors for sexual offending. The papers’ findings highlight the risk factors of highest concern, including the absence of a stable and loving upbringing, being socially avoidant, low impulse control, and the inability to recognize and manage feelings in a healthy way.
“This is a pivotal time in the Catholic Church, as leaders look for new and trusted information that can help them screen out high-risk candidates while still welcoming those who want to join the clergy and make a positive impact in their community,” says Isacco. “Psychologists are getting better at both identifying the specific problems that some men who apply to formation programs present with and being more clearly able to communicate those risk factors to the Church. At the same time, the Church is much more open and invested in listening to what psychologists are seeing and taking proactive steps to address these concerns.”
Currently, 24% of Pittsburgh diocese clergy applicants are screened out at admission; another 29% leave formation before ordination. Isacco notes their departures may be self-referred or Church-directed. By continuing to work with Catholic dioceses who are dedicated to improving their screening processes, Isacco hopes to shed more light on the positive actions that the Catholic church is taking to ensure the safety of its members and the emotional and psychological well-being of its clergy.
“There are mental health solutions to many current problems in the Church, but we need to allocate more resources to make these solutions as impactful as possible over the long term,” says Isacco.
Isacco has taught at Chatham University since 2009. He is currently Director of Training for Chatham’s Doctorate of Counseling Psychology Program and a professor in Chatham’s Graduate Psychology Programs. He is also the author of two books on the psychology of religion and spirituality, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles on the subject. A Pittsburgh native and practicing Catholic, Isacco is grateful to teach and live in his hometown alongside his wife and four daughters.
The full table of contents for this special issue of Spirituality in Clinical Practice can be found at https://psycnet.apa.org/PsycARTICLES/journal/scp/7/4